Black Friday is upon us and if you completely hate yourself, it’s prime time to buy presents for the holidays. Sure, we get it – the discounts are great, but it’s always a little awkward when your one friend gives you the perfect present and your gift to her was found after a hard won fight at the bargain bin.
Make your friends and family wish you were their secret Santa this year by giving them something you made at one of these six craft classes that you can take for $40 and under. We’re usually against learning anything that’s actually practical, but we would love to find a hand-knit scarf under the tree this year.
Christmas ornament 3D printing meetup
Play around with awesome technology and make more Christmas ornaments than you know what to do with. The free 3D printing meetup is hosting an eggnog-fueled print session at Brooklyn Desks (49 Wyckoff Avenue, Bushwick) on December 17 between 7pm and 9pm. You’ll learn how to design and print your own Christmas ornaments. Everything you need will be provided, and all skill levels are welcome.
Beginner sewing classes at Sheepshead Bay public library
From a Brokelyn standpoint, libraries are the best. You get free books, wifi, bathrooms, and now you can learn to sew. The Sheepshead Bay public library (2636 East 14th Street) offers free sewing classes every Friday from 1pm to 2pm, but you have to bring your own sewing kit. Show up for good tips and moral support when you’re making a stocking for every single person you know.
Textile art class at the Brooklyn Museum
Do your friends need help decorating the apartment? Give them art for the holidays. The Brooklyn Museum’s Textile Art Center (200 Eastern Parkway) is holding a class December 4 at 7pm where you can make your own sculpture out of yarn, thread, and any other fabric you can think of. The class cost $15 materials included, but you can get in for free with a museum membership. Buy your ticket here to reserve a spot.
Embroidery at Brooklyn Craft Farm
Sign up for a class at the Brooklyn Craft Farm (315 4th Avenue, Park Slope) with four other buddies and learn how to embroider a tea towel with all those inappropriate jokes you guys have been collecting for the past year. The one session $40 class provides everything you need, but make sure to sign up with a group – classes are scheduled based on interest and must have a minimum of five people.
Jewelry making at Brooklyn Charm Shop
We bet you haven’t given your mom a homemade gift since that second grade macaroni necklace the dog ate. Well now’s the time to fix that by taking a jewelry making class at Brooklyn Charm Shop (145 Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg). Single classes are held every Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday until Christmas week. You can choose between stamping and engraving, wire wrapping, bead stringing, and assembling a charm necklace. All classes are $40 including supplies.
Project knitting/crochet classes at La Casita Yarn Shop
If your knitting always turns into as a lumpy mess, take a project knitting or crochet class at La Casita Yarn Shop (253 Smith Street, Cobble Hill). For $40, you get to pick your own project and have a teacher help you out for a two hour session every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. Even though it’s a group class, the teachers promise plenty of one-on-one attention. You do need to bring your own supplies and have a basic understanding of knitting or crochet, but you’ll finally be able to make a scarf you don’t want to burn.