It’s never too late to get in touch with your inner artist. But once you decide to brave a new hobby, what’s the next step? Where can one find the right paint brushes or needle and thread? What even is a cross stitch? Don’t fear: Aurora is well-stocked with artsy businesses that will happily meet you wherever your skill and craft cabinet supply levels lay. Make your artsy afternoon dreams a reality.
Address: 16981 E. Quincy Ave., Suite D5
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
Contact: 303-872-3123
About: While Facebook has made it easier than ever to collect and organize photos of your loved ones, travels and accomplishments, nothing beats the satisfaction that comes from the cutting, stamping and designing that goes into a handmade scrapbook. Browse the new and pre-owned supplies at this tiny, family-owned store to bring back home, or join a class.
Address: 4042 S. Parker Road
Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday
Contact: 303-730-2777
About: Be warned: you may whittle away your artsy afternoon just browsing the thousands of colorful rolls of fabric at this massive store. Colorado Fabrics’ selection runs the gamut from basic cottons, upholstery for home decor, costume spandex, hiking-friendly soft shells and more. This supply shop is also worth the visit for their on-site sewing machine repair, referrals to professional home decorators and tailoring classes.
Alternative Support Pottery Studio
Address: 231 Airport Blvd., Suite D
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday
Contact: 303-364-9944
About: Want to try your hand at pottery but desire an experience that’s a little more grown-up than Make-a-Wish? Alternative Support Pottery Studio offers small, weekly classes where you can select a pre-made ceramic to decorate before the pros glaze and fire it for you. And this art benefits a good cause. As its name suggests, the studio partners with Alternative Support Inc. to employ and provide job training to adults with disabilities.
The Paint Cellar at Southlands
Address: 24291 E .Orchard Road, Suite A
Hours: Hours vary based on class schedule. Open for classes Wednesday-Sunday; visit website or call for class times
Contact: 303-627-5483
About: Want to try something new for girls night? Follow the trend and make an appointment at the Paint Cellar to create while you partake in the usual brunch or happy hour beverages. This studio offers both guided painting and pick-your-own crafting classes with boozy accompaniment. Have such a good time you want to come back with the little ones? Stop by on Sunday afternoons for family paint parties.