Family Valentines Card Workshop at Keppel & Kismet Studio — Baltimore Drop-In Craft | Workshop | Events

Read the full experience

Love, Stamps & Sparkles: A Family Valentine’s Make & Take unfolds like an invitation to roll up your sleeves and make something that matters. Hosted at Keppel & Kismet Studio in Baltimore, Maryland, this drop-in workshop welcomes families with children seven and older to spend an afternoon turning blank cards into personalized valentines using stamps, markers, ink pads, and glitter. There’s no registration required; organizers provide the supplies and set out communal worktables so you can arrive and start creating. Step into the studio and you’ll find stacks of heavyweight card stock, trays of rubber and foam stamps, ink pads in saturated hues, jars of glitter, and bins of markers organized by color. Stations are arranged so multiple families can craft together, which turns the session into a small, good-natured social scramble: kids trade design ideas, parents help with cutting or stamping complex patterns, and finished cards accumulate in neat stacks. The tone is playful and hands-on—intentionally messy—and staff encourage creative risk-taking rather than perfectionism. What sets this event apart in Baltimore’s roster of family activities is its combination of accessibility and craft-forward simplicity. Keppel & Kismet Studio offers a low-cost, low-barrier alternative to commercial crafts: everything you need is provided on-site, and the focus is on handmade thoughtfulness rather than mass-produced trinkets. Key features include ready-to-use stamp collections, multiple ink colors, a variety of card sizes, and liberal quantities of glitter for dramatic effect. This is an especially good choice for families who value tangible keepsakes and shared creative time. Practical notes: the listed meeting point is Keppel & Kismet Studio; plan for roughly two to four hours of creative time depending on how elaborate you get. Bring a smock or an old shirt for children to limit glitter and ink on clothing, and pack wet wipes for quick hands-and-table cleanup. The minimum age is seven; younger children may require close parental assistance. Street parking and nearby transit options in Baltimore make the studio easy to reach. Pair your visit with a short walk to a nearby café or a quick stop at the Inner Harbor for waterfront views and snacks afterward to round out the day. For families seeking a festive, camera-ready activity that keeps kids engaged without screens, Love, Stamps & Sparkles delivers a joyful, tactile experience—one that leaves you with cards to give and a pocket of glittered evidence that you made something together. Expect staff to offer quick demos on stamping techniques and layout tips; if you want a keepsake, ask for help assembling envelopes or adding small handwritten notes, and consider biodegradable glitter if you’re concerned about microplastics—small choices here make the finished pieces more thoughtful and easier to clean up at home.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2–4 hours.

Fitness level

Light: suitable for families and children old enough for focused, fine-motor activities

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register in advance?

No—this event is drop-in. Arrive during the listed hours and staff will point you to an open station.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is seven; younger children are welcome but should be closely supervised by an adult.

Is there a cost to attend?

Supplies are provided on-site; check the studio or event listing for any suggested donation or fee details.

How long should we plan to stay?

Plan for about two to four hours depending on how many cards you make and how detailed you get.

Is parking available?

Street parking and nearby public transit options in Baltimore make the studio accessible; check local signage for any restrictions.

Are there cleanup provisions for glitter and ink?

Yes—staff provide basic cleanup supplies, but bringing smocks and wet wipes will make exit cleanup faster.

Local insights

Wildlife

Urban squirrels
Mallards at nearby Inner Harbor

History

Baltimore has a long DIY maker culture and a network of small studios and pop-up workshops that support community art events.

Conservation

Choose biodegradable glitter when possible and dispose of paper scraps in recycling to limit waste; small choices reduce microplastic and landfill impact.

About Keppel and Kismet LLC

Keppel and Kismet LLC is a Baltimore-based creative studio and workshop host that offers hands-on crafting experiences for beginners and experienced makers alike. The business runs seasonal and themed workshops including wood sign painting, chunky knit projects, and traditional textile techniques. Sessions are led by experienced instructors who guide participants through design selection, material preparation, and finishing techniques in a supportive, small-group setting. Offerings include monthly wood sign workshops where attendees design, paint, and personalize wooden signs; chunky knit workshops that teach hand-knitting with super-soft yarn or without needles for blankets and seasonal pumpkins; and a two-day Introduction to Sashiko and Visible Mending focused on repair, texture, and slow-fashion practices. Keppel and Kismet also provides private workshops tailored for groups such as Coracle Baltimore members, with access to a full design library and personalized options. The studio emphasizes accessibility and creativity: no prior experience is required for most sessions, materials are provided, and projects are suitable for gifts or home decor. Workshops foster community connections and tangible takeaways while teaching practical skills in an encouraging environment. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Keppel and Kismet operates with clear scheduling, group sizes designed for hands-on attention, and a teaching approach that balances instruction with individual creative choice. Participants leave with finished pieces, new skills, and a reinforced appreciation for mindful crafting. The business’s programming supports sustainable practices like visible mending and mindful textile use, reinforcing a commitment to long-lasting, thoughtful handmade goods. Class sizes and schedules are posted on the business website regularly.

Base locationBaltimore, Maryland

Tours offered6+

Adventure tips

Arrive EarlyDrop-in workshops can fill up; arriving early ensures a spot at a preferred table and more time to craft.

Bring a SmockProtect kids’ clothing from ink and glitter with an old shirt or smock—cleanup is easier that way.

Pack Wet WipesWet wipes speed up hands-and-table cleanup before you leave the studio.

Choose Biodegradable GlitterAsk for or bring biodegradable glitter to reduce microplastic waste while keeping the sparkle.

Recommended gear

Smock or Old Shirt: Protect clothing from ink and glitter while crafting.
Wet Wipes: Quickly remove ink and glitter from hands and surfaces.
Reusable Bag: Carry finished cards and extra supplies home without losing small pieces.
Phone or Camera: Capture the process and finished cards for keepsakes or sharing.