Recently, I found myself in sunny Santa Monica, California with naught to do but search for signs of craft by the sea.  At the top of the sightseeing list was the Urban Craft Center.  Their online site looked promising…part studio/part classroom/part supply store.  The UCC sounded like Santa’s workshop for anyone interested in sewing, knitting, scrapbooking and much more.  With an extensive class schedule and offerings in varied disciplines (like bookbinding, needle felting, spinning, and doll making just to name a few) it seemed like the go-to place for making just about anything; a crafter’s little helper.

The brick and mortar store confirmed this suspicion.  Tucked back behind a Peet’s Coffee and Tea and adjacent to a sun-filled courtyard, even the exterior was inviting.  Walking in, you are immediately greeted by a comfortable looking round sofa and a beautiful selection of fabric bolts all organized by color.  One section of the loft-like space is closed off, used only for classes or for private use by members of the center (more on this in a moment).  When I visited, a beginner knitting class was nestled nicely in the circular seating.

Following the fabric around a corner, you’ll find all sorts of supplies.  The UCC stocks yarn, paint, stamping and scrapbooking materials, patterns and helpful books.  They have totes, pre-made crafting kits and loads of accessories and curiosities for crafters.  And this is by no means a comprehensive list.  While the offerings in each section aren’t as numerous as you would find in a specialty store, they are carefully selected.  There is easily enough to get any aspiring crafter off to a good start and inspire the seasoned stitcher.  I found a few yarns there that I’d never seen in a store before.  And while I was shopping, another customer was getting great advice from a member of the staff on how to begin needle felting.

A unique feature of the Urban Craft Center is their membership opportunity.  For as little as $6/hour, you can have access to all of their maker machinery.  That means sewing machines, screen printing presses, stamping, clay, paper craft, etc…  Check out their list of supported mediums to find out more.  $65 a month gets you the premium “bulky weight” membership.  That entitles you to unlimited studio time, free friend passes, discounts and special events.  Not a bad deal for someone in a small apartment with limited access to materials and machines.  Or for someone who is thinking about getting started but not ready to make a bigger investment.  And while you are there you get support from friendly and informed staff, as well as a connection to the community.  No more toiling away in obscurity!

If you live in the area, you certainly owe yourself a visit.  Check out their class schedule and sign up to learn something new or hone your present skills.  If you are far away, like I am now, you can keep track of what is going on at the store by following their blog.  Maybe you should make a special trip out to the coast!  If you do, certainly give me a call.  I heart the Urban Craft Center and hope to get another chance to visit.

The Urban Craft Center is located at 2433 Main Street  Santa Monica, CA.  You can visit them any day of the week from 10AM-8PM.