The Ann Arbor art scene is alive and well, and now there is a community space to explore that scene. On March 20, Siobhan Lyle opened the doors to Blue House, a handmade studio that sits across Main Street from the Big House.

What exactly is a handmade studio? It’s a gathering space for people to share their works, talents, and passions for making things.

Lyle explains further, “Blue House brings together makers of all genres to create, share and connect in an environment dedicated to handmade. We are all makers in some way and creation is part of our existence. By sharing these creative experiences and talents, we grow stronger together and foster community.”

Getting people to understand what Blue House is all about is a bit of a challenge, she admits. Lyle has been picturing this community space in her mind for a long time and finds the fact to that it is moving from vision to reality rather surreal.

The pieces started falling into place last December when she attended Renegade Handmade Craft Fair in Chicago. She met an artist, Marcy Davy, also from Ann Arbor. “I told her a bit about a studio I was opening with workshops and community focus. Without hesitation she said that she was interested. Since then Marcy has been huge in the Blue House transformation. She is probably my biggest cheerleader next to my husband.”

On March 20 the opening celebration, called Handmade @ Blue House, was jam packed with local inspiration. (Lyle hopes to hold another Handmade event at Art Fair time, which sounds like a much more laid back way to find some artsy Ann Arbor treasures.)

Dozens of makers and crafters had their work on display and available for purchase. Just being there made me wish I knew how to sew or wrap up some of the unfinished projects I have started around my home. The lucky thing is, many of the artists in attendance will also be offering classes at Blue House.

Take The June Bride, for example. Designer Karen Mitzel sells eco-friendly fashion, and had the most adorable and affordable little handmade cashmere baby hats. Perfect for a photo session, and recycled from an old sweater, to boot.

Mitzel will be teaching a 2 hour sewing class for adult beginners on March 31 at Blue House. Other workshops listed on the website deal with jewelry making, printing, photography, the list goes on.

"At the very heart of Blue House are the connections that have and will be made in this little community of makers. Each day we are coming up with one fantastic idea after another, something new and different to offer. The excitement and energy is seriously contagious. Blue House is a warm, welcoming environment. We intentionally structure our workshops so that participants feel as though they are learning a new skill that can be intimidating like how to sew or knit from a friend or just hanging out and improving existing methods with others that love print making or metal work for example. Instructors are everyday people that create amazing goods and love sharing their talents and what motivates them to create with others," according to Lyle.

" according to Lyle

Besides workshops and classes, Blue House has studio space and supplies available for local artisans that have ideas, but no place to execute them. Artists and creative types (or creative wannabes like me) can rent space by the month, day, or even for a quick hour.

Blue House’s consignment retail area is a great spot to find a one of a kind gift by a local artist. Many of the vendors were featured at the opening event. Miss Mossy’s live terrariums are as green as it gets; reused glass containers filled with nature’s finest mosses and pebbles. Elana Levine, of Little Sister Designs, specializes in handmade jewelry and showed me a thing or two about semi-precious stones. These and more designers are featured at Blue House. Be sure to check them out for a little creative inspiration.

Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail and business news in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com.