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.
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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.
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We believe creativity shouldn’t feel intimidating or perfect.
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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.
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At District DabbleLab we celebrate:
✨ curiosity
✨ experimentation
✨ imagination
✨ the joy of the creative process
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Our projects are designed so that everyone can succeed, whether it’s a first craft experience or the hundredth.
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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.
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Creative Classes
Process-based art classes where kids explore materials, learn techniques, and build confidence through creativity.
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Birthday Parties
Hands-on craft parties where kids create their own projects while celebrating with friends in a colorful, energetic studio environment.
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Camps
Week-long creative camps filled with art projects, STEAM activities, movement, games, and imagination.
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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.
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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.
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Curated Retail
Our retail shop is filled with fun, unique gifts, craft kits, and creative surprises for kids, tweens, and adults.
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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.
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What started in 2018 as a small art studio in her basement quickly grew into something much bigger.
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Families came to celebrate birthdays.
Kids discovered their love of creating.
Adults rediscovered the simple joy of making something with their hands.
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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.
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As the community continued to grow, so did the vision.
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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.
