When they’re executed well, handmade gifts can be a great way to show your giftee that you put a lot of time, thought, and care into their gift. But it’s not as easy as the macaroni necklaces or air-dry clay ornaments you may have made as a child. These seven art and craft workshops can guide you through a new artistic skill. You’ll have fun while you do it, and you’ll end the class with a handmade gift that the recipient will truly love.
AR Workshop
This studio offers a variety of crafting classes. You can craft your own holiday ornaments, paint a sign on wood or canvas, or make a chunky-knit tree or gnome. 1212 King St., Alexandria; 16330 Lee Hwy., Gainesville
Clay Cafe
Learn to throw pottery with a 75-minute “try it” class. You’ll learn the basic techniques and create one or two pieces of pottery to be fired when you’re done — you’ll just have to return after the original class to paint your piece. Or, if throwing the clay isn’t your speed, pick out one of the studio’s premade pieces to custom-paint for your loved one. 14511 Route 50, Ste. G, Chantilly, $63 plus $8 studio fee, paint-your-own prices vary
DMV Art Studio
This art studio offers a variety of DIY workshops, including one where you can make a colorful mosaic lamp. The classes allow you to use 12 to 16 colors of glass to piece together a beautiful lamp in the shape of your choosing. 22611 Markey Ct., Ste. 105 B, Sterling, starting at $95
Made In ALX
This shop highlights local artisans and lets you create your own art, too. Check out the paper quilling workshop on December 7, a candle-making class on December 13, or a make-your-own resin earring session on December 14. 533 Montgomery St., Alexandria, prices vary
Needles in the Haymarket
A hand-knit (or crocheted) gift is a great way to show the giftee that you put in the time and effort to craft something special for them. Needles in the Haymarket offers technical classes for knitting and crocheting so you can learn the skills then use your own pattern at home, as well as guided workshops like a sock workshop on December 1, 8, and 15. 7937 Heritage Village Plz., Gainesville, prices vary
Tuft Tuft
Make a cute, custom plush rug at this studio in Tysons Corner. You’ll select a pattern, trace the outline, pick out your yarn, then use a tufting gun to fill the pattern in. Once you’ve finished your fuzzy masterpiece, you can pick it up from the studio two weeks later. Tysons Corner Center: 1691 Chain Bridge Rd., Tysons Corner, second floor, $20 to reserve a time slot, $58–$256 for rug, plus $10–$45 trimming fee
Wear Ever Jewelry
In Old Town Alexandria, DIY jewelry goes far beyond beaded bracelets. Here, you can craft professional-looking accessories. Take a couple’s ring-making class to create a pair of textured ring bands by bending, hammering, and soldering silver for a truly personalized gift. 1112 King St., Alexandria, $225 for couples ring class
Feature image courtesy Tuft Tuft
