Feeling crafty, or simply looking to shake up your typical dinner and drinks routine? Launch your artist era by trying your hand at a hobby!
Picking up a new skill can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! The D.C. area offers several creative classes that don’t require any previous experience. Below, we’ve shared some of the best DIY classes and workshops in the DMV area to help you disconnect and activate your creativity.
1. Relume
A new addition to Capitol Hill as of June 2023, Relume is home to an inviting boutique with a special dedicated workshop space inside! Known as The Makery, this DIY space offers an array of activities from embroidery to candle making to rug tufting.
Along with these scheduled workshops, Relume offers a Walk-in Craft Bar on days without events on the calendar. Here, you can try your hand at self-guided crafting experiences, from jewelry making to watercolor painting. It’s safe to say there’s something for everyone to enjoy here within this versatile space!
Where: Capitol Hill (760 C St SE, Washington, DC 20003)
2. Shop Made in DC
Founded with the mission to amplify and grow D.C.’s creatives, it comes to no surprise that Shop Made in DC offers various classes to further expand the city’s community of makers and artists.
Offering dedicated classes such as collage making, sip and sculpts with polymer clay, denim mending and more, the shop is bound to boost your creativity. Classes range from $30 to $150 and include instructions, all required materials, and sometimes even drinks!
Plus, Shop Made in DC hosts free “Crafternoons” for open crafting if you’d like to bring a project you’ve been working on. With classes held at three different locations throughout D.C., the possibilities are endless!
Where:
- The Wharf (10 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024)
- Union Market (325 Morse St NE Suite 4, Washington, DC 20002)
- Georgetown (1304 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007)
3. All Fired Up
If pottery making feels a little too daunting, pottery painting might be just what you’re looking for. Located just a few steps from the Cleveland Park metro, All Fired Up invites you to select a pottery piece and bring your vision to life using paints and underglazes.
Once finished, the studio will glaze and fire the piece, and it will be ready for pickup in about a week! Walk-ins are on a first come first serve basis, and reservations can be made for groups of 4 or more on Saturdays and Sundays. Plus, All Fired Up hosts special events such as trivia and live music, so be sure to keep an eye out for these fun happenings.
Where: Cleveland Park (3413 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008)
4. Muse Paintbar
You can never go wrong with a classic paint and sip! Whether you’re a seasoned painter or haven’t picked up a brush in years, it can be super fun to let loose at one of the many events hosted by Muse Paintbar.
With convenient locations in both Arlington and National Harbor, the paint and sip venues offer ample public, private, off-site and virtual experiences. Just pick your painting of choice and get ready to channel your inner Bob Ross. Bites and beverages are available for purchase on-site!
Where:
- Arlington (4238 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203)
- National Harbor (122 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745)
5. fibre space
Nestled on Prince Street in Old Town Alexandria, fibre space is more than just a yarn store. Hosting project-based courses specializing in crochet, knitting, weaving and more, this charming “yarn universe” invites you to create something, while also boosting your stitching skills.
The courses are divided by skill sets, with introductory classes offered for beginners. Want to skip the basics and jump right into a project? From hats to blankets, plenty of cozy creations await. Keep in mind that fibre space limits their intro classes to 6 people maximum, which will ensure that you get all the guidance you need.
Where: Alexandria (1319 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314)
6. Glen Echo Glassworks
Novices are even welcome to explore glassblowing in the D.C. area! Through lectures and demonstrations, Paul Swartwood of Glen Echo Glassworks will take you through the basics of the equipment, techniques, safety and the history of glassblowing.
Currently an artist-in-residence at Glen Echo Park, Swartwood also offers private glassblowing lessons to those who want to take the craft to the next level.
Where: Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812)
Want to schedule a private event? Many of the locations can accommodate groups of various sizes. Check out the websites listed above to get crafting!