Craftsman & Apprentice, a cozy shop nestled in a community-driven neighborhood in Denver, Colorado, is a haven for creativity. Founded by former art teacher Delanie Holton-Fessler and Jonathan Fessler, a masonry business owner, the space is inspired by the apprenticeship model. “The goal was to create a safe space for kids to learn to use their hands and creativity to manipulate their world,” Holton-Fessler says.
Having a safe space transcends just following the rules. At C&A, it emerges from a culture of respect and shared responsibility. Young makers are treated as capable members of a community and are expected to look out for one another while navigating a collective space. Holton-Fessler believes the resulting sense of belonging is integral to fostering creativity. “Self-trust comes from play, experimentation, and learning how to fail,” she says. “We teach practical skills like sewing or tool use, which build confidence. But it all comes back to finding self-trust through play and being part of something bigger.”
The workshop’s build-and-play concept uses low-risk materials, such as cardboard and fabric scraps. With these sorts of easily replaceable materials, young people have the freedom to make mistakes as they work on dynamic projects that include everything from tabletop pinball games to sock stuffies. Most importantly, the goal isn’t perfection; it’s celebrating the joy of making something uniquely yours. “That moment when a child realizes their creation doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s is pure magic,” Holton-Fessler says. “It’s a reminder that individuality is something to celebrate.”
Many kids return repeatedly to the programs. “It’s really fun!” says a 12-year-old who has attended since she was 5. “They let you advance to different levels based on your skill, so what you learn is always different.” During her time at C&A, she has created a treasure chest, a unicorn-themed board game, and a chair she still sits in. This kind of progression is the goal for Holton-Fessler. “We ultimately like to bring the apprentice idea full circle by letting kids volunteer as interns when they age out of the traditional programs,” she says. “Then they inspire the next generation of makers.”
Tiffany Nieslanik is a Denver-based writer whose work has appeared in publications including National Geographic and Business Insider.
A teacher observes a student in action.
