Bull City Crafts opens in new space with more programs

It's a distance from Bull City's original location along Durham's University Drive, but, after about a week of opening their doors, it's already pulling in original customers and plenty of new ones.

"Many people are just popping in," said Jessica Greene, a mom of one, who owns the store with her husband, Franklin Santana. "It's easy to get to from other places."

The new space, made possible in part from a successful Kickstarter campaign last year, isn't necessarily bigger, Greene said. But the layout is more conducive to the birthday parties, summer camps and other programs that the shop offers. At the front of the store is a small retail shop with craft items and art supplies.

You'll also find space for Bull City's Preschool Playcraft program, which now will be open throughout the day, instead of just a few set hours. The drop-in play program offers a space for young children to play and create. There's a small play area, rice table, play dough and a spot for them to paint and take part in other crafts. The cost is $6 for the first child and $5 for the second.

Families can stay as long as they'd like. The activities aren't guided. Kids can move at their own speed, Greene said. Preschool Playcraft is available during the store's operating hours (just check on Saturdays in case a birthday party has closed the program).

There's also room for drop-in crafts - paint-your-own frames and other items - which make perfect gifts.

In the back, there are two big tables for the shop's birthday parties and summer camps.

Greene said she and her husband plan to keep Bull City's space at the Golden Belt complex in downtown Durham open. That space has a small shop, popular with artists, and an area for programs, including the Paint 'n Pour series where adults bring their own adult beverage and complete a painting.