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Suffering from a case of decision fatigue? We get it – and we’re here to help! From wheel throwing and glass blowing to traditional Japanese floristry, we’ve rounded up a selection of feel-good workshops to try based on the many emotions tugging at your heartstrings.
If you’re feeling… loving
Not quite ready for a fur baby but way too old for a Tamagotchi? Pour your love into your very own yeast pet! Commonly known as a sourdough starter, this thriving community of wild yeasts requires regular feeding and an attentive eye, but it’s surprisingly resilient and almost impossible to kill. Best of all, you can use it to make tangy loaves of gluten-filled goodness and share them with your friends and family! Got love to give? Follow the breadcrumbs over to our baking classes.
If you’re feeling… frazzled
There’s nothing like a bit of knot-tying to calm a chaotic mind. Originally derived from the Arabic word ‘miqrama’, which means ‘bedspread’, macramé is an ancient textile art that’s taken over Pinterest boards – and living rooms – around the world. While it looks certainly complex, there’s a whole lotta relief to be found in the ritual of macramé-making. After only a few minutes, you’ll feel your mind slow down as you start to loop, tie and tighten each thread. At the end of the process, you’ll be left with an intricate creation to hang on your wall and an unbeatable sense of serenity. Ready to unravel your thoughts? Get wrapped up in macramé.
If you’re feeling… adventurous
Hey adventure-seeker! Meet your new favourite hobby: glass blowing. Originating in Syria thousands of years ago, glass blowing has resurfaced as one of 2024’s hottest crafts. While the tools have changed substantially over the centuries, the process remains more or less the same: melt the glass until it’s thick like molasses, use your breath to blow it into shape and then sculpt something amazing. Did we mention that your blow torch will reach temperatures of around 2000°C?
If you’re feeling… overwhelmed
Let’s be real – pottery can’t solve all your problems, but it can help you press pause and focus on what’s in front of you. When you’re knuckle-deep in clay – with no external distractions vying for your attention – you’ll find yourself fully immersed in the present. Unlike traditional meditation, which can be hard work for busy brains, pottery gets you to the same destination with half the effort. Plus, you’ll head home with a beautiful ceramic object (think coffee cup, pot or bowl) that you can use or display! Click here to get grounded at your local pottery studio.
If you’re feeling… playful
Twizzle sticks at the ready! It doesn’t matter if you like them sweet, sour, boozy or bitter, cocktail-making is a guaranteed mood-booster – and we’re not just talking about the alcohol. Jump behind the bar, whack on an apron and shake yourself silly as you play with different flavour combinations and experiment with your favourite liquors. After you’ve mastered the perfect Mai Tai or Margarita, all that’s left to do is sit back, sip and smile.
If you’re feeling… burnt out
So you’re seriously snowed under? Trade in your Friday night binge-fest for something a little left of centre: Ikebana. Otherwise known as Japanese flower arranging, Ikebana has been practised in Japan for hundreds of years and draws on the Buddhist concept of minimalism. Unlike contemporary floristry which favours full bouquets that are bursting with colour, this considered artform is all about creating (and showcasing) empty space – something we all crave when life feels a little tumultuous. Every leaf, stem and stalk is mindfully placed to create balance and celebrate simplicity, making Ikebana the ultimate restorative practice for anyone feeling sapped.
Feeling all the feels – or none of them? Whether you’re full of beans, a little under the weather or in a glass case of emotion like the great Ron Burgundy, there are plenty of workshops to explore. Why not start with these trending crafts and sink your hands into something new?
