Little Shop of Crafts

I came here with my girlfriends one day, just so we would have something to do on a rainy day. Well, let me tell you this was the most fun I have had in a while. The staff was beyond friendly and accomidating, and they made us feel right at home. On top of it all I walked away with a beautiful mug that I get to drink my coffee out of every morning. This is a great place to come if you're in need for a gift, or you just want to have a good time with your friends. Don't be fooled this isn't just for kids, this place is for people of all ages!!! I can't wait to go back.

Pros: amazing experience, incredibly helpful staff

Posted 01/25/09

My kids just loved this place! We spent several fun-filled hours one Saturday afternoon doing crafts together. It was a great way to spend time with the kids. My daughter loved the beading and jewelry- making area and my son got to create a plaque for his room representing his beloved Yankees! They can't wait to go back for more. I was very pleased with how the environment sparked their creativity. The staff was extremely helpful, friendly and patient. The facility was clean and well-organized and I thought the prices were quite reasonable, especially given the wonderful time we had together. It was well worth the expense. My daughter is already making plans to go back for her upcoming Birthday party. I highly recommend this experience for parents and kids alike.

Posted 10/23/08

I'm a single Dad and was told about Little Shop by 2 single Mom friends. They made it sound so inviting and easy , so of course I had to take my 8 year old son.
I can't say enough good things about this place. Immediately my son and I felt at home. After having been to other painting craft shops in the City , the Little Shop concept of no charge for paint time, stay as long as you like, was like a V8 moment...or something like that. After staying for 2 hours, which would have cost me an additional $20 at other paint studios, I thought "that's it ...why go anywhere else".
Before my son and I left he already picked out his next project...a braclet for his Mom.
A sweet kind place and in our NYC. The staff's wonderful.
CAn't wait to take him again. Might even do something myself.

Posted 10/21/08

Great place to spend time. Abundance of materials, helpful staff, fun atmosphere. Allows for an environment of creativity without any sense of being judged, watched or under a time restriction. Lovely!
Terrific place, which I haven't taken advantage of yet, for parties. It would make a great venue for a kid's party or for a shower (bridal or baby) with whatever theme you come up with.

Posted 10/16/08

I first brought my mother and 5-year-old son to this delightful studio. All three of us had a ball choosing our projects and spending a blissful and creative afternoon together. The staff were just great; helpful while also respecting our space. I recently brought my son back with a friend and I plan to have his 6th birthday party there this November. Thanks to all the staff and most of all to Herb, the owner, for creating this delightful oasis.

Pros: Convenient location, accomodating staff, fun for all ages

Cons: It's the only one of its kind

Posted 10/16/08

There is something for everyone in the family or any of your friends to do. It is a great date place in the evenings and they even have Wine & great music!
The people who work there are warm, friendly & helpful.
They are great with kids too if you are planning a kids party.
They do awesome Adult parties too.
It's an easy no brainer and it's a great value. You walk away with immediate gratification as well as a useful piece.
I am partial to the new Beading! A girl can't have too much jewelry! I love the Little Shop of Crafts and go there as often as I can!

Posted 10/16/08

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

Posted 08/16/07

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!

Posted 07/12/07

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.

Posted 05/13/07

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

Posted 05/09/07

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.

Posted 04/30/07

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

Posted 03/18/07

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

Posted 01/11/07

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

Posted 10/26/06

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.

Posted 09/01/06

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 $

Posted 06/29/06

Fun for whole family! We visited on a saturday afternoon on a non-reservation and still was welcomed as if we have made reservations! Fun and friendly staff! Will go back!

Pros: Parking lot across the street

Cons: none

Posted 06/09/06

My seven year old daughter LIVES at little shop. She has been doing crafts there for years....We have had several birthday parties and refered them to our friends for their own parties. Currently, I am arranging a "mom's evening" during one of their jewerly classes.

The Staff: Sharon, Joy, Mary Ann and Rita are always curtious, wonderful and gracious, even when it is buzy and filled with kids and their parents.

I have even sent my husband in there, when I would have to work: I would call ahead of time, with a specific craft for my daughter to do and everything was fine.

This place is a GEM.... I can not say enought wonderful things about it!!!!!

Pros: Great Service, variety, alot of fun!!!

Cons: NONE

Posted 05/21/06

The owner is amazing! I painted three plates 8/8 and told to pick them up 8/12. I called 8/12 and was told that they were short staffed couldn't empty the kiln. I was in NJ so I called 8/13 and told they were ready. I trekked into the city and when I got there they only 2 of the pieces were ready. The third piece had not made it into the kiln. I was beyond upset, my friend's birthday was 8/14 and all pieces were needed plus my friend was going out of town. I returned a week later to pick the piece up. The owner was there. I explained the situation to him. He handled it amazingly! gave me a discount on the item and a gift certificate. He wasn't defensive and was just a nice guy. He really cares about the customers and is a true neighborhood store.

Pros: No time limit, Variety of pieces, Great atmosphere

Cons: None

Posted 08/20/05

If you're looking for reason to spend some quality time with friends in an unhurried and unique way. I highly reccomend that you pay a visit. Our host Sam was polite, sociable, helpful and funny. It was nice to have him around for the more creatively challenged of us who really could not know where to begin. There was a wide range of reasonably priced materials and accesories to choose from so having a project in mind first might be helpful. Bring cash for tipping, and handi wipes. Because one thing that was missing were sinks for hand washing I didn't see any, nor was I pointed to one after our session was over. Overall it's fun place.

Pros: no time limit, reasonably priced, helpful staff

Cons: , no sinks, small space

Posted 05/13/04

The variety here is fantastic! You have your choice of painting pre-made pottery pieces (ranging from large platters to small bowls and pencil holders), plaster figurines, and wood and glass pieces. The shop is equipped with all the appropriate paints for the different types of items they have. They also have a few "extras" for the more creative types - puffy stickers, shells, and google-eyes to glue onto pieces. The people there are incredibly friendly and always willing to teach you different painting techniques and provide pictures to give you ideas. Prices are very reasonable, since they include all the art materials, and there is NO TIME LIMIT, unlike other places where they charge for the time you spend painting in addition to the pottery piece. A large mug will cost you about $23 dollars. And Wed-Fri nights, they have free wine in the evenings and are open until 9:30pm!

Pros: variety, service

Posted 11/28/03

with at least a conversation piece. After looking at a few choices, this place seemed the most appealing because it did not charge for painting time. Some places charge a "nominal fee" per half or whole hour, which can start to add up if you become as involved in your projects as we did. (Our actual paint time would have added another additional $40 to our pottery tab.) It can be overwhelming on a weekend with the number of children and parties that are here - which would make that the perfect time to bring the young folks. However they do have adults only time after 6:30pm and often offer complimentary wine as well. The staff are very helpful and knowledgable. Overall this was a great time, my piece came out so good, that I may become a pottery painting regular.

Pros: No paint time fee, Fun activitiy for all, Free wine

Cons: Crowded with kids, Limited colors

Posted 12/21/02