Happy Crafting for All at BADMamaBear

There's a new storefront in downtown Keene, and the inside vibe is all about making art a joyful and relaxing experience for everyone who walks through the door. BADMamaBear opened about two months ago at its new 26 Roxbury St., location after previously occupying a studio inside the Miller Forge building on the same street. Owner Jess Clay said she moved into the space in February, but it took a few months to get it ready for customers. The space includes a retail section in the front with items for purchase like art kits, handcrafted jewelry and accessories, and Douglas Cuddle Toys. In the back is a studio with a large table for holding group classes and drop-in crafting sessions. "I've always wanted a storefront," Clay said of the move. "I want to sell my own goods in the store and other things like the Douglas Cuddle Toys, as well as having a set-up where people can stop in and do crafts fairly inexpensively. Especially for parents with kids, affordability is big on my list because I have four of my own." She also offers structured classes for adults, as well as birthday parties, girls' night parties, private classes, and takes custom orders for things like wedding decor, wooden signs, baby announcements and cake toppers. For her summer walk-in crafting, she plans to feature fun kid-friendly projects like paper mache, paper weaving, and other types of crafts using paper and cardboard. These will be small and quick make-and-takes, she added. "It's about the experience of going somewhere else and having the media available to work with versus being at home," she explained. "And the mess stays here. That's the good part!" A Keene resident, Clay grew up crafting with her grandfather in his woodshop and painting with her grandmother. In high school, she was one of the students who always wanted to be in the art rooms. She wanted to be an art teacher, she said, but her life took a different turn, although crafting continued to be a huge part of her story as she started a family. One that she was able to pursue as a frequent vendor at craft fairs when her kids were young, and some of her first products were handcrafted jewelry. Being self-employed was a motivating factor as well, she added. The letters B-A-D stand for "bound and determined," which describes how strongly she felt the desire to work for herself. "I wrote my business plan before I even knew what the products would be," she laughed. In the new space, she focused on bright colors and wanted to incorporate other decorative aspects and items to purchase that will make the experience memorable, like how she felt as a kid when she visited her favorite stores. For birthday parties, she'll plan a project that matches the child's birthday party theme and can also put together goodie bags with an art or party theme and an activity, depending on the parent's preference. All ages are welcome, she said, with parental support for those under middle-school age. Homeschool groups are also encouraged to schedule time. BADMamaBear is open Wednesday to Saturday in June and July, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Sunday for drop-in hours. Hours are subject to change, as Clay determines an appropriate schedule, but if the sign is out, then visitors are welcome. "It's constantly evolving," she said. "It's a new location and I'm still trying to get the feel for how everything will work but I'm hoping for a lot of foot traffic this summer. I love downtown and the whole atmosphere." The project table will be set up daily once school is out for the summer, she added. She plans for drop-in crafting activities to range in price from $5-$12. Plus, she sells crafting kits in the store for $8-$9 that can be purchased and made either at home or in the studio. She will be open during Keene's annual festivals with themed projects and hopes to have sidewalk crafting tables available in the future. Clay has ideas aplenty and the resources to match that she would love to share with the community, including a laser cutter, a sublimation machine for transfers, and lots of other supplies and equipment to make things like shrinky dinks and cards. Other possible craft opportunities on her list are yarn weaving on tree branches, beaded suncatchers, and ornaments, which are one of her favorites. Creating bonding experiences that won't break the bank is her end goal and to inspire a love for art and crafting. "I want people to come in and relax and have a non-stressful time together," she said. "I want them to know that you can't mess up. I've never seen things come out terrible. That's art. It's supposed to make you happy." For more information, products, and class schedules, visit badmamabear.com or follow on Facebook @badmamabear or Instagram @badmamabear81499 for updates.