Relax and Have Fun with These Craft Projects for Adults

Need a little ‘me time’ to decompress and focus on something that benefits your mental health? Try our craft classes in Chicago for a creative diversion to help boost your wellbeing. If you always thought DIY crafts were just for kids, you’ll be surprised how engaging crafts for adults can be. 

You can spend as much time as you need on a project that gets you excited about trying something new. From woodworking to leather craft, you learn the skills you thought might be out of reach. Our classes are perfect for beginners and each instructor will guide you every step of the way.

Even if you are limited on time, you can try an adult painting class or embroidery workshop that lets you take a break from your usual routine for a couple of hours. There are no special supplies or skills required. Just show up for class and you’ll leave with the project you made and feel confident to try something new again.

Curious about what’s out there for you to try? Read on to find out.

Get tied up in knots with a macrame class

Maybe you remember this craft from the past. These days macrame is everywhere from plant hangers to wall art. If you can make knots, you can learn how to do it yourself with a local artist leading the way.

You can master the basic knots in no time and use them to build your skills. Macrame can help you develop hand dexterity and once you get going with knotting, you can get into the zone with a relaxing activity.

If you love the look of hanging plants, especially the ones you see in cute indie shops, you can make your own hanger! It’s an easy craft and you can make one in a short amount of time. Or get ambitious with a large wall hanging. Even if you don’t finish it in class, you can pick up the techniques and finish your knotted masterpiece at home.

Go behind the wheel at a pottery class

Did watching a gentle pottery show like The Great Pottery Throwdown get you curious about trying it for yourself? You can satisfy your curiosity with a wheel throwing class. Working with clay is not only a fun pursuit, but it’s also a soothing activity for anyone who wants to slow down for a few hours.

You’ll arrive at a Chicago pottery studio and have all the supplies ready for you. Your friendly teacher will go over the basics and be there for you as you try the pottery wheel for the first time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t master it right away. This is a time for learning and exploration so all you have to do is enjoy the journey.

Make a mug to drink your morning coffee or a small pot to put your favorite succulent inside. Feel free to create on the fly and learn important skills along the way. This is a great time to meet new people and take time for yourself to get creative.

Try a viral trend with tufting

If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve probably seen a tufting video. This viral craft was a huge hit during the pandemic and it’s still going strong! You can pick up a tufting gun and try it yourself at a Chicago tufting class. 

This workshop is a new way to stretch your creative skills and stimulate your senses. Pick a design that speaks to you and choose the colorful yarn to make your tufted piece. Your teacher will show you how to attach the yarn to the backing and trim your rug so you get a smooth finish to your project. 

Fun challenges like rug tufting are great ways to care for your mental health. Working on a project helps you make moves with intention. This is a great exercise for your brain as well as your body, letting you put your focus on something creative. What could be more positive than that?

Make your own leather goods

If you’ve been looking for a specific leather bag and have never been able to find it, why not try to make it yourself? You can do that with a leather working class. This Chicago workshop is the perfect place to start especially if you are a complete beginner. Show up to the studio and get ready to take a deep dive into an age-old craft.

Get familiar with the materials and tools to make your project. You can design your own clutch, cuff, or belt. This is a great way to customize a wardrobe staple that you’ve always wanted. Plus, you’ll get in-depth instruction and plenty of time to ask questions as you go.

Working with your hands on leather craft is another way to focus on a fun activity. If you’ve spent your week in a rush, this is a nice way to slow down. You can bring a friend along to share the experience or bring your partner for a couple’s class and spend quality time getting creative.

Express yourself with collage

If you want a low-key craft project that lets you experiment, a collage class might be right for you. This Chicago workshop is a way to tap into the artist in you without core skills like painting or drawing. You just need an open mind and a curiosity about where this project will lead you.

Your teacher will have all the supplies ready for you when you show up for class. You’ll use mixed media to make a collage that’s personal and meaningful, or maybe you just want to make something fun. You get to choose how you create! Have fun chatting with other students and learning collage techniques. Focus on the process and get lost in an engaging adult art class that is ideal for the beginner.

When your time is done, you’ll take home a piece of art to display and the skills to keep going with a new hobby. All of our Chicago craft classes can lead you to explore your crafty side while allowing you to have a creative outlet that benefits your wellbeing. If you need more reasons to explore art and craft classes, no matter what your skills are, take a look here!