All the Cool Kids Are Crafting Now—Here’s How to Get in on the Action
If crafting was once considered the domain of scrapbooking grandmas and elementary school classrooms, we’re now living in the era of peak craft. With the rise of Etsy, Instagram and Pinterest—not to mention the debut of Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman’s new show Making It—being a maker has never been cooler. Luckily for New Yorkers, there are plenty of ways to dip your toes in the DIY pool, even if you’ve never casted a stitch in your life.
Knitting
Forget Netflix and chill—Bobble Club House is all about Housewives and stitch. The newly launched social club gathers pop culture enthusiasts with a love for knitting (or crocheting) to bingewatch with like-minded crafters. The series kicks off on August 29 with a viewing of new The Real Housewives of Orange County episodes. Not experienced enough to tackle knitting on your own? The experts at Lion Brand Yarn Studio host affordable classes for beginners.
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Calligraphy
Marilyn Chew, the founder of Eterate Calligraphy, leads intro calligraphy classes at Marché Maman in SoHo. Not only will you get familiar with the ins and outs of brush-pen writing with a lettering pro, but the workshop also features light bites, coffee and tea provided by the chic French cafe.
Terrarium Making
Astoria’s Luludi Living Art helps bring the beautiful terrariums you spot on Pinterest to life. The tutorial provides everything you need to put together a one-of-a-kind planter, including the glass bowl, succulents and miniature decor. There’s even a Friday date-night option for couples that includes wine for two.
Woodworking
Channel your inner Ron Swanson at Makeville Studio, a woodworking shop located inside an old sweater factory in Gowanus. The Intro to Woodworking series is perfect for those with little or no experience—the five classes cover everything from shop safety to essential materials.
Pottery
Be ready to get your hands dirty at Mud Matters. The Hell’s Kitchen studio offers classes for all skill levels and even kids. Stop in for a one-time two-hour workshop that’ll get you acquainted with the basics or—for those looking to get serious with pottery—sign up for an eight-week intensive that’ll dive deeper into different techniques and ceramic wares.
Flower Arranging
The New York Botanical Garden isn’t just a place to check out flowers—it’s also where aspiring Martha Stewarts can get schooled in the art of floral design. Choose from a wide selection of classes, ranging from one that helps you turn store-bought bouquets into wedding-worthy centerpieces to another that leads an insider tour of Chelsea’s Flower District.
Glassblowing
Playing with fire is encouraged at Brooklyn Glass. Outfitted with two furnaces that reach blistering temperatures, the studio hosts classes that teach you to create one-of-a-kind vases, beer mugs and other glass vessels.
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