In our Pinterest-obsessed culture, nothing is trendier than getting crafty. For the average crafts enthusiast, however, some of the most chic projects can seem out of reach. If you’re feeling like the DIY trend is a little too VIP these days, check out the following craft classes to enhance your creative competence.
CERAMICS
Krueger Pottery Supply
8153 Big Bend, 314-963-0180, kruegerpottery.com
Your co-workers are stressed. You’ve been cooped up in the office for far too long. What better way to say “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere” than getting your hands dirty? Sign up for team-building classes at Krueger to dig in and destress.
The Painted Pot
3772 Monticello Plaza, St. Charles, 636-300-4515, thepaintedpotstl.com
No art medium is too crafty for The Painted Pot. Tryyour hand at ceramics, mosaics, glass fusing, sculpting, and more. Crafts are kid-friendly—the messier,the better. Patrons have been known to add handprints, favorite quotes, and other personal touches to their plates, signs, pots, and other pieces.
South BroadwayArt Project
3816 S. Broadway, 314-773-3633, southbroadwayartproject.org
What could you create with 3 pounds of clay in one hour? At the South Broadway Art Project, you can join pottery workshops and open studios for painting, drawing, and fashion design. Leave any anxiety about amateurism at the door—all levels are welcome.
FURNITURE
Perennial
7413–15 S. Broadway, 314-832-2288, perennialstl.org
What’s old is new again,and what’s boring is spectacular when you visit one of Perennial’s classes. Founder Jenny Murphy teach-es you to repurpose common household items like picture frames, wine bottles, and patio furniture into something fabulous. You can also learn how to reupholster your dining-room chairs.
RedPosie
431 McDonough, St. Charles, 314-504-6385, redposie.com
Got milk? Better yet, got milk paint? RedPosie does, and the vintage-resale store shares with its free milk-paint classes on Thursdays at 5 p.m. Crafters go to extreme lengths to give their furniture that trendy vintage look. Best the rest with these easy-to-understand classes, which cover preparing the milk paint, finishing your painted piece, and all the steps in between.
KNITTING & SEWING
HearthStone Knits
11429 Concord Village, 314-849-9276, hearthstoneknitsonline.com
Most crafters know just how relaxing knitting can be, but few have found ways to embrace the hobby’s social component. But they have at HearthStone Knits. At noon on Wednesdays or5 p.m. on Thursdays, knitters gather at the shop and can take part in Social Stitching, a session devoted to nothing more than a love of knitting and chitchat.
Jackman’s Fabrics
1234 N. Lindbergh, 314-994-1060, jackmansfabrics.com
Ever wish you could just whip out an outfit, but you don’t have a clue how to even thread a sewing machine? Jackman’s offers classes in subjects from the how-to-sew basics to advanced quilting. Kids’ classes are also available.
Kirkwood Knittery
10404 Manchester, 314-822-7222, kirkwoodknittery.com
You might have a deep-felt desire to join the knitting craze—but you don’t know yarns from yodels.Fear not, young stitcher-snapper. The Knittery helps customers choose the right type and weight of yarn to bring to class and offers homework for preparation beforehand. The staff is both knowledgeable and patient—and before you know it, you won’t leave without your needles and knitting bag.
QUILTING
Janie Lou
10041 Manchester, 636-579-0120, janielouquilts.com
Sew what? Sew something at Janie Lou. Jane Vogl, co-author (with her sister, Jenny Clinard) of the book Precut Quilts, wants to share with fellow quilt lovers. And her store has all the pieces you’ll need. Come for the lessons in quilting, but come back for the patterns you’ll learn to craft.
The Quilted Fox
10403 Clayton, 314-993-1181, quiltedfox.com
Quilts have never felt homier or cozier than the ones you’ll learn to make in The Quilted Fox’s classes. Some are even patterned in the vein of St. Louis’ history or make use of your old and worn T-shirts. Come stitch with friends on Saturday mornings. To make some-thing to cherish and hand down, check out The Quilted Fox’s workshops.
WOODWORKING
American Woodworking Academy
1304 W. Lark Industrial Park, Fenton, 636-343-3750, awacademy.com
You won’t have to wait to find—and buy—that piece that will complete your room once you learn how to build it yourself. Graduate from that birdhouse you built in shop class to a piece of furniture you’ll show off to friends. American Woodworking Academy offers classes in furniture building, cabinetry, exterior woodworking, and more.
