Crafteraunt is a walk-in craft studio in Northfield, NJ, where guests of all ages can enjoy a curated selection of DIY projects—complete with materials, tools, and guidance—all without the mess of crafting at home.
One of the joys of eating at a restaurant with a group of friends is that everyone gets to choose their dish. What if there were a place like that—but for craft projects? That’s the concept behind The Crafteraunt, a Northfield, New Jersey, business that’s bringing creativity to the table, no reservations required.
Founded by Laura Beningo in 2022, Crafteraunt offers a rotating menu of more than a dozen hands-on crafts, catering to every age and interest.
“It’s been a hit with the community, so we’re really excited about it,” says Beningo.
Before launching Crafteraunt, Beningo served for 15 years as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. While she started the business on her own, she soon found a kindred spirit in Chivonne Hitchens, who is now co-owner and Chief Operating Officer.
“I found her on Instagram and asked her to host a workshop here—she leads wellness-centered events like aromatherapy and meditation,” Beningo says. “We linked up and we’ve been together ever since.”
Crafting Without the Chaos
At Crafteraunt, visitors choose from a walk-in “menu” of 15 to 20 projects. Recent offerings included glass resin art, painted throw pillows, resin pour boards, candles, custom doormats, faux stained glass, 3D textured art, and more. Each project comes with the tools, materials, and step-by-step guidance needed. Prices range from $22 to $69.
A separate Wellness Bar features bath and body DIYs like body scrub, room spray, body butter, and roll-on perfumes, priced from $18 to $35.
And kids get their own menu, too. “Lil’ Makers” can get hands-on with slime, soap dough, 3D sensory art, and sandy keepsakes for $10 to $17.
The best part?
“We created a space where creativity comes without chaos,” Beningo says. “Where the projects are prepped, the mess is managed, and you just get to show up and enjoy. No shopping, no setup or cleanup. Just the good stuff.”
From candles to custom doormats, Crafteraunt lets you choose your creative project from a menu—just like ordering at a restaurant. No need to book a class; simply drop in and start creating.
Seasonal Specials and Community Vibes
Like any good restaurant, the Craftaurant’s menu changes with the seasons—and the guest instructors available. “We sometimes customize existing crafts to fit the season,” Beningo says.
In fall, cozy crafts like wood burning, candle making, and chunky blanket knitting are popular. During the summer months, beach-inspired resin pours take center stage. “We’re kind of a beach town—right next to Margate and Ocean City—so those crafts really resonate.”
Crafteraunt is open for walk-ins but also hosts workshops for birthdays, bachelorettes, retirement parties, and corporate team-building events.
“I have a background in HR and Chivonne did business consulting, so we created a curriculum for employee engagement,” Beningo explains. A recent corporate class on wood burning, for example, tied into a discussion about workplace communication. “We talked about how the spoken word can leave a mark,” she says. “So the project was meaningful, not just fun.”
Takeout, Guest “Chefs,” and National Buzz
For those who can’t make it in person, Crafteraunt offers take-home kits called “Take Out”, available for nationwide shipping. Virtual classes aren’t on the menu—yet.
“We haven’t moved to a virtual platform since the Craftaurant system is still relatively new,” Beningo says. “But it’s something we’re really interested in adding.”
Guests are welcome to bring snacks and drinks—yes, even wine—though Crafteraunt provides coffee, tea, and seltzers. “People bring all kinds of things for celebrations,” she says.
The studio regularly invites guest instructors, or “craft chefs,” to keep ideas fresh and engaging. “There’s not really anything like this in the area,” Beningo says. “Most places double down on one niche. We don’t. We bring in others with different skills and perspectives, and we all learn from each other.”
The concept has struck a chord. “There was such a demand for it. We’re family friendly, and people can just walk in, which makes it accessible. No need to sign up for that one class on that one day.”
Coming Soon to a Town Near You?
Crafteraunt recently got national exposure on HGTV’s The American Dream. “They had a camera crew and a director, and it was a whole to-do that day,” Beningo recalls. “They did a walkthrough, explained how it works, and we sat down and crafted together.”
As for the future? Beningo has big dreams. “Maybe we’ll have one in your town—you never know.”
Because, of course, you can’t visit a Craftaurant without having a taste.
Cathryn Jakicic
contributor
