Crafty Kids
To quote Dr. Seuss, Vancouver’s oft-rainy springs can mean it’s “too wet to go out, too cold to play ball, so we sat in the house and did nothing at all”.
Failing an eventful visit from the Cat in the Hat, it’s easy to run out of wet-weather game plans especially when it’s Spring Break time. But here’s one shopping experience that won’t have the kids going buggy in the buggy: a trip to Urban Source, Vancouver’s shop for new and reclaimed craft supplies.
Located on Main Street—a funky destination neighbourhood with lots to check out—Urban Source welcomes children with open arms. Open-ended barrels, set up at a child-friendly height, contain an ever-changing variety of reclaimed materials that can be used for any number of crafts. Shoppers choose a small ($5.95), medium or large paper bag ($17.95), and fill it with whatever bulk supplies catch their fancy. You’ll also find a range of paper stocks and colours, all inexpensive printers’ offcuts, along with new, individually priced supplies to round off whatever art project you’ve dreamed up.
Artistic creations using the found materials adorn the walls, and for some hands-on inspiration, you can meet up with the Urban Source staff at Granville Island’s Kids Only Market. From 11 am to 3 pm, March 15–23, they will be hosting a free drop-in booth where kids of all ages can make crafts galore.
