In the hustle and bustle of adult life, it’s easy to lose touch with the artistic interests of your youth. Arts and crafts aren’t just for kids, and now there are more opportunities than ever to make an afternoon out of a DIY project. Check out these eight shops offering arts and craft workshops in Northern Virginia where no experience is necessary.
Fiber Arts
Tuft Tuft
Create the rug of your dreams at Tuft Tuft, Tysons Corner’s DIY tufting workshop space. With a rainbow assortment of yarn choices, the only constraint for the craft is your imagination. Book a workshop to weave a rug of your own, from mini (coaster-sized) to large, in the design of your choice. You’ll need to book a time, as well as pay for the materials and trimming costs. Prices vary by size. Tuft Tuft also offers acrylic bear painting workshops, where crafters get to try their hand at fluid painting and walk away with a cute bear-shaped trinket. 1961 Chain Bridge Rd., Second Floor, Tysons
The Quilters Studio
Get swept up in the lush fabric, thread, and sewing machine selection The Quilters Studio has to offer. Then, learn a thing or two about sewing at one of its classes. Topics range from nailing the basics of quilting to playful projects designed by the studio’s staff. By the time you walk out of the door, you’ll be full of artistic inspiration (and holding a handmade bag, or at least a bag of newly purchased fabric). 9600 Main St., Unit L, Fairfax
Needles in the Haymarket
Stock up on yarn at Gainesville’s independent craft supply store cleverly named Needles in the Haymarket. Along with yarn, the store offers intimate small-group workshops and recurrent classes ion knitting, spinning, and crocheting. 7937 Heritage Village Plz., Gainesville
Painting
Muse Paint Bar
Join in on the paint-and-sip trend at a storefront designed for just that. Browse Muse Paint Bar’s website for which painting you wish to recreate then book a spot in the class for the step-by-step tutorial. Or drop by on a Thursday afternoon for open studio time to dream up a one-of-a-kind design of your own. Sips and snacks are optional but will be available for purchase starting 30 minutes before class. Multiple area locations
Splatter Paint Room
Splatter Paint Room in Manassas is not your typical peaceful or meticulous painting experience; it’s a cathartic artmaking adventure. You’ll get to gear up before you enter the splatter room, where you’ll craft a masterpiece by flinging paint on canvas Jackson Pollock–style. The shop also offers pottery wheel classes and pottery Painting for artists who prefer to make their messes with clay. 8270 Sudley Rd., Manassas
Pottery
The Clay and Metal Loft
Owner Amy Manson has been a studio potter for 20 years now and displays her work in various galleries. The Clay and Metal Loft is her boutique studio for ceramic and jewelry making. It offers workshops and classes, some tailored to adults and others to children. Treat yourself to a Ceramic Fish Workshop or your partner to a Date Night Mugs class. 27 Fairfax St., Leesburg
Kiln and Co.
Kiln and Co. offers a decadent combination: ceramics and frozen custard. Drop in at any time to paint your own pottery or go all in and book a class on the wheel to mold a vase or bowl of your own. While you’re there, you might as well indulge in a scoop or two of chocolate custard, too. 115 Church St. NE., Vienna; 455 S. Maple Ave., Falls Church
Candles
Paddywax Candle Bar
Customize your own candle at one of Paddywax Candle Bar’s candle-pouring workshops. You’ll get to choose your own vessel and scent as you learn candle-making techniques. Your new candle will be cool enough to bring home a few hours after the 35- to 45-minute session. Guests are welcome to bring their own wine or beer to enhance the experience for an additional corking fee. 1816 Library St., Reston
Feature image courtesy Tuft Tuft
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