A World of Wonder at Pop Blossom Studio

Creativity blooms like wildflowers at Pop Blossom Studio, a whimsical haven for young minds. Formerly an attorney, Laura Vesterholt traded courtrooms for canvases during the pandemic. What started as joyful art sessions with her own kids has evolved into a vibrant studio where imagination runs wild and every doodle tells a story.

“I was an attorney before having my children, but I also attended Parsons School of Design, so art has always been an important part of my life,” Vesterholt shares.

Blooming Ideas

It all began under colorful tents in Vesterholt’s yard, a safe bubble of creativity amid lockdowns. “At first, we set up tents outside each week—a simple way to create and connect safely,” she recalls. As autumn chills set in, the garage became an impromptu studio to keep the magic alive. “The sense of community felt among our students and their families was truly immeasurable.”

Growth came swiftly. Subletting a small space allowed for more students, wilder projects, and buzzing events. “We sublet a small studio space a few days a week. That marked a real turning point for Pop Blossom—we were able to welcome more students, introduce new projects, and host special events,” Vesterholt says.

The next turning point was finding their home in Millburn. “When I walked in, it was truly perfect. It had a big, beautiful window letting in tons of light, gorgeous high ceilings, and plenty of room to create.”

Kid-Powered Fun

Pop Blossom Studio is a creative launchpad for little dreamers. “Our mission is to spark imagination and help children grow into confident, independent thinkers—a skill we believe will serve them well throughout their lives,” Vesterholt says. “We hope to inspire kids to explore their world through hands-on learning, unique materials, and self-expression.”

Geared toward ages 18 months to 12 years (with expansions on the horizon), the studio offers session-based courses, single-day workshops, and soon-to-launch summer camps. Tinker Doodle for tots (18 months to 4 years) dives into sensory wonders, while Children’s Workshop (4 to 6) unleashes colorful adventures. Older kids thrive in the Makerspace (6 to 12), which blends drawing and sculpture, and Art Lab (7 to 12), which focuses on mastering paints and perspectives.

“Tinker Doodle is a workshop created specifically for our littlest makers. Each session features a creative, sensory experience filled with discovery and exploration designed to encourage your child’s creative confidence,” Vesterholt says.

Art Into Adventure

What sets Pop Blossom apart is its blend of structure and freewheeling fun. “Our classes are unique in that they’re designed to inspire kids to explore through hands-on learning, creative materials, and imaginative processes,” Vesterholt shares.

Projects include hot-air balloons crafted from lanterns and fabric, complete with tiny riders on epic quests, from puppy pilots to K-pop demon hunters. “The children imagined where their balloons were traveling, who was on the journey, and what adventures awaited them there!”

The studio’s Makerspace is a treasure trove of invention, stocked with everything from washi tape to wood scraps. “My favorite ‘I did it!’ project is my treehouse—a multilevel structure that can be used for many different scenarios, from fairy house to winter wonderland to owl house. It’s an amazing framework that allows the kids to create an entire little world straight from their imaginations. They come up with incredible things,” Vesterholt says.

Vesterholt tunes in to each child’s artistic passion—a practice that goes the extra mile in fostering emotional connections. “I really try to listen and tune in to each child’s individual needs—creatively, socially, and emotionally,” Vesterholt shares. “I ask questions, listen to their answers, and show genuine interest in their ideas and vision. When they have that ‘aha’ moment, I share in their excitement and celebrate it with them.”

Imagine the Day Away

The future sparkles with possibility as Vesterholt eagerly expands her creative wonderland to welcome even more dreamers of all ages. “I just added adult workshops to the schedule! I have some incredible artists in residence at the studio to share their skills,” Vesterholt says.

“When I started this journey, I was simply documenting the projects I did with my own kids: sharing our experiences, creative experiments, and discoveries online. Before long, people began following along; it truly feels like a shared accomplishment.”

“A long time ago, when I was looking at preschools for my daughter, one of the directors said something that has always stayed with me: ‘You can tell it’s a good, supportive, and creative school by the artwork on the walls. Is it all the same? It shouldn’t be. Each piece should be unique and tell its own story,’” Vesterholt shares.

“I carry that wisdom with me every single time I create a project with my students. I ask myself: ‘Are they all different? Did each child tell a story, laugh, and get excited along the way?’ If so, that’s what success looks like to me.”

 Photographs courtesy of Laura Vesterholt; teaching photographs by Rachelle Kuperman