Convene with the muses and your friends while visiting these local creative shops! Whether purchasing art supplies, or attending an art class on Zoom to unleash your inner artist at home, or scheduling your next outing or event at beading, painting, or pottery studio, these local gems are sure to lead to self-expression, creativity, and handmade items to share with loved ones or revel in yourself! Read on to plan your next outing to stock up on creative supplies in Essex County.
A Paper Hat | 94 Baker Street, Maplewood
A Paper Hat is a vibrant art and design supply shop located in the heart of Maplewood Village. With an inspiring, creative, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to spend an hour trying out the many beautiful pens, exploring the extensive collection of art supplies, and simply imagining what’s possible to create.
According to A Paper Hat’s website, “We carefully select well-made, well-designed art supplies, stationery, and gifts for all ages and abilities. Come create, work, or play with us!” Imagination is unlimited at this shop!
Charmed Beading Studio | 41 Church Street, Montclair
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Charmed Beading Studio in Montclair Center is “an open bead shop that aspires to equip our valued customers with finely hand-crafted jewelry for any occasion. Our vast inventory allows us to repair almost any keepsake. We offer the highest quality jewelry for any budget. Our space is perfect for birthday parties, ladies’ nights, and all other special gatherings.”
Birthday Beading Bashes are a wonderful way for guests to go home with their own jewelry creation and memories of a creative experience. The online shop includes stunning necklaces and earrings made from materials ranging from amethyst to jade.
Read More: Essex County Businesses That Sell Online Gift Cards
Doin’ Dishes | 50 Church Street, Montclair
Doin’ Dishes provides a welcoming, open environment to paint your own pottery. The team takes care of firing up your pieces. Then, you have a wonderful keepsake to share as a gift or enjoy yourself. Reservations by phone are recommended.
The studio specializes in birthday parties, bridal and baby showers making it the place to schedule your next group outing and get in touch with your artistic side. Doin’ Dishes Summer Camp for ages eight and up offers an opportunity for kids to get off Zoom and into the studio. Paint at home paints, kits, and projects are also available!
Eclectic Chic Boutique | 547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
The Eclectic Chic Boutique evolved from a mobile consignment boutique to its permanent home in Montclair with a global reach through the online shop and offerings. The boutique offers DIY Kits that have been created by local artists and makers including jewelry making, soap making, candle making, bath bomb making, beer mug painting, and more.
It also offers a wide variety of classes which typically last 1-1.5 hours. Those who attend in person are taught in the shop’s classroom. Virtual workshops are taught over Zoom and participants receive the materials by mail. Students tune in from all over the world!
Jerry’s Artist Outlet | 495 Prospect Ave, West Orange
Featuring 60,000+ items, Jerry’s Artist Outlet has everything to help achieve artistic visions. The online shop features everything from paint and brushes to printmaking and framing tools. The Instagram account highlights staff members, art, and sales!
Just Kidding Around | 507 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Just Kidding Around carries a variety of art supplies for all ages. Long-time employees Chelsea and Nissa took the business over in 2018 and consider it “the best decision we could have made.” Arts and crafts are always a best seller along with Pop-its and fidget toys. Tie-dye and clay kits are particularly popular. It has a great mixture of more traditional Faber-Castell supplies and unique supplies by Ooly.
Chelsea shares, “My favorite thing about running JKA is giving kids an opportunity to discover something new about themselves through play. It’s truly wonderful to help a customer pick out a gift that might spark a brand-new interest in a child.”
Maplewood Hobby | 1970 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood
Maplewood Hobby features hobby and school project supplies including hundreds of hobby paints. The store’s Facebook page offers an online community for those passionate about a range of hobbies and photographs of completed paint projects. The team hopes to reintroduce painting classes soon.
Montclair Art Museum | 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair
While the Montclair Art Museum’s galleries are closed until September, MAM’s online shop features beautiful and usable works of art and Picassimo Game, an interactive drawing game for the whole family.
See More: Museums in Essex County for a Fun Day of Learning
Mud Clay Studio | 370 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair
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Adults and children are welcome to unleash their creativity at Mud Clay Studio. From clay hand building to pottery wheel classes, you will be instructed on how to create your very own creation. If you are looking to have a night with your friends, Claydates is an option at Mud Clay Studio to have a fun private art session.
The Newark Museum of Art | 49 Washington Street, Newark
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The Newark Museum of Art Shop sells creative products online ranging from apparel to play items, to engaging publications and Bisa Butler artwork. “Every purchase directly supports the collections and exhibitions of the museum.” The Newark Museum of Art is currently open so schedule your visit today! Check out Instagram for featured artwork.
Pinot’s Palette | 351 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Pinot’s Palette has in-studio painting classes and parties. Check the event calendar to decide which beautiful scene you’d like to paint or schedule a private event. The online shop offers art supplies plus step-by-step video guides to recreate painting fun at home!
