Ever browsed through all the cool, handmade products on Etsy and wished you knew how to make gifts like that yourself? Well you’re in luck, because the annual BUST Craftacular is back and better than ever with over 20 different DIY classes to explore for only $15 each. Join us December 7th and 8th in Industry City (268 36th St. Brooklyn, NY, 11232) for two fun days of women-owned businesses and cool creative classes and workshops. It’s a shopping party unlike any other! Take a look at all these amazing opportunities to learn, make, and impress friends and fam with your crafty prowess:
Instructor: Bead on Bond (IG: BeadonBond)
In this class you will work with a beautiful blend of small beads that will be flurried around a 3-4 wrapped bracelet. Each student(s) will leave with a complete beaded wrap bracelet and the know-how of this essential technique.
Instructor: Jessie Highet (IG: JessiHighet)
Not just an activity for elementary school art class, tie-dying is a fun and vibrant way to turn any fabric into a work of art. Jessi Highet will lead you in as you choose your own patterns and colors for the piece that you bring to class.
Instructor: Jade Scarlett (IG: jadescarlettart)
In this class you’ll learn how to make and shape perfect Pom-Poms with simple tools, what is the best yarn to make the poms, and what materials are needed to design and assemble the earrings.This class is beginner-friendly; no experience necessary!
DIY Charm Necklace with Brooklyn Charm
Instructor: Brooklyn Charm (IG: BrooklynCharm)
Make your own unique jewelry with help from the fine folks at Brooklyn Charm! Learn the basic techniques of jewelry assembly and design. With the use of chain nose pliers, you will learn how to turn jump rings to attach charms to findings and chain.
Build Your Journaling Practice
Instructor: Odette Press
Need to jot down your ideas, declutter your brain, or a perspective shift? In this class, taught by Odette Press, you’ll cycle through multiple types of expressive, creative writing and drawing, explore meditative breathwork techniques, and gentle movements in between writing practices in order to build a creative practice that works for you.
Weirdo Painting Class: Three-Eyed Cat
Instructor: Al Benkin (IG: mutantland)
Turn your Bob Ross pipe dreams into a reality and paint yourself a unique piece of art with this workshop led by artist Al Benkin of Mutantland Art. Learn how to paint a crazy three eyed cat in a relaxed and fun way with no experience necessary! Let’s get weird while learning some classic layering techniques that will help your painting skills beyond this class.
Jazz Up Your Clothes With Fringe Beading
Instructor: Vien Le Wood (IG: goldspinkstudio)
Want to add some sparkle and pizzaz to your outfits? Join Vien le Wood, award-winning textile artist, as she teaches a variety of beading techniques, focusing on fringing bead techniques to decorate a piece of clothing or an accessory.
Screen Printed Holiday Greeting Cards
Instructor: Gowanus Print Lab (IG: gowanusprintlab)
What better way to show thanks (and show off) than with something you made yourself? During this class you will learn the fundamentals of screen printing and how to achieve multiple colors during a single session. You get to choose from two different designs while Gowanus Print Lab guides you in printing your very own holiday card.
DIY Statement Tote: Stencil Your Own Cloth Tote Bag
Instructor: Melissa Quaal (IG: ahappystitch Twitter: @Ahappystitch)
Make your own statement tote bag and banish the plastic bag in style! Even the most beginner of beginners can cut and paint this tote bag and it will probably mean you become DIY addicted for life! And, we all need another cloth tote bag, right? Win-win! Taught by Melissa Quaal, business owner, sewing instructor, feminist, and creativity advocate.
Make A Crystal Drop Pendant Necklace
Instructor: Bead on Bond (IG: BeadonBond)
Quartz crystal stones have a unique and wonderful way to balance edgy and elegant, all while remaining secure and versatile. You will leave with the know-how to wrap pre-drilled (beads with holes) crystals with different gauges (sizes) of wire, giving several different looks.
Instructor: Jessie Highet (IG: JessiHighet)
Learn four basic macrame knots from Jessi Highet and leave with your own unique wall hanging, sure to jazz up any living space by.
Instructor: Amy Verrier (IG: brooklynsewingacademy)
Learn the basics of how to thread a sewing machine, hand sewing, sewing a button, and hemming pants. Amy Verrier of Brooklyn Sewing Academy will teach you all you need to know to start your sewing career off right! Bring any pants you’d like to hem or something to sew a button onto.
Instructor: Jade Scarlett (IG: jadescarlettart)
Taught by Jade Scarlett, in this beginner-friendly class you’ll learn how the basic techniques of watercolor for painting a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind holiday card that will for sure wow the lucky recipient!
Make Your Own Earrings with Brooklyn Charm
Instructor: Tracie Campbell (IG: BrooklynCharm)
Make a pair of unique earrings inspired by your favorite styles and colors with Brooklyn Charm. There are many earring designs to explore. Students will learn how to incorporate beads, chain, findings and charms together to elevate jewelry designs. This course is recommended for those with previous jewelry making experience.
Alterations: Taking in a shirt
Instructor: Amy Verrier (IG: brooklynsewingacademy)
Alter those baggy tops to make them fit. Join the Brooklyn Sewing Academy and bring a shirt you’d like to alter!
Instructor: Vien Le Wood (IG: goldpinkstudio)
Make flower organza petal motifs and decorate it with embroidery. Vien Le Wood will showcase various techniques.
Screen Print Yourself a Bandanna!
Instructor: Gowanus Print Lab (IG: gowanusprintlab)
Print yourself a bandanna! Whatever the season, bandanas are perfect way to accessorize and show your personal style. During this class, Gowanus Print Lab will teach the fundamentals of screen printing and how it is utilized in so many industries around the world.
Suminagashi: The Creative Waters of Paper Marbling
Instructor: Kelly Laughlin (Odette Press)
Learn the creative and meditative process of suminagashi-style paper marbling. Float ink on the water’s surface and create swirling designs using breath and brush. Connect to the creative flow, the colors and shapes of the world around you as you make a collection of marbled papers.
Dyed Beadwork: Make a Key Chain
Instructor: Melissa Quaal (IG: ahappystitch Twitter: @Ahappystitch)
Create your own wooden bead keychain (or necklace) with stunning depth of color. Using fiber reactive dyes we will dye wooden beads with a gorgeous, unexpected watercolor effect. Then we pair the beads with real leather for a spectacular and one-of-a-kind keychain or necklace. These make great handmade gifts and are so fun to create!
Instructor: Haley Pierson-Cox (IG: redhandledscissors)
Learn to cross stitch your favorite Golden Girls with Haley Pierson-Cox, author of the recently released book, Cross Stitch the Golden Girls. Make a present to tell someone “thank you for being a friend!” or just display it on your lanai.
Weirdo Painting Class: Whimsical Unicorn
Instructor: Al Benkin (IG: mutantland)
Learn how to paint a whimsical unicorn in a relaxed and fun way with no experience necessary! You’ll take home your very own 8″x 10″ canvas panel with your weird masterpiece on it! Let’s get weird and have fun while learning some classic layering techniques that will help your painting skills beyond this class. Taught by Al Benkin – assemblage artist, painter and stuffed animal maker.
