Craftivate

Since 2017, 172 Center St. has been Craftivate’s home 🏡. Today I handed over the 172 keys to a new business 💗 and closed this storefront chapter of Craftivate. It has been bittersweet. Clearing out the studio brought up memories of art created, friendships formed, and community built in that very space. There were laughter and tears, slime and wine, art exhibitions, birthdays celebrated, showers of love and affection, quiet days and days so busy I’d accumulate 10,000 steps in that small studio space alone. From the art classes and parties to the camps and fundraisers, 172 will forever hold a special place in my heart. I have met amazing people along the way and been blessed with the support of family, friends and even kind strangers who happened to find their way through my door. The many opportunities the studio has afforded me have been life-changing and I am so grateful! It is my core belief that everyone is creative and people should be given the opportunity to tap into that creativity. Teaching people to find joy in the act of creating has given me a great sense of fulfillment and purpose. I love teaching and sharing what I know about art, crafts and creativity. Watching people step out of their comfort zone to try something creative has been one of the greatest joys of the past eight years (Est. 2015). It has been my honor to teach and hold space for all ages to express inner truth through artistic means. The studio is also the place where I watched my first two children grow up. The closing of the studio is also the closing of this chapter of their lives. They spent countless hours digging into every drawer and box in the place to make wild creations over the years. They went from being kids under five to big kids who became my greatest helpers. They profoundly miss 172 already and I will miss watching them light up every time they came into the space. So it is with immense gratitude and a bit of sadness that I thank you for your part in helping the Craftivate studio survive for as long as it did. This is not the end for Craftivate, just a new beginning with unfathomable opportunities just around the corner.

The closing flash sales have begun!
Flash Sale until 5:00 today 9/15 at the studio.
Everything must go in the next few weeks including some of the furniture.
I will post photos of many of the items in the comments here throughout the day. But there’s much more at the studio!
Message me with pricing questions.
Cash only
First come first serve
172 Center Street, Wallingford, CT

I painted this bright and colorful mural in the lobby of Rock Hill Elementary School at the end of the school year. It brought me so much joy painting it along with Alyssa from Catalyst Art Studio. The children encouraging us and getting excited about the progress was the best part. More murals to come next year! My kids striking a pose at the end.

These are my babies. When I started Craftivate my daughter had just turned 1 and my son was 3. How time flies and families grow! Now with the pandemic behind us, 2 big kids, one toddler and all of life’s many blessings, I’ve been reassessing everything. Responsibilities change, tasks multiply and the world moves forward. As an artist, teacher & mother, it is now very clear to me that it is time for a new era in my Craftivate journey.

Thank you for supporting Craftivate for 8 fabulous years. The experience has been full and the memories lasting. It has meant everything to me to be able to share my creative vision with you through art experiences, craft instruction, workshops, camps, classes, special events, social media and so much more. I never could have imagined the loyalty, patronage, and support for the studio that has been so generously given throughout the years. Thank you for being a part of my dream come true and giving me the opportunity to share my passion for creativity with you. Thank you for sharing your time and hearts with me.

As much as I love the studio, right now I need to be with my family of 5 before the years flash before my eyes. I will be closing the studio to the public while I focus on taking care of myself and my loved ones as well as some select projects.

Of course I still love teaching and creating. So reach out if you need any help in those areas as I will privately be taking on discretionary work. Please continue to follow here! I’ll be posting updates on projects, the future of Craftivate, my artistic journey, creative ideas for parents, and anything I think you all would enjoy!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This isn’t the end, but the possibilities are endless!

Please reach out to me anytime at [email protected]

Summer Arts & Craft Camp: Around the World Cultural Art is open for registration! So is our Mommy & Me Toddler Art Series! Learn more through the link in our bio and sign up!

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Summer Arts & Crafts Camp is open for registration! We will focus on art from around the world by creating culturally inspired artwork. Campers will learn about famous artists from around the globe and the cultural heritage that inspired their artwork. Projects will include painting, drawing, sculpting, printmaking and more. Learn more and sign up through the link in our bio.
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Apt advice from my my favorite author. 💗

In 2006 a high school English teacher asked students to write a famous author and ask for advice. Kurt Vonnegut was the only one to respond - and his response is magnificent:
“Dear Xavier High School, and Ms. Lockwood, and Messrs Perin, McFeely, Batten, Maurer and Congiusta:
I thank you for your friendly letters. You sure know how to cheer up a really old geezer (84) in his sunset years. I don’t make public appearances any more because I now resemble nothing so much as an iguana.
What I had to say to you, moreover, would not take long, to wit: Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.
Seriously! I mean starting right now, do art and do it for the rest of your lives. Draw a funny or nice picture of Ms. Lockwood, and give it to her. Dance home after school, and sing in the shower and on and on. Make a face in your mashed potatoes. Pretend you’re Count Dracula.
Here’s an assignment for tonight, and I hope Ms. Lockwood will flunk you if you don’t do it: Write a six line poem, about anything, but rhymed. No fair tennis without a net. Make it as good as you possibly can. But don’t tell anybody what you’re doing. Don’t show it or recite it to anybody, not even your girlfriend or parents or whatever, or Ms. Lockwood. OK?
Tear it up into teeny-weeny pieces, and discard them into widely separated trash receptacals. You will find that you have already been gloriously rewarded for your poem. You have experienced becoming, learned a lot more about what’s inside you, and you have made your soul grow.
God bless you all!"
Kurt Vonnegut

Give your toddler a chance to create and get messy at Craftivate’s Toddler Art Series during the first week of June. You and your toddler will experience opportunities to use foundational art materials, such as paint, crayons, markers, clay, and more! Toddlers will learn through the process of experimenting with these materials. With you there to encourage them the experience will be even richer. Sign up today to reserve your spot using the link in our bio.

Attention moms of little ones! The Mommy & Me Toddler Art Series will be held June 12th - 16th. For kids ages 1-4. This series of classes will offer kids a chance to experiment with materials and learn new art skills along side mom, grandma, or whomever their special adult is. Sign up now and get ready to make beautiful art and memories!

https://craftivate.square.site/product/mommy-me-toddler-art-series/253?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=2

Mommy & Me Toddler Art Series | Craftivate Join your toddler in creating art this summer! Play with paint, clay and mixed media for an unforgettable creative experience! Spending this special time with your child will build valuable bonds, provide an opportunity to explore materials, improve fine motor skills and build social skills. You wil...

Paint Lab is this Sunday, April 30th! This is a beginners workshop on painting. So come as you are and wherever you are at with painting. Adults and children can both learn something and practice their skills.

Join us for an all-ages Crafty Mornings: Paint Lab on April 30th to learn the basics of color theory, layering, blending, and experimenting with non-traditional painting tools. You will use your new-found skills to paint on paper, canvas and wood objects of your choice.  Click on the link in the bio to sign up today.
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Join us for an all-ages Crafty Mornings: Paint Lab on April 30th to learn the basics of color theory, layering, blending, and experimenting with non-traditional painting tools. You will use your new-found skills to paint on paper, canvas and wood objects of your choice.  Click on the link in the bio to sign up today.
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Crafty Morning: Paint Lab on April 30th at the Craftivate Studio

Have you always wanted to learn how to create beautiful abstract paintings using acrylics and watercolors? Now is your chance! Paint Lab is a place for all ages to learn basic painting techniques and experiment with materials to create beautiful abstract artworks.

Location: 172 Center Street, Wallingford, CT
Time and Date: April 30, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $40
Audience: All ages, no art experience necessary (children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult)
Instructor: Anna Ramirez (https://www.craftivatect.com/events #/anna-ramirez)

April 30th: Paint Lab – learn the basics of acrylics and watercolors while experimenting with paint and various surfaces.

May 7th: My Person & Me Tea – Enjoy tasting a variety of teas while making beautiful collaged greeting cards together. Perfect for mom & child, couples, besties or whomever makes up your duo!

May 21st: Summer Totes – Stencil and embellish a canvas tote bag that you can totally use all summer long!

At the Craftivate studio we believe that everyone is creative. Join us for a one of our workshops or camps to help find your inner artist!

Crafty Morning: Paint Lab on April 30th @ Craftivate Click here for an update from Craftivate!

Have you always wanted to learn techniques needed to create beautiful paintings using acrylics and watercolors? Join us for an all-ages Crafty Mornings: Paint Lab on April 30th to learn the basics of color theory, layering, blending, and experimenting with non-traditional painting tools. You will use your new-found skills to paint on canvas and wood objects of your choice.  Click on the link in the bio to sign up today.
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We just had to share!

There are still a few spaces available for Spring Break Art Camp this week! You can still register. We have waived all late registration fees, because obviously those are a bummer. So head on over to our online store to choose the days of camp that work for you and sign up!

Note: Today's camp was awesome! Check our social media for more!

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A Quick Update from the Folks at Craftivate Click here for an update from Craftivate!

Spring Break
Scrappy Happy Art Camp

April 10 - 14
9am - 12pm
Before Care 8am - 8:55am
After Care 12:05pm - 1:00pm

Spring Break is less than a week away!

Scrappy Happy Art Camp will be an entire week of art and fun!

Projects will include:
- Dreamcatchers
- Rainsticks
- Weaving
- Stamping
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
& more

Participate the entire week or choose the days that fit your schedule.

Before and after care are available. Add them to your cart at checkout.

Register now to reserve your child's spot!

Prices vary based upon options at checkout.

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See the newest products from Craftivate Click here for an update from Craftivate!

Quick correction... Order by 9:00am today, 3/10/23 and self-pickup in front of the studio between 1:00pm & 9:30pm today 3/10/23. (In my mind I guess it was still October, LOL! Thanks for understanding my crafty friends!)

There's still time! Lucky you!

Order the Lucky Crafts Take Home Kit before 9:00am 3/10/23 and keep your kids busy all weekend long!
This kit is jam packed with festive craft supplies to make multiple projects.

It's a great kit to help the kids build their leprechaun traps so they catch him this year! It's also wonderful for younger kids as an open ended invitation to create and sensory experience. The possibilities are as unlimited as your imagination!

Kit includes:
12" circular wood sign
3 wood horseshoe cutouts
2 wood shamrock cutouts
2 glitter horseshoe die-cuts
9 pipe cleaners
Wired shamrock tinsel
Two lengths of ribbon
Green & yellow foam confetti stickers
Jar of assorted gems
Small Square mirror sheet
Wooden dowel
Two bunches of embellished flowers
Plastic mason jar
Craft sponge brush
5 glitter St. Patrick's Day 3D shapes
1 Glitter holiday pick
Gold shamrock coins

Order by 9:00am tomorrow morning 3/10/2023. Self-pickup will be on 3/10/2023 as well, between 1:00pm and 9:30pm in front of the studio at 172 Center Street, Wallingford, CT.

Correction!!! 3/10/23 Only 2 hours left to order!!! Keep the kids busy this weekend... and catch a Leprechaun!

There's still time! Lucky you!

Order the Lucky Crafts Take Home Kit before 9:00am 10/10/23 and keep your kids busy all weekend long!
This kit is jam packed with festive craft supplies to make multiple projects.

It's a great kit to help the kids build their leprechaun traps so they catch him this year! It's also wonderful for younger kids as an open ended invitation to create and sensory experience. The possibilities are as unlimited as your imagination!

Kit includes:
12" circular wood sign
3 wood horseshoe cutouts
2 wood shamrock cutouts
2 glitter horseshoe die-cuts
9 pipe cleaners
Wired shamrock tinsel
Two lengths of ribbon
Green & yellow foam confetti stickers
Jar of assorted gems
Small Square mirror sheet
Wooden dowel
Two bunches of embellished flowers
Plastic mason jar
Craft sponge brush
5 glitter St. Patrick's Day 3D shapes
1 Glitter holiday pick
Gold shamrock coins

Order by 9:00am tomorrow morning 10/10/2023. Self-pickup will be on 10/10/2023 as well, between 1:00pm and 9:30pm in front of the studio at 172 Center Street, Wallingford, CT.

Only 12 hours left to order!!! Keep the kids busy this weekend... and catch a Leprechaun!

The Lucky Crafts Take Home Kit is full of festive fun and crafty goodness for all ages! Fill this St. Patrick's Day season with creative joy and independent adventure for the whole family! Keep kids busy and creating with this craft kit full of sparkly supplies and sensory experiences. Adults can take it to the next level by making a St. Patrick's Day sign for the home with the 12" wood plaque included in the kit. (All supplies pictured are included in the kit.) Great for kids three through adult! You can make multiple crafts with this kit. The possibilities are endless! Order yours and share what you make with us! We love to see your creativity at work!

Act fast if you'd like to grab one of our Lucky Crafts Take Home Kits. Order now and pickup on Friday between 1:00pm and 9:30pm in front of the studio.

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These kits are selling fast! Only a handful remaining!

The Lucky Crafts Take Home Kit is full of festive fun and crafty goodness for all ages! Fill this St. Patrick's Day season with creative joy and independent adventure for the whole family! Keep kids busy and creating with this craft kit full of sparkly supplies and sensory experiences. Adults can take it to the next level by making a St. Patrick's Day sign for the home with the 12" wood plaque included in the kit. (All supplies pictured are included in the kit.) Great for kids three through adult! You can make multiple crafts with this kit. The possibilities are endless! Order yours and share what you make with us! We love to see your creativity at work!

Act fast if you'd like to grab one of our Lucky Crafts Take Home Kits. Order now and pickup on Friday between 1:00pm and 9:30pm in front of the studio

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Almost gone! St. Patrick's Day Lucky Crafts Take Home Kit Click here for an update from Craftivate!

Thoughts, Prayers & Luck

It is important to us to keep our cherished customers up to date and in the loop. So here we go...

"Life is tough my darling, but so are you." 💪🌟

-Stephanie Bennet Henry

Health Scare: Artist in Residence, Anna Ramirez
We are sad to share that Craftivate's new artist in residence had a heart attack last week. Though it was severe and extremely shocking, we are happy to share that Anna is home and getting better by the minute. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her during this time of healing. Thanking our lucky stars that she is going to be okay.

Status of Workshops & Camps: Reopening & Change
Reopening Craftivate this year has been a joy. Having a plan in place with Anna teaching through the summer is an exciting and welcome development. However, Anna will be taking time off to rest, recover and regain her creative spirit. She is so eager to get better, driven by her desire to continue to share her creativity and knowledge with you in the most fun ways possible. In the meantime, Amy Stamp, Craftivate's founder, will be stepping in to cover for Anna and provide you with artistic opportunities when possible. Here are the details for now...

- March 12th Lucky Crafts: Crafty Morning is CANCELLED. Refunds will be processed over the next 24 hours.

- NOW AVAILABLE: Lucky Crafts Take Home Kit (https://craftivate.square.site/product/lucky-crafts-take-home-kit/251?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=3) - Order by 9:00am this Friday, March 10th. Your kit will be available for self-pickup in front of the studio between the hours of 1:00pm and 9:30pm on Friday March 10th.

-STILL HAPPENING: Spring Break Art Camp: Scrappy Happy Art Camp (https://craftivate.square.site/product/spring-break-art-camp-ct/204?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=2)

- COMING SOON: Summer Arts & Crafts Camp Registration and more!!!

Moving Forward: Gratitude and Fun
Miss Anna, the petite pink haired powerhouse, is gaining her strength back each moment. We are so extremely thankful that she is recovering comfortably and is still part of the Craftivate team! If you would like to send her well wishes, please reach out to her on Instagram at .ramirez (https://www.instagram.com/annat.ramirez/) where you can also keep up with her story. One of her main values is FUN, so lets help her have a little fun until she can be back in the studio again!

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Thoughts, Prayers & Luck: Miss Anna's Heart Click here for an update from Craftivate!

Excited for our next Crafty Morning coming March 12th!
Our last Crafty Morning sold out quickly, so don't miss your chance to register for this fun and creative workshop. Great for kids and adults alike! Simply go to www.craftivatect.com to sign up.

Spring Break is so spectacularly soon! We are preparing for Scrappy Happy Art Camp instructed by artist in residence, .ramirez 🎉 Space is limited, so register your children before it fills up!
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There are only a few spaces left! Now is the time to register your creative kids for Paint Lab before it sells out!

https://craftivate.square.site/product/paint-lab-for-kids/207?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=2

Did you know your kids have a day off from school this Monday? It’s Presidents’ Day and Craftivate will be holding a paint lab for creative kids with artist in residence Anna Ramirez. Kids will learn new painting techniques and complete a wooden craft to take home. It’s a great way to get your kids out of the house and keep them busy when they’re not in school. Space is limited, so register now before it fills up! 🇺🇸

Hearts & Hot Chocolate Crafty Morning was lovely! Anna Ramirez ran a beautiful workshop! Next up, Paint Lab for Creative Kids this coming Monday! Register now!

https://craftivate.square.site/product/paint-lab-for-kids/207?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=2

Let creative time commence! #06492

It's happening!!! We are very excited to announce that Craftivate is back!!! We are now offering in person creative opportunities after a long Covid and baby filled hiatus. With the addition of instructor, Anna Ramirez, new offerings are available as early as February 12th! Just visit our website, www.craftivatect.com and click on Current Offerings to see what is planned so far, including a Spring Break Scrappy Happy Art Camp! Even summer art camp is in the works and will be listed soon. Thanks for sticking with us while the world paused and our family grew. Hope to see you at the studio!🥰

We’re open!!! Come in today and tomorrow to shop our selection of ready-made crafts and DIY kits. Bring your gift cards!

This Friday & Saturday! Don’t miss it!

Don’t miss this holiday shopping at Craftivate! 12/9 & 12/10 in person. Shop at the studio for kits, supplies and finished crafts. Last chance to use your gift cards!