Published: June 25, 2008 08:16 pm      

Ahoy matey! Studio dives into child's play

EDMOND — Parents can now spark their children's creativity at Unpluggits Play Studio, 575 Enterprise Drive, a walk-in craft studio and indoor playground.

Katrina Uhls, owner, said children can come in and paint all the pictures they want, create different crafts and play on the indoor playground, which includes a piece that resemble a pirate's ship. Uhls said one future addition to the ship will be a mechanical cannon from which children can shoot foam balls.

Uhls said she often wanted to take her children to a local craft studio but there wasn't one.

"I wanted it to be a little less structured where you can come in any time and be with your children,"� she said. "It gives the kids a chance to have unstructured play in a safe place.

Recent studies show that unstructured play is important for child development, Uhls said.

The craft studio originally was created for children 5- to 12-years-old. However, Uhls said a large portion of their customers are toddlers, which is why she added a sand table and other activities for that age group.

Amanda Oakes drove to Edmond from her hometown of Norman so her children, Damaris, 5, and Stella, 2, could enjoy the play Unpluggits offers.

"It gives you a good opportunity for interaction and I don't have to clean up,"� Oakes said.

Damaris said she most enjoyed painting and the glitter.

"We have something for everybody,"� Uhls said. "Sometimes adults will come in and do their own crafts while the kids play."�

Crafts, including wooden snakes and picture frames, are sold separately as craft kits. Children and parents can decorate their craft with paint or jewels at the "bling table."� Uhls said they even have a kiln for ceramics.

The indoor playground environment is more relaxing for moms because children can't run off, Uhls said. Parents also can relax in a lounge area with comfortable sofas and a television while their children play. The snack bar offers organic foods and baked goods made fresh daily by a local bakery.

Unpluggits even offers programs to teens. Teenage girls can enjoy a Pizza Pillow Party on the third Friday of each month. The girls can paint their nails and faces and enjoy the crafts. Uhls said six girls showed up for the first party but they hope to eventually have 20.

Different workshops are offered each month. The Shady Nights workshop will be from 6-8 p.m. July 8 for ages 10 to adult. The workshop allows participants to customize their own night light, lamp shade or lamp base.

Uhls said they have regular customers already.

"One mother said we have everything she doesn't allow in her house except a sand table so we added a sand table,"� she said.

Unpluggits is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1-6 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit www.unpluggits.com or call 340-7584.