Atlanta’s Best Unique Classes

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Mass Collective
Photograph by Caroline C. Kilgore

Sewing
The Beehive
Whether you have visions of designing your own wardrobe or just want to hem a pair of jeans, the Beehive’s mix of beginner-friendly sewing classes will have you whirring along in no time. Introductory courses teach first-timers how to thread a machine, wind a bobbin, insert a zipper, and whip together a seam; more confident novices can move on to “advanced beginner” workshops, where they’ll learn to decipher commercial patterns. Every participant leaves with a handcrafted project and the skills to mend that favorite skirt—or create a new one. 1250 Caroline Street, thebeehiveatl.com

3-D Printing
MODA
3-D printing seems almost a magical process, but workshops at the Museum of Design Atlanta prove that all you really need to create your own 3-D masterpiece are imagination and a knack for geometry. Using easy-to-navigate modeling software, participants can create their own figurines, jewelry, phone cases, and more, printed with MODA’s Makerbots and ready for pickup in about a week. Instructors are on hand if you just can’t quite get the shapes to align, and classes are offered for kids, adults, and families. 1315 Peachtree Street, museumofdesign.org

Woodworking
Highland Woodworking
No idea what a bedan is? At Highland Woodworking, owner Chris Bagby has assembled a faculty of artisans to teach even the thumbsiest among us the joys of bowl turning, wood carving, or bookcase building. Whether you’re a novice or a more serious amateur, expect to get up to your elbows in shavings and sawdust during the mostly hands-on classes (from $25) and multiday workshops (from $190). 1045 North Highland Avenue, highlandwoodworking.com

Leatherworking
Mass Collective
Mass Collective’s four-hour, $60 intro class is beginner friendly but labor intensive, as you’re cutting, pounding, and sewing cowhide. At the end, though, you’ll have a hand-cut, hand-stitched wallet or sunglasses/pencil case—customized with your choice of leather and thread colors, or even a monogram. Cord Shoes and Boots’ Sarah Green runs the small course (four people max) out of her basement studio, offering tips, coffee, and conversation as you go. masscollective.org

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This article originally appeared in our November 2015 issue.

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