What do you like to do in your free time?
The answer to this question was revealed as part of the recent 2022 Statista Global Consumer Survey of hobbies and activities. According to the report, the top hobbies and activities in the U.S. are baking and cooking, reading, pets and outdoor activities. It also found that 26 percent of Americans regularly take part in DIY and arts-and-crafts projects.
The want for more creative outlets and resources, especially among adults, has heightened since the pandemic, when more than 22 million people were forced to largely stay isolated indoors for months. During that time, many took up new and creative hobbies to help ease anxiety and cure boredom, among other reasons.
If you’re one of those who got crafty during COVID and are eager to learn more about your newfound pastime – or are simply interested in exploring your creative side – there are plenty of places in Frisco that offer a variety of arts and crafts classes, several of which are featured in this non-inclusive list compiled by Frisco STYLE.
One River School Frisco
3288 Main Street Suite 102, Frisco
@oneriverschool
facebook.com/OneRiverSchoolFrisco
One River School offers weekly classes year-round in art and design including introductory courses in Photoshop, Studio Art (drawing and painting) and Art Shuffle Plus, which has students work in small groups to explore different mediums and subject matter.
“Students can begin at any time and are part of a constantly changing experience that always feels interesting and fresh,” One River School Director Deepa Koshaley says. “Stay as long as you like, switch classes whenever you choose, or add a second class at a discounted rate.”
Michaels
5255 Eldorado Parkway, Frisco
@michaelsstores
facebook.com/Michaels
Drawing, wreath making, floral arranging, yarn crafts and jewelry making are among the wide variety of classes offered instore by this retail craft giant (it also has online classes available; schedules are at michaels.com). Small class sizes (up to 15 people) make for a more intimate learning environment and, in most cases, necessary supplies are included in the cost of classes.
“You can learn all kinds of things,” says Rachel Peterson, head of corporate and product communications for Michaels. “Watercolor, paint pouring, crocheting, wood burning, textile work – there are tons of opportunities for all skill levels.”
AR Workshop
(Anders Ruff Workshop)
3231 Preston Road Suite 13, Frisco
@arworkshopfrisco
facebook.com/arworkshopfrisco
This locally owned franchise opened in 2018. It offers “DIY experiences” and workshops teaching students how to create a variety of projects and décor items such as framed signs, wooden clocks, chalkboards, jewelry organizers and knit blankets, among others.
“I call it a DIY boutique,” AR Workshop franchise owner Lindsay Childress says. “You don’t necessarily have to be creative to do it. It’s art therapy and super relaxing. Plus, there are assistants to help you so you’re not alone – you’ll have guidance.”
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
2930 Preston Road Suite 850, Frisco
@rockler_woodworking
Small woodworking classes (up to eight students) are offered on Saturday mornings – ideal for those who enjoy working with wood and hardware while crafting functional home projects. Learn about cabinet building, finishing and wood turning, among other topics. Classes combine a lecture with hands-on experiences to teach techniques safely (such as operating woodworking equipment) as well as fundamentals of woodworking.
Make Expression
Art Studio
2995 Preston Road Suite 1535, Frisco
@makeexpression
Facebook.com/makeexpression
Dozens of pottery-painting projects – plates, mugs, jewelry dishes and the like – are available to choose from to paint anytime. Canvas painting and glass fusing classes are scheduled several times weekly, with staff members available to assist.
Mallory Arnold is a freelance writer who enjoys long walks, crime podcasts and hanging out with her cat Ariana Grande.
