The Handwork Studio

Specialties

A kids’ needle arts and fashion studio. Passing down the tradition of teaching kids ages 5 – 16 knitting, crocheting, embroidery, hand– and machine-​sewing, fashion and crafts. Through afterschool classes, workshops, birthday parties and camps, The Handwork Studio works with thousands of kids every year in a fun and relaxed environment.

History

Established in 2002.

The Handwork Studio started at the kitchen table of founder Laura Kelly in 2002. The business moved to Narberth in 2004 and with its talented staff of art educators, The Handwork Studio is in 30 locations in 7 states with its robust camp program. Named one of Philadelphia’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2008, 2009 and 2010 by The Philadelphia Business Journal and the Wharton Small Business Development Center, the studio shows no sign of slowing down!

Meet the Business Owner

Laura K.

Business Owner

I have worked with kids since I was 10 years old, from babysitting, to being an RA in college, to an au pair in Germany, to watching my neighbor’s kids while I took a sabbatical from work. Kids have always been a re-​occurring theme in my life and my love of kids the basis of our philosophy at The Handwork Studio.

I’ve spent the last 12 years developing a curriculum and business around the idea of making handwork, machine sewing and fashion available to kids.

Today we work with independent schools, the Girl Scouts and Art Centers to develop workshops, camp programs and in-​house classes teaching thousands of kids the joys of needle arts.