Walk into The Craft Place in Old Town Lafayette, and you won’t find an instructor telling everyone to paint the same picture or finish their projects at the same time. Instead, you’ll find tables filled with people working on their own creations, trying something new, and maybe rediscovering a hobby they haven’t touched since childhood.
That’s exactly what owner Samantha had in mind when she opened The Craft Place: a welcoming space where adults and families can put down their phones, pick up a paintbrush, and remember how much fun it is to make something just for the sake of making it.

Finding a Home in Old Town Lafayette

The Craft Place’s story begins with an unexpected discovery. Samantha was pregnant, working as a freelancer, and thinking about her next chapter when she stopped into The Read Queen in Old Town Lafayette to buy a journal. While she was there, she noticed a nearby space available for lease.

Having already enjoyed other arts and crafts experiences in the area, Samantha knew Lafayette had the kind of welcoming atmosphere she wanted for her own creative space.

“Everything kind of chose us, honestly,” she says. “We just always loved the feel. It feels very homey here. And so we just thought it would be a perfect spot to continue bringing art to Lafayette.”

Together with Ben, Samantha opened The Craft Place to give adults and families a place to reconnect with their creativity, no experience required.

A Craft Menu With Something for Everyone

The Craft Place operates a little differently from a traditional art studio. Think of it like a restaurant, except instead of ordering dinner, you order a craft.

Guests choose from a menu of more than 15 creative projects, and the team brings the supplies and materials directly to their table. Whether you’re visiting with friends,

planning a date night, or spending an afternoon with family, everyone can choose something different. You can even enjoy a beer or glass of wine while you work.

For Samantha, the freedom to create at your own pace is what makes the experience special.

“The reason that we do a menu style is so that not

 everyone has to do the same craft and so you also don’t have to do it the same way,” she explains. “You don’t have to finish at the same time. You don’t have to have an instructor that’s there telling you exactly how to do it.”

It’s an invitation to experiment, make a mess, and enjoy the process without worrying about whether your finished project looks like anyone else’s.

Giving Adults Permission to Be Kids Again

One of Samantha’s favorite things about running The Craft Place is watching adults rediscover just how much they enjoy crafting.

She’s seen parents bring their kids into the studio, planning to sit back and watch while their children work on a project. But when Samantha brings over a craft for the parents to try, something changes. Before long, they’re just as absorbed in their projects as their kids.

It’s a reminder of why she opened The Craft Place in the first place.

“I feel like there’s not a ton of places nowadays for adults to get back into their inner child and create again,” Samantha says.

Her hope is that every visitor leaves feeling a little more relaxed and a little less connected to the demands of everyday life.

“I really want people to just be able to let go for a few minutes, not look at their phone and just 

enjoy creating something with their hands.”

Whether you’re an experienced artist or haven’t picked up a paintbrush in years, The Craft Place offers an opportunity to try something new without the pressure of getting it perfect.

Creative Neighbors, Creative Community

For Samantha, being part of Old Town Lafayette is about more than finding the right storefront. It’s also about the neighboring businesses and the community that have welcomed The Craft Place.

When asked to name another Old Town business she loves, Samantha doesn’t hesitate to mention The Read Queen, the very place where The Craft Place’s story began.

“Barb and Deirdre have been so sweet the entire time that we’ve moved in,” she says. “Always looking to partner, always looking to create something together so we really appreciate having them as our neighbors.”

It’s the kind of connection that makes Old Town Lafayette feel like home, with local businesses supporting one another and finding new ways to bring people together.

Your Next Creative Afternoon Starts Here

You don’t need to be an artist, bring your own supplies, or even know what you want to make before walking through the door. At The Craft Place, all you need is a little curiosity and a willingness to have fun.

Bring a friend, plan a creative date night, or spend an afternoon making something with your family. Pick a project, grab a drink, and see where your imagination takes you.

And if you’re a parent planning to sit back and watch your kids craft, don’t be surprised if you end up making something yourself.

Plan Your Visit

Address: 123 N Harrison Ave, Lafayette, CO – The Lumberyards

Hours:
Thursday 3-8 PM
Friday 4-8:30 PM
Saturday Noon-8:30 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM

Phone: 720-340-8025

Website: https://thecraftplaceco.com/

Instagram: @thecraftplaceco