A new place to get crafty on the North Fork
There’s a new kid on the block…one that’s sure to become your and your kids’ favorite new favorite spot to let the creativity flow on the North Fork. Meet Crafts on the Move — the brainchild of passionate crafter and creator for over 24 years, Andrea Bisignani.
Andrea, who resides in Riverhead, opened Crafts on the Move during the fall of 2023 and has been hosting public and private workshops, classes, and lessons for adults and children (ages 6+) at her storefront that sits at the corner of Main Road and Linda Avenue in Aquebogue.
Curious about the pop-of-pink sign out front, we recently met Andrea and explored her new crafting studio and we’re over-the-top impressed and eager to sign up for an upcoming kids’ session.
“I love finding new ways to manipulate and mix paper, tools, and media to complete something that brings heartwarming smiles to others,” Andrea shared. “It is also exhilarating to see how others can alter and create their own projects based on my samples.”
Andrea has big things planned for this small, sweet studio with a lineup of upcoming workshops for adults and children alike.
“Classes range seasonally, but we also offer workshops that highlight everyday life,” Andrea told us of her upcoming youth sessions. “One workshop on the calendar includes wall decor creation for Mother's Day. We also have a flip photo album class, perfect for sharing photos. We currently offer youth classes once or twice a month on Saturday mornings and will offer more classes as demand increases.”
All youth classes are best suited for children ages 6 and up and include pre-cut papers, adhesives, and all other materials necessary to complete the craft. Youth classes range from $10.00 to $30.00 per child, and although the class length depends on the time it takes each child to complete the craft, participants are welcome to enjoy the crafting space for as long as two to three hours.
“I want children to create a project (keepsake) that lasts for years and tells a small story about their childhood, but I also want the creation of the keepsake to be associated with fond memories. It is imperative to create positive experiences for everyone, and completing a craft that one is proud of is fulfilling and memorable,” Andrea told us.
While two to three hours at a crafting studio may sound like a long time commitment, we can nearly guarantee that you, nor your child, will want to leave the space Andrea’s created. The studio’s environment is warm and welcoming with an oversized table at the center where participants are welcome to spread out and create to their heart’s desire, multiple creating stations, and a retail room where patrons are welcome to purchase crafting items that can be used on-site or taken home such as card stock, die cuts, stamps, stencils, tools, organizational and foiling supplies, ink pads, glitter, and more.
While Andrea instructs and leads most of the crafting sessions, she encourages participants to explore their own creativity and interpret the craft as they please.
“I want people to feel calm with a dose of creative energy,” Andrea shared. “It is important to me the crafters can alter their projects as they desire, and there are no expectations that he/she has to leave the workshop with a replica of the sample. It is paramount that people make their artwork to their liking, and I don't want people to feel stressed.”
Currently, Crafts on the Move offers classes in card making, mini albums, scrapbooking, and more for ages 6+ and all levels of experience. They also offer a Creation Station, an ideal way to learn how to use the machines and equipment without purchasing one for your home.
“The Creation Station is a designated area where people can utilize a Cricut cutting machine, heat press, and mug press to customize their own shirts, mugs, coasters, keychains, etc. without the cost of purchasing all of the equipment,” said Andrea. The first rental session includes a 30-minute tutorial on the equipment. We also offer private sessions on how to use the Cricut Design Space.”
Crafts on the Move also offers birthday parties for up to eight children. Crafts are customized for the birthday child's interests and age group. Families are welcome to supply their own food and can decorate the workshop if they’d like.
Find Crafts on the Move at 212 Linda Avenue, Suite 2 in Aquebogue. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram and watch Petite’s event calendar for their upcoming children’s classes.