Hop Toad Studios- A Creative Center for children, teens & adults in Chester Springs, PA

The super quaint entrance to Hop Toad Studio

This past fall, I learned of the newly opened Hop Toad Studio, located in the Eagle Village Shops in Chester Springs.  Since my oldest daughter is more of an artist than an athlete, I immediately stalked the website looking for more information.  The owner, Anna, is so easy-going and welcoming.  She suggested the local MOMS Club I’m in come in for a fall craft event!  It was a great deal and the children and parents were overwhelmingly impressed.  I then proceeded to talk to her about hosting S’s birthday party at the studio.  About 6 weeks prior to the party, we had a private meeting with Anna to pick out the theme of S’s party.  She chose a fairy theme.  Anna was quick to come up with a solution for the boys attending the party who may not want to make fairy wings and wands- bat wings and wand!  Perfect!

Miss Anna giving the instructions before passing out the wings and paint to the children.

On Saturday, February 2nd, we had S’s two-hour celebration with 15 of her friends.  Some parents stayed, though many left.  Miss Anna and her employee were there to instruct, assist, set up, clean up, and advise us along the way.  The party flowed so perfectly for this 4 year old age group.  An overview of the party- they first came in and colored or played in the “toy nook” until everyone arrived.  Then we draped the children in the provided smocks before they began to paint their wings and then wands.  While the tables were cleared off for lunch, they played with the toys.  There wasn’t one complaint or stray child.  I can’t say enough how well it all FLOWED!  After lunch, the children played a little, then we gathered again to sing and eat cake and then the party was over!  By that time, the wings and wands were basically dry and so the children were able to try them on before taking them home.  Both that day and the next, I received several emails and texts from parents saying how much fun their children had.  So glad to know it wasn’t just my own 4 year old birthday girl and her 2.5 year old sister!

“The Scene!”

Birthday girl intensely painting.

While checking out the website, you can learn more about the birthday parties Hop Toad Studio offers. They are so unique and personal to your little cherub.  It’s what really won me over!  The parties are for ages 3 and up and there are so many themes to pick from, or you can suggest your own!  Best of all, the project that is made is the souvenir for the mini-guests to take home!  All of the space, instruction, and supplies are included.  It’s SUCH a stress-free way to host a kid-party since you don’t have to set-up, plan, or clean-up!  H-E-L-L-O!!!  We ordered pizzas, brought a cake and drinks, and that was it.  Zero hassle.  And these types of parties aren’t exclusive to a birthday celebration, the studio will also host groups such as girl scouts, homeschool groups, wine and canvas events, and mom’s groups!

Playing in the “toy nook” before lunch was ready.

Some of the finished wands!

If you have a child who is looking to get their creative juices flowing, I would highly recommend checking out this sweet little studio.  Their philosophy that art and creativity are fundamental to the development of a well-rounded childhood and are meaningful, valuable forms of self-expression for teens and adults is demonstrated throughout all of their programs. Their art classes instill confidence and harbor growth & development while fostering creative thinking – a necessary practice for personal expression, self-reflection and fun for all ages.  Hop Toad Studio is a place where all artists can come to learn, grow and continue their individual journeys with art teachers who are passionate about teaching real and effective artistic techniques for students of all ages (seriously, as young as 1.5 years old). They offer a great selection of beginner and intermediate art classes for both children, teens and adults. 

Venture to the site (www.HopToadStudio.com) and be sure to sign up for their newsletter and also like their Facebook page to stay in the loop on new class offerings and special events.  It’s how I recently learned of their awesome summer camp they are offering!  Hop Toad Studio is teaming up with Valotta Music Studio to offer a really unique and fun Art & Music Summer Camp with shadow puppetry, music and performance.  This Art & Music Summer Camp for kids ages 4-12 will be from June 10th-Aug 16th. You can find more details on the site.

Beautiful completed fairy and bat wings hang to dry  until the children go home with their artwork