You can have the best supplies, the friendliest staff, and competitive prices — but if people can walk in, buy what they need, and leave without connecting to your craft store, they’ll just as easily shop somewhere else next time.
That’s where craft store events make a difference.
Events turn casual shoppers into regulars.
They give people a reason to choose your store instead of a big-box chain.
And they create those “remember when we made that…” moments that keep customers coming back.
That said, not every event is a hit. Some fill up in hours and have people asking when you’ll do it again. Others feel like pulling teeth just to get a handful of sign-ups.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the events that work well for craft stores — broken down by who they’re for, what to charge, and how to make the most of your sales.
Let’s dive in.
The Challenge: Making Craft Store Events Worth Your Time
A lot of craft store owners jump into events with good intentions but no real plan. That’s when problems start to show up.
Common mistakes include:
- Pricing classes too low and barely covering materials or instructor time
- Choosing projects that are too hard and frustrate customers
- Forgetting to collect customer info for future marketing
- Overlooking safety, especially during kids’ events
But when events are planned the right way, they build community, increase sales, and give people a reason to keep coming back to your store.
Now, let’s get into the best craft store events for kids, adults, and hobbyists.
Best Craft Store Events for Kids
Kids’ events should be easy to follow, safe to run, and designed so every child finishes with something they’re proud to take home. Here are some craft store event ideas for kids.
Seasonal Craft Workshops
Host workshops tied to holidays or seasons. For example, try painted pumpkins in October, holiday ornament decorating in December, tie-dye T-shirts in summer, and Mother’s Day card making in May.
How to price it: Charge $15–$25 per child, depending on your area and what materials cost.
How to run it:
- Keep classes between 60–90 minutes.
- Limit groups to 12–15 kids.
- Get at least two adults to supervise.
- Make sure kids finish their projects before going home.
How to sell more: Set up displays near checkout with supplies to continue the craft at home. If kids just painted wooden signs, show off more wood pieces, paint sets, and brushes. When parents see their child excited, they often buy supplies to keep the fun going.
Related Read: Craft Store Layout: Why Customers Can’t Find What They Need (+ How To Fix It)
Birthday Party Packages
Birthday parties are a big win for parents who want something fun but don’t want the mess at home. You provide the space, materials, and guidance — they get a stress-free celebration.
Popular projects include slime-making, jewelry design, canvas painting, and fairy gardens.
How to price it: Charge $200–$350 for up to 10 kids. Offer add-ons like extra guests ($15–$20 each), upgraded projects, and take-home party favors.
How to sell more: Parents can browse your store while waiting to pick up their kids. Put gift bags, wrapping paper, and similar craft kits near the front for easy impulse buys.
After-School Mini Classes
Weekly after-school classes create routine and build long-term relationships. Rotate simple skills like origami, friendship bracelets, clay charms, and watercolor basics. Run them as four- to six-week sessions instead of drop-ins.
How to price it: Charge $60–$90 per session (about $15–$18 per class). This creates steady income and keeps families coming back.
How to sell more: Offer a small kit or a supply bundle that students can buy for each session, so families have everything they need to continue at home.
Best Craft Store Events for Adults
Adult customers often come to events to unwind, learn something new, and meet others who enjoy the same hobbies — they’re usually willing to pay more for good teaching and a fun atmosphere. Here are some craft store event ideas for adults.
Sip-&-Craft Nights
These evening events combine crafting with a social vibe. Popular projects include macramé, wreaths, resin jewelry, and hand lettering. The experience matters just as much as the project.
How to price it: Charge $35–$55 per person with materials included. You can partner with a local winery or allow BYOB.
How to run it:
- Keep groups to 15–20 people.
- Create a relaxed, social atmosphere.
- Play background music.
- Allow time for chatting, not just crafting.
How to sell more: Put related products near high-traffic areas like the entrance or restroom. When adults feel confident after a class, they may buy supplies right away to keep practicing.
Technique Deep Dives
These classes focus on skills that a lot of crafters find intimidating, like using a Cricut, embroidery stitches, color mixing, or brush lettering — they attract serious learners.
How to price it: Charge $45–$75 for two- to three-hour sessions. Keep classes small so everyone gets hands-on help.
How to sell more: Have all related tools and materials ready to buy. When customers realize they can do it on their own, they’re much more likely to invest in equipment.
Monthly Make-&-Take Events
Make-and-takes are casual, walk-in events where customers create a quick project for one flat price. These classes work well on weekends and don’t require sign-ups.
How to price it: Charge $20–$30 per project. Prepackage materials to keep things moving.
How to sell more: Place event tables near high-margin products. Customers naturally browse nearby while waiting or taking breaks.
Best Craft Store Events for Serious Hobbyists
Dedicated hobbyists want expert instruction, premium materials, and time to connect with others at their skill level. Here are some craft store event ideas for hobbyists.
Master Classes With Guest Instructors
Bring in experts for advanced workshops like quilting, cake decorating, furniture refinishing, or woodworking. These events can draw people from outside your local area.
How to price it: Charge $125–$250 or more, depending on the instructor and materials. At this price, customers expect strong instruction, quality supplies, and take-home resources.
Promote these events six to eight weeks ahead through email, social media, and local craft groups.
How to sell more: Offer exclusive shopping hours with a 10–15% discount. Serious hobbyists love stocking up when expert advice is close by.
Related Read: Planning a Successful Craft Workshop: From Concept to Execution
Open Studio Sessions
Open studio time gives crafters access to space, tools, and equipment they may not own at home, like heat presses or die-cutting machines.
How to price it: Charge $10–$15 per visit, or offer punch cards. This creates steady foot traffic and strong community ties.
How to sell more: Keep retail areas near your studio space well-lit and organized. Crafters working on projects naturally notice products they need or didn’t know existed.
Project Clubs
Ongoing clubs — like knitting circles or scrapbooking groups — keep customers coming back regularly.
How to price it: Keep it free or low-cost ($5–$10). The value comes from repeat visits and consistent purchases.
How to sell more: Feature member projects in store and online, then create discounted supply bundles to make buying easy.
How Rain POS Makes Events for Craft Stores Easier
Great events don’t just happen. They’re planned, promoted, and followed up on — and that’s where Rain POS, the all-in-one point of sale (POS) system made for craft stores, helps.
Here’s how:
- Fill classes faster with built-in email and text marketing.
- Turn attendees into regulars with customer tracking and loyalty rewards.
- Sell supplies during classes and let customers reorder online later.
- Manage registrations, track attendance, and use customer data to plan future classes — all without manual work.
Curious what Rain POS can look like for your craft store? Tell us what you need in a POS system and get a custom quote on our Build and Price page today.
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