Although it’s only November we are already looking ahead to the sparkling holiday lights, lovely winter scenes and giving gifts to our loved ones; and nothing says “I love you”  like a handmade gift. We have put together a selection of workshops, tutorials and classes so that you can become a master crafter just in time for the holidays.

Kingston Frontenac Public Library, Digital Recording

November 20 – December 18

The Kingston Frontenac Public Library will be releasing a series of holiday crafts on their YouTube channel every Friday. Learn how to make holiday cards, hanging ornaments inspired by nature or learn how to use a Janome Embroidery Machine. Explore their schedule here.

The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery Crafting Workshops, In-person classes and remote

November 24- December 8, various times

The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery have released a selection of stunning workshops that you can access in-person or at home. Craft a winter wonderland at home with their Snowfolk and Winter Tree clay workshops, or customize your own holiday Charcuterie Plate. Get your tickets and Clay Kits here.

Lincoln Salt Dough Ornaments, in-person and remote 

November 25, 10-11 AM

The Lincoln Museum will be hosting a Salt Dough Ornaments workshop perfect for the kiddos. Join them on November 25 to make something festive just in time for the holidays. Register here.

If you want to try this workshop from home, here is a simple Salt Dough Ornament tutorial that only requires a couple of ingredients found in your pantry.

Vibe Arts, Digital Recording

Ongoing

For the Ontario Culture Days festival, VIBE Arts introduced us to their resident artist Cristina Delago. Cristina taught us how to create a beautiful mosaic using recycled materials found at home! Get creative and transform an old bowl or mug into a mosaic of a winter wonderland. Start crafting here.

National Art Centre Beaded Earrings Workshop, 2-part live online workshop

December 5 & 12, 11:30 AM – 1 PM

String together a pair of beaded earrings with Stephanie Peltier of Deliaestelle Designs and the National Arts Centre. Grab your bead kits, tune into zoom and start crafting a one of a kind piece of jewelry. Register here.

Crafting the Perfect Card, Digital Recordings
Ongoing

Holiday cards are a staple with any gift! During the Ontario Culture Days festival, we had the opportunity to try our hand at calligraphy and landscape painting. These two skills are perfect for designing any holiday card. Here is a round-up of some of the tutorials that you can still find online:

  • Oakville Galleries has put together a series of art tutorials to try out from home. This twinkling night sky tutorial would make a stunning addition to the cover of your card. Tune in here to learn how.
  • Join Ms. Emily from the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton as she shows you how to create an illuminating view of the Northern Lights, along with some Arctic friends. Find the recording here.
  • Now that you have the front of the card done, it’s time for the inside! Join Vanessa Yu and the Markham Arts Council as they teach you some techniques on how to transform simple lettering into elegant calligraphy! Take a look:

Feature Image: courtesy of Vibe ARTS TO Resident Artist Cristina Delago