Auli's Studio is truly a special space. Both myself and my child have done workshops/classes with…read moreAuli. She is an incredibly talented and creative artist, and a warm, patient and engaging woman. The setting of her studio is very unique as well, being so close to SF but tucked away in the forest. Each session, the children create amazing work, and the pieces they come home with are incredibly unique. She has definitely instilled a love of art within my child. I also did a scarf dying workshop with my husband and parents. It was unlike anything any of us had ever done. We learned so much about the area around us through the local dyes. The process was made to be engaging, hands on, and so fun. Auli can definitely bring out the artist in anyone! I cannot recommend any of her sessions enough.

Yesterday the dental practice I work in attended a scarf dyeing workshop for a team building event…read morewith Auli. Her studio is up on a hill in a peaceful, beautifully wooded area which borders the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. After educating us about the types of natural dyes available (red onion skins, acorns, berries, dried insects, avocado skins & pits, goldenrod flowers, among many other items), the elements that could be added to change or enhance the colors or create a design (alum, iron and others) and the fabrics available (wool or wool/silk blend) we got started creating our individual scarves. Auli had outdoor work stations set up to comply with social distancing and sanitation supplies (wipes & hand sanitizer) readily available. She worked with us to add features such as one teammate who wanted an ombré effect at one end of her scarf and another who wanted a tie-dyed effect on the ends of hers. Every one of our scarves turned out beautiful. If you're looking for a fun activity for a small group, I highly recommend contacting Auli. She has other workshops available including weaving, beeswax cloth making and upcycling plastic. You won't be disappointed! www.aulistudio.com

Kids birthdays in November are tricky to plan for. The weather could be spectacular outside, or it…read morecould end up being grey, cold, foggy, or worse, rainy and wet. My beloved firstborn likes to paint, color, draw, do something creative. So I thought, why not have a party where they create something fun indoors? I searched online for art and kids party, and found the Art Maker Studio in San Rafael. And am I glad that I did! There's good info on Yelp and on their website, but what sold me is how responsive Renee was with my millions of questions via email. She answered quickly and was very organized about everything! There were different options for the kids art project for a party, and my daughter decisively opted for the jellybean mosaic art project. I tried to persuade her to choose the ceramic art or painting, but the idea of jelly bean mosaic captured her imagination and she was excited! There were 16 kids between the ages of 3-6 that took part in the art project, a few younger siblings hanging around, parents helping out with the party and art project, and the kids had such a blast! We brought our cake and snacks, some decorations, but Renee was ready with the tables, chairs, music selection, and lots of jelly beans We did the cake first since we brought ice cream cake, snacks, then the gallery and studio tours were fantastic! The older kids could totally envision being artists and putting their art up. It was fascinating and inspiring The art project itself was a lot of fun. A few kids even wanted to complete multiple jelly bean mosaic pieces, and what was so great is that they got to take their masterpieces home So if you're looking for something unique and creative for your kids and their friends to do during a birthday party, I can't recommend this place enough! I might even have my own birthday party for adults here one day.

My kids, ages 12, 9, and 6 all love their classes at Art Monsters. The studio is in an art gallery…read morecentrally located in downtown San Rafael. The kids get to tour the gallery and draw inspiration from local artist. The class were so fun! Lots of different mediums and techniques are used to create everything from puzzles to pots. The instructor, Renee, is an artist and a mother. She is engaging and encouraging and made each class interesting!

I took Lara's resin charm class on Sunday, July 29th at Book Passage Corte Madera and I LOVED it!…read moreShe is super nice, explains very well and shows you step by step examples. It is easy and fun! I will definitely take more classes with her! I highly recommend her!

I LOVE Charm School with Lara Starr! It's a great way to unleash your creativity and sense of…read morestyle, as you produce personalized, one-of-a-kind, keepsake pendants. Lara's warm personality and quick wit will make anyone feel comfortable very quickly. This is a perfect activity to do as a private party with friends or make new friends attending her open classes. I've done it twice and plan to do it many more times.

Poekie Nook is the most magical place that our daughter has ever found. It's her retreat and…read moresanctuary; there is no place else she would rather be! My daughter, now nearly 8, found Poekie Nook 2 years ago and since then she has sewn about 40 poekies, made 4 houses, and a couple different habitats. She has gone to summer camps, holiday camps, after school hours, spent most Saturdays, and had her birthday party at her beloved Poekie Nook. It's a place where she can go, be herself, and visit with kind friends and teachers while keeping her imagination and hands busy sewing the softest, cutest animals ever. Sophia, Christine, Jay, Abby, and all the amazing teachers that work with the kids each provide guidance and allow for independence and imagination to flourish. The other children there range in ages so the younger ones get to listen in on conversations about middle and high school life, while they all develop skills of conversation and socialization, as well as dexterity and the craft of sewing. Honestly, it's the best thing that could have happened early in her life to have found such a wholesome place and be a part of such a lovely community. I can't say enough good things about Poekie Nook and the people who work there!

Such a sweet charming vibe where my kids love to unwind and get their calm & creative side nurtured…read moreby sewing Poekies! Sophia is so sweet and considerate and it's sometimes a lot of kids in there yet the vibe is always chill and relaxed. It's one of those Gem places someone thoughtfully created. I believe she moves on May 1st, 2015 to the new spot behind Tamalpie Pizza. Get your kid a gift certificate here for 10 hours at least-they will LOVE it!

Elizabeth Flanagan's classes are fun, exciting and chill all at the same time! If you are a…read morebeginner or already know a few things or want to learn more or are already well upon the artists path, Elizabeth classes are for you! Everyone in these classes are welcoming, generous, fun loving people / artists Elizabeth provides an easy-going manner as she teaches she also provides tea for everyone and plays a wide range of fabulous music during class. It's fun! It's chill! Elizabeth and still is a sense of community while we paint and there can be quiet time or conversation, always laughter, learning and a sense of safety and well-being permeates this environment. I am so glad I took the leap and begin classes with Elizabeth. FYI The fall classes begin the week of September 17

Joined Elizabeth's watercolor classes a year ago as a beginner and have been hooked since. Not…read moreonly does she engage the novice student with the basics, but she keeps it interesting for more experienced painters with study of practices from contemporary artists around the world. She makes her classroom environment very comfortable with fun conversation, good music, and good exchange of thoughts about each other's current artwork.

Highly rated for a great bonding event. Tia, our family had…read moresuch a memorable time at your recent paint party! With all levels of artistry talent - totally green to experienced, young and old - each of us gained some good tips and came out feeling accomplished. I could have sat for a few more hours, because it was relaxing to be in a creative space with good friends discovering what talent hides inside each of us. Your detailed instruction and teaching experience kept the brushes moving which helped us finish our masterpieces. Now they hang in my room as an art wall which I smile at whenever I pass it. Something different to do with friends, or a place to make new friends. I highly rate your classes and events, Tia! Hope to join you again soon.

Tia is an incredibly gifted artist and teacher. Her classes are frequently full and many of her…read morestudents have come back repeatedly in order to continue to learn and refine their painting skills. She nurtures and encourages participants to freely explore and express their individuality, while providing concrete lessons in painting technique and a variety of projects.

Leonie was a joy to have at our daughter's birthday party! She is so talented, kind and warm. The…read morekids and adults loved her designs and creativity. She was communicative, prepared and professional. I highly recommend working with her.

Leonie was amazing! All our guests were beyond impressed with her skills. And she was so very sweet…read morewith the kids. Highly recommend!

One of the best things we did for my daughter when she was a year old, was to sign up for music…read moretogether. Our daughter's language ability dramatically increased once she started the classes and she was singing along with her favorite songs in no time. A year later, we are still enjoying weekly classes, now held online due to the shelter in place. The online sessions have been amazing. My daughter loves seeing the teachers and follows the dance movements, singing along with the songs and "playing her instruments". I admit I'm not a fan of most children's songs, but the music together collections sound great and are really fun to listen to (they provide a new collection every couple of months). Overall, I can't recommend this program enough, it's very affordable and worth every penny.

This place is the best! Both our son and daughter enjoyed Music Together every week for years, it…read morewas their favorite activity of the week. Highly recommend. Thanks Teacher Elina!