About Us
Stencil Studios is a mobile craft studio based in Scottsdale, Arizona. We bring creative experiences directly to you — whether you’re in Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Phoenix, or anywhere in the Valley. From cozy DIY nights at home to fun restaurant-hosted classes or team-building workshops at your office, we make crafting easy and fun.
How Stencil Evolved
Founded in 2017, Stencil started as a physical craft studio where people could create anything they imagined — building skills, confidence, and joy along the way. In 2020, we pivoted to DIY-at-home kits, and by 2024, we transitioned to a 100% mobile model to bring hands-on creativity straight to you, throughout the Phoenix Valley.
Today, we host mobile craft parties for birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, girls’ nights, and team-building events — at homes, restaurants, coffee shops, clubhouses, offices, and more.
Meet Nicole Bolin, Owner & Chief Creative Officer at Stencil
Don’t you love it when someone walks into your home, compliments a particular item, asks where you got it, and your response is… “I made it.”
I KNOW, ME TOO!! We are like two peas in a pod, you and me.
From Forensic DNA to DIY
I’ve always had both an analytical and creative side. I spent 15 years in the scientific field, including starting and running a forensic DNA testing lab with my husband, which we sold in 2012. After overseeing operations until 2014, I decided to explore my creative side.
I loved science (and still do), but it’s very regimented. Very black and white. I wanted to play in the gray area, and I realized I was happiest when I was creating things. So I decided to go back to school.
I studied interior design at the New York Institute of Art and Design, spending every spare minute on DIY projects. In July 2016, I earned my certification and got to work on my vision for Stencil. I wanted to build something that allowed other people to experience the joy of making something with their own hands. And in 2017, I did just that!
Want to see my life before Stencil? Watch this short video from my days running our forensic DNA testing lab.
What Makes Stencil Different
We bring the craft party to you.
No gathering supplies and no worrying about what to do with a table full of craft mess. We bring the materials, instruction, and creative fun right to your home, office, restaurant, clubhouse, or other favorite gathering spot. And we do all the cleanup!
Our projects are great for “non-crafty” people.
You don’t need to be “crafty” to join us. Most of our projects are created using stencils (go figure!) which means you don’t need artistic skills to create something you’ll be proud of. We guide you through the process, making it easy for you to go home with something you love.
It’s more than a craft class.
Stencil classes are about getting people together, putting the phones down, trying something new, laughing a little, and making memories along the way. Whether it’s a girls’ night, birthday, bridal shower, or team-building event, the craft is a great excuse to spend time together.
Crafting For A Cause
We believe a fun night of crafting can make a difference beyond the project you take home. That’s why for most of our events, 25% of our class ticket sales go directly to animal rescues.
Since our very first fundraiser, Stencil has donated $7,707.80 to animal rescues and other nonprofit charities!
So when you grab your friends and join us for a class, you’re not just making something—you’re helping support to animals in need.
🎨 Craft something
❤️ Make memories
🐾 Help animals
That’s a pretty great reason to get together!
Want to Know a Little More About Nicole?
Here’s a quick fun fact sheet about me:
🍩 Favorite food: Sprinkle donuts
🔬 Former career: Forensic DNA testing
🏠 Home: Scottsdale, AZ
❤️ Forever home: Chicago
🛠️ Most likely to say: “Don’t throw that away—I might be able to make something with it.”
💛 Favorite Minion: Stuart
Loved By Local Crafters
We’re grateful to have earned the trust of so many crafters, party hosts, and creative groups throughout the Valley.
Nicole is very patient and helpful, but at the same time doesn’t intervene unless you ask. She said she wanted us to feel like it was our project. We all left feeling so proud and accomplished. ~Amanda, from her girl’s day out event.
I am not creative, so to have fun doing this surprised me. I am so proud of the end result. Thank you for helping me be creative! ~Barbara, from her National Charity League event.