Some of the crafting supplies available at North Loop’s Crafts & Drafts
Wine and paint parties took us by storm a few years ago. The simple premise has turned out to be incredibly entertaining and successful. But we aren’t all painters! I know I’m definitely lacking in the fine arts department…
Ananda Neureither, who found herself on the way to yet another wine and paint party, wondered about variations on the theme. Her crafting and DIY prowess soon manifested as Crafts & Drafts, a local workroom where you can take classes or host your own event.
Thanks to Crafts & Drafts for hosting me. All opinions are my own.
From Pop-up Shop to Opening Shop
Refreshments area at Crafts & Drafts
Neureither started Crafts & Drafts as a pop-up last year. She offered crafting stations at Austin breweries, restaurants, and bars. These events were successful at popular Austin hot spots like Hops & Grain, Gourdough’s, Lazarus Brewing Co., and elsewhere. A short while later, she rented a space in North Loop as a haven for DIY craft lovers.
Opening shop wasn’t easy. Neureither found herself navigating a new city and a small business, all at the same time. “You put so much of yourself into something like this, you make the product, you’re writing every event description, taking every picture, making every social media post…When it goes well you’re soaring on top of the world, but when you flop—like when you don’t know no one’s in town for SXSW and no one’s buying tickets—you fall hard,” she explained.
Make Something You Love at Crafts & Drafts
Crafters Nim Weli and Meicei, putting together an industrial pipe lamp
After working out the kinks, Neureither opened a workroom with enough DIY options to keep guests coming back a handful of times. Claiming the title of “Chief Craftaholic,” Neureither spends a lot of time coming up with unique crafts for people of any skill level to enjoy. She finds inspiration from different sources and adds her own twist.
At Crafts & Drafts, anyone who takes a class leaves with something they love. Neureither has amassed a large collection of paints, stencils, and other supplies to make sure of this. She has truly opened up the possibility of customizing your crafts as much as you’d want.
I had a chance to visit Crafts & Drafts for an industrial pipe lamp building class. Neureither’s instructions were simple and clear, and she went around helping a large class with ease. The class was full of chatter, cookies, and beer. Whenever we got serious, Neureither would raise her glass, deliver a funny quip, and then remind us to take a sip and enjoy ourselves!
Strong Beginnings and a Bright Future
Chief Craftaholic Ananda Neureither reminding us to stay hydrated and happy
For being only a couple of months old, Crafts & Drafts does a lot of things well. Really well. The space is homier and more colorful than a lot of other white-walled craft rooms in Austin. Most importantly, a true craftaholic instructor keeps you engaged and grows your love for the DIY world.
My visit to Crafts & Drafts was on a Friday after a long, grueling work week. Making my pipe lamp, and listening to Neureither and my fellow crafters talk, quickly washed away my fatigue. The complimentary cookies and drinks definitely helped, too.
Staining the wood base for the industrial pipe lamp
Crafts & Drafts has over 20 classes to try. DIY projects range from wood burning workshops, to string art, to succulent centerpieces. Crafts & Drafts has open crafting days where you can treat the workroom like the craft room you wish you had, and enjoy creating whatever you imagine.
Though the classes have a mostly adult crowd, kids 13 and over are welcome to attend with their parents. And remember, though you’ll find beer when you arrive, Crafts & Drafts is also BYOB!
5555 N. Lamar Blvd., St C115 – Website
➡️ Keep reading: The 7 Best Places for Hands-on Crafting in Austin
@theAustinot wants to know:
Are you a DIY crafter? What’s your favorite craft?
