St. Louis is filled with organizations and professionals offering a wide variety of courses and workshops for anyone interested in feeding their creative side. Here’s our guide to some of the many craft and hobby classes available around town this spring, whether your natural abilities lean more toward macaroni necklaces or mastering woodworking. Be sure to check with organizations in advance for registration and schedule details, and enjoy the thrill of making or learning something new.
ACTING
Acting Classes
Stay up-to-date with the local arts scene
Subscribe to the weekly St. Louis Arts+Culture newsletter to discover must-attend art exhibits, performances, festivals, and more.
The Green Room Acting Studio provides Zoom acting classes for kids, teenagers, and adults in the St. Louis area. The studio offers a $48.75 trial class. After that, monthly classes cost between $195 per month for kids and $260 for specialty acting classes.
Acting Classes
8045 Big Bend, gcpastl.org
The Gateway Center for Performing Arts offers acting classes for all ages, as well as summer camps, intensives, and performing opportunities. One-on-one private coaching lessons are also available for several disciplines, including vocal and instrumental music, dance, and acting instruction. Prices and schedules vary.
Acting Classes
6880 Washington, cocastl.org
The Center for Creative Arts (COCA) offers classes in various theater disciplines such as costume intensives, creative drama, improvisation, and summer intensives where plays and musicals are performed. Summer intensives range from $330-700.
BLACKSMITHING
Learn the Art of Blacksmithing– 5 Weeks
8145 Delmar, craftstl.com
Learn the art of forging and craft your own technique during this five-part beginner blacksmithing course. Creating about one project per week, this course encourages learning the craft through twisting metal techniques, hot cut splitting, and hot hole punches. Protective clothing is encouraged due to the heat and hammering. Schedules vary. $585.71 for the five-part course.
Various Classes
5080 Delmar, craftalliance.org
A wide variety of blacksmithing classes will be provided at Craft Alliance this spring. Grasp the fundamentals of the medium with the six-week course “Introduction to Blacksmithing,” where you’ll learn how to hand-forge and manipulate metal. Slightly more niche classes include “Making a Cheese Knife” and “Making a Bottle Opener.”
BOOKBINDING
French Link Bookbinding
4605 Olive, bowoodfarms.com
Taught by JoAnna Jackson, this course will work with the lay-flat French Link stitch, letting participants create a beautiful 6×6-inch book with 70 pages of premium paper. The books will be customizable with hand-crafted papers made of recycled cotton blocks from sister store Holliday. $75. April 26.
Coptic Stitch Bookbinding
3762 S. Broadway, perennialstl.org
Perennial St. Louis is offering a Coptic stitch bookbinding course, teaching one of the oldest binding methods dating back to 200 CE that allows for books to lay perfectly flat. Participants are invited to use their own colors and decorative paper to personalize their covers. The three-hour workshop costs $50. May 15.
CANDLEMAKING
Candlemaking Sessions
104 South Main & 3745 Foundry, Suite 155, thecandlefusionstudio.com
Explore more than 100 fragrances at the Candle Fusion Studio, where patrons can create their own custom soy candle or room sprays, body mists, spa salts, and wax tarts. The studio takes walk-in appointments for individuals or small groups, but reservations are recommended for groups with six or more people.
CLAY/CERAMICS
Pottery Open Workshop
3816 South Broadway, southbroadwayartproject.org
The South Broadway Art Project hosts Open Workshop, which provides pottery students with as much instruction as they want or need to learn. Students learn at their own pace and can take part in classes such as the Make-A-Mug Workshop, Glaze & Paint Your Own Pottery, and Clay Date Night. The group offers a 10-hour pass, a 28-hour pass, a Monthly Membership, or a Three-Month Membership, which are $95, $185, $150 and $382, respectively.
Wheel Throwing
12580 Rott, laumeiersculpturepark.org
Laumeier Sculpture Park offers wheel throwing and clay classes and workshops for people of all ages. Participants meet in small groups and work at their own pace with guided instruction. Classes range from $45 to $240 and are available in groups based on age. Check Laumeier Sculpture Park’s website for dates and times.
Various Classes
5080 Delmar, craftalliance.org
The Craft Alliance offers various clay and ceramics classes for participants, such as hand-building, ceramic restoration, and wheel classes. Patrons can learn how to make mugs, jars, bowls, and more through these classes. Dates, times, and more information are available on the Craft Alliance’s website.
COMEDY/IMPROV
Various Classes
3960 Chouteau, theimprovshop.com
Local venue The Improv Shop offers classes, workshops, and shows for those looking to bump up their comedy chops. Newbies might enjoy their “Level 0: Entry Level for Beginners” course, while experts can explore a range of topics spanning from “Scenework” to “Longform Mechanics.” Most classes begin in late March.
Various Classes
11124 Pam, compassimprov.org
Compass Improv Festival hosts a variety of classes and events led by improv experts. Sign up for a series, or pop in for a casual improv jam hosted online via Zoom. For more information and dates, visit their website.
Introduction to Improv
39 S. Old Orchard, cszstlouis.com
ComedySportz invites participants to learn all the basics of improv—team-building, trust, active listening and agreement. These skills are transferable to a multitude of career paths and opportunities, and this course will open the doors to all things ComedySportz. Through May 10. $225.
CREATIVE WRITING
Sunday Workshops
3301 Washington, stlouispoetrycenter.org
St. Louis Poetry Center offers both in-person and (if needed) virtual poetry workshops, encouraging writers to kickstart their submission and critique process. These workshops are offered for free as a service to local poets, and will host various guest critics. Submission guidelines are available on their website.
DRAWING
Intermediate Drawing
12 N. Jackson, stlouisartistsguild.org
Take your drawing technique to the next level with this course taught by Michael Faris, who asks questions about the meaning of composition. This two-month course welcomes those with some drawing experience, and all students will have a drawing assignment each session. April 29-June 3. $140 for members, $180 for non-members.
Drawing 1 and Drawing 2
5080 Delmar, craftalliance.org
In Drawing 1, participants will “become acquainted with the use of a variety of drawing tools and surfaces.” At the same time, craftalliance wants artists to take their skills a step further in Drawing 2 where students will discover their personal style through perspective, form, lighting and composition. Drawing 1: April 14-May 19; Drawing 2: April 15-May 20; $221 for members, $260 for non-members
Perspective Drawing
12 N Jackson, stlouisartistsguild.org
Whether you are just getting started back into art or an artist that has been wanting to go back to the basics to enhance your work, The St. Louis Artists Guild is providing an 8-week course to refresh your skills surrounding the elements and principles of design. Students will examine drawings and do “abstract painting challenges” where you will use basic shapes, lines and patterns to prepare you for a landscape or still life painting at the end of the course. March 25-May 13, $170 for members, $220 for non-members.
FIBER ARTS
Embroidery
630 North Highway, sewhopestl.com
From a design to a stitch, Sew Hope Community Sewing Room offers a 90-minute session where all levels of expertise can learn how to professionally embroider with an embroidery machine. Attendees will learn the ins and outs of the machine, hooping techniques and design placement to create a personalized sweatshirt. Must provide a blank sweatshirt. Tuesdays starting April 8, $65
Quilting for All Levels
6700 Arsenal, citysewingroom.com
Founded in 2016, City Sewing Room came together as a place for people to gather and share in the love of stitching. Now a nonprofit organization, City Sewing Room teaches 20 youths and over 20 adults every week. For $30, City Sewing Room welcomes beginners and advanced quilters to attend their Quilt basics class. Participants will be able work on their individual projects with provided fabric and supplies. March 29, April 1, April 16
Crochet
630 N. Highway 67, sewhopestl.com
Sew Hope Community Sewing Room, a community for sewers, quilters, and crafters, has been offering classes, workshops, and workstations for creatives of all ages in the St. Louis area. Their 1-on-1 Crochet Lessons adheres to the level you’re at. Whether you’re a beginner with no experience or an advanced student, Sew Hope meets you at your skill level in these 1-hour sessions. Tuesdays and Thursdays for $35
Weaving
2505 S. Brentwood, weaversguildstl.org
The Weavers’ Guild of St. Louis is offering this one day workshop where participants are introduced to basic stitches to create an expression in thread. Materials will be provided and included in the workshop fee. Consider bringing T-pins, bobbin(s) of scrap yarn and extra warping paper to help you in the course. March 29, $55 for members, $90 for non-members.
Fashion and Sewing
6880 Washington, cocastl.org
The Center for Creative Arts offers ‘Sew Fabulous’ a class for ages 6-7 where students will be able to apply their own style and creativity to their room. Participants will walk away with skills in painting, embellishment, hand sewing as they work to create pillows, wall hangings and frames in this three-day experience. June 16-18, $110
FLORALS/GARDENING
Sustainability Gardening
4651 Shaw, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.
Want to become more sustainable in your gardening but don’t know where to start? The Missouri Botanical Garden encourages you to join them in their ‘Intro to Sustainable Gardening’ class. This April 2 class will teach students various sustainable practices, outdoor composting, use of rain barrels and more. Prices vary for members, $34 non-members.
MUSIC
Rock Band Classes
1305 Baur, stlrockschool.com
Always dreamt of joining a rock band, but never got around to it? STL Rock School offers rock band classes that will have your kid performing live in concert at a local venue like Blueberry Hill, the Old Rock House, and more. Bands are put together by the staff to help each of the students reach their potential with an expert band director at the helm. Prices and schedules vary.
Piano Lessons
10 W. Lockwood, pattersonperformingarts.com
At Patterson Performing Arts, they ensure that your kids are given the tools and confidence to showcase their musical talents to the world. With their Accelerated Piano Lab, students will have one-on-one lessons for an hour each week, working at the student’s pace and skill level. In order to sign up, students have to schedule a discovery call, choose a time slot and register, and finally, take lessons. They also offer voice lessons with the same procedure. Costs $169 per month, including all materials.
Voice Lessons
1118 Holly Springs, gabriellestudioofmusic.com
Gabrielle Studio of Music, a premier private instruction from certified music instructors, offers a unique voice lesson experience for students of all ages and abilities. These private lessons are combined with multiple live performances throughout the year, backed by a professional 5-piece band. To begin the process, Gabrielle Studio of Music asks potential students to send an inquiry through their website. Prices vary.
Various Lessons
3301 Magnolia, themusicroomstl.com
This music school offers a variety of lessons, including piano, guitar, violin, mandolin, banjo, and ukulele, with premier instructors. With lessons held weekly and opportunities for students to perform in their recitals, all ages are invited to sign up. To contact them for teacher availability or to schedule a lesson to give it a try, they ask you to call their number, 314-282-5126. Tuition varies according to the length of the lesson.
Songwriting Lessons
2200 Gravois, shockcityschool.com
Want to learn how to write the next top hit? Shock City Music School offers private songwriting lessons that review song composition, arrangement, lyrics, notation, and music theory across various genres. You also have the opportunity to learn recording and performance techniques. No prior experience necessary. Both online and in person options available. Prices vary.
DJ Lessons
9177 Watson, guitarcenter.com
If you want to take your aux skills to the next level, learn how to control a party crowd through DJ lessons at your local Guitar Center. Following a schedule that accommodates your needs, a private tutor will guide you through mixing and sampling techniques on professional equipment. Costs $105 for four 30 minute sessions, $210 for four 60 minute sessions.
JEWELRY/BEADWORK
Jewelry Classes
3762 South Broadway, perennialstl.org
Perennial offers personalized jewelry classes where participants can learn to make pieces like soldered pendants or copper rings and bracelets. All supplies in these classes are made with recycled materials. Check Perennial’s website for class dates and times.
Metal Jewelry Classes
5080 Delmar, craftalliance.org
The Craft Alliance offers various metal classes aimed toward jewelry makers at all skill levels, where participants can learn to make items like a cuff bracelet, swivel locket, and a loop-in-loop chain. Check their website for dates, times, and class prices.
Jewelry Classes
520 N. Main, foundryartcentre.org
The Foundry Art Centre offers a jewelry class, where students get to create their very own “bezel-set turquoise pendant.” Learn how to texture, file, solder (with a torch) and capture a turquoise stone in this class. No experience is needed and all materials are provided but you may want to bring magnifying glasses for the small details. April 5, $100
LEATHERWORKING
Galaxy Painting Class with 130 Saint Louis
13078 Tesson Ferry, tandyleather.com
Take a trip to Tandy Leather on March 29 at 11 a.m. to learn how to paint galaxies on leather. These techniques will teach you everything you need to know about layering and sponging paint to create something out of this world. The class includes a leather coaster and all supplies are provided. Free
Leather Belt, Wallet and Dog Collar & Leash Workshops
4904 Tholozan, angsarleather.com
Build your own belt, wallet, or dog collar and leash at one of Ansgar Leather Co.’s seasonal workshops. Spaces are limited. Check their website for future workshop dates and times. $250 per person.
METALWORKING
Various Classes
5127 Delmar, madestl.com
The MADE makerspace is equipped with state-of-the-art tech for a wide range of creative projects. For those interested in metalworking, the studio offers one-on-one classes including Basics of Metal Forming, Basics of Metal Shop, and Basics of MIG Welding. Group classes are offered as well. Courses tend to range from two to three hours. Prices vary.
Various Classes
5080 Delmar, craftalliance.org
From the basics of metalsmithing to creating forms for jewelry, Craft Alliance is offering plenty of metalworking classes this spring. Those with little to no experience might want to start with Casting 1 and Metalsmithing 1, while a variety of levels are also available for those who are more learned in the craft. Prices vary.
Blacksmith Spike Knife
8145 Delmar, craftstl.com
Craft Central is a family owned business dedicated to teaching blacksmithing, metalworking, and weaving skills. On April 12, at 8 a.m., create your own custom knife from a solid block of steel. All skill levels welcome, ages 14 and up, students aged 14-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian also enrolled in the class. $193.53 + tax per person.
Welding Training
5835 Manchester, cksupply.com
Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate welder, hone your skills at CK Supply. Welding classes start at $395 per person, but prices vary per class. Check CK Supply’s website for class dates and times. Prices vary.
PAINTING
Oil Painting
12 North Jackson., stlouisartistsguild.org
Instructor Elzara Yusufova will lead a class designed for beginner and intermediate oil painters. Learn how to convey depth and form using impressionist techniques. The course will cover creative composition, color schemes, and decorative approaches, as well as depicting volume and texture with oil paints on objects like fruits, vegetables, and flowers from life. April 2–May 2. $150 for members, $200 for non-members.
Various Classes
28 The Blvd, paintingwithatwist.com
As the name suggests, Painting With a Twist offers more than just the basics of acrylic. The Brentwood studio plans multiple nightly events curated for couples, family, or friends. Some of March’s motifs include bursting blooms, a spring meadow, and a lush lake mountain. Times range from afternoon to evening, and 21+ events include an open bar. Prices vary.
Various Classes
1201 Macklind, artherapystudios.com
The party comes to you with Artherapy Studios, a group painting service that specializes in cultivating a laid back and fun environment for beginners. The studio can cater to a variety of locations and event types—from birthday parties to team-building in the office. At Paint and Sip classes, bring your own drinks and snacks for a pick-me-up while you complete your canvas. Prices vary.
PAPER/PRINTING
Printmaking
5080 Delmar, craftalliance.org
In this introductory sampler course, you’ll explore the fundamentals of printmaking, with a focus on relief printmaking and screen printing processes. Designed as a hands-on process, you’ll create your own unique print work while gaining knowledge in both processes. The innovative course offers the opportunity to experiment with two techniques before committing to a more specific six-week course. April 16–May 21. $221 for members, $260 for non-members.
Papermaking
3762 S. Broadway, perennialstl.org
Expect to get a little messy in this class. Using discarded paper waste, you’ll create beautiful, handcrafted papers in this hands-on course. On May 3 at 10 a.m., Instructor Jill Kuanfung will cover the basics of papermaking techniques, including fiber and pulp preparation, how to form sheets using a mould and deckle, and pressing and drying techniques. You can keep making sheets as long as the class is in session. No experience is required. $32 for members, $40 for non-members.
Screen Printing Class
5110 Penrose, lawsonsp.com
During this immersive day-long workshop on April 18, participants will be guided through all the ins and outs of silk screen printing. A limited class size of only six students ensures that everyone gets plenty of hands-on experience, and instructors will provide Q&As for any lingering queries. Donuts and coffee for breakfast and lunch are provided. $350 per person.
Stationary
2624 N. 14th, centralprint.org
Do you want your own personalized stationary? During this workshop on March 22 at 10 a.m., you can print cards using your name, initials, or other personal sentiments. Choose from Central Print’s archive of over 50 unique letterpress designs and learn a few tips and tricks. Expect to leave with 20 pieces of fully printed stationery and matching envelopes. March 22. $55 per person.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography Bootcamp 101
11806 Borman, photoprostl.com
Want to learn the ins and outs of your camera? This group class will teach you everything you need to know. The Photo Pros will explain all of the general items on most cameras, including items on the top, back, and front of your camera. Discussions will include metering, scene, program modes, and more. If you’re looking for more camera equipment, enjoy 10 percent off of various items including filters, used lenses, flashes, tripods, and more after attending the class. April 12. $49 per person.
Parent Photography Classes
201 Chesterfield Towne Center, emilylucarzphotography.com
Emily Lucarz offers photography classes for parents where they can learn how to capture their children’s moments “beautifully, effectively, and intentionally.” There are two class levels for participants, where patrons are required to own a DSLR camera. Subscribe to her newsletter to learn more. Prices vary.
WATERCOLOR
Watercolor Classes
3526 Washington, Suite 300, davenanderson.com
Daven Anderson, a former teacher at the College of Fine Art at the University of Missouri St. Louis, offers oil and watercolor classes four times a week. Beginners interested in watercolors are welcomed at Anderson’s studio anytime and do not have to bring materials for the first two weeks. Each student will have their own work table, water container, hair dryer, and more. Classes are generally held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., time may vary for specific students. Watercolor classes cost $300, equivalent to around 20 hours of instruction.
Watercolor Classes
4605 Olive, bowoodfarms.com
Offered by Bowood Garden + Supply, beginners and advanced artists can learn the basics of watercolor painting and brush techniques. Visit the studio’s website for a calendar of upcoming events. Prices vary.
WOODWORKING
Fundamentals of Woodworking
1304 West Lark Industrial, awacademy.com
Interested in woodwork, but don’t know where to start? American Woodworking Academy, a locally owned business with 30 years of experience, offers classes for beginners that will have them confident in no time. Fundamentals of Woodworking will teach participants how to make a three-legged shaker table. By the end of the session, you will know how to square wood with a Jointer, Surfacer, and Saw, use a Bandsaw, learn correct clamping techniques, and more. April 1-3, eight hours per day. Costs $675, including fees for tuition, laboratory, and materials.
DIY Bird House
3726 S. Broadway, perennialstl.org
Want to see your neighborhood birds in a new home? Craft a haven for them in this class hosted by Perennial. The class uses plans that are approved by the Missouri Department of Conservation for small birds such as wrens that need shelter from larger birds. You’ll learn how to follow woodworking plans and safely use the drill press, miter saw, and air nailer while creating the perfect modest dwelling. $39 for members, $48 for non-members.
Date Night: Wine & Cheese with Woodcraft Staff
2077 Congressional, woodcraft.com
If you’re looking for new date ideas, then Woodcraft of St. Louis has a memorable activity for you. Together, you and your date will make a bottle stopper and a cheese plane with the help of the Woodcraft Staff on April 11 from 6-9 p.m. All they ask you to bring are safety glasses, hearing protection, and a respirator or a dust mask. Beginner friendly, this class will give you memories that will last a lifetime. Costs $140 per couple.
