Getting Crafty on the East Bay

Eloise Narrigan

There is no indifference when it comes to Martha Stewart. You either hate her, or you love her magical ability to take simple components and create artful, beautiful, thoughtful things from them. You can guess which side of the debate I’m on. This fall, embrace your inner Martha and learn a craft or two. Imagine how much glitter you get to use... and how impressed your family will be with all the handmade gifts you can give them during the holidays. (But really, the glitter.)

Get a Bead on It
Don’t wait for a group class to learn how to make jewelry – do it on your own time at Wild About Beads in Tiverton. This jewelry supply store offers lessons and help with projects at the front counter at any time (depending, of course, on how busy the store is). They also offer pre-packaged projects that you can start in the store and take home to finish. This month, it’s Kumihimo, a Japanese technique that braids several strands together like a rope, embellished with beads, to create a necklace or bracelet. If you don’t love the outcome, you can always just buy yourself something sparkly – the store also carries fab jewelry from Swarovski, Alex and Ani and more. 436 Main Road, Tiverton. 401-624-4332.

Get Weird, in a Good Way
When you need your crafting fix, stop by WeirdGirl Creations in Barrington. The paint-your-own pottery studio offers drop-in painting sessions daily – but make sure to set up an appointment to make a wet clay hand or foot impression (hello, grandparents) or sign up in advance for a potter’s wheel lesson. There’s a $5 studio fee, but they waive it if you sign up for their emails. Otherwise, just pay for what you paint. 33 Kent Street, Barrington. 401-247-1397. 

Sip, Swirl, Paint
Pair the fine art of painting with the fine art of wine appreciation at Paint and Pour at Tickles Tea Room. On October 3, learn how to create a lovely flowered teacup painting while sipping wine and beer (available for purchase through the tea room). Get there early and explore Tickles’ expansive rooms of delicious treats and eclectic gifts. $40. 2219 G.A.R. Highway, Swansea. 508-379-0717. 

Shine Through
Stained glass isn’t just for church. It can add a beautifully unexpected touch to your home – if you can afford it, that is. Make your artful dreams a reality with beginner or intermediate Stained Glass Instruction at The Stained Glass Emporium. All classes happen on Tuesdays, and run in month-long sessions of one class per week. 69 Fall River Avenue, Rehoboth. 508-336-5455.

Spin a Yarn
Think of Open Knit at Bella Yarns like a stitch and bitch... but without all of the stitching and bitching. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, the Warren store hosts knitting evenings where you can learn to knit, pick up some new techniques, or just hang out and work on your own project. $12. 476 Main Street, Warren. 401-247-7243.