Paint Your Own Ceramic Ornaments

Join us for a cozy evening of pottery painting, festive treats, and holiday shopping.  Each person will have the opportunity to paint up to 3 globe tree ornaments. The ornaments are ceramic so they are sturdy and beautiful once painted. Carmen will provide tips and tricks and one-on-one instruction where desired. She will also bring inspiration images which you can use as a template or you can just improvise and explore your own ideas. After the class, Carmen will fire your pieces, and you will be able to pick them up at The Local Hand a couple weeks later. (We can also ship them to you, or deliver them if you are local!) Refreshments will be provided. All workshop participants will also receive 10% off any retail purchases they make on the day of the class.

The Local Hand

Make Your Own Winter Wreath

Join us for this festive event with Lindsey from Lupine Flower Co.!&nbsp;You will learn the beautiful art of wreath-making, and go home with your very own handmade wreath to hang somewhere special.&nbsp;&nbsp; Your ticket includes:&nbsp; - All wreath-making supplies, including specialty dried florals - A festive hot beverage - Holiday cookies + snacks - Access to special discounts on retail items at The Local Hand&nbsp;

Jewelry Making: Hoop Earrings

This 3-hour workshop is a great introduction to jewelry making, with local jewelry artist&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ashleyprocopiojewelry.com/about-1">Ashley Procopio</a>. You will learn basic jewelry making techniques, and have the opportunity to create your very own pair of hoop earrings!&nbsp;Ashley will show you how to put your own creative spin on the hoops by adjusting their shape.&nbsp; You will go home with your own handmade earrings that you can keep or gift to someone very special this holiday season!&nbsp; Your ticket includes:&nbsp;<ul><li>All materials for earrings</li><li>Individualized instruction from Ashley Procopio</li><li>Light refreshments&nbsp;</li></ul>All workshop participants will also receive&nbsp;10% off&nbsp;any retail purchases made on the day of the class. &nbsp; Workshop tickets are non-refundable, because we purchase all supplies ahead of time based on headcount. Thank you for understanding.

Basket Weaving Workshop

This 4-hour workshop is a great introduction to basket weaving and structure. This class is designed for the individual who wants to try this craft without feeling overwhelmed. You will learn how to make this beautiful wall basket, to hang in your home or give someone special as a gift. This basic woven basket is designed to hang on a wall.&nbsp;The structure creates a strong foundation which allows it to hold weight.&nbsp;This can be a great addition to your kitchen, bedroom or anywhere you need storage but have limited surface space.&nbsp;The completed basket measures 8” x 6” x 6”, and it is completed with a leather handle for hanging. You will be able to choose between the colors pictured here or natural-colored basket. Your ticket includes:&nbsp;<ul><li>All materials for wall basket&nbsp;</li><li>Individualized instruction from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/basketsbywm">William Krier</a>, a local Dorchester basket weaver</li><li>Light refreshments&nbsp;</li></ul>All workshop participants will also receive&nbsp;10% off&nbsp;any retail purchases made on the day of the class. A great excuse to get started on your holiday shopping! Workshop tickets are non-refundable, because we purchase all supplies ahead of time based on headcount. Thank you for understanding.

Candle Making Workshop

Local artisan Thaisha (owner of The Journey Within) will lead this fun and interactive candle-making workshop.&nbsp;She will provide step-by-step instructions and help you pour your own individual candles.&nbsp;You will be able to design your very own all-natural scent.&nbsp; No experience necessary! All materials are included in the workshop fee.&nbsp;Participants will leave with their very own handmade candle! About the Instructor:&nbsp;Thaisha Guerrier is the owner of The Journey Within, which provides handcrafted scented goods with the encouragement of self care and mental health among their&nbsp;customers. Take the time to relax your mind and allow yourself to take the journey within.&nbsp; Workshop tickets are non-refundable, because we purchase all supplies ahead of time based on headcount.&nbsp;Thank you for understanding.

Paint Your Own Holiday Cards

This is a watercolor painting workshop for beginners, where you can learn the basic steps and technical elements of using watercolors, while painting your very own set of holiday cards. Margareta will introduce the basics, and then you will be free to paint your cards using her outlined drawings. She will help you to handle the brush confidently and control the fluid paint to create something beautiful. Afterwards, you will have all the supplies and technical basics to continue painting your cards on your own.&nbsp; During this workshop, you will paint your very own set of holiday cards that you can send out to your loved ones. Margareta will provide outlined drawings for you to paint on top of, so you can just relax and enjoy the meditative practice of watercolor painting. All supplies are provided, including paints, brushes, a palette, and paper.&nbsp;No need to bring anything except yourself! Workshop tickets are non-refundable, because we purchase all supplies ahead of time based on headcount.&nbsp;Thank you for understanding.

Stretch & Sketch

Join us for a healing Sunday workshop that is nourishing for both your mind and body. Jeremy will lead us through a therapeutic stretching routine to improve your mobility and breathing. Afterwards, we will gather and draw together, with guidance and supplies provided by Michaela from The Local Hand. You’ll also have the opportunity to buy locally made products at an exclusive discount.  Chill out with neighbors and enjoy the meditative practice of coloring!

Revamp Training

Block Printing with Hand-carved Stamps

This is a beginner-friendly printmaking workshop, with local artist Susana McDonnell. We will hand-carve our own stamps, and then use them to print our own greeting cards.&nbsp;You will be able to mix and match shapes and layer colors to create your own beautiful design!&nbsp; Susana will provide designs that you can trace or use as inspiration, or you can freestyle and bring your own ideas to life.&nbsp; Space is limited - advance registration required.&nbsp; Your ticket includes:&nbsp;<ul><li>All supplies to carve your own linocut blocks</li><li>A set of 6 blank greeting cards and envelopes to print on and take home with you</li><li>Individualized instruction from&nbsp;<a href="https://linocave.com/" target="_blank">Susana McDonnell</a>, a local artist</li><li>Light refreshments&nbsp;</li></ul>All workshop participants will also receive&nbsp;10% off&nbsp;any retail purchases made on the day of the class. Workshop tickets are non-refundable, because we purchase all supplies ahead of time based on headcount. Thank you for understanding.

Paint Your Own Pet Bowl

Paint your own pet bowl at The Local Hand! Carmen will provide tips and tricks for painting pottery, and then leave you free to explore your own creative devices.&nbsp;She will also provide one-on-one instruction where desired, as well as inspiration photos to help get you started. After the class, Carmen will fire your pieces, and you will be able to pick them up at The Local Hand in August.&nbsp;(We can also ship to you if that's preferred!) Refreshments will be provided! All workshop participants will also receive 10% off any retail purchases they make on the day of the class.&nbsp; About your Instructor:&nbsp;Carmen Michel (Carmiclay) is the talented artist behind our&nbsp;<a href="https://thelocalhand.shop/products/mug?_pos=1&amp;_psq=carmiclay&amp;_ss=e&amp;_v=1.0" target="_blank">wildly popular mugs</a>.&nbsp;Carmen’s pottery is made with the intention for it to be used everyday -- durable, food safe, and made with lead-free glaze. But most importantly, it’s handmade. She “creates families, not clones.” Each piece varies slightly, only adding to their charm.&nbsp;Carmen&nbsp;lives and works in Worcester, MA. We have plenty of free street parking, and we are located less than 1 block from the Ashmont T station.

Make Your Own Beaded Ring

Join us for an interactive creative workshop where you'll be able to make your very own beaded ring.&nbsp;Olivia will walk you through the process, while giving you space to follow your own creative direction.&nbsp;You will leave with your very own hand-beaded ring!&nbsp; This class is suitable for anyone 15 years or older. Your ticket includes:&nbsp;<ul><li>All supplies to create your own ring</li><li>Individualized instruction from&nbsp;Olivia&nbsp;Hochstadt, a Dorchester-based artist and educator</li><li>Light refreshments&nbsp;</li></ul>All workshop participants will also receive&nbsp;10% off&nbsp;any retail purchases made on the day of the class. We have free street parking, and we are less than one block from the Ashmont T station (red line). There are many wonderful restaurants nearby if you'd like to get dinner before/after.

Mom's Night Out: Yoga + Shopping

Please join us for this special event in collaboration with Freckle Face Yoga.&nbsp; Our event will begin with 45 minutes of a gentle yoga flow, inclusive of all bodies.&nbsp;No yoga experience is required or expected. We will then have time to mingle and shop!&nbsp;The Local Hand offers a curated selection of handmade goods, such as ceramics, stationary, jewelry, and more. This event is open to anyone in any stage of a motherhood journey. Enjoy a Summer evening for yourself -- filled with gentle movement, new friends, yummy treats, and shopping!&nbsp; All participants will receive 10% off any store purchases they make during the event.&nbsp; Prosecco + desserts will be provided.

Join us at one of our favorite local businesses, Revamp Training (1678 Dorchester Ave) where its founder, Jeremy will lead us through a therapeutic stretching routine to improve your mobility and breathing.&nbsp; Afterwards we will all gather to draw and color. Your ticket includes a locally made coloring book filled with geometric patterns. You'll have your choice to use markers, paints, crayons, or other materials while you draw and relax.&nbsp; You can mingle with neighbors or just chill out and enjoy the meditative practice of coloring. The coloring book is yours to take home after the event. This event will be nourishing for both the body and mind. You will leave feeling energized for the week ahead!&nbsp; Refreshments and snacks will be provided too.

Crochet for Beginners (3-Week Series)

Thursdays in June (3 week series) June 6 | 6-9 PM June 13 | 6-7:30 PM June 20 | 6-7:30 PM at The Local Hand 1912B Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02124 In this 3-week series, Paulina will introduce you to the art of crocheting by making classic granny squares. Why granny squares? For starters they’re fun to make and a recent fashion trend. But more importantly, they’re a perfect beginner’s crochet project. No granny-level experience necessary! Or any previous crocheting experience for that matter. The process of making granny squares:<ul><li>is quite repetitive, meaning you’ll get lots of practice and the opportunity to get really good rather quickly.</li><li>requires learning only 3 fundamental crochet stitches, including the chain stitch (ch), the double crochet (dc), and the slip stitch (sl st).</li><li>allows you to insert new stitches into “spaces” rather than other stitches, making it beginner’s friendly.</li><li>gives you endless possibilities to express your creativity by combining colors or arranging your finished squares into projects ranging from coasters to purses, to sweaters, to giant blankets.</li></ul>Your workshop ticket includes:<ul><li>All basic crochet supplies including a set of crochet hooks, a selection of yard, and stitch markers</li><li>3 weeks of hands-on instruction in a small group, with the option to work in between sessions to make even more progress</li><li>Printed beginner’s friendly granny square pattern, yours to keep.</li></ul>This class is suitable for anyone over 14 years old. Space is very limited to ensure that all participants receive plenty of one-on-one guidance. All workshop participants will receive 10% off any retail purchases made on the day of the classes.

CHANGE Exhibition: Closing Reception + Artist Talk

Please join us for a closing reception to celebrate this amazing body of work by local artists. This exhibition is centered around the theme of Change - a broad topic open to interpretation by the artist and viewer. All artists in this show have a connection to the Dorchester area, whether they live, work or were raised here. The work represents the rich diversity of our beloved neighborhood. A selected group of participating artists will also give a brief artist talk, so guests will be able to hear more about their artistic process and journey. This event is free and open to all! Light refreshments will be provided. Artists included in this show: Jaypix Belmer SaraMarie Bottaro Ava Capodanno Dominique Chouteau Kevin Deabler Elson Fortes Wilson Fortes Naijah Garrett Elisa Girard Lisa Graustein Leila Simon Hayes Colomba Klenner Sherwin Long Liliana Marquez Maria McKnight Liz Bailey Nania Michael Peterson Merlo Philiossaint Ralph Sanon Alejandra Spruill Nora Valdez Virginia Yazbeck

Intro to Needle Felting - Sheep

Baaaaaaaaa 🐑 At this therapeutic felting workshop you'll be introduced to the basic techniques involved in needle felting. Together we will make adorable little sheep. They make a great gift or cheerful piece for your home. This is a fun class for all levels and all materials are included.&nbsp; About the Instructor:&nbsp;Isabel was introduced to felting as a child attending a Waldorf School and later rediscovered felting as a therapeutic art form. Today, inspired by her environment, Isabel crafts for the love of it!

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.