Friendship Bracelets (Age 5-10)

Join us for a friendship bracelet making workshop with local teacher Alex Flatley.&nbsp;Your child will learn different methods for creating their own friendship bracelets, which they will be able to practice and take home with them.&nbsp; This class has been designed for kids who are approximately 5-10 years old, but all ages are welcome!&nbsp; Parents/caregivers are welcome to hang out in our shop for the duration of the class, or you can leave your child and come back to pick them up.&nbsp;All parents/guardians must sign a waiver with their contact information upon arriving to the workshop.&nbsp; SIBLING/FRIEND DISCOUNT:&nbsp;Use code BUDDY at check-out for $10 off when you purchase 2 or more tickets.&nbsp; Please register by Friday, June 20 at 8 PM.&nbsp;We may need to cancel class due to low enrollment.&nbsp;If class is canceled, we will notify everyone via email and process a full refund. Unless the workshop is canceled, tickets are non-refundable. Thank you for understanding.

The Local Hand

Introduction to Embroidery

Join Rachelle for this introduction to hand embroidery class! Rachelle is excited to teach you the basics of hand embroidery - from how to set up your hoop to completing a sampler pattern. You’ll learn some of the most-common hand embroidery stitches. After this class, you will be able to complete many beginner projects and patterns.&nbsp; This class is ideal if you’re completely new to hand embroidery or you have some experience.&nbsp; What’s Included:<ul><li>All materials: sampler pattern, hoop, organic canvas fabric, embroidery floss, needle and embroidery scissors.</li><li>3.5 hours of hands-on instruction from Rachelle</li><li>Light refreshments</li></ul>Workshop participants will receive 10% off any purchases they make on the day of the class. Suitable for adults and teenagers. About your Instructor:&nbsp;Rachelle Innocent is the founder and owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shopweft.com/">Weft Fabric and Needlework shop</a>.&nbsp;In addition to the online business, she teaches workshops and in-person experiences to help introduce people to crafting and needlework skills.&nbsp; Workshop tickets are non-refundable, because we purchase all supplies ahead of time based on headcount.&nbsp;Thank you for understanding.

Free Legal Workshops for Small Business Owners

Join the Massachusetts Black Women Attorneys (MBWA) at The Local Hand for a series of informative and free legal workshops.&nbsp; These workshops are designed to empower employers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders with the tools to navigate today’s evolving legal and political landscape. This is part of a two-night series (Tuesday, May 27 and Wednesday, May 28) at The Local Hand.&nbsp;You can register for one or both evenings!&nbsp; Wednesday's Agenda:&nbsp; 5:00 - 5:30 PM - Welcome + Networking Appetizers and beverages will be served. 5:30 - 6:30 PM - Contracts and Chapter 93A Business Litigation Understand the building blocks of strong business contracts and what to do when disputes arise. This workshop also unpacks Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A, which governs unfair and deceptive business practices—key knowledge for protecting your business from litigation. 6:30 - 7:45 PM - Protecting Your Intellectual Property Your ideas, brand, and creative work are valuable assets. Learn how to safeguard trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and patents to protect your intellectual property from misuse and maximize its business potential. 7:45 - 8:00 PM - Closing Remarks Who Should Attend:&nbsp;Employers, small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and anyone seeking to understand legal responsibilities and protections in the workplace. Note: This workshop is designed for those who identify as women of color, but anyone is welcome to attend.&nbsp; Although the event is free, registration is required.&nbsp;To register, click "Add to Cart" and fill out your information.&nbsp;You will not be charged anything.&nbsp;

Join the Massachusetts Black Women Attorneys (MBWA) at The Local Hand for a series of informative and free legal workshops.&nbsp; These workshops are designed to empower employers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders with the tools to navigate today’s evolving legal and political landscape. This is part of a two-night series (Tuesday, May 27 and Wednesday, May 28) at The Local Hand.&nbsp;You can register for one or both evenings!&nbsp; Tuesday's Agenda:&nbsp; 5:00 - 5:30 PM - Welcome + Networking Appetizers and beverages will be served. 5:30 - 6:30 PM - Labor &amp; Employment 101 for Employers A must-attend for business owners, HR professionals, and managers. Get a practical overview of employment law essentials — including hiring best practices, wage and hour compliance, workplace policies, and managing risk — to help you build strong, legally sound employer-employee relationships. 6:30 - 7:45 PM - DEI for Businesses Under the Trump Administration With shifting national priorities and increasing legal scrutiny, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are facing new challenges. This workshop will explore how businesses can sustain DEI commitments, remain compliant with changing regulations, and protect their values and workplace culture during a time of political transition. 7:45 - 8:00 PM - Closing Remarks Who Should Attend:&nbsp; Employers, small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and anyone seeking to understand legal responsibilities and protections in the workplace. Note: This workshop is designed for those who identify as women of color, but anyone is welcome to attend.&nbsp; Although the event is free, registration is required.&nbsp;To register, click "Add to Cart" and fill out your information.&nbsp;You will not be charged anything.&nbsp;

Flower Arranging Workshop

Join us for a fun hands-on flower arranging workshop on Sunday, May 18. Celebrate Spring with some friends and neighbors and spend your Sunday afternoon with beautiful flowers. Carolanne will teach you the art and beauty of floral design and help you create stunning arrangements for your home.&nbsp;This event is beginner-friendly, and perfect for anyone looking for a creative experience on a Sunday afternoon.&nbsp; Your ticket includes:&nbsp;<ul><li>all flowers and&nbsp;supplies and tools including a vase</li><li>hands-on instruction from a Dorchester-based floral designer</li><li>light refreshments + good company!</li></ul>All workshop participants will receive&nbsp;10% off&nbsp;any retail purchases made on the day of the classes.&nbsp; Suitable for adults and teenagers.&nbsp;No experience necessary. About your instructor:&nbsp;this workshop is led by Carolanne, owner of Creative Wrappings, and lifelong Dorchester resident.&nbsp;She has extensive experience with gift boxes and floral design for weddings and other special events.&nbsp;&nbsp; Workshop tickets are non-refundable, because we purchase all supplies ahead of time based on headcount. Thank you for understanding.

Pour Art: Make Your Own Coasters

Get messy and design your very own set of 4 ceramic coasters. Create something special for your own home or make a special handmade gift for a loved one. In this workshop you will learn about Pour Art with local artist, Rahim Gray.&nbsp;Rahim will teach you about the materials, the intricacies of color behavior, and help you paint the coasters with new techniques.&nbsp;He'll provide one-on-one guidance and give you plenty of tips and tricks to make your desired vision come to life. Watch 3 live demos of different techniques to choose from to make your own masterpieces. You can create 4 of the same design, or mix and match different techniques. Your ticket includes:&nbsp;<ul><li>All supplies (including coasters, gloves, paint, and sealant)</li><li>Light refreshments&nbsp;</li><li>A fun afternoon with friends and a local artist!&nbsp;</li></ul>No painting experience is required or expected. You will go home with your very own set of 4 handmade coasters! Note: each person will be given triple thick brush-on gloss glaze (non-toxic) to seal/waterproof your coaster once it is dry.&nbsp;They take approximately one day to dry.&nbsp;You can bring home the coasters in a box, or leave them at The Local Hand to pick-up later. About the Instructor:&nbsp;Rahim Gray was born and raised in Dorchester.&nbsp;He is an Aries, a self-taught artist, and a teacher.&nbsp;Previously, he was a chef and worked in some of the best restaurants and catering kitchens throughout Boston. When the pandemic hit, he launched his art career and began teaching&nbsp;his Pour Art&nbsp;classes at different breweries and private events. His work is influenced by music and current events, and he loves teaching others how to make a masterpiece without even picking up a paint brush. He believes there is no wrong way to pour paint; it's a controlled chaos.&nbsp; &nbsp; Workshop tickets are non-refundable, because we purchase all supplies ahead of time based on headcount.&nbsp;Thank you for understanding.

In the Garden: Collage Workshop

Join us for an evening of creative escape in this “In the Garden” collage workshop, where we’ll explore the vibrancy of spring through the art of collage. This hands-on session is all about expressing the awakening energy and renewal of the season. We will provide all the materials you need — papers, glue, scissors, and more — to create your own unique collage works. The only thing we ask is that you bring one or two items that make you feel connected to spring that inspire its meaning for you. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning, this workshop is designed for all skill levels. Relax, get inspired, make new connections and leave with a beautiful collage that represents your personal springtime connection. To begin your reflection please enjoy the poem below: The Gardener by Mary Oliver Have I lived enough? Have I loved enough? Have I considered Right Action enough, have I come to any conclusions? Have I experienced happiness with sufficient gratitude? Have I endured loneliness with grace? I say this, or perhaps I’m just thinking it. Actually, I probably think too much. Then I step out into the garden, where the gardener, who is said to be a simple man, is tending his children, the roses. -- 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.

Spring Open House

Join us in celebrating 2 years of The Local Hand! Enjoy complimentary coffee from House of Seven, delicious pastries from Via Cannuccia, and fun activities for all ages. Kids can create their own Mother's Day cards at our card-making station, complete with stickers, pom-poms, stamps, and other fun materials. And to thank our community for your continued support, we'll have special discounts and promotions throughout the event. We hope you'll come celebrate with us! This event is free and open to all.&nbsp;

Little Hands: Toddler Art Class

Join us for Little Hands, the weekly drop-in art workshop for toddlers and their caregivers.&nbsp; This class will inspire your little one's imagination, develop their fine motor skills, and introduce them to a wide range of art-making materials. Each week, we will explore a different theme or prompt using non-toxic materials. This workshop is held every Friday at The Local Hand.&nbsp;You can "drop-in" for one session, or come every week to build on your child's artistic development. Our weekly Little Hands workshops are taught by experienced child arts educator Emily Tehan, an experienced art teacher and childcare professional. Caregivers are welcome to hang out in our seating area, or join in on the fun and make something with your little one.&nbsp;&nbsp; SIBLING/FRIEND DISCOUNT:&nbsp;Use code BUDDY at check-out for $10 off when you purchase 2 or more tickets.&nbsp; We kindly request that you register by 8 PM on the Thursday before.&nbsp; ﻿Workshop tickets are non-refundable. Thank you for understanding.

Flowers with Meaning: Botanical Watercolors

Thursday, May 8, 2025 6:30 - 9:00 pm The Local Hand 1912B Dorchester Ave Boston, MA 02124 This is a painting class for beginners, where you can learn the basics of watercolors --&nbsp;perfect for those who have never tried painting before, or those who want a refresher on the basic techniques. <a href="https://studioreta.com/">Margareta</a> will provide outlined drawings of flowers for you to paint on top of, so you can relax and enjoy the meditative practice of watercolor painting.&nbsp; She will introduce the basic materials and how to mix colors. With one-on-one instruction, she will help you to handle the brush confidently and control the fluid paint to create something beautiful.&nbsp; Afterwards, you will have everything you need to continue painting on your own!&nbsp;All supplies are included in the workshop fee, so you will go home with paper, brushes, paints, and a palette -- plus your beautiful new painting! This workshop will also include a card-making option, where you can paint your very own card(s) for Mother's Day. Suitable for adults and teenagers.&nbsp;No experience necessary. All workshop participants will receive 10% off any retail purchases made on the day of the classes.&nbsp; Workshop tickets are non-refundable, because we purchase all supplies ahead of time based on headcount. Thank you for understanding.

Rainbow Collages (age 4-8)

Join us for a crafty Wednesday afternoon workshop, where we will make beautiful rainbow collages using all kinds of materials, like pom-poms, cardboard scraps, tissue paper, and more.&nbsp; Everyone will have the chance to make one rainbow collage on cardboard, which can then be hung up on your wall at home.&nbsp; This activity is ideal for kids who are approximately 4-8 years old, but all ages are welcome!&nbsp; Parents/caregivers are welcome to hang out in our shop for the duration of the class, or you can leave your child and come back to pick them up.&nbsp;All parents/guardians must sign a waiver with their contact information upon arriving to the workshop. Workshop tickets are non-refundable. Thank you for understanding.

Paint Your Own Vase

Thursday, April 10, 2025 6:30 - 8:30 PM The Local Hand 1912B Dorchester Ave Boston, MA 02124&nbsp; Paint your own pottery at The Local Hand!&nbsp;You will have the opportunity to paint your very own flower vase. These vases are large and have lots of surface area for a fun design! 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 late April/early May.&nbsp;(We can also ship to you if that's preferred!) Light refreshments will be provided.&nbsp; All workshop participants will also receive&nbsp;10% off&nbsp;any retail purchases they make on the day of the class.&nbsp; Join us for this lovely evening filled with creativity, good company, and yummy treats.&nbsp;&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">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.

Jewelry Making Workshop - Hoop Earrings

Sunday, April 6, 2025 1 - 4 PM The Local Hand 1912B Dorchester Ave Boston, MA 02124 This 3-hour workshop is a great introduction to jewelry making, with local jewelry artist <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 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 special. 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 10% off 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.

Crochet for Beginners (Series)

Wednesdays, 6-9 pm April 2, 9, and 16 The Local Hand 1912B Dorchester Ave Boston, MA 02124 In this 3-week series, <a href="https://linktr.ee/linkacreates">Paulina</a> 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-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 yarn, 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>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. Workshop tickets are non-refundable, because we purchase all supplies ahead of time based on headcount. Thank you for understanding. Limited to 6 students, but 4 students are required for the series to meet.&nbsp;If the workshop is cancelled due to low enrollment, you will receive a full refund.

Hand-Lettering for Chalkboard Signs

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 6:30 - 8 PM The Local Hand 1912B Dorchester Ave,&nbsp; Boston, MA 02124&nbsp; Registration deadline: Tuesday, March 25 at 8 PM Learn how to create your very own hand-lettered chalkboard masterpieces with chalk markers! In this workshop, you’ll learn how to create a hand-lettered design using faux calligraphy on a chalkboard. We’ll start by reviewing some faux calligraphy basics before diving in to create your very own chalkboard calligraphy art using either regular chalk or chalk markers. This workshop will be great for small business owners, wedding DIYers, or anyone who makes display signs as part of their job!&nbsp;&nbsp; You will get to take home a small chalkboard, chalk marker, and faux calligraphy worksheets to continue practicing at home.&nbsp; This workshop is beginner-friendly, and all materials will be provided.&nbsp; Your ticket includes:<ul><li>Calligraphy worksheets</li><li>A small chalkboard + chalk marker</li><li>One-on-one instruction from Jen at Letter B Calligraphy</li><li>Light refreshments</li></ul>Anyone who participates in the workshop will also receive 10% off any retail purchases that they make at The Local Hand that day.&nbsp; About the Instructor:&nbsp;Jen is a calligrapher in the greater Boston area, offering modern calligraphy and illustration for special events, memorable gifts and snail mail, and thoughtful home decor. Workshop tickets are non-refundable.&nbsp;Thank you for understanding.

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

Kid-friendly events in Boston

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.

thelocalhand

Experiences

Friendship Bracelets (Age 5-10)

Introduction to Embroidery

Free Legal Workshops for Small Business Owners

Free Legal Workshops for Small Business Owners

Flower Arranging Workshop

Pour Art: Make Your Own Coasters

In the Garden: Collage Workshop

Spring Open House

Little Hands: Toddler Art Class

Flowers with Meaning: Botanical Watercolors

Rainbow Collages (age 4-8)

Paint Your Own Vase

Jewelry Making Workshop - Hoop Earrings

Crochet for Beginners (Series)

Hand-Lettering for Chalkboard Signs