There’s No Better Place to Get Crafty Than at an NJ Winery
If you have any sort of physical, emotional or existential complaint, doing arts and crafts may not cure you, but they will probably help.
Study after study shows that the act of baking a cake, darning a sock or even building out a cool-looking cheeseboard reduces levels of cortisol in the body (you know, the hormones that make you snap at family members and co-workers for no reason) and increases feelings of self-esteem and happiness.
The studies probably reflect what we all know deep down: that active people with hobbies and passions that don’t necessarily have a deep purpose (unless you consider knitting baby blankets or creating the perfect buttercream roses a deep purpose) seem to be happier and more engaged with their community than others.
Plus, learning a new craft also has practical applications. No one needs a study to tell them that mothers appreciate a handmade gift, and don’t panic, but Mother’s Day is right around the corner.
No matter where your crafting strengths lie, chances are, there’s a New Jersey winery out there that will offer an opportunity for you to create something, if not stunningly beautiful, then certainly heartfelt.
Learn to Design a Succulent Garden
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, succulent gardening is worth a shot. These pretty, hardy plants are as easy to care for as they are fun and exciting to have in your outdoor space. On April 3 from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm, Bellview Winery is teaming up with Barnyard Friends to teach you how to design your own garden with a cedar box, mason jar, glass terrarium or wine bottle as your starter garden space. There will also be plenty of succulents to choose from, and of course—wine! Purchase tickets here.
Shop Your Crafts Into Being
Some people are makers, other people are shoppers. You do you! Working Dog Winery is hosting a Spring Craft Fair on April 5 and 6 from 12 pm to 5 pm, and there will be dozens of local artists and craftspeople selling their art, food, decor, jewelry and pet accessories. Go, shop, support local artists—everyone will win. Plus, the wine will flow, and there will be food trucks and live music.
Make a Memorable Tray
The art of making mosaics is ancient. In modern times it’s one of the best ways for less experienced crafters to create something truly unique and beautiful, with an imprint of their own distinct style and vision. Autumn Lake Winery is hosting the tray mosaic crafting workshop on April 8 from 6 pm to 9 pm. $55 will get you everything you need to make your own tray, piece by piece.
Create a Planter
Working Dog Winery is offering would-be clay potters a chance to create original planter pottery. On April 9 from 6 pm to 8 pm, attendees will be given everything they need to craft their own planters. Tickets are $45 and include a glass of wine.
Decorate Your Cookies in Style
Make your sugar cookies look as sweet as they taste with this spring cookie decorating class at Rebel Sheep Wine Co. On April 17 from 6 pm to 8 pm, attendees will learn the art of creating beautifully designed decorations for sugar cookies, with four different colors of royal icing, sprinkles and other little edible accessories. Tickets are $60 and include everything you need, from cookies to tools. You’ll leave with boxed and pretty treats.
Paint a Masterpiece
Valenzano Winery is letting you tap into your inner artist with a night of painting and sipping. Paint-a-Treasure will lead the charge and help you paint a stunning planter on April 17 at 6 pm. Tickets are $45 and include everything you need.
Pretty Up Your Cakes
We eat first with our eyes. Find out how to make your cakes look even tastier on April 23 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Autumn Lake Winery. Alexandra from Cakes N’ Bakes will host a decorating class designed to suit all skill levels, and attendees will leave with a 6-inch mini cake festooned with flower designs. A $45 ticket includes everything you need to decorate, plus a glass of wine to get those creative juices flowing.
Now that you have a thoughtful and heartfelt gift for your mom (or yourself!), add something she’s guaranteed to enjoy, i.e., a bottle of Garden State wine, preferably from the winery where you created your masterpiece.
