Crafting Creativity: A Guide to Calgary’s 12 Best Craft Classes

Ready to dive into Calgary's creative scene? Join us on a journey through the city's best craft classes and workshops, designed to spark your artistic passion.

Whether you're a seasoned creator or just starting, our handpicked selection offers something for everyone. From traditional arts to cutting-edge crafts, we've explored every nook of Calgary to bring you unique and enriching experiences.

Imagine connecting with like-minded folks, learning from skilled instructors, and unleashing your creativity in a welcoming environment. Let this guide be your companion as you navigate the diverse world of craft classes in Calgary. Get set for a ride filled with imagination, innovation, and the joy of artistic expression!

Step into the world of clay and creativity at the Pottery Wheel Throwing Workshop, hosted by Bowness Soapworks. Under the guidance of the remarkably talented Melba, participants are invited to not just learn a skill but to embark on a unique journey of self-exploration and acceptance of life's imperfections through the medium of pottery.

The workshop introduces you to the soulful process of "centering" on the pottery wheel, a metaphor not only applicable to the art of pottery but also to achieving balance in life. As your hands mold the clay, you're not just creating a piece of art, you're engaging in a meditative practice that reflects the essence of balance and transformation.

Dive deep into the world of ceramics with Workshop Studios in Inglewood, Calgary—a place that transcends the ordinary to offer a vibrant hub for potters and ceramic enthusiasts alike. Their ceramic courses are a beacon for those eager to immerse themselves in the art of pottery, offering both six and eight-week programs designed to cater to a wide range of skills and interests.

At the core of Workshop Studios is a facility equipped with top-notch tools and materials. Picture yourself at one of their 16 CSA-approved Shimpo RK Whisper wheels, your hands molding the future as the wheel spins. Or perhaps you're using the 30″ Bailey slab roller to flatten your clay to perfect thinness on a 72″ table. The studio doesn't stop there; with extruders and a diverse selection of gas and electric kilns, along with mid and high fire Plainsman clays, the possibilities for creation are nearly endless.

Dive into the captivating world of soap making with Bowness Soapworks in Calgary, where the traditional art of cold process soap crafting comes to life.

This renowned adventure soap company extends an invitation to enthusiasts and beginners alike, offering a hands-on workshop that not only teaches the basics of soap making but also ignites the creative spark within each participant.

The workshops are crafted to provide a cozy and memorable experience, perfect for spending quality time with family and friends.

As you learn the meticulous art of mixing, scenting, and molding your soap, the workshop is enhanced by the delightful addition of beverages and snacks, making the atmosphere even more inviting and enjoyable.

What sets this experience apart is the opportunity to leave with something tangible and personal. Each participant gets to take home a 1-pound loaf of their own crafted soap, embodying the essence of their creativity.

This soap loaf, while ready to be taken home, will undergo a curing process, gradually unfolding its full potential in the weeks to follow.

Dive into the enchanting world of string art at Palak Studio Ink, where creativity knows no bounds. This String Art Workshop, led by the incredibly talented Palak, offers a welcoming environment for beginners to discover their artistic flair.

Calgary's vibrant artistic community finds a treasure trove of creativity at Palak Studio Ink, where every workshop is a doorway to new skills and expressions.

Participants in the String Art Workshop are taken on a detailed journey through the art form. From laying the initial nail pattern to weaving the final piece of string, Palak ensures that everyone, regardless of their artistic background, can weave a masterpiece.

The workshop is meticulously designed to cater to beginners, making it a perfect opportunity for those looking to dip their toes into the world of art without the intimidation of starting from scratch.

Palak's passion for art and teaching shines through in every session, making the workshop not just a class, but a memorable experience.

As you twist and turn the strings, you'll not only learn a new skill but also unlock a creative side of you that perhaps you never knew existed.

Calgary's Plant Shop offers a green escape with its DIY Terrarium Workshop, a perfect blend of education and creativity for plant lovers and DIY enthusiasts alike. This engaging workshop not only teaches you the basics of terrarium making but also allows you to dive into the fascinating world of miniature ecosystems.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a curious newbie, this experience promises to enrich your understanding of plant care and interior landscaping.

Set in the cozy confines of Plant Plant, the Plant Shop's dedicated workshop space, attendees enjoy a detailed, hands-on class lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours. The journey begins with an introduction to the essentials of terrarium construction, followed by practical tips on maintaining your miniature garden.

Each participant is equipped with all the necessary materials, including a stylish glass container, a choice of succulents, cacti, or tropical plants, soil, and an assortment of decorative accents to personalize their creation.

Moreover, the workshop offers the unique opportunity to learn directly from the experts about indoor plant care, ensuring your tiny ecosystem thrives in its new home.

To complement this verdant adventure, attendees are treated to a selection of beverages, making the experience all the more enjoyable.

Calgary's crafting scene gets a vibrant boost with STASH's Crafty Classes, the go-to spot for anyone looking to dive into the world of yarn and beyond.

Offering an inviting atmosphere for crafters of all skill levels, STASH is where creativity meets community, providing an array of classes that cater to a wide range of interests from knitting and crochet to cross-stitch, embroidery, and macramé.

In addition to learning new skills, attendees at STASH will find themselves surrounded by a plethora of crafting materials and resources, making it easy to continue their creative journey even after the class ends.

This supportive environment fosters a sense of community among participants, encouraging the sharing of tips, techniques, and ideas.

Dive into the delightful world of homemade spa essentials with The Apothecary in Inglewood's workshop on Making Aromatic Bath Products.

This unique class offers a splendid two-hour journey through the craft of blending essential oils and natural ingredients to create your very own bath indulgences. Perfect for those who adore the personal touch in their relaxation routine or are looking for a creative way to unwind.

This 'make and take' workshop is designed to immerse participants in the process of concocting their spa essentials, from soothing bath bombs to fragrant bath salts. The beauty of this experience lies not just in the creation but in the empowerment of crafting something that promotes relaxation and well-being.

Under the guidance of seasoned artisans, you'll mix, pour, and mold your way to a bespoke spa experience.

The hands-on session not only teaches the basics of scent blending and the therapeutic properties of essential oils but also ensures you leave with tangible reminders of your craftsmanship.

It's an opportunity to add a personal touch to your self-care regime or create thoughtful, handmade gifts for loved ones.

Tuft Love Studios in Calgary beckons all aspiring artists and craft lovers to dive into the vibrant world of tufting through their signature Creative Tufting Workshop. 

Before stepping into the studio, your creative adventure begins with selecting or designing your masterpiece.

For newcomers, starting with simple designs is advised, but don't fret—your imagination is the only limit.

Prepare to spend up to three exhilarating hours immersed in the art of tufting. The studio schedules appointments meticulously to provide everyone with ample time to express their creativity. If your artistic zeal demands more time, the accommodating staff at Tuft Love Studios is more than happy to book additional sessions.

From the moment you arrive, you'll be guided by dedicated professionals who will demonstrate the ins and outs of tufting techniques, ensuring you're well-equipped to start crafting your unique piece.

Tandy Leather in South Calgary opens its doors to both budding and experienced leather enthusiasts with its comprehensive Skills Classes.

These classes are meticulously designed to bolster your leatherworking skills, from crafting the perfect Dillon Bi-fold Wallet to mastering advanced figure carving techniques.

Kickstart your leather crafting journey with the Dillon Bi-Fold Wallet kit class. This session is perfect for beginners looking to dip their toes into leatherwork. The class fee includes a complete kit, ensuring you have all the tools and materials at hand to create a wallet with two large pockets and three card slots on each side.

It's an excellent opportunity to learn the basics of leather assembly and finishing under the guidance of seasoned professionals.

For those with a bit more experience under their belts, the Intermediate Leather Craft-Dyeing & Antiquing Techniques class offers a deep dive into the art of leather dyeing. Participants will learn how to mix custom colors and apply various dyeing and antiquing techniques, adding depth and character to their leather projects.

Advanced crafters aren't left out, with the 310 Advanced Figure Carving class designed to elevate your leatherworking to new heights. This session focuses on intricate carving techniques that add lifelike detail and texture to leather creations. The class fee covers all materials, allowing you to focus fully on refining your carving skills.

Discover the ancient craft of basketry with the Wild Basket Making Workshop offered by Bowness Soapworks in Calgary.

Led by the experienced and adventurous Melba Seto, this full-day workshop is an invitation to connect with nature and learn the timeless skill of creating beautiful, functional baskets from wild foraged materials.

Melba, with her rich background as a Royal Canadian Air Cadet and a survival instructor, brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the art of basket making. Her expertise in survival and self-sufficiency shines through as she guides participants through the process of foraging, harvesting, and preparing natural materials to craft their own wild baskets.

This workshop is as much about the experience as it is about the craft. Participants are encouraged to dress for a day outdoors, as they will be navigating through nature to gather the materials needed for their baskets. Melba ensures that everyone is equipped with the necessary basket making tools and knowledge to turn the harvested materials into a piece of art.

Dive into the enchanting world of candle making with Field Kit's meticulously designed workshop in Calgary. This two-hour session is a perfect blend of sensory exploration and creative expression, offering attendees a unique opportunity to craft their personalized candles from scratch.

The journey begins with an immersive tour of Field Kit's fragrance library, a treasure trove of scents where the magic of fragrance creation is unveiled. Participants are invited to explore and select their favorite aroma from an exclusively curated collection, setting the tone for their candle-making adventure.

After choosing the perfect scent, the next step is to select a vessel from an array of six beautifully colored glass jars. Whether you're drawn to symmetry or prefer to mix and match colors for a more eclectic look, the choice of vessel allows for further customization of your candle creation.

Step into Milk Jar's cozy studio in Calgary for a captivating Candle & Diffuser Making Workshop that promises a journey through the art of scent crafting. This two-hour experience is an open invitation to both scent aficionados and novices alike to delve into the craft of creating personalized candles and diffusers, blending the art of storytelling with the science of scent.

The workshop is structured around the concept of olfactory storytelling, where each participant gets to weave their unique narrative through scents. Starting with the basics, you'll learn how to layer fragrances—from the foundational base notes to the heartwarming mid notes, culminating in the captivating top notes. This process mirrors the crafting of a story, where each scent layer adds depth, emotion, and character to your creations.

Dive into the luminous world of glass art with Passion For Glass, a premier destination nestled in Calgary's artistic landscape. This gallery and studio not only serves as the exclusive distributor of Bullseye Glass but also as a thriving Kiln Form Resource Centre, dedicated to nurturing the skills of glass enthusiasts at every level.

Passion For Glass is committed to sparking creativity and fostering an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of glass art. With a spectrum of workshops and classes tailored for different skill sets—from the curious beginner to the seasoned expert—every participant finds a way to express their artistic vision.

The studio's offerings are as varied as the art of glass itself. Here, you can immerse yourself in the basics of glass fusion, learn the delicate balance of colors and textures, or master advanced techniques that bring your intricate designs to life. Each class is a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Muk-Luk Magpies in Airdrie opens up a world where creativity meets the timeless art of stained glass. This hub of artistic endeavor is the perfect setting for anyone looking to dip their toes or dive deeper into the vibrant world of stained glass crafting. Whether you're a novice eager to explore your creative potential or an experienced artisan aiming to refine your skills, Muk-Luk Magpies offers an enriching environment that celebrates creative expression as a vital aspect of life.

The workshops provided are meticulously designed to cater to all levels of experience and interest. In just a 1-hour class, participants get hands-on experience with all the essential supplies provided, making it incredibly accessible for anyone to start their journey into stained glass art. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone, regardless of their skill level, can find a place to express themselves and explore the intricate beauty of working with glass and light.

Dive into the captivating essence of aromatherapy with the "First Steps Aromatherapy" course offered at The Apothecary in Inglewood, Calgary.

This beginner-friendly course is designed as the perfect gateway for those intrigued by the aromatic world and eager to lay a solid foundation in the art and science of aromatherapy.

The course covers all the bases, starting from the ground up with essential theory, terminology, and, importantly, safety protocols.

Understanding these basics is crucial for anyone looking to practice aromatherapy, whether for personal use or as a stepping stone to more advanced studies.

Participants will get an up-close and personal introduction to 14 of the most commonly used essential oils. This isn't just about memorizing facts; it's an immersive experience designed to familiarize you with each oil's unique scent profile, therapeutic properties, and the science of why and how they work.

Plus, the hands-on blending sessions offer a fun and interactive way to apply what you've learned, allowing you to create your own aromatic concoctions.