The Makery: Get Creative at Seattle’s Newest Craft Studio

Whether you’re a Pinterest perfect parent or a wannabe, you’ve got design on your mind. And any time you can get your kids in on the craftastic action, you’re on it. Sounds like a trip to The Makery is in order. Read on to find out how you and your kids can paint trendy wood pallet signs at Seattle’s newest art space.

Open Studio

The primary way to get your paint on at The Makery is during an Open Studio session. Five days a week, crafters of all ages can DIY a sign at either studio location simply by dropping in. Here’s how it works…It all starts with choosing a design. You can thumb through everything that’s available when you get there, but we do recommend browsing the options online before you head out; with so many eye-catching options, having a few (or one) in mind before you arrive really streamlines the process. Once you’ve selected your design, it’s time to pick your pallet—either straight, staggered or framed—and your color combos. There are over 40 paint and stain options to choose from, so you know you’ll be able to find a combo that works for you and your décor. Plus, the walls are lined with trend-setting examples you can follow if you need inspiration. Then, there’s the staff, all of whom have a great eye for color and can help you create the look you’re going for easily. Now that the stage has been set, it’s time to get down to the making.

Prep & Paint

Although the pallets are pre-made here, crafters do need to do a bit of prep work before brushing on the background color. Simple sanding and edging makes all the difference in creating your final design. The rest is as easy as placing a stencil and dabbing on colors before revealing your final product. Because these colors are meant to stay, smocks are a must. And the helpful staff is available to assist with each stage of the project, sharing time-saving tips and oopsie fix-its that are especially helpful when you’re completing wood projects with kids. We love that the tools you use each step of the way are pretty benign and easy for kids to use. They may need a bit of help, but many will be able to follow your lead so you can work alongside your petite Picasso to double the fun when you visit. Signs cost between $35-$65, depending on size and design, and a two-hour window should be enough time for you and your sidekick to complete your projects. But, if your kids finish up a bit before you, that’s not a problem either. The Tukwila studio has a tot table just for kids where they can read about art and color, and play while you finish up.

Good to know: If you’ve got a vision for a sign, or want to personalize something you see in the studio, you’re in luck. The Makery has custom design options! Simply email the studio for pricing and time frames to bring your vision to life. Psst…check out some of the cute designs you can personalize with your family’s details anytime.

Public Parties

In addition to Open Studio times, The Makery offers Public Parties where DIY-ers sign up to make specialty signs, like flippable oversized porch signs, paint your pet pallets and other themed projects with a seasonal slant. To get in on these parties, we recommend following The Makery on Facebook, where they post about upcoming workshops. Spots for these sell out fast, so sign up quickly when one tickles your fancy.

Good to know: Toddler Times are in the works at The Makery. Keep up with the progress when you follow them on Facebook. We can’t wait!

Parties Just for You

You can also book Private Parties at the Makery. Whether you’ve got a PNO scheduled and you’re looking for a new twist, or your little DIY-er wants to celebrate an upcoming birthday with a craft, The Makery has a party package to fit your needs. An 8-person party package for kids runs $325 Monday through Friday or $375 on the weekends, plus $20 per kid more if you’ve got additional attendees. The package includes a 12×12 pallet (check out the design options here), a birthday banner, goodie bags and a personalized art apron, too. You supply the cake, ice cream and other other goodies you’d like for your guests. It’s an easy option for crafty kids of any age!

902 Industry Dr.
Tukwila, Wa 98188

11105 Steele St. S., Unit 115
Tacoma, Wa 98444

Phone: 253-292-6749
Online: themakerywa.com
Private parties: katie@themakerywa.com

Open Studio Hours: Mon., Wed. & Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

—Allison Sutcliffe

All photos courtesy Esha Hart Photography.

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