Getting Creative in Clemmons

Getting Creative in Clemmons BY TABI FALCONE

One of the largest trends sweeping across towns in America is DIY and creativity. Between DIY shows on TV and countless scrolls on Pinterest, there is inspiration everywhere for people to want to get their hands dirty and make something from scratch. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars worth of equipment to create masterful projects like what we see on social media. This is where the creative DIY industry comes in. Many stores are bringing this trend to the masses by holding classes that relate back to what they do, so that their customers can come make their own creations under the watchful eye of a professional. Three shops such as these can be found right here in the Clemmons, North Carolina region.

PAINT NITE AT 2520 TAVERN

Ever since Bob Ross became a cultural icon, learning how to paint has been something that has become increasingly available. Lately, there has been a boom in “Wine and Paint” events being hosted at various venues. At this Paint Nite event, you are able to enjoy a restaurant ambiance while also being able to create your very own painting with the helpful instruction of a professional artist. Each event has a speci ed painting that all members will create, but as with most art, each person makes it their own. The subjects of the paintings vary, often seasonally, and include (but are not limited to) scenic works, oral arrangements, and animals. All materials are included in the price. This event is held weekly on Wednesdays by Paint Nite Piedmont Triad at the 2520 Tavern, details on speci c classes and tickets can be found at PaintNite.com. Class costs are in the $40$45 range.

WARM GLASS GALLERY & STUDIO

For the more adventurous creative soul, this family owned and operated glass studio offers moderate to advanced classes regularly, as well as seasonal beginner classes such as ornament making. Whether you want to learn how to fuse recycled glass into original works of art or create your very own glass boxes of your own design, this studio can help you. They also offer a beginner class which covers all the basics on how to get started with creating pieces such as coasters, jewelry, and more. For the majority of their classes, all materials are provided. A full class listing and all the information on how to register can be found at WarmGlass.com, class prices for adults start at $75.

There is a full range of classes offered at Sewingly Yours for all levels of skill. For those who want to learn how to sew using a standard sewing machine, there is a beginner pajama bottom class. For those looking to hone their skills, there are master quilting classes using the long arm machines housed as the shop. There are also numerous home good classes to teach you how to create things such as jelly roll rugs, piped edge pillows, and holiday-themed fabric baskets. There are even classes which will take you from start to nish on creating your very own quilt. Quilt classes also vary by skill; there are beginning quilts to dip your toes into the hobby, as well as advanced classes that involve detailed piecings and advanced quilting designs. You can even create a bookshelf quilt! Class information can be found at SewinglyYours. net; pricing begins at $25.

So step outside of your comfort zone and check out any of these great opportunities to learn a new skill, or even refresh an old skill. The best part is that you don’t even have to leave Clemmons to do it.

DANIEL BOONE GEM MINING

Located in nearby Winston Salem, visit Daniel Boone Gem Mining to roll up your sleeves and get your prospecting on. With several packages available, you choose a pre-made bucket that you then mine with a sieve and hands-on instructions from the knowledgeable staff. The buckets have a variety of gems and other nds such as amethyst, citrine, quartz, calcite, arrowheads, sharks teeth, petri ed wood, rubies, emeralds, and geodes, among other crystals. There is also the option to buy a solid geode and use the geode cracking station to reveal the beautiful crystals within. The staff is very helpful with assisting in identifying the types of gems found, and the website has a list of the meanings of all the gems. Fun Fact: rose quartz represents love and romance while green quartz represents prosperity. Not only can you mine for gems as a fun date or family outing, but they also host birthday parties! More information can be found at DanielBooneGemMining.com, and pricing for mining buckets begins at $21.95.

DAHLIA’S FLORAL DESIGN

A Clemmons staple since 20007, Dahlia’s Floral Design is well known in the area for their exemplary oral arrangements (specializing not only in events, but also in every day oristry), as well as their penchant for supporting local small businesses. They have a variety of local artisans featured within their shop and source locally for their arrangements as much as they are able. What you may not know is that they also offer DIY oristry classes. While their most popular classes are the seasonal wreathes and centerpieces (and if you’ve ever seen one of their centerpieces you know why!), they also offer classes on how to creatively construct a terrarium, garland, and ower crowns. Not only do these classes help guide its participants in making an aesthetically pleasing item, the execution is also on par with their professional work. Classes are posted on their Facebook page and contact information can also be found on their website Dahlias-Flowers.com. Classes range between $50$75 each.