In a world of “fast fashion” and items purchased on Amazon in a rush, kids’ clothes can easily get drab and generic.
A unique maker studio in San Ramon is giving kids the chance to do something a little different on their next afternoon out: design clothing they can actually wear home.
TheyMade, located at City Center Bishop Ranch, is a hands-on creative studio built around custom apparel and wearable art. Instead of painting a canvas that may or may not actually get displayed, kids can choose a base item like a hoodie, shirt, hat, denim, bag or accessory, then customize it with patches, screen printing, tie-dye, rhinestones, heat-press designs and other add-ons.
Adults can do this too, of course. But TheyMade definitely focuses in on the kid audience, and seems to especially cater to tweens.
The result is part art project, part fashion studio and part kid-friendly retail experience. The studio describes its concept as a place where kids and adults can create something uniquely their own, with “no pressure” and “no rules”.
Patches have empowering slogans and messages related to current music and trends.
Staff handle all the setup and cleanup. On the Bay Area Telegraph’s visits, they were very friendly and helpful.
One of the big draws for local families is that walk-ins are welcome. Visitors do not need an appointment and can stop by during open hours. The studio says most walk-in projects take at least an hour, depending on what guests are making.
The space is designed for a wide range of ages, too. Again, TheyMade says there is no age limit for makers, with activities ranging from toddler-friendly tie-dye to more advanced screen printing for teens and adults. But from the Bay Area Telegraph’s visits, it does seem more teen and tween focused.
Along with drop-in visits, TheyMade offers birthday parties, camps and group events. Party options listed for the San Ramon location include themes built around hoodies, T-shirts, hats, tie-dye shoes, pants, totes and crossbody bags, with published party pricing generally ranging from the low $40s to upper $60s per maker depending on the package.
Some of the items get quite pricey. A hoodie with patches could run you $80 or more. But there are less expensive options too. Sunglasses cost $20, and come with unlimited rhinestones and beads for beadazzling.
In fact, TheyMade is so committed to beadazzled things that they beadazzled their own signs listing hours and other basic info!
There’s even a free “bracelet bar” for kids who want to try the space out, or to occupy one sibling while the other finishes a project.
The San Ramon studio is located inside City Center Bishop Ranch at 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road. Current hours listed by TheyMade are Monday through Thursday from noon to 6 p.m., Friday from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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