Every year, I make a list of things I want to learn. This year, my list included gardening, calligraphy, and salsa dancing. I’ve ticked the first two off the list, but haven’t signed up for dance classes yet. It’s often difficult to find the time to learn something new, especially if you need to commit to several weeks or months. However, there are many classes and workshops that are just a few hours long that give you a little intro. Here are some of our favorites we think are worth checking out. 

The Works Seattle

The Works Seattle teaches workshops on growing an edible garden, preserving food (pickling and jams), baking, and other crafty things. This season’s classes include learning to cure and smoke your own bacon, pickling at home, and the art of the tart. New classes are added every season so be sure to sign up for the mailing list to be notified. 

We took the Fiesta Garden class last month and learned about growing our own salsa garden. We learned all about growing tomato, cilantro, shishito pepper, and chive plants we took home with us. With all this sunshine lately, they are thriving and I can’t wait until they are ready to eat! 

http://www.seattlefarmschool.com/

Glasswing Shop 

Plant and floral arranging classes, including Houseplants 101 and creating Kokedama and Terrariums. Kokedama is a style of Japanese Bonsai where a plant’s root system is wrapped in moss and bound with string in a self-sufficient vessel. 

We took the Kokedama workshop and our plants are doing wonderfully. They are really unique and all our friends ask us where we learned to make them. 

https://glasswingshop.com/collections/workshops 

The London Plane

The London Plane in Pioneer Square is a shop, cafe, bakery, wine shop & bar, and events space. The aesthetic is very instagrammable with high ceilings and lots of greenery.

They offer classes on food, wine, and flowers. In August, they have a class featuring Dahlias. 

https://the-london-plane.myshopify.com/collections/classes-1

Paper Delights

Mother-daughter duo, Kathy Perkins and Alicia Olsen, opened Paper Delights in 2008. Paper Delights is an adorable local stationary shop selling cards, paper & gifts, and offering custom services like wedding invitations. 

Paper Delights offers calligraphy and watercolor classes at their Wallingford and Seahurst (Burien) locations. We took the Modern Calligraphy class with Ellen Sontra. She is a professional calligrapher and taught us the basics during the two-hour class. We practiced the alphabet, learned about all the tools, and got to take home all the supplies. 

https://www.paperdelights.com/calligraphy-classes/ 

Tilth Alliance

Tilth Alliance offers hands-on garden, farm, food and environmental education & job training. This summer’s classes include Canning 101, starting your fall or winter garden, and more. 

http://seattletilth.nonprofitsoapbox.com/-adult-classes