Scribble Press557

The inviting studio at Scribble Press is a place where families can create all sorts of gratifying creative projects. Kids can write and illustrate their own books; parents can turn artwork into gift items or keepsakes, and anyone can feel like an author.

Stocked with high quality art supplies and all the tools young artists need, Scribble Press offers visitors a selection of book templates to work from (with themes ranging from first day of school to Father's Day to vacation memoirs) as well as attractively laid out blank pages to create a custom work of fiction (or non-fiction) of one's own choosing. By the end of a session the book is printed in either hardcover or paperback, complete with photo of the author on the back. Books start at $22.

We loved sitting down for a leisurely session of turning imagination into a storybook that could be read that very night. The staff are very supportive, and kids are treated like true artists.

Another appealing option is bringing artwork from home (or the back seat of the car, or the desk at school) and having it all scanned and bound into an elegant coffee table book that lasts a whole lot longer than construction paper and glitter glue. These books start st $50; second copies cost less.

Other gift items include custom made greeting cards, note pads with the artist's work printed on every sheet, and do-it-yourself books for home authoring projects.

Scribble Press offers a variety of classes and workshops as well as summer camp programs.

Birthday parties, which can be held in the special party room, include a guide to lead the activities, invitations, thank you notes, and a group author photo on every book. Party packages start at $500.

Playdate Packs are available Monday through Friday, allowing two kids to make two books with author photos for $40 (a $20 savings from the usual price).

The studio's location on strollable Montana Avenue includes a gift shop with lots of fun items of an artistic or literary nature, including a "pencil bar" full of inspiring writing and drawing implements.