How ART thou during isolation?
Do you feel like Juliet in this pandemic, only Romeo is your freedom and Paris, the man of your arranged marriage is COVID-19? This year is definitely painting a unique picture, where we have all found ourselves with an extended amount of time than ever before. For some, it’s a blessing, for others a curse perpetuating exceptional boredom and a lack of motivation. As cliché as it sounds, this is the best time to press pause on your somewhat already paused life and navigate your days with a touch of creativity.
But what about if you need some guidance? Not all of us can draw like Leo draws his French girls! That in mind, we have some easy ways for you to start your artistic journey.
Image via Shutterstock
1. Cork & Chroma: Online Paint and Sip Workshop
The combination of wine, paint and company has almost become customary as a weekend activity, especially at Cork & Chroma. Unfortunately, at this time, the company of a large group is not an option, however, that has not stopped Cork & Chroma. Now, they are offering online sessions with the option to purchase an art pack that contains all the supplies you’ll need. Add a video chat with your friends, and it will almost feel like nothing has changed.
Image via Shutterstock
2. Mii Creative: Paint a Photo
Think colouring-in only with paint. Mii Creative is a service where you can send any photo you like, and it will generate a paintable stencilled template for your enjoyment. Super simple for those who are learning to transfer a brush from their face to a canvas. Mii Creative’s paint-by-numbers also makes a great alternative to adorn your wall with! Plus, name something better than the enjoyment you’ll get watching others gaze at your art in awe?
Image via Darlinghurst Life Drawing
3. Darlinghurst Life Drawing
Now if you’re interested in getting seriously artistic, maybe an art class is the perfect hobby for you during this isolation period. Darlinghurst Life Drawing is now offering online classes via Zoom hosted by professional art teachers to guide you and perfect your skill. It’s a great way to distract yourself from your pandemic anxiety and clear your mind from an overload of COVID-19 updates. Get out your charcoal, paper and any other drawing materials, add a glass of wine and your Friday night is sorted.
Image via Handmaker's Factory
4. Handmaker's Factory: Make Your Own Soy Candles Workshop
Maybe you’re more interested in creating something you can actually use. And who doesn’t love a soy candle? With more time to think and with anxiety levels rising, we think it’s time for a soothing bubble bath, paired with a relaxation-inducing soy candle of course. Handmaker’s Factory offer a series of online workshops, accompanied by an easy step-by-step class in crafting soy candles at home. With an array of scents and colours to choose from, you’ll feel the benefits in no time.
Image via Shutterstock
5. Merchant & Green: Make a Kokedama
If you prefer to unleash your inner craftiness than artsiness, Merchant & Green is your online-workshop haven. You can learn how to make your own kokedama (a Japanese ornamental plant) in the comfort of your home, with all the supplies conveniently delivered to your door. Learn some professional planting tricks on the side whilst also creating a unique feature for your home!
Image via Merchant & Green
6. Merchant & Green: Make a Succulent Terrarium
Branching from a similar root, terrarium building may tickle your fancy too. Create your safe place, with flourishing succulents all in the small space of a fishbowl. The team at Merchant & Green are offering online how-to classes, again providing the option to have your terrarium supplies delivered straight to you.
Image via Crock'd
7. Crockd: Clay Kits
Want to increase your productivity? Why not attempt handcrafting an isolation mug for your morning coffee or a bowl for your breakfast. Crockd’s do-it-yourself Clay Kits provide you with all the essentials including the clay and tools you’ll need to kickstart your new hands-on hobby. All you have to do is start clayating…is that a word? It’s essentially playdough for adults!
Image via Made by Me
8. Made by Me: Punch Needle Craft Workshop
If you’re worried your skillset doesn’t reach as far as plants, or if you’d just prefer to have Romeo paint you, maybe you’d be more interested in a crafternoon. Made By Me is providing online workshops, teaching us how to create nifty yarn designs on embroidery hoops. Every home has room for a small circle of colour, especially when it’s made by you. These workshops are perfect for beginners, and even kids, so don’t fret if this is your first time threading a needle (your secret is safe with us). You can order a craft box to be delivered straight to your door, filled with yarn, embroidery hoops and designs to get you started.
Handmaker's Factory website
9. Handmaker's Factory: Weaving Workshop
If you’re interested in crafting a centrepiece, then take a crack at weaving. Give your home a crafty uplift, filled with texture and colour. This workshop is simple but results in an incredibly impressive outcome. After your crafty weaving session, you’ll consider yourself a practising artist. Better yet, all your crafting supplies will be delivered straight to your door.
What makes crafternoons even better? A refreshing wine-infused cocktail of course, paired with a new TV series binge!
