Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, need a change in your life, or just want to do something you’ve never done before, there are plenty of opportunities to learn something new in Toronto. Classes and workshops abound in a variety of mediums, from artistic to active. Here are nine new things you can learn in the city.
Glass blowing
If you’ve ever looked at objects made of blown glass and wondered how they came about, or just wondered how the words “glass” and “blow” even go together, now you can find out for yourself. At the Playing with Fire glass blowing studio you can try creating your own original glass art, no experience required. What you can do can vary, but in an introductory class workshop you may find yourself making a wine bottle stopper, glass heart, paperweight, glass, or glass flower.
Knitting
There are several places in Toronto where you can finally learn how to knit that sweater or scarf you’ve always wanted to make for yourself (or someone else). The Knit Café offers absolute beginner classes that include Knit 101 and other beginner classes where you knit a scarf or headband. Other places to learn to knit in Toronto include the Toronto Public Library (various locations) and The Purple Purl.
Sewing
If knitting isn’t your thing or you’d rather swap knitting needles for a sewing machine, you have a few options in Toronto where you can learn the basics of making, altering, and repairing your own clothing. At The Make Den you can start with a sewing fundamentals class if you’ve never used a sewing machine, or an introduction to garment sewing if you need a refresher. From there, you can move on to actual garments, tailoring, and repair, depending on the skills you want to acquire. The Make Den recently moved from its Bloordale location to Sterling Road.
Rock climbing
Get a full body workout, meet new people, and learn a new skill by hitting one of Toronto’s many rock climbing gyms. The Boulderz Climbing Center has two locations in Toronto, including one in the Union Triangle and one in Etobicoke. They offer climbing and bouldering for all levels (bouldering does not use ropes and there is no belaying) in the form of drop-in and scheduled lessons. Other climbing gyms in Toronto include Joe Rockheads and The Rock Oasis.
Jewelry making
Why buy a new ring or necklace when you can make your own? In a six-week beginner silverware course at The Devil’s Workshop, you’ll learn how to make your own sterling band ring, but many students are able to complete one or two more projects in addition to the ring. They also offer a popular wedding band workshop where couples can sign up to make their own wedding bands (which sounds quite romantic). You can also try Anice Jewelery, which offers a few workshop options to choose from, plus a Girls Night Out package for groups looking to learn how to make jewelry together and offering wine and snacks.
Screen printing
Kid Icarus at Toronto’s Kensington Market offers regular open screen printing workshops of six to eight people at a time. Each workshop lasts four and a half hours and in it you will learn the basics of screen art design and leave with a greeting card or small art print along with knowledge of printing techniques and screen construction.
ceramics
Shame on the vase you made in 8th grade art class by signing up for a pottery class where you can learn new skills and do something even better. The Gardiner Museum offers direct clay classes on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 pm to 8 pm and on Sundays from 1 pm to 3 pm Classes are suitable for all levels. Tickets for classes are received on a first-come, first-served basis and go on sale 30 minutes before each session.
Improvisation
Anyone who loves to watch improv can try it out for themselves as a way to learn something new and unique. Get carried away and test your comedic moment with an improv class in Toronto. You can take a class at the Bad Dog Theater on a Tuesday at 7-8pm, no experience required. The focus area changes from week to week so you can gain new skills depending on when you visit. 45-minute classes cost just $ 7.
Make a terrarium
Terrariums, with their intricate display of plants housed in or under glass, are beautiful to look at and make one-of-a-kind decor items or gifts. You can learn how to create your own workshop at Crown Flora. In the Classic Terrarium Workshop, you will learn the basics of making your own terrarium and learn about the different plants that are used. When the two hours are up, you have two kinds of terrariums to take home. Stamen and Pistil Botanicals also offers terrarium workshops.
