If you’re looking to take a workshop to learn a new skill, or perhaps perfect an existing one, there are plenty of opportunities in Northern Virginia and DC to explore hobbies. Whether you want to craft a custom perfume that’s perfect for you or get your hands dirty at the pottery wheel, there’s a make-your-own workshop for you.
Make Your Own Scent at Olfactory NYC
If you’ve always wanted to try a signature scent, Olfactory NYC offers make-your-own custom scents. The store’s “scentologists” guide you through the process, which is done on site at the store on M Street NW in DC. The experience will run you $85 for a 50 mL bottle of custom scent. Appointments are recommended. 3242 M St. NW, Washington, DC
Pour Your Own Candle at The Paddywax Candle Bar
Reserve a 45-minute candle-pouring workshop at The Paddywax Candle Bar in Reston, where you can choose your vessel and make your own scent combination. Candles are ready for pickup three hours after they’re poured, or they can be shipped for $12 per candle. Participants must be age 5 or older and those under 18 must sign a waiver. 1816 Library St., Reston
Learn to Make Pasta at Sur La Table
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, learn how to make homemade pasta at Sur La Table’s McLean location. Techniques like mixing and rolling dough, cutting noodles, and filling ravioli will be studied. Participants will also make a filling Bolognese with a truffle butter sauce to accompany the pasta, plus a winter salad with fennel and blood oranges. Multiple area locations
Make a Cup or Bowl at Splatter Paint Room
If you saw the 1990 movie Ghost and have wanted to try pottery ever since, now is your chance. Splatter Paint Room in Manassas offers a class where guests can get a hands-on lesson on how to use a pottery wheel and make their own food-safe cup and bowl. You can book a private lesson with up to four people for $50 per person. 8270 Sudley Rd., Manassas
Make Your Own Jewelry at Wear Ever Jewelry
Wear Ever Jewelry in Alexandria offers classes in jewelry techniques using copper, silver, and other metals. Additional workshops include perfecting soldering, sawing, and more. There are also popular couples ring making workshops that tend to fill up quickly. 1112 King St., Alexandria
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
