Self-expression is essential to living well; just ask any artist. But even those of us who are less artistic need to spread our creative wings once in a while.
Whether you’d like to destress after a long work week or you’re ready to pursue your inner passion for letterpress, there’s never been a better time to get crafty in Dallas. With a variety of classes and workshops offered throughout the year, these five made the cut for the best places to get creative in Big D.
Craft Guild of Dallas
Drawn to letterpress, bookbinding, clay throwing, or metal fabrication? The Craft Guild of Dallas boasts a full roster of classes and workshops designed to stimulate interest in the fine arts. There are summer camps for the kids, workshops for adults, and Creative Connections events for groups that go above and beyond typical paint-and-drink-wine classes. Although you can’t booze it up at the Craft Guild, it’s conveniently located on Belt Line at the Tollway, placing after-class drinks literally within walking distance.
Creative Arts Center of Dallas
Zen out with a watercolor class or tease your curiosity with a steampunk assemblage workshop, a mandala play date, a leatherworking workshop, or any of the myriad options at the Creative Arts Center of Dallas. With weekly classes and an array of workshops offered each month, the center may be one of the best places in North Texas to get your creative juices flowing. While you’ll have to provide your own art supplies for regular classes, workshop fees usually have those covered. Be sure to catch the CAC Annual Membership Show July 30 through September 3.
Dallas Arboretum
Enhance your trip to the Dallas Arboretum with classes that allow you to use the gardens for inspiration in creating your own piece of art. From fused art glass and glass mosaic classes to organic indigo dyeing and modern calligraphy, members and non-members have plenty of opportunities to explore their inner Monet.
Make + Made
A full production garment and upholstery studio, Make + Made offers workshops and classes focused on textiles. Learn to upholster a chair or sew an ottoman pouf, or, if you’re a complete beginner, learn to use a sewing machine at one of the studio’s classes. Advanced sewists can learn how to create menswear or drape a dress, but even beginners can jump in with Project Make, a six-week series held on Sundays that will teach you how to sew and design your own clothes.
We Are 1976
Want to express your creative side a little differently? Try We Are 1976, located in the Bishop Arts District. It offers elegant letterpress workshops and off-beat classes. Create smudge sticks (aka "Herbal Goodvibes Bundles"), craft handmade Valentines, or learn how to make your own terrarium centerpiece. You can even create chic letterpress business cards sure to impress your associates.
Try one of the offbeat creative classes at We Are 1976.
