Kids are natural creators. And what better way to tap into all that inspiration than by spending a couple of hours (or more) at one of Portland’s craft-tastic studios? Whether you’re looking for a drop-in, paint-your-own pottery place or a recycled material craft class catering to preschoolers, the following list has got you covered. Read on to find out more.
Videos From Tinybeans
photo: Little Loft Studios
Little Loft Studios
One of the newest kid-oriented studios in town, this bright space in Portland’s Sellwood-Westmoreland neighborhood has it all: open studios on Monday mornings, afternoon art groups, weekend workshops, no-school camps, and trained art educators. Classes offer everything from an introduction to art materials to the opportunity to learn about artists you may have never heard of.Open studio runs $12/child and $6/sibling. Prices for workshops and camps vary, visit the website for more information.
1520 SE Bybee Blvd.
Portland, OR
971-303-8698
Online: littleloftstudios.com
SCRAP PDX
Specializing in creative reuse and recycled materials, SCRAP PXD is a great place to pick up supplies for an at-home project. Or stay for one of their Tuesday crafternoon workshops, where crafters 6 years and older can create everything from plushy felt monsters to scrap-fabric bowls. Workshops are $20-10/person, depending on the craft.
1736 SW Alder St.
Portland, OR
503-294-0769
Online: scrappdx.org
photo: The Craft Factory
The Craft Factory
Create your own unique masterpiece using new, recycled, and repurposed materials at this drop-in studio, located in the heart of Multnomah Village above Annie Bloom’s Books. Each crafter chooses from a variety of wooden or paper bases. The first is $12 and each additional is $6. Look for monthly crafting specials and toddler times.
7832 SW Capitol Hwy., Ste B
Portland, OR
503-577-4310
Online: craftfactorypdx.com
CeramiCafe
A family-owned, paint-your-own pottery studio, CeramiCafe has over 500 unglazed pieces and two metro area locations to choose from as well as special events like kids’ nights out and no-school camps. Prices range between $8-80, depending on the item, and include everything you need for a completed project. Be sure to let young artists know that their masterpieces must stay at the studio to be fired and will be ready in a few days.
12056 SE Sunnyside Rd.
Clackamas, OR
503-698-5411
3205 SW Cedar Hills Blvd. #45
Beaverton,OR
503-747-7278
Online: ceramicafenw.com
photo: m01229 via Flickr
Michael’s
The DIY store offers a variety of in-store crafting classes for kids throughout the Portland area. You’ll find something for everyone ages three and up, from critters made of clay pots and pom pom banners to stylish tassel jewelry and knitted cowls. Before you leave you can pick up a large variety of materials for your own afternoon or evening crafting project. There’s no reason for the artistic fun to end after the classes and workshops have wrapped up. Prices vary, with many kids classes starting at $2. Go online to see class schedules and register.
4955 SW Western Ave.
Beaverton, OR
503-646-8385
11211 SE 82nd Ave., Ste F
Clackamas, OR
503-652-0465
12255 N. Starlight Ave.
Portland, OR
503-285-0218
11719 NE Glenn Widing Dr.
Portland, OR
503-256-5466
18069 NW Evergreen Pkwy.
Beaverton, OR
503-533-2248
7705 SW Nyberg St.
Tualatin, OR
503-612-0407
Online: michaels.com/classes
SmartyPants
Glittery paint, rainbow-colored rice, and googly-eyes, oh my! This art studio specializes in open-ended projects and sensory stations that emphasize creativity and exploration over finished products. Along with open studio times, they offer classes and workshops for ages 1 to 10. Drop-in fee is $8-12/child. Annual memberships and punch cards are also available.
5512 N Montana Ave.
Portland, OR
503-477-8884
Online: smartypantspdx.com
Where does your family like to get crafty in Portland? Let us know in the comments!
— Carrie Uffindell
