Crafting: Creative Outlet Studios

In my search for great crafters looking to write for dandelion moms (yes, we are still looking!) I came across this cool studio located here in Orange County, California. Creative Outlet Studios is a creative persons dream come true! The entire shop is dedicated to providing crafters an opportunity to create to their hearts desire. The art of crafting has become more popular the past few years and Pinterest and Esty has helped move this “hobby” for many women into a legitamate and profitable business. I had a chance to speak to Lauren and Susan, a mother-daughter team who created Creative Outlet Studios after being inspired by the show “Project Assessory.”

Tell us why you two decided to start the Creative Outlet Studios?

Susan: The idea for the business came to me while watching “Project Accessory” (a spinoff of Project Runway). Seeing the workroom where the designers had access to all types of equipment spurred the idea of having a place to go where someone could have the same opportunity to create items that might normally have been out of their reach. Many people have to resort to using their dining room tables as their workrooms and have a very limited area to spread out in.

Lauren: Yes! Our whole goal has been to give people access to unique & professional equipment and the space to use it in. The bonus has been the social environment the space has created, since so many people craft at home and share online it’s nice to have a place to share and inspire in person!

Have you both always been interested in creating and sewing?

Lauren: Oh yes! My mom made so many outfits for me as a child, and was always creating décor for our home including reupholstering everything she could! I would love to watch her and she helped me in my endeavors to make Barbie clothes, learn embroidery and more.

Why do you think there has been an increase in crafting and sewing over the past few years?

Susan: People are always looking for a way to express their individuality and crafting & sewing offers an outlet for that. There is joy and mindfulness in making something with your own hands.

Lauren: I think crafting and sewing have always gone in and out of vogue, being branded as fuddy duddy or trendy and modern. I think the DIY approach to small business through sites like Etsy & easy e-commerce accessibility have brought so many great creators & purveyors of craft to the masses.

Any news you want to share with dandelion moms?

You can keep up-to-date with all of our workshops & events through our newsletter on our website, www.creativeoutletstudios.com. But what’s not so well published on our site is that we can often set up a private class for many of our current offerings if you have a group that can’t make it to a currently scheduled class (or just want to enjoy a night with your group of friends)!

Thanks Lauren and Susan for creating this fun studio!

Do you have a favorite piece of clothing or toy you’ve made?

Check out this adorable knitted Ninja our very creative photographer friend, Beatta, (www.Bmbphotographyonline.com) made for my daughter because she loves Ninja’s! Crafting can be modern and fun!