Crafting something new

After 25 years as a kindergarten teacher in Boulder, Mindy Upton changed industries and moved to Niwot. She just opened up a craft space called Blue Sky Craft Studio on Niwot Road and it's already drawing attention.

"This space came up and it was just perfect," said Upton. "I've always loved Niwot and felt so at home here."

She describes the transition from kindergarten to studio as "epic." She has had to downsize from two classrooms and a barn to one studio, but she has brought the most meaningful things to her new space.

In the past month, Upton has already hosted a few workshops, including one about natural dyes. She hopes that through her offerings, she inspires others to embrace and share their creativity.

As an artist herself, she knows firsthand how making something can be an almost meditative experience. She explained that crafting can also be a great opportunity for community–whether that community comes from crafting with peers or giving away the products.

What's unique about Blue Sky is the variety of offerings. It boasts crafting and yoga classes for both children and adults, as well as a parent-child class series.

"I want to attract parents who want to make crafts for their children," she said.

Upton also has big plans for the studio. She recently started a kids' yoga and craft class, hopes to start a knitting circle, and will be involved in a 2023 puppeteering conference.

"I just want to welcome everyone and thank them. The people I have met have been so warm," Upton said. "I want to find some way to connect with more people so they can enjoy what I'm offering."