Plan Your Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Studio Projects, Open Studio, Guided Workshops, parties and visiting Violet’s Crayon.

Studio Projects

Choose a project, reserve an Open Studio time or stop in and see what inspires you.

Browse Studio Projects

Visiting the Studio

Hours and access vary depending on what is happening in the studio.

What are your studio hours?

Open Studio hours are posted on our Calendar. Scheduled workshops and private events may take place outside those hours. During a Guided Workshop or private event, the studio is reserved for registered guests.

Where are you located, and is parking available?

Violet’s Crayon is at Shoppes at the Farm, 665 US Highway 22, Suite 216, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889. Look for the blue building, #216; our entrance faces the courtyard. Ample free parking is available throughout the shopping center.

Can I visit without a reservation?

Yes. Walk-ins are welcome during posted Open Studio hours when space and project materials are available. Reserving a Studio Project ahead is the best way to secure your preferred time and help us prepare the materials for the project you want.

Can I shop without creating a project?

Yes. You are welcome to browse our creative finds during posted Open Studio hours. The studio is not open for general shopping during Guided Workshops or private events.

Studio Projects & Open Studio

Flexible creative time, with a real project plan and support when you need it.

How does Open Studio work?

Choose from our curated Studio Projects, then create during an available Open Studio time. Each project includes the materials and guidance described in its listing. You can reserve a project in advance or walk in, choose from what is available that day and create at your own pace.

How do I reserve a Studio Project?

Browse the Studio Projects collection, open the project you want, choose an available Open Studio date and time, and complete your purchase. Reserving ahead secures your spot and allows us to have the right materials ready for you.

Is Open Studio self-guided?

Open Studio is flexible, but you are not simply handed supplies and left on your own. We will help you get started and provide the level of guidance appropriate for the project. You will still have room to make your own creative choices and work at your own pace.

Can everyone in my group choose a different project?

Yes. Each participating guest can choose a different Studio Project, subject to age guidance and availability. If several people are coming together, reserving each project ahead is the best way to ensure the materials and seating are ready.

What is included in the price?

The project listing shows the complete price and what is included. Unless noted otherwise, your project materials, use of the studio tools and project guidance are included. We do not add a booking or transaction fee.

Guided Workshops

More structured experiences with dedicated instruction and a scheduled start time.

What is the difference between a Studio Project and a Guided Workshop?

Studio Projects are designed for flexible Open Studio time: choose your project and create at your own pace with guidance available. Guided Workshops are more structured, instructor-led experiences with a scheduled start time, coordinated instruction and often additional steps or specialty techniques.

Do I need to register for a Guided Workshop?

Yes, please reserve in advance. Workshop space is limited, and many experiences require materials to be prepared before guests arrive. Available dates and times appear on the workshop page.

What if the workshop I want has no scheduled date—or the time does not work?

When a workshop offers Request a Time, you may suggest a date and time that works for you. There is no payment required to submit the request, and it does not create a reservation. We will review it and contact you about availability.

Who teaches the workshops?

Unless otherwise noted, experiences are led by Violet’s Crayon founder Lisa Kettell, a mixed-media artist, published author and creative educator with decades of experience. Learn more on our About page.

Ages & Families

What ages do you serve?

Violet’s Crayon offers creative experiences for children, teens and adults. Each Studio Project and Guided Workshop lists its recommended age range so you can choose an experience that is a good fit.

Are adults welcome at Open Studio?

Absolutely. Adults may create on their own, come with friends or make a project alongside a child. Family members do not need to choose the same project.

Do parents or guardians need to stay?

For younger children, a parent or guardian may need to remain in the studio. Any drop-off eligibility or participating-adult requirement will be stated in the individual offering. If you are unsure whether an experience fits your child, please contact us before reserving.

What should we wear?

Creativity can be messy. Please wear clothing that can handle paint, glue, glitter or other art materials. Violet’s Crayon is not responsible for damage to clothing or personal belongings.

Parties & Private Events

What kinds of parties and private events do you host?

We host creative birthday parties, celebrations and private group experiences for children, teens and adults. Each event is planned around the group’s ages, interests and project choice. Visit Parties & Private Events to see the full experience and check your date.

How much does a private party cost?

Private parties are $450 for up to 10 participating makers, with each additional maker at $45. The $450 minimum applies even if fewer than 10 makers attend. A $150 nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve an approved date and time.

There is no added sales tax, service fee or credit-card fee on the party service package. Separately purchased physical items or party-favor upgrades are subject to applicable sales tax. Premium projects, specialty materials and optional extras may have an additional cost; we will explain the price before you select them.

How does birthday party pricing differ from Open Studio pricing?

Our private birthday party package is $450 for two hours and up to 10 makers. Open Studio prices apply to individual visits; birthday parties include exclusive use of the studio, guided project time, and birthday celebration activities. Choosing a lower-priced Open Studio project does not reduce the party package price.

What is included?

Your two-hour event includes private use of the studio, a guided creative project, standard project materials, event hosting, celebration time for host-supplied food and cake, setup and cleanup of the studio activity areas, and a finished creation for each participating maker to take home. Child and teen events also include a guaranteed claw-machine prize for each participating maker. For adult events, the claw machine is optional.

Is the studio private during a party?

Yes. The studio is closed to the public during private parties and events so your group can enjoy the space together.

What should the host bring, and when should food be ready?

The host supplies all food, cake, nonalcoholic drinks, plates, cups, napkins, utensils, candles and serving items. Food should be ready to serve one hour after the scheduled party start time. This protects the first hour for the guided project and helps the celebration stay on schedule. We will confirm arrival, setup and decoration details while planning your event.

How is the two-hour event structured?

To give every group the complete experience, parties follow a planned flow: creative project first, then food, cake and singing, the group finale, and departure. Child and teen events finish with the claw machine; adult groups may choose the claw machine or another planned ending. Activities may shift slightly within the two hours, but the event ends at the scheduled time so we can clean, reset and prepare for what comes next.

What happens if a guest arrives late?

We will make reasonable efforts to help a late guest catch up when the project and timing allow. However, late arrival may mean the guest cannot finish every step of the project, and it does not extend the party’s scheduled end time.

When is our expected maker count due, and how are no-shows handled?

Your best final estimate and event details are due seven days before the party so we can prepare the studio, materials and staffing. The $450 package price applies for up to 10 makers. Additional makers are billed at $45 each according to the number who actually participate. Standard-project no-shows above the package minimum are not charged, but approved personalized items, premium favors and special-order materials are charged according to the quantity ordered.

Can we upgrade the project or claw-machine prizes?

Yes. Some premium projects, specialty materials and optional extras carry an additional charge. Child and teen events may also upgrade the standard claw-machine prize to a premium party favor, such as a small plush or squishy, when available. Upgraded favors are selected for the whole participating group. We will share availability and pricing before you approve an upgrade; your project and extras do not have to be finalized before you reserve the date.

How do I check a date and reserve it?

Complete the inquiry form on our Parties & Private Events page and share your preferred date, estimated maker count, age range and any project or theme ideas. An inquiry begins the conversation but does not hold the date. After we confirm availability, your approved date and time are reserved when we receive the $150 nonrefundable deposit and your acceptance of the party reservation terms. The project and optional upgrades may be finalized afterward.

Policies, Gift Cards & Shopping

What is your cancellation policy for workshops and reserved projects?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time to receive studio credit, valid for 12 months. Cancellations or rescheduling requests made fewer than 24 hours in advance, and no-shows, are not eligible for a refund, rescheduling or studio credit.

Do parties follow the same cancellation rules?

No. Party and private-event deposits are nonrefundable and follow a separate 21-day rescheduling policy. Please read the Refund & Cancellation Policy for the deposit, balance, custom-material and date-transfer terms.

What happens if Violet’s Crayon cancels?

If Violet’s Crayon cancels a workshop, reservation, party or private event—including a closure caused by severe weather, a power outage or another emergency—you may choose a full refund to the original payment method or studio credit for the full amount paid.

Do you sell gift cards?

Yes. Violet’s Crayon gift cards can be purchased online and make a flexible creative gift. Gift cards are nonrefundable and cannot be exchanged for cash except where required by law.

What is your return policy for retail items?

Unused and unopened non-custom retail items may be returned within 14 days with proof of purchase for studio credit. Opened, used, discounted, custom, personalized and special-order items are final sale. See the full policy for details.

What should I know about allergies and photography?

We cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. Please tell us about relevant allergies before your visit. We may occasionally photograph projects or studio activities; if you or your child should not appear in promotional photographs, please let us know in writing.

This FAQ is a quick guide. Our Studio Policies and Refund & Cancellation Policy provide the complete terms. Event-specific information shared during booking also applies.

Still Have a Question?

Email info@violetscrayon.com or call/text (908) 219-9007. We’re happy to help you choose the right experience.

Contact Violet’s Crayon