Amy Fleece's aunt Suellen had a basement in St. Louis full of craft supplies, and whenever Amy and her daughter visited, they would head downstairs and make anything they felt like.
"Everything was available," Amy says. "And we thought, wouldn't it be fun to bring something like that to Bradenton, where you can go in and make things, and we have the supplies?" That way, nobody needs a giant craft closet at home for every project that comes along.
So they built one, and named it after her. Suellen's Studio in downtown Bradenton is part craft room, part boutique with a boho feel. You’ll find pieces by local makers, take-home crafts, tons of gift ideas, and shelves of books on things like painting and learning to draw animals. And unlike a regular shop, you can sit down any time and make something yourself.
Shell necklaces, beaded crochet, and 15-minute crafts
Anybody can drop in and start a project, since all the materials are provided and everything is beginner-friendly. Most projects take an hour or two, but if you're short on time, you can ask for a 15-minute craft and leave with something small, like a bag charm. Many of the projects you’ll see on their Facebook and Instagram pages are ready to make any day the studio is open.
Jewelry is a popular option. There are bins of shark's teeth and shells, plus all sorts of gold charms, and you can build your own necklace around whichever piece catches your eye.
If you already know a basic crochet stitch, you can make a beaded necklace like the one on display, worked in a yarn pretty enough to pass for gold. "It's the same stitch over and over," Amy says. “The only new trick is stringing the beads on first and pulling them in after every few stitches.” If you'd like a little help, one of the studio's young staffers has been crocheting since she was 10.
The studio also prints shirts and tote bags. For those looking for a souvenir, there are plenty of designs featuring local city names, like Bradenton, Sarasota, or Palmetto. You can also bring in a photo of your dog or cat, and they’ll help you create a custom tote bag. “It’s a great gift for the person who has everything,” Amy says.
Suellen’s Studio recently added embroidery to their list of services. Now, you can choose from a huge collection of images and initials to create custom towels, shirts, and more. There are lots of holiday designs, and Amy says this is becoming one of their most asked-for items.
Saturday workshops, supplies included
Every Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m., the studio runs a workshop for $25, materials included. The projects rotate with the seasons, like decoupage ghosts in October and different types of ornaments in November and December.
The timing is on purpose. The downtown Saturday market ends at 2, so you can go straight from shopping to a seat at the table. Some projects are easy and kid-friendly, while others might frustrate younger crafters, so ask when you sign up.
Group classes, parties, or a fun day downtown
If there's a craft you want to try that isn't on the calendar, round up three friends and ask about setting up a class for your group of four. The studio is also a great location for birthday and holiday parties. Around eight to 10 people is the sweet spot. And when the weather's nice, the garage door opens, and the party can spill outside.
A visit to Suellen’s Studio is the perfect addition to a relaxing day in downtown Bradenton. "You could shop a couple of stores, eat lunch, get coffee, and then do a craft," Amy says. "So you can make it into a whole afternoon."
What to know before you go
Suellen's Studio is located at 263 12th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205, right below the City Centre Parking Garage. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest updates and learn about upcoming workshops.
Register for Saturday workshops here: https://pinkandnavyboutique.com/collections/suellens-workshops
And when you visit, be sure to tell them you heard about it on Discover Bradenton.
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