Arlington Community Education

Learn to paint freely and boldly using acrylic paint. While we will go over the basics like composition, value, and color, the focus will be to connect with your intuition, paint from your heart, and discover your artistic voice. Each week we will focus on a different subject: landscape, still life, human figure, portrait, animals, urban landscape, interior study, and abstraction. All levels are welcome. The class materials list can be found here.

Elevate your resin jewelry artistry by designing and creating a custom sterling silver setting to showcase preserved flowers. Learn foundational metalsmithing techniques to shape and form a pair of earrings or a necklace, then fill your piece with real botanicals encased in resin. Through hands-on demos, torch work, and a step-by-step workflow, you will be safely guided through both metal and resin techniques. Ideal for those who have taken Floral Resin Jewelry, completed a metalsmithing course, or have related experience. All materials provided.

Create a stack of stylish, custom stretch bracelets using beautiful gemstones, sparkling crystals, colorful seed beads, and metal accents. We’ll cover everything from bead selection and design ideas to sizing, tools, and more in this beginner-friendly class. Learn basic beading techniques, knotting, and how to finish your bracelets neatly. Whether you’re crafting something special for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, you’ll leave with a gorgeous set of bracelets and the skills to continue beading on your own.

Create a stack of stylish, custom stretch bracelets using beautiful gemstones, sparkling crystals, colorful seed beads, and metal accents. We’ll cover everything from bead selection and design ideas to sizing, tools, and more in this beginner-friendly class. Learn basic beading techniques, knotting, and how to finish your bracelets neatly. Whether you’re crafting something special for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, you’ll leave with a gorgeous set of bracelets and the skills to continue beading on your own.

Carving fresh, found wood into useful objects is a fun, relaxing, and satisfying hobby. We will cover an overview of “green” woodworking, including tools, materials, process, technique, and safety. We will talk through the early part of the process of turning a log into a rough carving blank with an axe. Then you will learn safe, effective knife grips so you can carve your project. We’ll wrap up with a discussion on finishing touches, decoration possibilities, and how to continue in the craft. Butter Spreader/Cheese Knife: Wooden spreaders, present in nearly every Swedish kitchen, were traditionally hand-carved. Yours will be great for spreading butter, but also for soft, medium, and crumbly cheeses. This single-session class is perfect for complete beginners.Class fees include all materials needed, as well as use of loaner tools. Wooden Spoon: The serving spoons we’ll make have an extra large bowl for generous helpings and a stout handle for ease of use. No prior experience is required, but some familiarity with woodworking, carving, or other handcrafts would be beneficial for this two-night class.

Discover the art of paper folding in this beginner-friendly origami class. With just a single sheet of paper, you’ll learn to transform the ordinary into something beautiful with your own hands. Explore foundational folds and classic bases as you create simple, elegant models such as fluttering cranes and clever boxes. No experience is needed—just nimble fingers and a bit of patience.

Knitting socks might seem intimidating, but with the right tools and guidance, you’ll be turning heels in no time. Explore the anatomy of a sock and work through a basic pattern sized to fit your foot (or someone else’s). Build new skills each week as you knit from the cuff down, primarily using short circular needles. You should already be comfortable casting on, knitting, and purling.

IMPORTANT: Due to exceptionally high demand for this class, we ask that you DO NOT register if you have already taken this class two or more times. This will allow new students to experience the class. Thank you for your understanding. Pottery is one of the oldest expressions of human inventiveness and creativity, dating from before the Neolithic period and discovered in various locations around the globe. In this class for beginners, explore the potentials of clay by creating both functional vessels and sculptural forms. Learn basic handbuilding, wheel throwing, and surface decorating techniques. All work will be glazed and fired, resulting in vibrant, durable, waterproof, and food-safe pieces of art.

Explore the power of vibrant color and expressive strokes using acrylics and gouache. These versatile mediums offer an endless range of textures and effects. You’ll paint various subjects, from natural scenes to everyday objects, while learning fundamental painting techniques, experimenting with different tools, and developing a foundation in composition, tone, and color mixing. Work with both mediums, or focus on only one. We’ll also find inspiration in the works of both great masters and contemporary artists. Prior drawing/painting experience is recommended. The class materials list can be found here. Please do not purchase materials until we confirm the class has met minimum enrollment.

Continue to build your Oxford Punch Needle skills as you create a custom rug. Design your pattern using templates, learn how to prepare fabric backs, and experiment with different yarns and beading effects to add shading and texture. You’ll explore more detailed techniques, try out the mini Oxford punch needle, and practice finishing methods such as hand stitching or whip stitching. Bring your own yarn or wool strips; hoops and punch needles will be available to borrow during class. Completion of the Pillow Covers class or equivalent experience is required Materials: 1. Bring yarn and/or wool strips (10-12 skeins bulky wool yarn, 4oz each, or 15-8 skeins of other weight yarns of choice, or wool fabric). Student can choose and purchase their yarn after the first class of designing the rug. 2. Scissors 3. Sharpie marker All other materials will be provided by the instructor.

Slow down, tune in, and connect with nature, yourself, and your creativity. We’ll begin with a brief centering meditation, then ease into journal-making, using watercolors and paper to craft simple, expressive pages. Step into the natural world, capturing what you see, hear, and feel through sketches, words, and color. To close, we’ll gather with our new journals, sharing reflections in a warm and supportive space. This relaxed and inspiring setting invites exploration, creation, and connection with like-minded souls. Please Note: Classes are held partially outdoors; dress for the weather. The materials list can be found here. Please don't purchase until we confirm the class has met minimum enrollment.

Discover the centering art of dot mandala in this step-by-step, mastery-oriented class for absolute beginners. Begin by creating these beautiful, intricate, and symmetrical patterns on paper, then advance to embellishing natural stones. Learn structured techniques and take home supplies so you can continue your dot mandala journey on your own. All materials provided. Please note: To the first class, please bring a lidded shoe box for transporting the provided materials.

Continue your dot mandala journey in this relaxed open studio designed for those who have already taken Mandala Rock Painting. Build on your skills as you create more intricate, symmetrical designs on natural stones, with the freedom to explore new patterns, color palettes, and techniques at your own pace. While no formal instruction is provided, guidance and inspiration will be available from the instructor. Bring your supplies and your creativity to one or more sessions.

Discover the beauty of the natural world while building a solid foundation in drawing. Master traditional techniques using graphite pencils, charcoal, and other drawing tools. Develop your artistic skills through close observation and sketching from nature, as well as drawing from memory and references, to gain a deeper appreciation for the details around you. Perfect for beginners and those looking to strengthen their fundamental drawing skills. The class materials list can be found here. Please do not purchase materials until we confirm the class has met minimum enrollment.

Immortalize your furry (or feathered or scaly) friend with a one-of-a-kind embroidered pet portrait. Whether you’re brand new to embroidery or a seasoned stitcher, you’ll learn how to turn a favorite photo into a custom 6-inch line portrait. Before the first session, you’ll work with the instructor to select the perfect image so she can prepare a personalized pattern just for you. All materials will be provided.

Explore how embroidery can enhance everyday items in this class for those with some stitching experience. Experiment with a wide selection of provided materials, including denim, felt, linens, upholstery fabrics, buttons, beads, and trims. We’ll cover essential stitches, explore different threads and yarns, review transfer techniques, and look at the work of contemporary fabric artists for inspiration. Choose your project—embellish a cotton or linen garment, decorate a cloth bag, or create a patch or fabric collage. A variety of fabrics, threads, and a hoop will be provided. You’re welcome to bring an item to embellish.

Do you enjoy drawing people but struggle with proportions or have trouble capturing hands and feet? Build confidence and sharpen your skills in this studio class focused on figure drawing from a live nude model. Through demonstrations, short lectures, and one-on-one guidance, you’ll learn essential techniques to improve your observation and bring greater accuracy to your work. Ideal for anyone looking to strengthen their figure drawing or those new to working from a live model. The materials list can be found here.

Learn the basics of glass fusing while designing and creating a menorah for Hanukkah using glass sheets, frits, powders, and stringers. See different ways to position the candle cups and get help cutting the glass according to your design. In addition, craft a mezuzah and find creative ways to add to your design. Those not of the Jewish faith can create a non-religious candelabra or kinara for Kwanzaa and an ornament instead of a mezuzah. Please note: Your instructor will fire your creations in his own kiln and they will be available for pickup at Arlington High School within two weeks. Students must wear closed toe shoes, eyeglasses or safety glasses (glasses can be provided to those who do not have them).

Learn the basics of glass fusing while having fun playing with glass shapes, colors, and textures. First, learn how to use glass powders, frits, glass beads, and stringers. Then design and create your own sushi set featuring one large serving dish, two medium dishes, and a small sauce dish—perfect to serve sushi, cheese and crackers, or desserts. Please note: Students can choose to create one large square plate 10"x10" rather than the sushi set. The instructor will fire your pieces in his kiln and return them for pickup at Arlington High within two weeks.

Whether you have no experience or just need a refresher, learn what you need to get started with machine sewing. Review your machine’s parts and functions, learn to make and change a bobbin, thread the machine, decipher stitch selections, adjust tension, and use the buttonhole function. After some practice and to boost your confidence, undertake a small project, such as a mini bag. Note: Bring your sewing machine in good working order, along with your machine’s instruction manual, if you have it.

Create your own hand-painted chiffon scarf using fabric-friendly liquid paints that can be easily heat-set with an iron. Learn how to paint in a loose, flowing, watercolor style that celebrates transparency, light, and natural beauty. In October, we’ll paint large yellow sunflowers on a white background. The December class will feature a poinsettia design. Take one class or both. No prior experience is needed, and all materials will be provided.

Create a coconut soy-based candle and a set of wickless wax melts that release their scent when heated. Learn the essentials of candle making, from selecting waxes, wicks, colors, and fragrances to exploring a bit of candle history. Then combine your favorite color and fragrance to pour your own shaped candle and a set of fragrant wax melts. Fun Fact! This class is offered for families too. See Family Classes for more information.

Crochet offers endless possibilities for creating stylish and retro accessories like hats, scarves, wraps, shrugs, and bags, plus embellishments such as flowers and ruffles. Beginning: This class is for true beginners only. Learn basic techniques and stitches, including single and double crochet. Leave with an understanding of how to read patterns, crochet different shapes, increase/decrease stitches, and finish pieces. Project Circle: For those with some experience or who have completed the Beginning class. Enjoy a relaxed social space, work on projects, share ideas, and enjoy conversation and companionship with others. Get ideas and help starting a new project in a supportive, friendly setting. The instructor will have a variety of patterns to choose from, or you can bring your own. Please note: For the beginning class, materials to get you started will be provided, and as the class progresses, you’ll have the chance to begin a project with instructor guidance on selecting materials to purchase.