Martha may have survived Cell Block B, but it is Jan Stephenson and Amy Appleyard, the cofounders of the new Spark Craft Studios in Davis Square, who are the latest to cash in on the DIY craft craze.
The pair met in Boston University's MBA program, and the idea for the studio actually began as a project for a social entrepreneurship class in 2004. "We wanted to create an upscale, comfortable and collaborative space where crafts could be made accessible, even to people who may never have thought of themselves as creative" said Stephenson.
While Spark may not have quite the selection offered by Michaels and other big-name craft behemoths, it more than makes up for it in charm. Ivy and strings of lights cling to the windows, and rounded skylights accent the open architecture of the large and loft-like studio. The d?©cor is comfortable yet chic, with plush couches, spacious work tables, and walls painted in soothing shades like watermelon pink and citrine.
All three private classrooms likewise have carefully coordinated color schemes. The lush red room with black and ivory accents was particularly alluring. Surely if Tufts had such stylish classrooms, scholastic achievement would soar - or at least we'd have something stimulating to stare at during those agonizing three-hour lectures.
The entrance of Spark opens on the upper floor, where curious customers first encounter the specialty paper section, accompanied by all sorts of stickers, appliqu?©s, and other embellishments, an ideal selection for scrapbooking and special occasion gifts. Just beyond this area is the brightly lit beading room where a rainbow assortment of beads is elegantly displayed in glass jars and goblets.
And, for those with the most refined of taste, Spark has a surprisingly affordable selection of fresh water pearls, Swarovski crystal pieces, and vintage beads to adorn the elitist of throats and wrists. There are guides posted to teach first-timers basic techniques, as well as how to make everything from delicate ribbon chokers to those nifty illusion necklaces. Jewelry samples by the owners and studio members are also on display for inspiration and purchase.
Towards the back is a larger lounge with stamps galore and assorted equipment for album projects. Downstairs, Spark stocks fibrous supplies for all one's knitting and crocheting needs; whether the project calls for feathery, shimmery, baby fine, or the sturdiest worsted wool, it's all available here in an assortment of rich jewel tones. The lower level also houses another comfy lounge as well as a small kitchen where customers can stash snacks in the fridge and enjoy complimentary tea and hot cocoa.
But Spark is much more than a mere retail establishment; the founders envisioned the studio as a space to foster community and creative growth. The cozy, intimate classrooms can be rented out for private parties, a feature that has proved to be highly popular with the female clientele. Stephenson says she often gets groups of women in for birthday or bachelorette parties or other girls-night-outs, where the friends all make pairs of earrings that they then wear out for a night on the town.
Spark also sponsors a wide array of hands-on classes that provide instruction in needlework, paper crafts, bead jewelry, mosaics and other arts. Classes are small, usually with six to eight attendees, ensuring that everyone gets individual attention from the instructors. Additionally, the studio hosts occasional special events, like May's mother-daughter knitting circle in honor of Mother's Day or the wine tasting and wine glass charm-making night held last week.
Weekly craft clubs also meet here with focuses on scrapbooking, card-making, rubberstamping, knitting and crocheting, and beaded jewelry making. The lounge-like work areas foster conversation and collaboration, encouraging members to share ideas and materials.
If you're still stuck for inspiration, Spark has an extensive resource library of craft books and magazines to help patrons generate ideas, and also provides free Internet access at computer stations on both floors. Members and day guests are encouraged to bring their own materials and use the studio's resources, equipment, and staff expertise to work on their creative projects.
An all-day pass to Spark Craft Studios costs $8, while an annual membership totals $150; three month trial memberships are also available for $50. A studio tour, of course, is free, and the helpful staff
will be more than happy to show you around.
So whether you simply want a new pair of one-of-a-kind earrings or are itching to embark on a slightly more ambitious project (anyone up for knitting a "casual glamour capelet?") head on down to Davis where you'll find a crafty oasis to replenish those creative juices.
