FOR KIDS : Shop Offers a Brush With Art : Crafts: The store sells sculptures and other works, then supplies space for children to add the finishing touches.

Al Abrams and his wife, Vicky, turned a crafty idea into a lucrative business when they opened Kids’ Art Space in August.

Located in North Hollywood, the arts and crafts shop is devoted mainly to plaster craft--there are approximately 900 white plaster sculptures for customers to purchase and paint.

However, the Abrams also sell acrylic picture frames that can be painted and decorated, and model airplane and car kits that can be assembled and painted. There are even projects for children as young as 3, including more than a dozen “suncatcher” kits--easy-to-paint cartoon or other figures that resemble stained glass when hung in a window.

The price for any project includes the use of paints, brushes, artists’ smocks and the store’s studio space. Customers also are welcome to return to the shop, at no extra charge, until a project is complete. The shop provides storage space between visits.

“What sets Al’s shop apart from other plaster shops is the atmosphere,” Marilyn Cooper of Sherman Oaks says. “The atmosphere is more friendly. And Al’s place is immaculate.”

Cooper’s two sons, Alan and Scott, share their mother’s enthusiasm. During the shop’s first month in business, the boys visited six times. “I like to go there,” said Alan, 6. “It’s good. They give us popcorn and let us watch TV while you’re painting.”

One of the Abrams’ priorities was creating an inviting environment. The walls and counters of the 1,800-square-foot storefront are decorated with colorful murals that include a gigantic artist’s palette, stylized dinosaurs and fish beneath the sea. There are televisions for those who want entertainment while they work, and also stereo headsets for loan to those who want music.

Parents often decide to join in the fun and paint a project, too. But for grown-ups who would rather take a break, there is a couch at the front for reading, watching television or just relaxing. Complimentary coffee and tea are provided.

Several times throughout the day, the Abrams make huge buckets of popcorn that are placed on each worktable for customers to enjoy free of charge.

The Abrams’ plaster craft inventory includes statues galore--animals, clowns and sports figures--plus items such as business card holders, cookie jars, lamps, belt racks, athletic plaques, tick-tack-toe games and coin banks. There is also a wide selection of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas articles.

When Ashley Roberts, 9, of Sherman Oaks entered the shop, she knew exactly what she wanted to paint: a unicorn. After making her purchase, she was eager to begin.

Her mother, Suzanne Roberts, was pleased. “This place is great,” she said. “It’s nice to have something right in the community for the kids to do--and the mess stays here.”

Kids’ Art Space is at 12532 Riverside Drive in North Hollywood. Hours are Tuesday to Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday. For additional information, call (818) 752-9767.