Crafty things to do
Alright, this weather's getting tiresome. With no end of wintry mixes in sight, even those of us who try to embrace winter start to feel a bit like caged animals.
One antidote to cabin fever is to get your craft on. You'll get out of the house and make something fun. It beats cozying up to a big bowl of chips in front of the television.
Because you probably already did that on Sunday.
All of these places have crafty classes coming up in February and March:
Trumpet Hill on New Karner Road has a variety of knitting and crocheting classes focusing on specific topics, and they'll tutor you one-on-one if you're a beginner.
Bumble Beads in Latham has jewelry-making classes including beading, wire wrapping, and more. They've just added a fragrance blending bar, so you can make your own scent and put it in some moisturizer (we're a little obsessed with moisturizing here at AOA).
Sewing Sisters on Central Avenue has a wide variety of sewing classes, many of which meet once to make one item. They also do a drop-in Happy Hour every other Thursday: it's $10 for a simple, surprise craft, and they insist that "complete novices are totally welcome."
The Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy has classes like "Drawing for the Absolutely Terrified" and plenty more drawing and painting classes coming up, as well as a wide array of jewelry-making classes, pottery, and much more.
The Albany Art Room has classes in painting, printmaking, pottery, and mosaics.
Schenectady County Community College has classes on basket weaving and creating digital photo books, among others.
Hudson Valley Community College has classes on knitting, tatting, paper crafts, drawing, water color, and more.
Chain stores offer classes, too. Michael's has several simple kids and adults "Make it and Take it" events, and JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores has an extensive schedule of classes in sewing, knitting, scrapbooking, and jewelry-making. A.C. Moore offers candy-making, baking, and painting classes.
Has anyone ever taken any of these classes? Or do you have other crafty destinations to recommend? Please share!
Katie is the editor of Capital District Fun, a place to find things to do for kids and families in Schenectady, Albany, and Troy
photo: Flickr user Laineys Repertoire
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Comments
I took a basket weaving class at HVCC about a year ago. It was great! (I got mocked at work for being excited about the class, but I'm ok with that...) It was a one day class on a Saturday, and though I was by far the youngest person there, it was a lot of fun. I need to get back into do that again...
... said Erinn on Feb 15, 2011 at 11:25 AM | link
The ladies at Trumpet Hill are amazing - super warm and inviting, and Thursday night's "open knitting" draws a friendly crowd.
... said Capitol to Capital on Feb 15, 2011 at 1:45 PM | link
I took a book binding class at the Art Room in Albany. It was great!
... said Lauren on Feb 15, 2011 at 2:20 PM | link
I have taken several classes at Trumpet Hill, and really enjoyed them. You can go to thise store, and they have all of the items you make in the classes available for viewing. This is definitely a good way to add to your skills if you are experienced (I learned entrelac and two-color knitting there), but I would suggest a one on one session for a total beginner.
... said Jessica R on Feb 15, 2011 at 2:38 PM | link
There will be an evening of crafting at The Furnace (84 Grand Street) on February 24th. Bring incomplete, dusty projects, projects-in-progress, or the supplies to finally get started! Some supplies, warm beverages, knowledge, and snacks will be available.
Complete info here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=165602753492650¬if_t=event_wall#!/event.php?eid=100637713350538
... said Ashley on Feb 15, 2011 at 2:44 PM | link
I haven't had a chance to participate yet, but BeauKnits in Cohoes offers classes in knitting and crochet.
http://www.beauknitsltd.com/
... said Wendy on Feb 15, 2011 at 7:44 PM | link
there's the broken mold pottery studio on river street in troy. it's owned and operated by bianca dupuis (AKA b-side blaze of albany all stars roller derby fame). :)
http://www.thebrokenmoldstudio.com/mysite/contact%20us.htm
... said karen. on Feb 16, 2011 at 12:41 PM | link