Buzz

As a mother of toddlers in a city chock full of experiences to be had and places to go, I still find that it really has to be something special to blow me away. Perhaps it’s the New York cynic in me, but I just don’t get that excited any more.

But this attitude changed effectively when I walked into Make Meaning, the city’s new DIY craft emporium that tugs at and inspires every last one of your artistic impulses. As creator and owner Dan Nissanoff aptly puts it, Make Meaning “delivers the ‘wow’ factor.”

Located on the Upper West Side, the vibrant and colorful three-story space is expected to be the first of several in New York City, and there is even a planned national rollout. The store is an endless treasure trove of creative baubles. “This is a candy shop for creativity—Make Meaning comes from the notion of spending meaningful time with family and friends and making meaningful things,” says Nissanoff, an NYC dad of two and self-described “idea guy.”

The main floor, which is dedicated to walk-in “creative experiences” for craft lovers of all ages, houses glass, ceramics, beads, candles, soaps and paper. In addition to being impeccably organized, all materials are high-quality and fashion-forward, and continuously change with the seasons and trends. The lower level, or “Rec Room,” houses community classes (including Mommy & Me, after school, and even a “Make It After Dark” option for adults); the upper level, which overlooks the entire store, serves as a party space.

Adding to the uniqueness of the experience are “ACE’s” (Associate Creativity Enthusiasts), or staff members who go out of their way to assist anyone—young or old, “crafty” or not so much—in creating something truly special. “The way we work is similar to the Apple stores; they have ‘geniuses,’ we have ‘ACE’s,’” Nissanoff says. “Our ACE will show you in two minutes how to create something amazing, without any artistic skill.”

After opening just three months ago, Make Meaning has already amassed over 1200 “members,” whose monthly membership fee gives them special benefits like exemption from sitting fees, free and discounted classes and invitations to members-only events throughout the year. Visitors include both adults and children (and a significant number of adults sans children), and the store has become a popular destination for families looking to create gifts for loved ones, host birthday parties, or occupy cold winter days with kid-pleasing indoor activities. Local schools are starting to get in on the action as well, with some bringing upwards of 75 students for an organized, hands-on, “creative experience.”