The holidays are over, and winter weather seems to have finally arrived in the New River Valley. But don't let the winter doldrums get you down–January is National Hobby Month! What helps you relax and enjoy your free time?
Whether you like to take a brisk hike around Pandapas Pond, a swim at the aquatic center, or you're into arts and crafts, most of us have a favorite hobby.
Before we go on, let's have a quick etymology lesson. The word "hobby" dates back to the 13th century, and it referred to a pony or small horse. Later, the word "hobby horse" came to describe a toy horse. From there, the term evolved into its modern meaning.
Now, people refer to "hobbies" as their favorite pastime or something they do for fun, not money.
Now that we've got the fun word lesson behind us let's explore some great opportunities to celebrate National Hobby Month in the New River Valley! The teams at Wine and Design and Paint 'N Fun Ceramics put together some fantastic events for the whole family to explore new hobbies and celebrate current favorites.
Upcoming Opportunities at Wine & Design
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The experts at Wine & Design are really rolling out the red carpet for National Hobby Month with some fresh opportunities.
Do you need a space to explore your inner artist? Bring your creativity to one of the Pop-In & Paint or Open Studio events where you can let your imagination run wild! With the Pop-In events, the sky's the limit on what you can do with some paint and a canvas. At the Open Studio events, you can choose any guided canvas painting to work on.
If you thrive on a bit of structure and instruction, choose one of the guided canvas painting sessions like paint your pet or paint a mystical forest!
If canvas painting isn't your thing (or you're keen to try something new), Wine & Design is expanding its classes! Perhaps you'd like to sign up for the "chunky blanket" making class! Or try your hand at acrylic pouring, a fluid painting technique that involves pouring acrylic paint onto a canvas to create puddles, pools, and marble-like patterns.
And stay tuned or bookmark the Wine & Design calendar! The team is cooking up more new classes like watercolor and wood pallet projects!
Celebrate National Hobby Month at Paint 'n Fun Ceramics
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Fancy getting a little messy for National Hobby Month? Paint 'n Fun Ceramics has some great classes and opportunities lined up for you. Handbuilding and pottery throwing classes can get a little dirty, but they're so much fun!
In wheel throwing pottery classes, you can learn how to make anything from a practical plate or mug to a beautiful vase or teapot under the guidance of a local master potter! Since wheel throwing classes only have up to four participants, you'll get plenty of personalized instruction.
This is an ideal way to celebrate National Hobby Month because, from start to finish, the process includes two sessions. In the first class, you'll create your piece. Then, you'll come back about two weeks later (after it's been fired in the kiln) to glaze it. After the second firing, you'll be able to come by and pick up your masterpiece.
Hand sculpting classes involve creating pottery pieces without the wheel. From pinch pots to whistles, there are loads of hand sculpting classes on the calendar in January for artists of all ages!
The hand sculpting classes also include two sessions and are taught by talented, passionate instructors.
If you or your little artists are more interested in the decorating part of the process, we've got hundreds of ceramic figures available for you to "paint 'n take." From piggy banks to seasonal keepsakes, come in for an activity to unwind and express yourself or have a great family adventure.
If you choose the acrylic coating option for your "paint 'n take" creations, you can finish your masterpiece in one session and take it with you! Or, if you'd like a food-safe and waterproof option, our team can glaze and fire your masterpiece in the kiln after you paint it. If you go this route, you can return to pick up your ceramics in about two weeks. What a great way to bookend National Hobby Month!
Some of the upcoming classes and opportunities at Paint 'n Fun Ceramics include making a lacy lantern in time for Valentine's Day or a beautiful folk art style mustang head piggy bank! They also have some adorable garden gnomes just waiting to be decorated and given a new home. Or, sign up for the gnome handbuilding class and create your own gnome from scratch! There's also an upcoming class on decorating plates with beautiful henna designs.
Looking for something out of this world? Check out the new "paint bucket" decorating style that creates an awesome space design!
If you prefer to create in the comfort of your own home, Paint 'n Fun Ceramics also has an array of "To-Go" options. From Pottery To-Go to Board Art and canvas kits, you'll have everything you need to complete a beautiful craft. They have kits designed for both kids and adults, so there's something for the whole family.
No matter how you choose to celebrate National Hobby Month this January, the most important thing is to find a way to express yourself and bring joy and balance to your life. If painting or creating is something you'd like to try (or return to), the expert teams at Wine & Design and Paint 'n Fun Ceramics are standing by to help!
