Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Daily Email Edition

Get MN Daily NEWS delivered to your inbox Monday through Friday!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Student demonstrators in the rainy weather protesting outside of Coffman Memorial Union on Tuesday.
Photos from April 23 protests
Published April 23, 2024

Round-up: Smocks on, artistes!

Local arts and crafts classes for the serial doodler.

When was the last time you did something creative? Doodling in your margins doesn’t count, nor does helping your friend workshop an Instagram caption.

Was it a long time ago? Maybe even middle school? Here at A&E, we’re sad for you — it’s important to let your creativity flow!

So here’s an idea: take a class. Dedicate a couple hours to your right brain and leave with something you’re proud of.

And if you’re going to go … invite us. We need this too!

Renaissance Drawing and Painting Techniques

Oh, you’re a renaissance man? Prove it! In this class, students will learn time honored techniques through a structured program based on an “accurate historical perspective.”

How cool would a roommate portrait be in your living room? So cool. 

Where: The Art Academy, 651 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul

When: Spring session begins this week, summer session begins in June

How much: $190

Hand Sewing 101: Leather

Did you know that it takes years of high-quality experience to even be considered to make a Birkin bag? Best start your training now.

Merchant Leather makes beautiful things — bags, wallets, glasses cases. Learn from the best and make a piece just as lovely without as steep a price tag.

Where: Merchant Leather, class locations vary

When: Dates vary (the next is May 3)

How much: $50

Jewelry classes

Beads beads beads! It might be tempting to grab some fast fashion-y doodads at H&M, but head to Lotus instead and create something unique.

Make your own wire wisp ring or crystal ball necklace, and if you don’t love it, use it as a mother’s day present.

Where: Lotus Beads and Jewelry, 368 North Garden Mall of America, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington

When: Dates vary

How much: $10 – $35

Figure Drawing Co-op

Twice a week at Minneapolis College of Art and Design, nude models come and pose for everyone and anyone interested in a little sketching practice.

While MCAD staff is there to supervise, no instruction is provided. Snag a supplied easel, bring your charcoal and embrace the curves.

Where: MCAD, Room 109, 2451 Stevens Ave., Minneapolis

When: Sundays 1 – 5 p.m., Mondays 7 – 9 p.m.

How much: $5 – $6

Embroidered Photos

Not to diss all the lovely artists on Etsy, but yeah … you could probably make that. Or maybe — if you take this class — you could make something even cuter.

Use embroidery materials (go figure) to enhance your own personal photos. Just practice a little bit first — intermediate embroidery skills are a requirement.

Where: Textile Center, 3000 University Ave. S.E., Minneapolis

When: April 18, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

How much: $82

Beginner Mosaics Class

How many cheap wine glasses have you broken and thrown away? Those are important mementos of your college experience!

Save the broken glass and make a mosaic — just make sure to add a few other colors because that would be one boring piece otherwise.

Where: Mercury Mosaics, 1620 Central Ave. N.E., Minneapolis

When: Dates vary

How much: $80 (But there’s a Groupon right now for half off!)

Neon 1

Neon! How chic of you! You have taste like Kris Jenner, but it’s better because you’re DIY-ing.

Unfortunately, neon is no easy feat, so you’re going to have to get through this class before you sign up for the one where you actually make a piece.

I promise it’ll be worth it for the ambiance.

Where: Foci, 2010 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis

When: Wednesdays, 6 – 9 p.m., May 23 – June 27

How much: $450

Floral Design Introduction

Say it with me: no more grocery store bouquets!

Every month, Koehler and Dramm hosts a cheap introductory floral design class where students can learn floral design in an informal format and bring their work home. This month’s theme is “No Holding Back.” Think of the daffodils!

Where: Koehler and Dramm Institute of Floristry, 2407 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis

When: Dates vary

How much: $49

Needlework drop-in

Whether you’re new to the craft or hiding unfinished projects in a basket, Carmen Rowland will be your guide.

Every Tuesday, Rowland is on hand at Ingebretsen’s to help die-hards with whatever they might be stuck with, and lead newbies through material picking and introductory techniques. All the Scandinavian fun without the Nordic price tags.

Where: Ingebretsen’s Scandinavian Gifts, 1601 E. Lake St., Minneapolis

When: Tuesdays, 3 – 5 p.m.

How much: Free

Sip and sketch/paint/whatever

Know what? Sometimes you just want to go to a dang sip and paint. Don’t be embarrassed! They’re probably really fun, so we won’t judge you (maybe).

Where: Locations vary

When: Times vary

How much: Prices vary

Leave a Comment
More to Discover

Accessibility Toolbar

Comments (0)

All The Minnesota Daily Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *