Little Shop of Crafts

08/17/2007 Posted by starynite

I recently moved to NYC and discovered that the Little Shop of Crafts is only a few blocks away. The first time I stopped by was just to see if this was a place where I could bring the little boy that I care for there. The staff was very friendly and informative. I came back later that day and they helped us pick out a suitable piece and explained what we were to do, along with where all the supplies were. Since that first day, I have visited many evenings to paint or work on a mosaic. Not only is the atmosphere relaxing, but the music is also great. I also have brought the soon to be 2 year old a second time. Again he enjoyed painting and the staff was extremely helpful. I would recommend this place to anyone who feels creative, just needs a break from everyday stressors, or people with children,friends, or family who are looking for a great activity to do together. Some suggestions for when you go 1. - Remember that prices will seem high, but they really aren't once you consider that it includes all the supplies, studio space and there isn't any time limit as long as they are open. 2. Plan to come when you have enough time to spend there or come back on another day because once you start the time flys by. 3. Less is more when it comes to painting (I don't know how many times I have seen people create beautiful works of art, but they continue to paint only to be less satisfied when they are done). Thanks to Christine, Denise, and all the rest of the staff for making me feel welcomed.

Pros: Friendly, Helpful, Relaxing, Lots of choices, Good for all ages

Cons: I have so much fun I wish they had late hours every night of the week

07/13/2007 Posted by get_creative

I have tried many of the creative studios in NYC and this is by far the best! Not only were there many crafts to choose from but the staff was more than helpful. They helped me pick out colors that worked well together on my vase and even showed me examples of techniques that were easy to do and stunning to see. Since there was no charge for time I didn't feel the pressure to get my project done too quickly- I really relaxed and enjoyed my time there and now I have an original piece of art that coordinates with my apartment! The prices are so fair that I am thinking of making this my staple place for personalized gifts. If you are looking for something fun to do with friends or you just want to relax while being surrounded by friendly creativity - This is the place!

05/14/2007 Posted by telemommy

My husband thought this would be a perfect place to bring my children to make a mother's day present for me. He looked at the website and called to make sure it would be open since it would be a trek for my 4 and 5 year old from Long Island. Nowhere on the website did they say there are no children after 6:00! Even when he called to make sure they take walk-ins, they did not mention that children are not allowed in the store in the evening! I drove for an hour and a half to get there, look for parking, then have these people refuse to let my children paint some pottery--even though the store was empty!!! My children didn't understand and kept asking why they wouldn't let them paint any pottery. It was only around 6:15 or 6:30, but I will never go back to people who were so rude for no reason at all. I still don't understand why they couldn't let them paint for a little while. They're young boys. They would have been done in 10 minutes.

05/10/2007 Posted by peterbucknell

I filmed the commercial at this fun place, and the people that happened to be there that evening were having an absolute ball. For something really new to do in New York, I would say this is the ticket. Hope you all drop in there. Pete PS. The above review from Telemommy should be disregarded as she is mistaken, and didn't really look at the website properly to realize the rules for her kiddies: QUOTE from the site: "Walk in 7 days a week, 363 days a year. We have evening hours just for adults from 6:30 - 10:00 P.M. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings. We serve complimentary wine and if you get hungry, we have lots of local menus for you to order from. The music is great too!" NYvideo.US

Pros: Easy to find, good value, friendly

05/01/2007 Posted by danibelle

The people are lovely, the pottery is adorable, it's an overall fun time. I went with my coworkers and we had great fun, most people went for the chip & dip holder, practical and fun! I made a vase, a mug and a ducky piggy bank. Very reasonably priced and the atmosphere makes you feel like a kid again - until you get your product back and it's gorgeous. love this place

Pros: lighthearted. cute. fun. different.

03/19/2007 Posted by vivp15

I have to say that the Little Shop is the little jewel of New York City! Nestled in a nice, residential part of New York, this is the best place for craft projects! You can wander in and all you have to buy are the products itself. So, if you want to do a mosaic jewellery box, you only have to buy the box and they will supply you with all the tiles, glue and grout you need to complete the project. Best of all, they won't charge you a sitting fee so you can take all the time you need to complete the project. Believe me, I have sat there before for 8 hours and I never felt pressured to leave, in fact it was so friendly and comfortable, I could have stayed longer! The staff are amazing. They are really friendly and helpful with technical advice. They also don't overstep the mark by chatting too much or influencing your creative decisions, which is great because you can still be as creative as you like but with guidance on hand if you need it. The other thing I really like about the Little Shop is their "menu book". Anytime, you can peruse their menu book and select food to have delivered to you locally. It's a great system because you can sit through lunch and eat while you work without any interuptions. The Little Shop is a hidden treasure in New York. I really hope you will give it a go, even my husband has enjoyed himself (then again, he was drinking the free wine they offer adults in their evening hours!!). Some things you may need to know: Loads of kids go, so be prepared to have them randomly come up to you and ask about the project you are working on!; It is not open very early, which can be annoying because the day fles when you are so relaxed and comfortable! Thankfully, the store is open quite late.; the items you buy are not cheap. To give you a rough idea, the frames for mosaic are over $30 (without tax, rough price). What to bring: at least $30, a friend, moisturiser because your hands tend to dry out, a drink and your imagination.

Pros: You get something to keep for the money you spend, friendly staff, relaxed atmosphere, great for kids and adults

Cons: Can be a bit pricey

01/12/2007 Posted by earias22

This place is really cool!! They have tons of different things to paint from mugs and plates to figurines. I had a wonderful time and they served us wine too! I kind of got tired of hearing the same songs being played but thats about it. Great for kids and parents to do together.

Pros: Very helpful service

Cons: Same CD playing over and over

10/27/2006 Posted by trojanchick

This is great place if you're looking to get our hands dirty and let your creative juices flow. Nice atmosphere and helpful staff. Great for kids or even a fun place to go on a date. Worth a visit for sure.

Pros: Atmosphere, Releasing your creativity

Cons: Can get a little messy

09/02/2006 Posted by iljjnk580

I've had several parties at this place for my two girls and invited boys and girls from 2-16. Just fun all the time. Went today with the girls and had a great time again. The staff (Joy) are wonderful. My only complaint that people not bring kids if they aren't going to work on a piece. It wasnt fun watching two little boys chase each other under the table.

06/30/2006 Posted by msoto

I LOVE this place. I find myself spending my weekends there and think nothing of it. All it takes is a little creation and you have a great gift for anyone. The time is spent thinking of nothing but your creation and not of any troubles. I can not recommend this place nay more than this. And if you sign up for their newsletters, they send you coupons so your saving money on something that is already affordable. Check it out...I'm glad I did.

Pros: Great staff, affordable

Cons: horrible parking area but they have a garage if you want to pay $