Make Something

One rainy morning in late September (I am only getting around to writing about it now, ugh), I had the good luck to attend a press preview of Make Meaning on Manhattan's Upper West Side (an earlier, smaller venue actually existed in my East Side 'nabe; this one can't even compare...it is like a bazillion times bigger and better). I love its tagline- "Dirty hands, clean thoughts." Basically, it's a big art studio where both your children and you can create one-of-a kind products that look absolutely gorgeous and professional (really).

The space itself is beautiful. There are 3 levels including work spaces, studios/classrooms, plus areas to hang out and nosh:





There are craft projects for people of all ages here. Younger visitors usually opt for making their own soap, candles, or ceramics (on a later visit, my 7-year-old was entranced by the personalized, scented soap she made for herself, right down to the cool mini rubber duckies that she placed inside as a surprise. I helped her out, too. It was too fun to just sit and watch.)




Psst! A word about pricing, which you'll see in the photo above. A "Creativity Day Pass" is just $12, but that is just for the time you spend in the studio. You pay for the materials, too, and they're not cheap (I can't remember how much R's soaps cost exactly, but let's just say a day at this place with two kids will set you back a bit).



Grown-up artists-in-training may choose something more fragile, like gorgeous glass jewelry, serving pieces, or (my favorite) a make-your-own stationery bar. Love it, love it, love it.




Got a 'tween girl who loves to make jewelry? This will probably be her favorite destination in the store:


Everything at Make Meaning is spotless, colorful, and brand spanking new. The supplies are all beautiful. It is like the Container Store of art supplies. Pure eye candy. See?


Speaking of candy, if you need some refreshments after all that creative work, there's a snack bar in the back, plus, this candy bar which I think is supposed to remind you of Dylan's:


There's more, of course, like the requisite retail shop, birthday parties, and studio classes. All of which is standard at a new Manhattan venue, but it sure is nice to have it at a new kind of place where both kids and their grown-ups can be creative together (or just grown-ups can arrive alone...there are special evening hours for adults only). Beats another gymnastics birthday party, right? Visit Make Meaning for store hours, location, and more information.

Thanks to Make Meaning for inviting me to its press preview and providing me with a complimentary day pass and art project for my daughter.

p.s. Want a bit of celeb gossip? This place has been very popular with the A-list crowd. Mira Sorvino stopped by here with her kids (the "Johnny and "Matea" referred to below) when it opened.

Apparently, they enjoyed it so much that they returned a few days later- when R. and I were there for our visit. They sat a few tables down from us, accompanied by their grandmother (Mira's mother). Johnny and Matea were so well-behaved and polite, even while waiting on line with less-patient kids for a snack. Kudos to Mira!