Best new indie shops: Places to make crafts

Put your hands and creativity to good use.

By Melody Serafino Mon Apr 11 2011

Best new indie shops 2011

  • Make Meaning

    Make Meaning

  • Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson

    Ceramic crafts, $12 and up, at Make Meaning

    Ceramic crafts, $12 and up, at Make Meaning

  • Glass belt buckle, $49, at Make Meaning

    Glass belt buckle, $49, at Make Meaning

  • Pins & Needles

    Pins & Needles

  • Patterned fabrics, $6--$25 per yard, at Pins & Needles

    Patterned fabrics, $6--$25 per yard, at Pins & Needles

  • Vintage appliqus, $5 for a set of four, at Pins & Needles

    Vintage appliqus, $5 for a set of four, at Pins & Needles

Make Meaning

Make Meaning

Winner: Make Meaning
In September 2010, Internet entrepreneur Dan Nissanoff decided to open a business where he could be imaginative with his children, and his candy-colored creativity space and retail destination is now a popular spot for kid-at-heart date nights and special-occasion celebrations, too. Get your hands dirty crafting candles ($24 and up), ceramics ($12 and up) or jewelry ($14 and up). In one potential project, chunks of glass that come in a kaleidoscope of colors and can be arranged into funky patterns, then kiln-fired into pendants, belt buckles or bracelet cuffs. Imbibe wine (half-carafe $12, carafe $23) and nibble on snacks from Butterfly Bake Shop ($2 and up) to keep your imagination at peak performance, or sign up for a class for additional guidance. 329 Columbus Ave between 75th and 76th Sts (212-362-0350, makemeaning.com). Mention TONY at checkout to receive 10 percent off retail purchases through May 1.

Runner-up: Pins & Needles
This fabric and crafting atelier offers private lessons and group classes ($65--$405) in needlepoint, sewing, hand embroidery and quilting for all ages and skill levels. Make sure to browse supplies like screen-printed textiles by Kristen Doran ($26), as well as vintage appliqus (set of four $5) and brightly patterned fabrics ($6--$25/yard) before getting started. Handmade pillows, personalized embroidery and garment sewing (priced per project) are just some of the custom services available onsite. 1045 Lexington Ave between 74th and 75th Sts (212-535-6222, pinsandneedlesnyc.com). Mention TONY at checkout to receive 20 percent off all purchases through May 1.

See more in Shopping + Style

Share your thoughts
  4. * mandatory fields