You Should Get Some New Hobbies

Talking summer workshops that can inspire you to try some new things

Okay, I know the title may be a little harsh but I just wanted to grab your attention. I’ve thought about writing this post for a bit now as summer is approaching, so I think now is the right time.

As many do, I felt a little lost after graduating from college (I went to art school) and realizing how much I loved learning new techniques and mediums. Obviously, when you’re out in the “real world” those opportunities do not come up often, so I went out of my way to search for some. In this post, I’m going to talk about some summer courses I’ve taken that sparked a new joy for me, and some recommendations for you.

I have to start with my absolute favorite workshop I’ve taken: my basket weaving class. I did a one day workshop in Poughkeepsie at Fall Kill Creative Works (if you are anywhere in the area, I so highly recommend their classes) and made a berry basket within that day! I will say, it was definitely one of the hardest activities I have done, but leaving the day with a basket I made with my own two hands felt so rewarding.

(Check out the basket I made!!) I think the beautiful thing about taking these kinds of workshops is the sense of community and meeting people you otherwise would not cross paths with. Most of the class was older women who had amazing stories of how long they had been weaving for and why they were there to learn more (I was definitely the newbie in the class).

If you know me, you know how much I love jewelry and how much it is a part of my life. Being candid, last summer was a bit of a whirlwind with my career and figuring out what to do, so I decided to use my spare time to take a jewelry making course. I took my classes at Studio Dahl in Greenwich, Connecticut, though they also have a studio in NYC as well. I cannot recommend these classes enough if you’re serious about wanting to learn about jewelry- I learned a technique called Lost Wax Casting and got to make my own ring from start to finish.

I still wear this ring everyday and its my most prized possession!! If you’ve ever considered taking a jewelry making class, let this be your sign. It’s such an interesting process and takes a lot of patience but really makes you appreciate how jewelry is made.

If you’re a craft girl like me and want something a little more relaxed, this next one is for you. I was able to be a part of the most amazing collaging workshop at RecCreate Collective in Brooklyn a few months back. If you’re someone who works a full time job and doesn’t have much time to yourself but wants to be creative, these classes are perfect for you. It’s such a special way to take an hour or two out of your week to try something new with no limitations, and maybe even meet some new people.

I think the really beautiful aspect of these classes is being able to learn from really amazing local artists and hear their stories of how they got here. I have had the opportunity to work alongside some incredibly talented people who love the art of their medium so much they want to share their knowledge with as many people as they can. What a beautiful experience!!!

And at the end of these workshops, you get to leave with a piece of work you made with your own hands and a new skill under your belt. If you’re looking to push yourself to try something new this summer, check out your local classes (pro tip: check Groupon! They always have deals). Try out a figure drawing class or pottery or natural dyeing!

If you’re curious what’s on my summer workshop lineup, I’ve got a floral arrangement class and a mending class on my calendar! Who knows what else I’ll discover in the next few weeks, and if you have any recommendations for me please dm me on instagram!! I’d love to chat about it more.

Thank you for reading and being here,

-Izabela