Discover the Best Crafting Classes Online
Crafting involves using your skill and creativity to make something by hand. There are many different types of crafting, involving a wide range of different materials, including leather, clay, metal, and wood. Some people work with new materials, while others repurpose and upcycle old items. These materials are used to create all kinds of things, ranging from candles, to shoes, to food. Some types of crafting are focused on creating more utilitarian items such as furniture or clothing, while others are more decorative such as home decor items. Whatever their use, all items are one-of-a-kind.
Why You Should Learn Crafting Online
One of the most common reasons that people take up crafting is that there can be an immense sense of satisfaction in creating something with your own hands. Unlike buying something from the store, crafting takes time, skill, and effort, which makes the finished product more meaningful.
Crafting can also be a therapeutic activity. When you craft, you focus on the moment, thinking about how to combine your materials in a unique and beautiful way. Many people say that crafting helps boost their mood and self-esteem, and helps them temporarily forget about their worries.
Virtual Crafting Classes
Many people like online crafting classes because they can be taken from the comfort of home. While students who learn online generally have to supply their own materials, they save money by eliminating a commute. In many cases, students who learn online also have more class choices since they aren’t limited to schools that they can easily travel to.
The Chicago Botanic Garden offers an online crafting class called Introduction to Weaving. In the first class session, students learn how to make their own looms. After that, the instructor covers a variety of different tapestry techniques, including basket weave, pile, twill, rya, and soumak. There are also presentations on contemporary handweavers. Tuition for this class is $374, and there are eight sessions, of two hours each. Students will receive a supply list after registering.
Love & Make is based in Houston, but also offers craft workshops in an online format. In the Virtual Candle Making Workshop, an instructor teaches students how to make a soy wax candle. The class includes basic candle-making steps, tips and tricks, and troubleshooting. Supplies are not included. The workshop is an hour long and costs $25.
Love & Make also offers a class called Virtual Melt & Pour Soap-Making Workshop. This hour-long class is $25. It covers the basics of melt and pour soapmaking, in addition to some history. Students learn about different ingredients and recipes, and make their own soap. A supply list is available online.
The Chicago-based Evanston Art Company also offers virtual crafting instruction. Paper Remix I is a collage-making class where students use a variety of different papers and techniques to create collage compositions. This course has six sessions, and costs $205. A supply list is available online.
Another virtual crafting class option is Ceramic Llama Painting, offered through Food Craft. This class is $750, and is two hours long. Students learn how to paint a ceramic llama, get fun facts about llamas, and do a virtual tour of a llama farm. Supplies are provided, with three different packages to choose from.
Private Online Group Crafting Classes
If you’re trying to plan an entertaining activity for a large group of people, a private group crafting class might be the perfect option. CourseHorse offers a wide range of different crafting classes for groups, and makes the booking process quick and easy. You don’t need to register, and you don’t need to pay a booking fee. You’ll also receive a confirmation of your booking within 24 hours. There is even a flexible change policy, where you can change your total group size up to 72 hours before your event, provided that you meet the minimum group size.
Virtual Soap Making is a popular group class, where participants learn to hand make soap. An instructor covers basic soap-making techniques, different recipes, and the benefits of making your own soap. Students also learn how to personalize their soap with botanicals and other additives. Prior to the start of class, all necessary supplies are shipped to each participant, including shea butter soap base, dyes and fragrances, molds, and soap boxes. Up to 500 people can take this class at one time. It costs $105 per person, and runs for two hours.
The Virtual Macrame Workshop is another virtual option for groups. Students in this class tie different types of knots to create their own plant hangers. Each participant leaves the class with their own unique hanging planter. A macrame kit is mailed ahead of time, and contains enough cord to make three planters. This class can be taken by up to 500 people at once, and costs $85 per person. It is one hour long.
Another fun group class is Virtual Tote Bag Painting. In this class, participants paint a design on a canvas tote bag. They are guided by an instructor, who makes sure that even novice painters are successful. This class can accommodate up to 500 people, costs $80 per person, and runs for an hour and a half. Everyone in the group paints the same image, which can be chosen from an online catalog, or sent in beforehand. A tote bag, brushes, and fabric paint are mailed to participants before the class, and a bottle of wine can also be included for an additional $30 per person.
CourseHorse classes generally run through Zoom, but if you prefer a different platform, Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx are also supported. Email CourseHorse for more information about scheduling a private event listed on its website, or to talk about other options for groups.
Online Vs. In-Person Crafting Classes
Crafting classes can be found in both in-person and online formats. Each one has advantages and disadvantages, and the best option will depend on a number of things, including your personal learning style, and where you live.
If you live close to an in-person crafting class, this might be a good option for you. Many people find in-person learning to be the best way to learn new skills since it involves a more direct learning experience. With in-person learning, instructors can easily provide feedback, and see what students need additional help. It can be easier to concentrate too, since there are usually fewer distractions in an in-person classroom.
However, not everyone has easy access to an in-person crafting class. If you can’t find a convenient in-person option, an online course might be a better fit. With an online course, you attend by logging in on a computer. Many online classes run virtually, with live instruction and feedback that is similar to in-person learning. Some people actually feel more comfortable learning and asking questions from behind a screen, rather than in front of a room full of people.
