About District DabbleLab
District DabbleLab is a colorful, hands-on creative studio and gift shop in Bethesda, Maryland where kids, families, and adults come to make things, explore their creativity, and have fun doing it.
Whether you're celebrating a birthday, joining a class, dropping in for a craft, or browsing our shop for a unique gift, DabbleLab is a place where creativity feels playful, welcoming, and accessible to everyone.
We believe creativity shouldn’t feel intimidating or perfect.
It should feel like dabbling.
Trying something new.
Getting a little messy.
Experimenting with materials.
And discovering what you can make when you simply let yourself create.
Why we Dabble
In a world filled with screens, schedules, and pressure to get everything right, we believe people of all ages deserve space to slow down and make something with their hands.
At District DabbleLab we celebrate:
✨ curiosity
✨ experimentation
✨ imagination
✨ the joy of the creative process
Our projects are designed so that everyone can succeed, whether it’s a first craft experience or the hundredth.
Sometimes the best creativity happens when you stop worrying about the outcome and simply dabble.
What We offer
District DabbleLab is designed to be a creative playground for all ages, offering experiences that bring people together through making.
Creative Classes
Process-based art classes where kids explore materials, learn techniques, and build confidence through creativity.
Birthday Parties
Hands-on craft parties where kids create their own projects while celebrating with friends in a colorful, energetic studio environment.
Camps
Week-long creative camps filled with art projects, STEAM activities, movement, games, and imagination.
Make + Take Craft Experiences
Drop in and create something fun without needing to plan ahead. Choose from a rotating menu of hands-on projects designed for all ages + skill levels.
Workshops + Special Events + Clubs
Creative evenings and special events including themed workshops, Kids Night Out, Crafty Book Club, Mahjong with Mah Girls, and our popular Ladies Who Lab nights.
Curated Retail
Our retail shop is filled with fun, unique gifts, craft kits, and creative surprises for kids, tweens, and adults.
Everything we offer is designed to make creativity feel fun, accessible, and joyful.
Our Story
District DabbleLab was founded by Emily Yeskel Rubin, who dreamed of creating a place where creativity felt approachable, inspiring, and community-driven.
What started in 2018 as a small art studio in her basement quickly grew into something much bigger.
Families came to celebrate birthdays.
Kids discovered their love of creating.
Adults rediscovered the simple joy of making something with their hands.
When the pandemic shifted how people gathered, DabbleLab evolved with it...launching Dabble On-The-Go craft kits, Virtual DabbleBashes, and the DabbleBox subscription, which was even featured in The Washington Post.
As the community continued to grow, so did the vision.
Today District DabbleLab has expanded into a vibrant studio and retail space in Westbard Square in Bethesda, welcoming makers of all ages to explore creativity together.
