When was the last time you sat down to do some art? Was it in secondary school? Or a little more recent? Art is a great respite from our busy lifestyles, and the end results can be incredibly satisfying.
Singapore has tons of interesting art classes (sketching included) that you can take, and here’s a short list of what’s out there to whet your appetite! From cute sushi keychains to whimsical animal planters, we’re sure you’ll find something right up your alley. These are largely beginner-friendly, so don’t worry. We’ve got you.
Without further ado, let our list begin!
Crocheting – Tiny Rabbit Hole
Tiny Rabbit Hole’s stuffed animals are everything cute and adorable, and you can learn to make them too! Well versed in the art of making magical creatures, the label holds crochet classes in a cosy studio located at Smith Street. Start your crochet journey with bracelets and watermelon popsicles, before moving on to baskets and more complex amigurumis. The team comes up with different workshops all the time, so keep your eyes peeled for something you really like. You can also do some self-learning with the help of their video tutorials if you prefer!
Fees: SGD39.90 onwards per pax. Prices vary with workshop difficulty and content.
Stamp carving – Parade Made
Parade Made is the brainchild of self-taught stamp carving artist Jia Hui, who began her stamp-carving journey in 2011 and hasn’t turned back since. Apart from selling whimsical stamps and custom pieces, she also conducts workshops! A certified stamp-making instructor with Hankeshikun in Japan, Jia Hui’s workshops cover stamp-carving fundamentals, stamp designing, cutting techniques, as well as inking and printing methods. We think that’s a great deal that’s pretty hard to resist.
Fees: SGD20 per pax for corporate workshops, 105 per pax for themed stamp carving workshops (includes a DIY stamp-carving kit)
Melt & Pour Soap Art – Sugar & Spice
Bring some cheer to your bathroom in the form of cute handmade soaps—if you can bear to use them, that is! Sugar & Spice’s melt and pour soap art workshop uses 100% pure essential oils and natural colourants, so rest assured that soap quality isn’t compromised! Suitable for all ages, the 2-hour long workshop covers soap layering and soap clay modelling techniques. Participants will take home 2 soap bars. If that doesn’t feel like enough, learn how to make Cold Process Soap and give their 3-in-1 CP Soap Art workshop a try!
Fees: SGD70 per pax
Urban Sketching – Artefakts
If you’ve solid drawing fundamentals, try your hand at capturing Singapore’s landscapes by hand! Artefakts Urban Sketching course is designed for teens and adults keen on drawing the built environment. Broad topics include perspectives, drawing interiors and exteriors, texture, as well as art elements. The highlight? You’ll get to put your newfound knowledge to the test with an outdoor urban sketching field trip! All tools and materials will be provided, and classes are open attendance.
Fees: SGD420 per pax (7 sessions, 2.5 hours long)
Elephant Painting – Elephant Parade
Create art while supporting a good cause! Elephant Parade is a social enterprise that raises awareness about elephant welfare and conservation, and there’s a high chance you’ve spotted one of their statues out and about (or on auction). 20% of Elephant Parade’s net profits are donated to elephant welfare and conservation projects, so why not drop by for an Elephant Parade painting workshop at their flagship store (30 Haji Lane), choose between a 10cm or 15cm elephant, and start painting away?
Fees: SGD49
Ceramic Painting/Planter making – Polkaros
Like ceramics? Polkaros is a brand started by lifestyle/zakka designer Ros Lee, full of charming items that’ll brighten any home or outfit. If you’ve always wanted one of her cute wares (like me), she conducts workshops where you can learn to make them/be involved in the process. Choose from making functional animal planters, character cups, dishes and spoons, and more! We’re sure you’ll enjoy yourself plenty.
Fees: SGD149.50
Modern Calligraphy – The Workroom
Modern calligraphy has exploded into popularity in recent years, and The Workroom is the place to go if you want to pick it up. The Workroom started out in 2011 and is the only studio in Singapore that teaches regular calligraphy classes. Their workshop for beginners is an intense half-day affair designed for adults, where you’ll get to learn basic strokes, art composition, and other fundamentals. Participants will be able to take home calligraphy writing supplies and practice materials.
Fees: SGD136 per pax.
Airplant Greenwalls – The Green Capsule
If your home’s walls need a little cheer, do consider this workshop! Choose from 4 different frame sizes, starting from 10x15cm, and design a fuss-free display of your own. Airplants are low maintenance and require minimal watering, making them great for busy folks. It’s a great way to acquire a piece of handmade décor, too.
Fees: SGD 40 onwards per pax
Clay miniatures – AiClay
Miniature food artist AiClay made the news in 2017 for being the hands behind John Legend’s birthday present to his wife Chrissy Teigen, so trust that you’ll be in good hands in her workshops! Choose a miniature from 24 options (which includes iced gems, burgers, and egg rolls), and bring 4 friends with you to enjoy a discount. Just remember that all works are inedible, no matter how lifelike they appear.
Fees: SGD180 onwards per pax
Resin Art Coasters – Resin Play
Resin is an incredibly versatile medium, and you’ll get to use it to create beautiful coasters in Resin Play’s resin art coaster workshop! Resin Play is run by experienced resin crafter Elaine Tan and her team, and one technique you’ll learn in the workshop is the marbling effect. Sign up in a group of 5 and above to enjoy a discounted rate! Table bling can’t get any better than this.
Fees: SGD85 per pax
Found something that intrigues you? Don’t hesitate to sign up! Happy creating, and have fun! If you’ve gone for other awesome workshops/art classes, feel free to share with us and fellow readers! We’d love to hear from you, too.
