Weddingbee Blog

I’ve always had this big dream of opening a paper shop but that’s all it is… a big bloated fantasy! But if I were, there are so many resources out there to help you. Books such as Craft, Inc. are super informative and communities like Etsy offer a great place to start.

I noticed a lot of brides use the opportunity of planning their wedding to start a lot of DIY projects, end up really loving it and decide to go into business to help other folks. If you don’t want to go into business but are interested in learning a few new tricks or hobbies, there are a ton of places, especially in New York, to take classes. I love little mini courses where I can pick up a few skills or at least set aside time to focus on a project I otherwise would ignore with so much going on!

So here goes my list of places to learn a new craft in New York… I’m sure I will probably end up taking one soon and get inspired for a wedding project!

Please feel free to add other great schools/programs in other cities or anything I’ve missed in New York.

 * Purl Patchwork *
During my advertising days, I used to work only blocks away from this little gem. I always wanted to take a knitting class here, but with advertising hours, I never left work until about 8PM, so forget classes -I wanted sleep! Think of all the wondrous things you could make– a quilt as a groom’s gift, cute bags or totes for your bridesmaids, or a nice sweater or scarf for yourself.

You can find lots of great inspiration just by surfing their site… so many pretty colors and patterns.

* Center for Book Arts*
I have always wanted to take a class here just for a chance to use their letterpress workshop. If you take the beginner’s level class, you get the opportunity to rent out the workshop for your own projects. How awesome is that! I mean who has a letterpress just lying in the basement somewhere? The rates are a little steep if you’re not a member, but even so, I think it’s worth it for all that they offer. Every class seems very specialized and the Intro to Letterpress fills up pretty quickly.

They also offer several calligraphy classes - another great opportunity for any DIY brides who want to learn the art of fine handwriting.

* The Point Knit Cafe *
Another knitting option also in the Soho area. It’s a super novel idea: you can eat, chat, and learn to knit at the same time for very reasonable class rates!

* Flower School New York *
Before I booked my venue, I thought I could easily make my own centerpieces for the wedding and started to search for floral arranging courses in New York. Then I realized I couldn’t possibly do 30-40 centerpieces the day before the wedding! And my venue only allows us to hire from a list of select vendors. Silly, Miss Canary! But before realizing all that, I had found Flower School New York, which is actually just a block away from where I used to live. It’s a quaint little shop and school right in Tudor City. The classes are arranged by series of four where you learn the very basics up to creating your own bouquet. The cost is quite high, but the skills you learn may save you on your flower budget.

* Make Workshop *
I’ve definitely been meaning to take a class here. Make is based in lower Manhattan and has classes in just about everything crafty! From sewing, quilting, knitting, letterpress, blockprinting, to Gocco! Very affordable as well.

And if that’s not enough, New York magazine has a very comprehensive list of places as well!

Ohhh… so many things I want to learn… but must focus on mastering my Gocco for now!

Did you take up a new hobby or craft while planning the wedding?