Why should kids have all the fun at summer camp? You’re never too old to learn a new craft or skill. These adult summer craft workshops, lessons and grown-up creative gatherings will inspire and engage budding artists of all backgrounds (and even better, will keep crafters busy in the A/C while the summer swelters) outside. The lagniappe? Adults who engage in crafts report feeling less stress and anxiety. According to a 2023 report from the American Psychiatric Association, “Americans who rate their mental health as very good or excellent tend to engage in creative activities more frequently than those who rate their mental health as fair or poor. We live in stressful times, and sometimes our jobs and responsibilities can drain our energy and our mental health,” said APA President Petros Levounis, M.D., M.A. according to the report. “Creative activities aren’t just for fun, they can help us take a step back from the daily grind, use our brains differently, and relax. Picking up that paintbrush or solving a tricky puzzle can truly move us to a different mindset.” Whether you pick up a paint brush, knitting needles or glue stick, getting crafty this summer has never been easier and more fun. Here are just some of the best places to gather with friends or make new ones while expressing yourself through craft.
CULINARY SKILLS
Bread Making
Bellegarde Bakery
Bellegarde Bakery is known for its menu of craveable breads, pizza dough and specialty flours, but it also hosts a limited series of bread making workshops, most of which sell out quickly. Classes include instruction on croissant making, bread 101 and more. Participants will learn instructions on bread and pastry making, techniques, tips and will bring home dough to continue to practice after the class. Stay tuned to the bakery’s website and social media for updates on any upcoming classes, and in the meantime, enjoy some tasty baked goodies. 634 Orange St., belleguardbakery.com
Cocktail Concocting
Sazerac House
The Sazerac House offers two workshops for those looking to learn, imbibe and create their own cocktails at home. For adults 21+, the Tropical Cocktail Tasting Experience and the Sazerac Cocktail Tasting Experience guide cocktail lovers through the history of classic cocktails and their ingredients, along with tasting, instructions and secrets on making your own creations at home. Whisky tasting and a full museum tour are also available for those looking for additional experiences, as well. 101 Magazine St. 504- 910-0100, sazerachouse.com
Revel Café and Bar
Mixologist Chris McMillian teaches the art of cocktail making with a three-hour workshop at Revel Café and Bar in Mid-City for those looking to shake things up. McMillian, along with his wife Laura, is the founder of The Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans and brings more than 30 years of bartending and cocktail creation to each class. All materials are provided, along with light snacks. 133 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-309-6122, revelcafeandbar.com/mixology-class
Wine Tasting and Pairings
The Independent Caveau
More than a wine shop, The Independent Caveau offers wine tastings and courses for those with no experience, intermediate and beyond. Advanced classes focus on vineyards, grape varietals, wines from around the world and more. Beginners can enjoy learning the basics about red, white and sparkling wines. The shop also is adding charcuterie and pantry selections to complete the experience. 1226 South White St., 504-702-8033, theindependentnola.com
Coffee Roasting
Current Crop Roasting Shop
Use your bean and learn how to roast your own coffee, the art of coffee pairing, tasting and more at Current Crop Roasting Shop on Magazine Street. This one-stop shop for all things coffee related has expert guidance on roasting beans with a selection of offerings from around the world, as well as equipment, green coffee beans and more. Coffee lovers can also enjoy caffeinated cocktail combinations, dessert pairings and a cup of joe to enjoy onsite (or to go) as well. 3931 Magazine St., 504-571-5129, currentcroproasting.com
KITCHEN GARDENING (AND COOKING)
Barcelo Gardens
Community garden and cooking classes are one of the many highlights of Barcelo Gardens. While class takes place outside of the A/C, the garden’s free classes are a great option for those looking to expand their garden and seasonal cooking skills are worth venturing out on a summer day. Every second Saturday, enjoy the garden’s seedling starter class at 11 a.m. Additional summer instruction is in the works, so stay tuned for cooking lessons and more at 2301 Gallier St. Follow @barcelogardens for more information and updates.
JEWELRY MAKING
The Bead Shop NOLA
Shoppers along Magazine Street may be familiar with The Bead Shop, a one-stop spot for jewelry making supplies, charms, beads, stones and, of course, lots of workshops. Classes include instructions on making your own jewelry, consultation on charms and a bead stringing station for small groups and friends. Stop by to browse the store’s colorful array of materials or book a class in advance. The store also has a selection of DIY kits to bring home for makers of all ages. 4612 Magazine St., 504-330-7476, beadshopneworleans.com
NOLA Metalworks
Make your own totally unique, hand forged rings, pins, brooches, accessories and more at NOLA Metalworks. Workshops range from one day classes to eight-week metalsmithing courses, with something for all levels of interest. Metalsmithing skills include sawing, filing, embossing, soldering and more. 2712 Royal St., 504-4816273, nolametalworks.com
COSTUME/HEADDREESS MAKING
Nola Craft Culture
Tucked away in Mid-City, Nola Craft Culture has become a mecca for the glitterati, costume makers, headdress crafters, Carnival throw creators and anyone looking to add a little pizzaz to their life. The shop sells all the supplies needed to be fabulous, as well as offers a dedicated workshop space for crafting and classes. Recent events have included a “giant magnolia headdress” class, beaded flower making, a Prince-themed candle making class, Pride beading and design, and much more. Be sure to follow the shop’s social media and website for the latest calendar of classes and special events. 127 S. Solomon St., 504-454-8837, nolacraftculture.com
FIBER ARTS
Needle Arts Studio
Needle Arts Studio hosts a weekly “Stitch Social” on Tuesdays, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bring your current knitting, crochet, embroidery or needlework project to work on with plenty of advice to go around. The Studio also sells beginner kits for knitting and needlepoint projects. Be sure to check out the shop’s social media for all updates and future classes. 5301 Canal Boulevard, 504-832-3050, needlenola.com
SEWING
RicRack NOLA
RicRack is a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching beginner and experienced sewers and crafters while promoting sustainability. Classes range from totally beginner machine sewing to embroidery, quilting, crochet, kite making and more. There truly is something for anyone interested in learning or sharing a skill. Workshops are added continuously, so be sure to consult the class calendar for the latest information, dates, times and more, plus information on how to support the group’s efforts “to provide economic opportunities through skill sharing and creative re-use while reducing waste in the textile industry” across the community. 321 Burgundy St., 504-218-5205, ricracknola.com
Chateau Sew
This St. Charles Avenue sewing shop and workshop sells supplies, patterns, notions, kits and fabric, as well as offers a variety of classes and get-togethers for sewers of all levels of experience. Join a monthly quilt club, learn the basics of sewing and patterns, or take a class to make finished projects such as aprons, totes, caftans and more. 1512 St. Charles Ave., 504-533-9221, chateausew.com
PAINTING AND VISUAL ARTS
New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts
Since 1980, the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts Uptown on Magazine Street has provided classes that fit almost all artistic endeavors year-round. Recent classes have included intensive workshops on watercolor painting, intro into color and design, collage creation, drawing, photography and more. Explore the academy’s deep catalog of classes online for more information and schedules. 5256 Magazine St., 504-899-8111, noafa.org
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Adult art fans can get in on the fun this summer with The Ogden Museum of Southern Art’s rotating schedule of workshops, classes and community events. Recent events included a printmaking craft happy hour, plant based abstract painting, photography, design and more. Check in with the museum’s calendar for the latest information on upcoming classes in July and August. 925 Camp St., 504-539-9600, ogdenmuseum.org
OBJECT MAKING
Ceramics and pottery
Wrenworks Art Studio
Located in historic Rivertown in Kenner, Wrenworks has something for all levels of budding artists, from walk-in pottery painting to private parties, date nights, regular open studio memberships and four-week pottery classes. Potential potters can also opt for a “Try It” class to get a full experience before committing to a longer workshop class. Adult classes are BYOB friendly. 2120 Fourth St., Rivertown, Kenner, 504-667-5530, wrenworksartstudio.com
Belly Fire NOLA
BellyFire on Oak Street offers pottery wheel classes and pottery painting events for those looking to get creative and messy in the best way. “Walk-in and paint” experiences are offered, as well as date night and friend group classes, all BYOB, and private wheel classes. Check out the studio’s social media and website for the latest pottery inspiration and classes. 8212 Oak St., 504-208-2023, oak.bellyfirestudios.com
Crescent City Clayworks
Learn the basics of pottery and ceramics or continue your practice at Crescent City Clayworks. The studio offers fun classes for all ranges of experience, such as “salt & pepper shaker making,” “make your own chia pets” and “ceramic garden gnome making,” as well as “Laissez-Faire Fridays” each week at 7 p.m. Register in advance for all classes, which are BYOB, with all supplies provided. 1925 Conti St., 419-575-9536, crescentcityclayworks.com
GLASS BLOWING AND SCULPTING
New Orleans Glassworks
New Orleans Glassworks offers rolling workshops for those interested in learning glass blowing and sculpting skills. Classes are offered for both adults and teens, individually or as a group, with a variety of levels and learning. For those looking for a cooler alternative, the studio also offers screen printing, ceramic design, papier mache making and much more. Be sure to check the studio’s full calendar for the latest information and upcoming workshops. neworleansglassworks.com
CRAFT (AND MORE) EVENTS, PEOPLE, AND PLACES
Trumpet and Drum Coffee House
Trumpet and Drum might be your new favorite place to grab a caffeinated beverage, but it also hosts community craft nights each month. Enjoy floral arranging, paper crafts, holiday and seasonal fun, plus wine and beer. 3642 Magazine St., @trumpetanddrum.
Really Really Nice Wines
Located in the heart of Magazine Street, Really Really Nice Wines has more than your favorite sipper. The shop regularly hosts fun events, such as a “photography workshop wine walk,” flower arranging, headdress and costume construction, terrarium building and more. For wine lovers, there is also an active wine club with a monthly goodie box. 3500 Magazine St., 504-309-8744, reallyreallynicewines.com
Urban South
This Tchoupitoulas Street brewery powerhouse has become much more than a place to hang and grab a brew. Urban South hosts a wide variety of crafty meetups and workshops throughout the month. Recent events have included a door hanger paint night, flowerpot painting, medieval dance class, paint and sip, puzzle nights and more. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. 1645 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-267-4852, urbansouth.com.
Queer Craft Night
This crafty popup hosts LGBTQ+ friendly bimonthly get-togethers at the Domino Lounge (second Wednesday) and 12 Mile Limit (fourth Tuesday) each month, 7 to 9 p.m. BYO and craft supply events (think: carabiner crafts, custom buttons, costumes, cards) focus on fun, community and creativity and are free. @queercraftnola
Patron Saint
A neighborhood wine shop and bar, Patron Saint hosts a monthly craft night every first Monday of the month. Bring your projects to work on, get advice, trade supplies and enjoy wine specials. 1152 Magazine St., 504-321-7771, patronsaintwine.com.
New Orleans Public Library
The New Orleans Public Library has an array of craft events for adults throughout the summer. Learn a new skill or practice one you already have with these summer sessions:
The “Sip and Paint” class at the Cita Dennis Hubbell Library branch on July 11. Painters will learn tips on creating s still life painting while enjoying non-alcoholic beverages.
Learn how to sew a handy pie carrier with the New Orleans Public Library, July 9 at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. branch. Beginner and experienced sewers are both welcome, and participants will leave with a completed project.
New Orleans Public Library’s Milton H. Latter branch regularly hosts a “Yarn Arts Circle,” welcoming new and experienced knitters, crocheters and more to share their work while enjoying tea, cookies and community.
Check the library’s website for more events, dates and times. Registration is required through the library’s event calendar. nolalibrary.org
