Want to get those creative juices flowing but don’t know where to begin? The Boston area is brimming with drop-in arts and crafts studios for you and your kids to get artsy — no appointment necessary!
Clay Dreams
183 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington
Use your imagination while painting a unique pottery piece that can be enjoyed for years to come! Groups of five or fewer are walk-in only; reservations are required for groups of six or more. Take-home crafts are also available if you would like to complete your projects at home!
Look What I Made!
4 Lowell Road, North Reading
Choose from a wide variety of projects, including glass fusing, clay pottery painting, string art, board art, canvases, and so much more! You will surely be telling your friends to look at what you made! A variety of take-home crafts are also available if you would like to be creative in your own space.
Made by Me
1685 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge
Come in anytime, browse the shelves, and pick out the piece you’d like to paint. There are loads of things to choose from — mugs, cases, cookie jars, flowerpots, pet dishes, sushi plates, party animals, and so much more! Studio artists are available to help with tips and tricks! Groups larger than six are asked to make a reservation. “Port-A-Pottery” take-home kits are available if you would like to do your projects at home instead!
Magic Brush Pottery
361 Main Street, Tewksbury
Drop in to create your own ceramics, fused glass, canvas, and mosaics! Artists are on staff and available to help with any creation! Magic Brush Pottery also offers a variety of to-go packs, so you can create your masterpiece at home if you wish!
The Painting Place
380 Washington Street, Wellesley
Drop on in to paint pottery, plaster, or canvas, or to make candles, mosaics, or slime! Reservations are available online, and walk-ins are always welcome. “Take out” orders are also available if you would like to pick up your projects and work on them at home!
Parts and Crafts
561 Windsor Street, Suite B402, Somerville (in the Taza Chocolate building)
With a focus on creating, making, inventing, building, questioning, discovering, and being excellent to each other, ourselves, and the planet, Parts and Crafts is a welcoming environment for artists of all kinds. All activities are opt-in and child-directed, with the exception of cleanup time. All are welcome to drop in and create during open shop hours, which typically take place on Saturday afternoons and are free by donation. Check the website for a full schedule.
Pinspiration
3 Roche Bros Way, Easton
Select a project from dozens of current craft options, including art, decor, gifts, candle making, and accessories. They even have a splatter room if you want to get messy! Each person in your group can select their own unique craft. Reservations can be made online, and walk ins are welcome.
This article was originally published in 2023 and has been updated for 2024! Know of a great studio we missed? Let us know — we’ll add it to our list!
