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Little Shop of Crafts, a DIY arts store on the Upper West Side, has gradually grown into a huge community business. And it continues to grow.

 

It's location, at 711 Amsterdam, draws in crowds both young and old, including newbies and veterans, said manager Joy Burgos.

 

The point of LSOC is this. Customers come in to choose and buy a craft; sit down with it, and create a masterpiece for as long as it takes them..They can even come in more than once to complete their creation, according to Burgos.

 

Crafts include mosaics, pottery, soap-making, and ceramics. Also, included is creating a cute and cuddly stuffed animal for kids or the young at heart.

 

"Once they purchase the product, we give them all the materials they need to complete it," she said. This includes paints, tiles, glitters and molds.

 

If someone wants to work on a craft at home, the store has kits ready and waiting for them.

 

Prices for the kits range from the $20s-50s, and are visible from showcases around the shop.

 

Tables with plastic separations line the rooms, and surrounding windows let in the sunlight  or darkness of the day.

 

Burgos said that art is "therapeutic" and a great way to get over the Covid blues.

 

Kids, corporations, parents (yes, that's you too, Dad!) and even residences are getting in on the fun of this creativity boosting business.

 

"We had 50 people come in from Tiffany's recently," Burgos said.

 

She also took a pottery class to Lantern Residences, a place for adults with mental health challenges.

 

This is also good for kids with autism, who don't need a lot of stress in their lives, Burgos added.

 

When asked what age kids should start doing arts and crafts, Burgos stated, "early on."

 

"As long as they can hold a brush, and don't eat the paint!"( they're ready!)