Have the winter doldrums set in?
Just think, we could be looking at gray skies until June! I am glad that we have had some snow so that we can get out and enjoy winter a bit. It makes a Northeast Ohio tolerable. But throw in a warm day here and there and we have a big, sloggy, mess. There's little motivation to go out and do anything!
If you can't head someplace where the sun shines, then a great way to lift your spirits is to learn a new craft. Taking a class is a good way to get out of the house, meet new people and learn an art or craft.
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I learned to knit and crochet when I was a young girl. I never finished anything, but had fun running to the house behind mine, so my friend's grandmother could fix my mistakes.
Years later, when I wanted to pick up needles again, I turned to books. Crochet came back to me easily but I felt like I was all thumbs when it came to knitting. I took a class at a local recreation department and haven't stopped knitting since!
Find out what's happening in Mentorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Here's a roundup of links for you to explore if you are interested in learning something new:
Joann's offers classes in sewing, quilting, jewelry-making, knitting, crocheting, baking, and scrapbooking as well as special classes for teens and kids.
Michael's and Pat Catan's offer a wide range of classes, also, including painting classes.
You will find demonstrations at these stores, also. Sometimes that is all you need to get you started on a fun, new craft.
Keep an eye on the Mentor Public Library for craft classes for kids and adults. Stop in for Sit-n-Stitch on Thursday evenings. It is not a class, but an informal gathering of people who enjoy knitting and crocheting. I have always found groups like this welcoming.
Mentor Parks and Recreation has a huge list of classes for everyone, from baking to skating. Their arts and crafts list includes crochet, drawing, colored pencil, flower arranging, jewelry design, latch hook, photoshop. They also have classes for kids and for seniors.
Learn to knit at the lovely KNOTS - Knitting on the Square, a lovely yarn shop in Chardon. And then venture on to socks (yes, socks!), wraps, blankets and more!
Dive into quilting at Quilts & Sew Forth. Not only will you be inspired by the gorgeous fabrics there, but you will learn how to finally finish and bind off that quilt.
There are classes listed in the Patch's event section from Flux Metal Arts where you can learn in jewelry-making and metalsmithing. It also offers open studio sessions to artists, allowing them to develop their works in a professionally equipped environment.
The Willoughby Fine Arts Association offers a variety of arts classes.
The Stained Glass Centre offers classes for those interested in learning the art of stained glass.
Take sewing, embroidery and quilting classes at Alko Sewing Center.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Venture out to the surrounding suburbs or even across town and you will find a large array of classes to inspire you.
If you would like to mention a venue that is offering classes, please do so in the comments.