Coastal Design Workshops

While Cara Bevilacqua was working as a Day Care Coordinator, she wondered if she could bring the childlike joy she experienced at craft time to the lives of adults. In 2026, she traded in the crayolas for oversized yarn and created Coastal Design Workshops to do just that. 

Cara started teaching paint and sip classes in her hometown of Gloucester, MA, but her side hustle quickly blossomed into a full-time business. As her student community grew, so did her crafting toolbelt and she started teaching everything from wood burning to punch needle workshops.  

Now Cara brings the latest craft trends to computer screens and remote offices all across the country. Along with a DIY kit, not only will she teach you a new skill, but she also brings the joy and excitement of crafting back into adult life. 

It’s never too late to try something new… 

“No matter your career, age, or skill level, I could not recommend it more to try a new hobby (crafty or non-crafty). It's so easy to become stuck in a routine and the humdrum of everyday life. I believe trying something new will not only bring you excitement and joy, but over time the confidence it builds and the knowledge you will gain will benefit every aspect of your life – your career, your relationships, and most importantly, your mental health.” 

Crafting always lifts my spirits…

“We all go through struggles in our lives, and crafting has always been something that has brought me back to myself. There is something special about using your hands to create something uniquely yours.” 

Beginners will love my classes…

“There is absolutely no pressure to have any background knowledge. I really strive to create a ‘come as you are’ atmosphere in my classes.”

Creativity can …

“Build confidence and expand our thinking in ways that benefit more than just our artistic skills. Experimenting with our creativity and trying new things is the ultimate joy of life for me, and I am so deeply passionate about sharing this knowledge with everyone!” 

You need to try…

“Hands down my chunky knit blanket workshop! This has been my most popular class over the years, and for good reason. There is nothing more uplifting to me than to watch people's confidence build throughout this class, and to see the excitement people have to learn a new skill they never thought they would be able to achieve.” 

My favorite teaching moment… 

“There is nothing more fulfilling than to receive a personal message after a class that someone feels their life has been improved in some way from one of my classes. It's really the little things that matter most!”