The Michaels’ Makers’ April Challenge: Attend a class at Michaels craft store. Take a little time to indulge yourself with some “you” time, learn new skills, get some tips, spoil yourself with something handmade with love or whip up a handmade gift. Gather your friends and make it a girls’ night out.

Were you aware that Michaels offers craft-themed classes?! There are so many to choose from – from painting to knitting or crocheting to paper crafting to jewelry making, kids’ crafts, floral arranging and more. I found most classes were free, only the cost of supplies. A great way to try a new skill or craft, a fun way to set aside time for yourself or to get together with friends. Productive too – you walk home with something you create! 

I simply enrolled online (I chose the project DIY floral arranging) then showed up at the scheduled date and time with my friend, Dana. 

We started with shopping to purchase the materials needed for DIY floral arranging from a printable supply list. The twist: choosing flowers and a container with our own preferences for a custom DIY floral arrangement. Our instructor, Brittney, was close by to answer questions and make suggestions. 

The printable class description and supply list when I signed up online for the class provided me with a coupon too – 10% off our entire purchase. Score!

Our class size was 6! So fun and what a joy to see the creations! Because of the shopping, we sort of worked in two groups of three, our group getting an early start so I did miss out on seeing the other groups’ finished projects but from what I could tell, they choose some pretty unique supplies too (a tall glass cylinder with burlap and neutrals, a birdcage with ivy and a glass lantern with sea shells)…so fun that you have the option to choose what appeals to you personally. I was there at 6 p.m. and home by 8 p.m., a small time frame and a little indulgence…me time!

When I’ve done floral arrangements in the past, my techniques have varied: 1) buy a pretty bundle of silk florals/bouquet, place it in a vase and call it a day to 2) snip the stems with wire cutters and haphazardly, errr..’artfully’ arrange them in a container. The “handpicked bouquet” technique (haha), kind of like this one last spring:

So, getting some ‘professional’ tips was a welcome help!

DIY floral arranging tips I picked up at the class:

• Secure floral foam to the bottom of a vase/basket/container using hot glue/glue gun to keep the arrangement secure. 
• Separate stems using wire cutters to desired height. 
• Michaels’ has a “pick machine” which gives floppy wireless stems a pointy edge to place in foam. So cool! 
• Starting with the center, poke a stem into the floral foam then work in “triangle” placements (threes) around each stem. 
• Slightly bend wire stems to give flowers a more life-like look. Real blooms are heavy and droop, faux florals have strong wire stems. Give it some “life” by ‘curving’ the wire stem.
• Camouflage foam with moss or stones. Use picks to secure moss. 

I really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, making acquaintances with new people too. And I now I’m excited to display a pretty centerpiece perfect for spring. 

Have you attended a local class at Michaels? Did you even know about them? What would interest you most? I plan on attending more for sure, opening a whole new world for making local friends who share my passion for DIY and taking a couple of hours on occasion to improve my crafting skills or trying something new. 

Here are a few floral arrangements from class. Pretty, right? 

Our inspiration from Michaels: 

Dana’s: I love the copper accent with turquoise, purple and green!  

A pretty spring collection from Maggie…

Mine: I’m in love! I’m inspired to add a few more spring buds.

 

And that artichoke! ::swoon::

Michaels offers free classes in their stores! You can try out a new craft skill for just the cost of supplies. Another great way to explore your creativity is by trying out a craft kit. Michaels has everything from sewing kits to art kits and everything in between.

See more Michaels’ class experiences from these blog friends: