GROUPON GUIDE TO BOSTON

Getting Crafty in Jamaica Plain

BY: Natalie Chassaigne Kurtzman | Feb 10, 2014

One of the many great advantages of living in a city like Boston is access to workshops and classes. Whether you are looking to hone your history knowledge or test your glass blowing skills, there’s the opportunity to learn - and who knows, you may just find a new hobby along the way. (Find more crafts to explore with deals on things to do in Boston.) When I think about craft, Jamaica Plain always comes to mind. Whether you want to partake in a group workshop, take an independent lesson, or even just witness a crafter in process, there’s an abundance of opportunity in this Boston neighborhood. In Jamaica Plain, you can try your hand at welding or jewelry making at Stonybrook Fine Arts. It would be pretty incredible to have a metal sculpture sitting in your living room that you welded, right? Just down the road, you’ll come across The Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts, where you can learn how to finally reupholster that antique chair you bought five years ago. The Eliot School also offers drawing, mixed media, knitting and even soap making. If you are feeling more adventurous, you could try your hand at glass blowing. Diablo Glass School offers a variety of courses - all the way from introductory glass blowing to stained glass workshops to special events. On the last Friday of each month, Diablo hosts workshops complete with wine and cheese. We’d love to make some glass beads with a group of friends! It can be intimidating to try something new, which is the reason we love JP Knit & Stitch, which offers many opportunities for newcomers. They offer crash course workshops that allow you to dive into sewing (or knitting) headfirst. You will also find knitting and crocheting courses here. Once you’ve tried your hand at crafts in Jamaica Plain, there are many other courses available throughout the city. If you are looking to tap into your culinary ambitions or acting skills, there’s a class for that!

BY: Natalie Chassaigne Kurtzman

Natalie of The Boston Day Book

Natalie highlights events, boutiques, and people that make Boston such a great place to live on The Boston Day Book. Born and raised in Boston, Natalie adores every corner of this city, from the cobblestoned streets of Beacon Hill to practicing her chopstick skills in Chinatown. She can often be found snapping photos around the city or taking sunrise walks with her husband and Portuguese Water Dog, Weber.