Talk Shop is the series where we interview independent store owners from across the country, to get their inside take on running an independent business that supports the handmade community.

The Talk shop series went on a small hiatus since the holidays, but this segment is now back in full swing, and we’ve got some awesome shops lined up to share with you. This week’s Talk Shop features Spacecraft Brooklyn – a totally cool craft supply store and gift shop that also teaches craft classes for kids, dabblers and advanced makers of all ages.

Co-owners Stella Metzner and Cristina Dodd opened up Spacecraft in October 2008.  From eco-conscious and hard-to-find supplies, fluffy yarn, and printmaking materials, to totally freakin’ cute knick-knacks, toys, and crafting kits, this store is THE crafting hub of Williamsburg.

Here, Metzner dishes the goods on Spacecraft, and invites all crafters and handmade connoisseurs to visit this one-of-a-kind, out-of-this-world shop!

Tell us what Spacecraft Brooklyn is all about:
SPACECRAFT is a unique craft-making and supply boutique located in the discreetly stylish Southside of Williamsburg Brooklyn.  We cater to children and adults of all ages and skill levels with our menu of walk-in craft projects, daily and weekly workshops, and sign-up courses.  We also offer private instruction in sewing, crochet, knitting and any other requested subjects that people are interested in.  We have an amazing back yard that serves as an additional venue for hosting parties, barbeques, and outdoor workshops such as tie-dye and batik.   The front of the store is where you’ll find all the fun craft-making materials, books, kits and gifts for purchase to DIY at home.

Do you have any sort of background in crafting or the arts?
Stella Metzner grew up in a family of artists and designers.  She attended the Rudolf Steiner School for 15 years where she learned to sew, knit, crochet, sculpt, paint, book-bind, weave, and much more.  She further developed her love of craft and hand-making objects when she attended the California College of Arts and Crafts.  It was there that she learned to incorporate these childhood talents into fashion designs and later into a career as a stylist and designer.

Cristina Dodd also began creating at an early age, learning traditional crafts like quilting and cross-stitch from her grandmother and making decoupage, macramé, leather crafts and more at summer camp.  Cristina learned set-building and costume making in high school and went on to earn a degree in Photography.  After spending several years as a custom black and white printer and freelance photographer, she moved into the realm of corporate event planning where she was able to successfully combine the use of both creative and business skills.

This combination of over 35 years of arts and crafts experience, and becoming mothers to two energetic boys, has provided Stella and Cristina the amount of experience and determination necessary to open a store like SPACECRAFT.

How does your business support independent artists and crafters and/or the handmade community?
We support this community in many ways:

• Our store sells craft supplies to this community.
• We host craft night events that feature artists/authors as instructors and promote their books, websites, etc.
• We show/sell the work of local artist/crafters as a gallery display in our shop.
• We host many free craft events to just get people together crafting and/or learning new techniques
• We support and promote local for-profits and non-profits such as BAGS FOR THE PEOPLE (www.bagsforthepeople.org), who are furthering the craft movement, but do not have a space to operate out of.
• We network and create connections among many individuals and organizations in order to enrich the “community” aspect of the crafting.
• We work with local school and community groups to ensure that the future of craft continues to grow.

Who are your favorite designers?
Callie Janoff (Church of Craft),
Maura Madden (Crafternoon),
Kayte Terry  (Complete Embellishing),
Faith Blakeney (99 Ways book series),
Faythe Levine (Handmade Nation),
Jenny Hart (Sublime Stitching),
Kathy Cano Murillo (Crafty Chica),
Amy Sedaris (I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence),
Martha Stewart, Stencil 1, Jana Kennedy (Knickers and No Fur Coat). Esther K. Smith (How to Make Books),
Heather Ross (Weekend Sewing),
etc…

How can local designers and crafters get involved with Spacecraft Brooklyn?
They can come by and hang out with us anytime during open hours (M-F 10am-6p/Sa-Su 11am-7pm) or come to one of our evening events and craft with us. They can also call us any time at (718) 599-2718 if they would like to set up a meeting regarding a specific topic.

A good way to check out what we have going on is to go to our website www.spacecraftbrooklyn.com and check out the calendar, or sign up for the weekly newsletter at info@spacecraftbrooklyn.com. Below is a link to see a recent newsletter (you can also subscribe through this link).

What’s the most unusual item(s) for sale in your shop?
The paper and journals made from Elephant Poo.  It’s called Poo Poo Paper.  It’s our thing. We love how it looks and it saves trees!  We also have some other great tree-free papers made from coffee, lemon, mango and bananas.  Another weird favorite is the skull and crossbones latchhook kit.  The light up knitting needles are fun too.

Any advice for those interested in opening up their own boutique?
Make sure it’s something that you love because you will be involved with it all of the time…even in your sleep!

Where do you shop, besides Spacecraft Brooklyn, of course.
Now that we are small business owners, we generally shop at and support other small businesses in our community.  We love Sweet William, Shoe Market, KCDC, Greenpoint Toy Center and Flying Squirrel.  We also buy from friends who have tables at local markets and on the street.

Any exciting upcoming events or sales going on at Spacecraft Brooklyn?
We have a super cool week of prison crafts coming up in honor of Martha Stewarts birthday during the week of July 27-August 2.  We will be making such greats as toilet paper dice jewelry, toothbrush shank sculpting tools, instant coffee paintings and applesauce container oil lamps.  We’re also planning a big birthday bash for Martha for the monthly event CRAFT ON DRAUGHT, which will be on August 6th.  We always have a number of new exciting workshops and craft fun that changes weekly, so make sure to check in with us at www.spacecraftbrooklyn.com or sign up to the newsletter at info@spacecraftbrooklyn.com.

Spacecraft is located at 355 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Check out Spacecraft online at spacecraftbrooklyn.com.

If you own a boutique, gallery or other place of business that supports the indie craft community, and want it featured in Talk Shop, email Kimberly at hellocraftinfo@gmail.com, with Talk Shop in the subject line.