Discover the Best Crafting Classes in Los Angeles
Crafting is a type of creative expression that involves using various materials and techniques to make something by hand. Some people do it as a hobby, others as a profession, and for some it is a form of art. Crafting can involve many different types of materials, such as fabric, paper, metal, and wood. It is used to make all sorts of items, ranging from jewelry, to shoes, to furniture. Some people use new materials for crafting, while others focus on repurposing and recycling old items.
Why You Should Learn Crafting in Los Angeles
Making something with your hands can be extremely satisfying, and this is one of the main reasons that many people get started in crafting. When you put your own time and effort into creating an item, the finished product is typically much more meaningful than anything you can buy in a store. It is also more unique. Crafting allows you to use your creativity and ingenuity, and create something that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Crafting can also be a therapeutic activity. People who craft often say that they forget about their worries when they are focused on a craft project. Not only that, but this activity can boost your mood and self-esteem, because you’re likely to feel a real sense of accomplishment when you look at your finished creation.
In-Person Crafting Classes in Los Angeles
If you live in the Los Angeles area, and you want to take a crafting class, you’ll find a wide variety of different types of in-person crafting classes there. Jewel City Beads runs a beading class called Basic Beading, which costs $40 and is two hours long. Students in this class learn how to make beaded bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, using proper jewelry tools. Beginners are welcome. Jewel City Beads is about 13 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. It offers a number of different beading workshops.
El Camino College offers Soap Making–Cold Process Method, where participants learn to make soap using the cold process method. Both beginners and more experienced soap makers are welcome. The class is three hours long, and costs $79. There is also a $35 materials fee. El Camino College is a public community college in Torrance, which is about 15 miles south of downtown Los Angeles.
If you’re interested in candle making, you can find a Candle Making class at Los Angeles City College. In this three-hour class, an instructor leads students through the process of making candles including different types of candles, using molds, adding fragrance and color, and sourcing supplies. In addition to completing more than one candle, students will have the skills to make their own candles at home. This class costs $70, and there is also a $25 materials fee. Los Angeles City College is located less than five miles from downtown Los Angeles. One of its goals is to empower students from diverse communities.
The Knitting Tree is in Inglewood, which is about 12 miles southwest of Los Angeles, and offers knitting classes. Beginning Knitting Fridays is a four-part course that takes place on Friday afternoons. Students work on a scarf, a hat, and a shawl, learning how to cast on, how to knit and purl, how to read a pattern, how to work on circular and double pointed needles, and how to read a yarn label. After taking this class, students should be ready to knit more complex items such as socks and garments. Tuition is $80, and there is an average class size of ten people. The Knitting Tree sells an extensive collection of yarns and handcrafted items, and also offers classes and project ideas.
Virtual Crafting Classes
Online crafting classes are another great way to learn many different types of crafting. When you take a class online, you log in on your computer, and participate in a live session with an instructor and other students. This format became common during the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, but has remained popular because it allows students so much flexibility. If you learn online, you’ll probably have to supply your own materials, but you won’t have to spend time or money on a commute.
You can take a virtual class called Introduction to Weaving through the Chicago Botanic Garden. Tuition is $374, and there are eight class sessions. The instructor begins by teaching students how to make their own looms. The class also includes a discussion about contemporary handweavers, and covers a number of different tapestry techniques including basket weave, pile, twill, rya, and soumak. In addition, there are presentations about the relevance of weaving in relation to material production, fine art, and craft. No experience is necessary to take this class.
Love & Make runs a variety of different craft workshops in Houston, and also offers many of its workshops in an online format. Virtual Melt & Pour Soap-Making Workshop is a class that covers the basics of melt and pour soapmaking. Students also learn soap-making history, and about different ingredients and recipes. A supply list is available online. This class is one hour long and costs $25.
Another virtual option is Paper Remix I through the Chicago-based Evanston Art Company. In this collage-making class, students work with a variety of different papers and techniques to create compositions. There are six sessions, and the cost is $205. A supply list is available online.
Private Group Crafting Classes in Los Angeles
Crafting as a group can be a lot of fun, and private group crafting classes are a popular option for team-building events, birthday parties, and a variety of other types of group gatherings. CourseHorse is the perfect place to book a group crafting class because it makes the entire process easy; there is no registration, no booking fees, and you receive a confirmation of your booking within 24 hours. You can even book now, and make changes to your total group size up to 72 hours before the event, as long as you meet the minimum group size.
Virtual Candle Making is a class designed for up to 250 people, and costs $110 per person. Prior to the class, all supplies are shipped to participants, including a melting pitcher, a stir stick, wax, candle tins, wicks, fragrance oil, and candle labels. During the class, the instructor will guide participants through the process of melting wax and creating two personalized candles.
Virtual Soap Making is another popular virtual class. In this class, the group learns how to make soap by hand. The instructor goes over basic techniques, shares recipe variations, and talks about the benefits of making your own soap. Students personalize their soap by adding botanical ingredients and other additives. All materials are supplied by mail before the class starts, including shea butter soap base, dyes and fragrances, molds, and soap boxes. This class costs $105 per person, and runs for two hours. Up to 500 people can take it at one time.
Another group option is the Virtual Tote Bag Painting class. This class involves painting on a canvas tote bag, and is also designed to help participants relax, have fun, and try something new. Each group can choose an image from an online catalog, or can send in their own photograph or artwork. The instructor guides the group in painting that image, making sure that even novice painters are successful. Each participant receives a tote bag, brushes, and fabric paints ahead of time. A bottle of wine can be included for an extra $30 per person. This class can accommodate up to 500 people, costs $80 per person, and runs for an hour and a half.
To get more information about a group class, or to talk about additional options, contact CourseHorse. Most classes take place through Zoom, but Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, or WebEx can also be used.
