Discover Your Creative Side at These Crafty Studios
Let's be real, depending on how you spent your quarantine you may have reached the limits of your love for DIY projects sometime around mid-March, when we were all but drowning in a sea of time with no end in sight. Barring a severe case of handicraft burnout, however, creation can be a great way to keep the noisy world at bay, all while making a unique treasure for yourself or your loved ones. Therefore, we searched high and low to find these hidden DIY studios in Beijing, so that you can exercise your creative muscles.
Note: We double-checked that these studios are still operating amidst the fallout from COVID-19, but you should call ahead to book an appointment before visiting anyways.
莎莉花园 The Salley Gardens
This floral paradise is located in Dongsi. From making a handmade rose lipstick to baking a tasty cake topped with peonies, you will find a devoutly flower-based crafting experience at this well-hidden studio tucked into a traditional siheyuan courtyard. You can also learn the art of flower arranging and even build a mini Christmas tree when the holiday season rolls around.
Tue-Sun, 10am-7pm. 15 Dongsi 2nd Alley, Dongsi North Street, Dongcheng District (13126996775). 东四北大街东四二条15号院
祥云一夏手工皮具体验店 Xiang Yun Yi Xia Handmade Leather Studio
Looking to make something a bit more practical? Then consider crafting your own wallet or leather belt at Xiang Yun Yi Xia Handmade Leather Studio. This space has a lot of crafts to offer, including leather wallets, handbags, keychain pendants, book covers, and pretty much anything else you can imagine producing out of leather.
Mon-Sun, 10am-10pm. B1-23, Hesheng Qilin New World, Wangjing, Chaoyang District (18500520639). 望京合生麒麟新天地地下一层B1-23
清秀阁陶艺吧 Qing Xiu Ge Ceramic Club
Nothing conjures up the genuine happiness of childhood quite like playing with mud. Tap into that innocent joy at Qing Xiu Ge Ceramic Club, a ceramics studio where you can get your hands dirty and dig up the long-forgotten aroma of clay. By the end of the day, you'll get to take home a nice little vase or dish for your house keys.
Mon-Sun, 10am-8pm. 6002, 59 2nd Cross Alley, Xidan, Xicheng District (18311487354). 西单明珠商场6层6002室
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Images courtesy of the venues
