The Art of DIY: New York's Best Workshops
New York City has a DIY class for everyone—whether you’re a buttercream obsessive, a budding martini master, or just someone looking to weave their way to inner peace. The city’s creative scene is in full bloom, with hands-on workshops where you can roll up your sleeves, try something new, and maybe even walk away with a custom candle, a handmade handbag, or a slight buzz. From pouring wax in a sun-drenched Chinatown studio to crafting couture cakes in Chelsea, this is your guide to the coolest, quirkiest, and most satisfying classes in town. Come for the vibes, stay for the skills—and leave with a new hobby (or three).
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Anthony Luciano’s Sip & Stitch Workshops
Why chase trends when you can design a handbag that’s truly one of a kind? At Sip & Stitch, lively workshops led by Master Leather Craftsman Anthony Luciano, you’ll create a custom leather bag from start to finish—no experience required. Held in Luciano’s vintage-filled 13th-floor studio in the Garment District, the workshops come with wine, artisanal charcuterie, scenic skyline views, plus hands-on guidance from Anthony and his expert team. Choose your style—classic handbag ($195), tote ($275), crossbody ($195), or mini pouch ($150)—then cut, assemble, and stitch your design using buttery leathers and vintage-sourced hardware. You’ve probably seen the handcrafted leather bags from his eponymous line in major fashion magazines or on the racks at Bergdorf Goodman. Now, Luciano welcomes you into his world of craftsmanship, where you’ll create something uniquely your own.
347 W 36th St. Unit 1300; T. (212) 563-2223
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Floral Workshops at Élan Flowers
Spring is in the air, and what better time to play with flowers? Élan Flowers—one of NYC’s top florists since 1983—invites you into their elegant Tribeca studio for an interactive workshop that’s equal parts relaxing and rewarding. Don’t miss their next class on Saturday, May 17, at 1 p.m., where you’ll tour the studio, learn how to prep and condition seasonal blooms, and get expert tips on color theory and design techniques. Light refreshments keep things casual while you create your take-home arrangement in a vase. Whether you’re new to floral design or just want an inspiring afternoon surrounded by fragrant, vibrant flowers, it’s a beautiful way to welcome the season.
1 Worth Street; T. (212) 240-9033
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Silk Screen Classes at Work in Progress NYC
If you’ve ever wanted to bring your designs to life through screen printing, Works in Progress NYC, the East Village’s last silk screen printing shop, offers a fantastic opportunity to learn the craft firsthand. Their “Introduction to Silk Screen Printing” class is a four-hour workshop that welcomes beginners and seasoned artists, and is capped at ten students to ensure a personalized experience. In this intensive session, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the printing process, from prepping screens to using professional equipment in their commercial-grade shop. All materials are provided, and the $150 fee includes your first project. Whether you’re working on a t-shirt or a tote bag, you’ll walk away with a custom design printed by you and the skills to continue creating on your own. Don’t miss this chance to dive into the world of textile printing at this iconic NYC shop.
59 E 4th St #2W; T. (212) 598-0046
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Cake Making Workshops at NY Cake Academy
Have your cake and decorate it too at NY Cake Academy! Tucked away on West 22nd Street, this women-owned-and-operated gem has been satisfying sweet teeth since 1991. From first-timers to seasoned home bakers, their engaging workshops are designed to teach, inspire, and elevate your skills. In the “Cake Decorating 101” class ($150, supplies included), you’ll master cake decorating essentials, from crumb coating to piping beautiful buttercream designs like shells, stars, and rosettes. You’ll work with American buttercream and learn various piping techniques to create a textured, professional-looking cake.
For something a little more indulgent, try the “Geode Cake” workshop. For something downright playful, sign up for “Cartoon Cake.” Either way, you’ll be living the sweet life.
118 W 22nd St; T. (212) 675-2253
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Custom Candle Making at Lanterne Candle Lab
Pour your own candle at this bright and airy Chinatown lab, nestled on Mulberry and Bayard, right across from leafy Columbus Park. At Lanterne Candle Lab—NYC’s first sustainable candle lab—you’ll choose your vessel, blend your scent, and add personal touches to dream up a custom candle. Each session runs 45 minutes, plus two hours for your creation to cool and set. In the meantime, explore the neighborhood or grab a bite nearby. Can’t swing a same-day pickup? Lanterne will hold onto your candle for a week or ship it to you for $10 plus tax. Once your candle’s burned out, you can return the cleaned vessel for a discounted refill. Sustainability never smelled so good.
69 Mulberry Street
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Cocktail connoisseurs, this one’s for you. Step behind the bar at Dante—the award-winning, perpetually buzzy Greenwich Village institution—and shake things up at one of their Accademia Dante classes. Led by 2023 American Bartender of the Year Renato Tonelli and Head Bartender Eloy Pacheco, these two-hour sessions will find you crafting (and sipping) cocktails with guidance from the pros and snacking on curated bites before leaving with a goodie bag of exclusive Dante treats. The next session, “Ultimate Martini Class: From Classic to Contemporary,” dives into the evolution of this iconic cocktail, offering personalized instruction, industry insights, and plenty of sipping along the way.
79-81 Macdougal St; T. (212) 982-5275
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Wheel Throwing, Hand Building, and More Classes at Studio Calmplex
Art, craft, and culture blend seamlessly at this serene uptown space, home to a ceramics studio, tearoom, and gallery all in one. Slow down and get your hands dirty (in the best way) with a range of pottery classes at Studio Calmplex, open to beginners and experienced makers. Explore the art of wheel throwing and hand building in immersive workshops, with one-day classes and multi-week courses available depending on how deep you’d like to go. Whether you’re shaping clay, sipping matcha, or browsing their curated lifestyle goods, this warm, community-driven space makes it easy to tap into your creativity and take home something meaningful, made by you.
231 E 50th St Lower Level
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Zen Weaving Sessions at Loop of the Loom
Step off the busy streets and into the calming world of Loop of the Loom, where freestyle weaving meets Zen mindfulness. With cozy studios on the Upper East Side and in Dumbo, this artistic hideaway invites you to slow down and explore the soothing rhythms of Japanese-inspired fiber arts. Spend a couple of hours twisting yarn into your first tapestry or immerse yourself in a full meditative day of “Mindful Zen Weaving.” Beyond weaving, Loop of the Loom also offers playful dyeing classes (think indigo, mud, and Susuzome—Japanese soot dye made from traditional sumi ink) and felting workshops. They also host classes for kids, including Zen weaving sessions that encourage freedom of expression through improvisation. Come solo or bring a friend—this is creative therapy, NYC style.
Upper East Side: 227 E 87th Street; T. 212-722-2686
DUMBO: 197 Plymouth Street; T. 718-734-2307
WORDS Alex Catarinella
PHOTOGRAPHY lanternelab.com