Crafts, Community & A Very Busy Summer Ahead

Somehow, we’re already staring down the last week of school here in Florida, and it’s a little wild how fast spring flew by.

The last few months at Happy Hippie Customs have been a full-on whirlwind. Vendor events, workshops, inventory runs, new ideas, community dinners, and trying to keep glitter from permanently becoming part of the floor décor… it’s been a lot.

And now?

Whew.

We made it through Spring Event Season.

Now we’re shifting into something I’ve been really excited about building here at the shop: a creative, community-filled summer.

Since we only opened this storefront last year, this is really our first chance to see what summer becomes here. I’m looking forward to the shop being full of paint, laughter, workshops, table games, creative messes, and kids proudly carrying home projects they made themselves.

That’s the dream.

Here’s What We’ve Got Going On

One of the things I’m most excited about right now is getting into the Summer rhythm with regular community events and creative activities inside the shop.

After the intensity of spring vendor season, it feels good to slow the pace just a bit and focus on experiences that bring people together week after week.

This is the direction we’ve been building toward all along.

Open Table Tuesdays

Open Table Tuesdays are one of the most meaningful things we do each week.

Every Tuesday, we host a free community meal and dry pantry. Everyone is welcome. No pressure, no expectations — just good food, open seats, and a chance to spend time together.

People stay after dinner to play table games. New friendships form over shared meals and rounds of Connect Four. Conversations happen between people who might never have crossed paths otherwise. Kids laugh together while adults finally get a chance to sit, talk, and breathe for a while.

That sense of community is exactly what this space is meant to hold.

Not just a shop. Not just events. A place where people feel welcome.

Seeing those tables full every Tuesday has become one of the highlights of the week.

Kids Craft Club

Kids Craft Club has been growing steadily, and watching kids get excited to create with their hands instead of defaulting to screens has been incredibly rewarding.

Every Wednesday from 3–5 PM, kids can drop in anytime for a hands-on craft activity. It’s flexible and relaxed so families can come and go during that window. The cost is $10 per child, and each week brings something new to create.

Sometimes it’s paint. Sometimes it’s mixed media. Sometimes it’s glue in places glue was never meant to go.

That’s part of the fun.

We’ve loved seeing families settle in, make new connections, browse the Free Library, and spend time creating together. It’s the kind of atmosphere we hoped this space would grow into.

If you'd like updates, feel free to check out our Facebook Event

Painting PlayDates

Painting PlayDates have been part of our offerings since February, and this summer we’re bringing back the most requested designs along with a few fresh new ideas.

These sessions are meant to be relaxed, beginner-friendly, and fun... the kind of creative experience where you can show up, laugh a little, paint something colorful, and leave with something you’re proud of.

No pressure to be “good at art.” Just creativity, community, and a good time.

We’ve got more weekend sessions in the works, and new ideas are already being sketched out.

More Workshops Are On The Way

One of the biggest goals for this summer is continuing to expand workshops and creative experiences in the shop.

We’ve had a lot of conversations lately about what people want to learn and do here, and we’re paying attention. More hands-on projects. More chances to try something new. More reasons to gather, create, and connect.

This space has always been about more than products.

It’s about people. Creativity. And community that actually feels real.

With our first anniversary in this storefront just around the corner, I’m feeling grateful for everyone who has supported, encouraged, showed up, shared posts, donated to the Free Library, or simply walked through the door and said hello.

We’re still building what this place becomes together, and everyone leaves their mark.