Erica Deuel, owner of Spoonful of Imagination art studio.

WARSAW — For eight years, Erica Deuel, an artist, crafter and teacher, blogged do-it-yourself tutorials at spoonfulofimagination.com. She considered opening a store where she could sell her creations but decided against it when she realized it is more fulfilling to her to help others create.

During the summer of 2016, Deuel began hosting craft parties out of her home. As the number of regular attendees grew, Deuel realized it was time to take the next step.

In April 2017 Deuel opened the doors of Spoonful of Imagination Art Studio at 703 E Winona Avenue, Warsaw. The studio is located near the Lowery Sewing & Vacuum Center. Deuel and her crew have completely renovated the space, which includes a sitting area in the front, a play area for children and a large art room in the back for classes and events.

Spoonful of Imagination is a nonprofit organization. Deuel said her dream is to have affordable art for everyone in the community. According to Deuel, art has always been a big part of her life.

Deuel describes her shop as, “Starbucks meets Pinterest.” Visitors can purchase fresh brewed coffee, sit and relax in the lounge area or peruse the displays of craft pieces and paintings created by local artists.

Deuel said the summer camps are their big thing right now. They are offering six summer camps, ranging from pre-K to sixth grade. Information for the camps can be found on the Spoonful of Imagination site.

There are two different birthday party packages available at the studio. Deuel’s goal is to host ten free birthday parties for kids in foster care this year. Deuel and her husband, Matt, have a heart for that ministry as they are certified foster parents themselves.

Deuel’s hope is that the studio will help get people creating. She said most people are not aware that they can purchase a craft kit and paint it there at the studio. She states, “Sometimes the hardest part is just buying the supplies, pulling it all out and getting it set up, knowing that it’s going to get messy. We eliminate that obstacle for families. We will set you up with your things, then you create your artwork and take it home with you and we do all the cleanup.”