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Living in the big city doesn't mean you have to forgo the small town charm of crafting. A few homemade pillows, a knitted blanket, a painted vase, and you're well on your way to an apartment that's charming and not just..."cozy." Once you've found your inner DIY enthusiast, the options are limitless — but first, you're going to need some supplies, and maybe a lesson or two.
So we've highlighted 30 of the best places in the New York City area for finding both of those, including plenty stores and standalone studios that offer crafting classes for those of us who need a little extra push to go it alone. Check out the full list, organized from north to south, by scrolling below.
The big box chain made a major move into the thick of Manhattan with an additional location on Sixth Avenue last year, and are adding another Brooklyn store, too. But if you want to avoid the crowds, head uptown to shop for supplies, as well as attend in-store classes for painting, knitting, and cake decorating.
The Art Studio bills their classes as suitable for anyone ages two through 102. Adult classes have names like "Dare to Oil Paint" and "Fear Free Drawing," guaranteeing a stress-free atmosphere where you can let your creative freak flag fly. Outside of their Upper West Side studio, they also offer drawing classes at the Met.
Though this Upper East Side craft spot has an emphasis on family fun—parents can paint a mug for $10 with children in tow—there's also plenty of kid-free options. Consider taking classes in candle making, jewelry, or canvas painting.
Your first thought might be that a store specializing in invitations doesn't exactly sound crafty. But with their plethora of options for customized stationery and rubber stamps, not to mention their crafting kits and in-store workshops on card making and geometric decor, you'll be surprised how much you can do with a little bit of paper.
While the name suggests your activities are limited to knitting, crocheting, sewing, and embroidery — which is not very limiting at all — they also offer classes in baking, soap making, and skincare products. Enough categories for you?
You'll get inspired to make a sick scrapbook just upon walking into this landmarked shop. While offerings have expanded to furniture and lighting since its 1951 founding, the owners promise that they're dedicated to art supplies first and foremost.
Don't worry, creating art here is a lot less painful than the studio name makes it sound — in fact, its upcoming pottery class combined with a wine tasting sounds like the exact opposite of painful. Check out the website for details on signing up, along with info on one-time class sessions and multi-week packages.
One of several stores in a string of bead shops (pun intended) on Sixth Avenue, M&J has a standout selection of rhinestones, ribbons, buttons, and trim that add that little something extra to any DIY project. Not sure what that DIY project is? Pick up a craft kit that'll help you figure it out.
Whether it's your first time sitting down at a pottery wheel or you're an experienced thrower, this Chelsea studio is ready for you. Book an eight-week pack of classes for $300, take a one-time introductory class for $75, or just book some open studio time. You can also opt to make jewelry out of silver clay.
Forget Etsy and create your own 16" x 20" masterpiece painting in just a couple hours with a group of friends. Paint Along's online booking calendar handily shows an image of what will be painted at each class — right now, we're liking the row of poppies and the "Starry Night" replica.
From Moleskine journals to Van Gogh oil paints, DaVinci's got you covered for art projects, and they offer a discount to students and teachers in store. This location opened in 2005, and its second one came to East 23rd Street in 2007.
We bet you didn't know that so many permutations of paper existed. Party details are on lock here, from customizable invitations and RSVP cards to the endless options of envelopes. Add in a craft section, and this Flatiron shop is pretty much a DIY-er's heaven.
Put your own stamp on your work — literally — with a personalized rubber stamp from a store that's entirely dedicated to them. They also have an impressive collection of paper and scrapbooking materials, so that you actually have something to stamp.
One of New York's premier art supplies store since 1949, Utrecht provides artists (and wannabes) with every imaginable tool for every imaginable medium. Other city locations include Soho, Chelsea, and Brooklyn.
Snicker-inducing name jokes aside, Dick Blick Art Materials is a one-stop shop for art and DIY projects. The country's oldest art supplier boasts a top-notch staff that can recommend any product you need for a competitive price.
Though this East Village storefront may look skinnier than your apartment, you'll be surprised to find just how much yarn is tucked away here, ready to be knit into scarves and sweaters. The most popular class offering is a four-week package where you pick your own item to craft with an instructor's help — and it's only $100, with materials included.
Nothing is off-limits in this artistic lab, where classes currently on offer range from beginner's sewing and embroidery to shoe making and soap making, a weekend-long draping workshop, and even panty making. Be sure to say hi to Rita, the shop chihuahua.
If you don't know what "purl" means, stop by the shop for a beginner's knitting class to learn how to craft scarves, beanies, and baby booties (aww). And if you do know what it means, check out the retail section for an awesome selection of organic yarns and books on knitting. They also offer materials for needlework, embroidery, sewing, and more.
Yelp reviewers rave over this store's selection of painting supplies and sketchbooks, not to mention the friendly customer service from a staff that obviously knows what it's talking about. Beginners to seasoned vets will no doubt find what they're looking for here.
Cat Lady Craft Night, anyone? This Greenpoint shop hosted a party back in April dedicated to cat-themed projects — think earrings, mugs, and even feline nail art. Sad you missed it? The store has classes for tons of fun stuff, including skirt-making or sewing a leather tote.
This jewelry design shop gives you the option to take classes with an instructor or purchase materials to take home and play within the comfort of your own living room. But given how complex their wire-wrapped pendants look, we'll probably be going the class path.
No, this studio's name doesn't refer to a bakery, or some other favorite pastime of neighborhood hipsters — it refers to the ceramic pieces that you paint and then are baked with a glaze finish. Go home goods-crazy and paint mugs, bowls, plates, and dog dishes for your apartment.
Time Out
This employee-owned art supply store opened in Maine in 1985 and quickly expanded across the country. Other locations around the city include one in Harlem and another in Park Slope.
This Williamsburg ceramics studio had us at "Sip & Spin," its two-hour Friday night class where you bring your own libations to the pottery wheel. There's also a variety of individual and packaged classes, options for open studio time, and sessions geared toward kids.
Select a handmade engagement ring or wedding band from the Williamsburg store's collection, view local artists's work in the gallery, or attend their jewelry school—options range one-day intensive ring-making classes to workshops in wire crochet and enamel.
Who says that drinking-related art activities have to be relegated to Friday happy hours? This studio offers "drink and draw" classes at local Bar Chord every Wednesday. The subject? Oh, just some burlesque models. They also define "art" pretty loosely — classes include pickle-making and a medicinal weed walk through Prospect Park.
Knitty City is a quintessential Upper West Side yarn boutique offering patterns, supplies, and classes. Locals and tourists alike frequent this spot in search of both high-end and classic fibers, and with welcoming staff like Lenny the Wonder Dog, it's no surprise they keep coming back.
It's easy to overlook this studio and store tucked below the sidewalk on East 87th Street, but passing crafters should keep their eyes peeled. Loop of the Loom hosts events like monthly Zen Weaving, an informal class that allows students to hang about for as long as they like and weave in a quiet, meditative atmosphere.
Set in a bright storefront, Pins & Needles welcomes both new and advanced crafters alike. This store and studio is stocked to the brim with fabrics and notions that provide materials for lessons in sewing, embroidery, felting, and more.
Go beyond writing at this Instagram-perfect Lower East Side store dedicated to pencil to find that perfect instrument to compliment your drawing project, or to go into the Mason jar you've just adorned with washi tape.
The big box chain made a major move into the thick of Manhattan with an additional location on Sixth Avenue last year, and are adding another Brooklyn store, too. But if you want to avoid the crowds, head uptown to shop for supplies, as well as attend in-store classes for painting, knitting, and cake decorating.
The Art Studio bills their classes as suitable for anyone ages two through 102. Adult classes have names like "Dare to Oil Paint" and "Fear Free Drawing," guaranteeing a stress-free atmosphere where you can let your creative freak flag fly. Outside of their Upper West Side studio, they also offer drawing classes at the Met.
Though this Upper East Side craft spot has an emphasis on family fun—parents can paint a mug for $10 with children in tow—there's also plenty of kid-free options. Consider taking classes in candle making, jewelry, or canvas painting.
Your first thought might be that a store specializing in invitations doesn't exactly sound crafty. But with their plethora of options for customized stationery and rubber stamps, not to mention their crafting kits and in-store workshops on card making and geometric decor, you'll be surprised how much you can do with a little bit of paper.
While the name suggests your activities are limited to knitting, crocheting, sewing, and embroidery — which is not very limiting at all — they also offer classes in baking, soap making, and skincare products. Enough categories for you?
You'll get inspired to make a sick scrapbook just upon walking into this landmarked shop. While offerings have expanded to furniture and lighting since its 1951 founding, the owners promise that they're dedicated to art supplies first and foremost.
Don't worry, creating art here is a lot less painful than the studio name makes it sound — in fact, its upcoming pottery class combined with a wine tasting sounds like the exact opposite of painful. Check out the website for details on signing up, along with info on one-time class sessions and multi-week packages.
One of several stores in a string of bead shops (pun intended) on Sixth Avenue, M&J has a standout selection of rhinestones, ribbons, buttons, and trim that add that little something extra to any DIY project. Not sure what that DIY project is? Pick up a craft kit that'll help you figure it out.
Whether it's your first time sitting down at a pottery wheel or you're an experienced thrower, this Chelsea studio is ready for you. Book an eight-week pack of classes for $300, take a one-time introductory class for $75, or just book some open studio time. You can also opt to make jewelry out of silver clay.
Forget Etsy and create your own 16" x 20" masterpiece painting in just a couple hours with a group of friends. Paint Along's online booking calendar handily shows an image of what will be painted at each class — right now, we're liking the row of poppies and the "Starry Night" replica.
From Moleskine journals to Van Gogh oil paints, DaVinci's got you covered for art projects, and they offer a discount to students and teachers in store. This location opened in 2005, and its second one came to East 23rd Street in 2007.
We bet you didn't know that so many permutations of paper existed. Party details are on lock here, from customizable invitations and RSVP cards to the endless options of envelopes. Add in a craft section, and this Flatiron shop is pretty much a DIY-er's heaven.
Put your own stamp on your work — literally — with a personalized rubber stamp from a store that's entirely dedicated to them. They also have an impressive collection of paper and scrapbooking materials, so that you actually have something to stamp.
One of New York's premier art supplies store since 1949, Utrecht provides artists (and wannabes) with every imaginable tool for every imaginable medium. Other city locations include Soho, Chelsea, and Brooklyn.
Snicker-inducing name jokes aside, Dick Blick Art Materials is a one-stop shop for art and DIY projects. The country's oldest art supplier boasts a top-notch staff that can recommend any product you need for a competitive price.
Though this East Village storefront may look skinnier than your apartment, you'll be surprised to find just how much yarn is tucked away here, ready to be knit into scarves and sweaters. The most popular class offering is a four-week package where you pick your own item to craft with an instructor's help — and it's only $100, with materials included.
Nothing is off-limits in this artistic lab, where classes currently on offer range from beginner's sewing and embroidery to shoe making and soap making, a weekend-long draping workshop, and even panty making. Be sure to say hi to Rita, the shop chihuahua.
If you don't know what "purl" means, stop by the shop for a beginner's knitting class to learn how to craft scarves, beanies, and baby booties (aww). And if you do know what it means, check out the retail section for an awesome selection of organic yarns and books on knitting. They also offer materials for needlework, embroidery, sewing, and more.
Yelp reviewers rave over this store's selection of painting supplies and sketchbooks, not to mention the friendly customer service from a staff that obviously knows what it's talking about. Beginners to seasoned vets will no doubt find what they're looking for here.
Cat Lady Craft Night, anyone? This Greenpoint shop hosted a party back in April dedicated to cat-themed projects — think earrings, mugs, and even feline nail art. Sad you missed it? The store has classes for tons of fun stuff, including skirt-making or sewing a leather tote.
This jewelry design shop gives you the option to take classes with an instructor or purchase materials to take home and play within the comfort of your own living room. But given how complex their wire-wrapped pendants look, we'll probably be going the class path.
No, this studio's name doesn't refer to a bakery, or some other favorite pastime of neighborhood hipsters — it refers to the ceramic pieces that you paint and then are baked with a glaze finish. Go home goods-crazy and paint mugs, bowls, plates, and dog dishes for your apartment.
Time Out
This employee-owned art supply store opened in Maine in 1985 and quickly expanded across the country. Other locations around the city include one in Harlem and another in Park Slope.
This Williamsburg ceramics studio had us at "Sip & Spin," its two-hour Friday night class where you bring your own libations to the pottery wheel. There's also a variety of individual and packaged classes, options for open studio time, and sessions geared toward kids.
Select a handmade engagement ring or wedding band from the Williamsburg store's collection, view local artists's work in the gallery, or attend their jewelry school—options range one-day intensive ring-making classes to workshops in wire crochet and enamel.
Who says that drinking-related art activities have to be relegated to Friday happy hours? This studio offers "drink and draw" classes at local Bar Chord every Wednesday. The subject? Oh, just some burlesque models. They also define "art" pretty loosely — classes include pickle-making and a medicinal weed walk through Prospect Park.
Knitty City is a quintessential Upper West Side yarn boutique offering patterns, supplies, and classes. Locals and tourists alike frequent this spot in search of both high-end and classic fibers, and with welcoming staff like Lenny the Wonder Dog, it's no surprise they keep coming back.
It's easy to overlook this studio and store tucked below the sidewalk on East 87th Street, but passing crafters should keep their eyes peeled. Loop of the Loom hosts events like monthly Zen Weaving, an informal class that allows students to hang about for as long as they like and weave in a quiet, meditative atmosphere.
Set in a bright storefront, Pins & Needles welcomes both new and advanced crafters alike. This store and studio is stocked to the brim with fabrics and notions that provide materials for lessons in sewing, embroidery, felting, and more.
Go beyond writing at this Instagram-perfect Lower East Side store dedicated to pencil to find that perfect instrument to compliment your drawing project, or to go into the Mason jar you've just adorned with washi tape.
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