10 Pittsburgh art studios that offer craft kits for pickup or delivery
Photo: Art Imagined’s kits are guaranteed to bust the boredom.
The COVID-19 quarantine has turned kitchens into laboratories, bathrooms into hair salons and backyards into exotic getaways. Now you can transform your living room into an art studio. Lots of local businesses are offering craft kits for pickup or delivery. Keeping your kids engaged while supporting the local economy is a great way to make something beautiful out of an ugly situation. Here are 10 companies to check out:
1. Art Imagined
Bust boredom with an art box! Art Imagined in Wexford sells the packages that contain materials, instructions and examples of different activities with each box. Boxes are tailored to the artist’s age and interests. Fill out a form online and email the completed document to Artimaginedpgh@gmail.com. The staff will review your form and send you a confirmation, along with payment information. Your art box will be ready for pickup at 11883 Perry Hwy., within two to three days. For more information, call 724-934-2600.
2. Fired Up Pottery
After being cooped up in the house for months, your kids are probably burning to do something other than school work and watching TV. Fired Up Pottery in McMurray has board art, canvas, pottery and mosaic kits that’ll occupy their time. Call 724-941-0302 or send an email to info@firedupwithus.com and a staff member will help you build your perfect take-home package. Curbside pickup is available at 4151 Washington Road. Go online to check out their inventory.
3. The Crafty Shack
Since 2001, The Crafty Shack in Penn Township has specialized in ceramics, pottery, canvas painting and other artistic endeavors. Visit their Etsy store to browse through a variety of kits, from Fairy and Dragon ceramics to paintable gifts that will be cherished forever. The supplies will be shipped to your door. For more information, send an email to info@craftyshack.com or visit their website.
4. Hatch Art Studio
Hatch Art Studio’s on-the-go kits are the perfect cure for cabin fever. Your kids can create everything from a felt crocodile puppet to salt dough mobiles. Have your orders shipped or pick up your supplies at 6739 Reynolds St., Point Breeze. The company also offers online instructional videos that’ll make you feel like you’re at the studio. For more information, send an email to hello@hatchpgh.com or visit them online.
5. Dots and Doodles Art Studio
Dots and Doodles in Wexford offers virtual classes to teach your little ones how to unleash their inner artist. They’ll also ship Doodle at Home kits to your door. Everyone in the family – from toddlers to adults – can experiment with watercolors, oils, pastels or sculpting clay. Order one today and craft the boredom away! Visit their website or call 724-831-7018.
6. Songbird Artistry
The folks at Songbird Artistry in Lawrenceville are committed to community — even under quarantine. They’re using Zoom meetings to bring people together while they craft at their respective homes. Check out their website to purchase a crafting kit, pick up the order or have it shipped (they also do delivery within a 5- to 10-mile radius of the Penn Avenue shop). Then, meet online to socialize. Call 412-742-4449 or send an email to songbirdArtistry@gmail.com for more information.
7. Workshop Pgh DIY School & Shop
Workshop PGH DIY started in 2009, offering do-it-yourself classes in woodwork, sewing, art and more. Keep them going strong by ordering a kit from their online shop. Weaving, embroidery, face masks, macramé planters: PGH DIY has something to suit every creative soul. Orders can be shipped or are ready for pick up in two to three days from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Call or text at 412-304-7332 to set up an alternate time.
8. Silvi’s Art Studio for Kids
Is your kid having a birthday in quarantine? Make it special by throwing an online party supplied by Silvi’s Art Studio in Bethel Park. The birthday boy or girl chooses a theme and every kid on the invite list gets an art box filled with a sketched-out canvas, paint and brushes, a cup with decoration, a plaster figurine to paint, stickers and a cookie to decorate. Through the magic of technology, they can craft (and celebrate) together! Other art boxes are available, too. Visit their website for more information.
9. AR Workshop
AR Workshop in Robinson has a variety of DIY and virtual party kits geared toward kiddos. Kits include all of the materials, including stencils, wood, a PrimARy Paint Essentials Kit, brushes and instructions. You have the option to add extra tools and paint sets to complete your pARty kit. For more information, visit AR online.
10. Artsy Doodle Craft Studio
Artsy Doodle Craft Studio in Beaver offers Doodle of the Day To-Go Kits available online for pickup or delivery. Each day, between 10 a.m. and noon, they post a Doodle of the Day project. The kits cost $15. The studio also does a virtual Art Club every Saturday morning via Zoom. You can join the private class for $5 per household. For more information, send an email to getcrafty@artsydoodlecraftstudio.com or call 724-371-0174.
