Calling all DIYers! We know you love to get your craft on! Especially during Northern Michigan’s colder months. While it’s nice to stay cozy indoors, there are plenty of ways to get out of the house and participate in crafty projects in Northern Michigan.

From Traverse City to Charlevoix, and Petoskey to Suttons Bay, here are a few of our Northern Michigan DIY favorites.

Stained Glass Workshops

Stained Glass Cabinet Company
4160 M72 in Williamsburg

Cut glass and solder metal—it’s not as difficult as is sounds, thanks to the teachers at The Stained Glass Cabinet Company!

Learn how to make your own stained glass with one of their beginner classes through the NMC Extended Education program. Or, get a group of six or more together for a special on-location class at their store in Williamsburg. You’ll create your own glass suncatcher with help of an instructor and take it home with you in a matter of hours. Call 231.938.2007 to make a reservation.

Floral Bouquets and Centerpieces

BLOOM Floral Design
704 Bridge Street in Charlevoix

BLOOM Floral Design based in Charlevoix sure has a way with flowers. Explore how to make the perfect bouquet or centerpiece through their classes at Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey. Another option includes full day one-on-one independent study instruction with BLOOM’s lead designer.

Ceramic Painting

Handz on Art
144 Hall Street in Traverse City

Paint your own piece of long-lasting pottery at Handz on Art in Traverse City. Located in Warehouse MRKT, the shop has a variety of ceramics to choose from in addition to ideas to get you inspired. After you’re done creating, they fire up the kiln and your art is ready to be picked up or shipped out in a week.

While you’re visiting Warehouse MRKT, continue crafting by building your own terrarium at Darling Botanical Company. Plus, it can’t hurt to explore the unique shops of the indoor marketplace while you’re there! Take a sneak peek of the building with this MyNorth video.

Free Knitting Lessons

The Yarn Shop
5873 S. Lake Street in Glen Arbor

Envision it now … Sitting in a rocking chair in front of a fireplace in Glen Arbor, while learning how to knit from a sweet Grandma at The Yarn Shop! Free lessons take place seven days a week.

Culinary Classes

Northern Michigan is known for being home to lots of “foodies,” so why not learn a lesson or two from culinary experts?

Pick up a new pasta skill with Chateau Chantel on Old Mission, take a try at tapas with Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars, discover the art of making yogurt with Oryana Natural Food Market, or step up your cookie frosting game with a class from Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery in Bellaire.

Canvas Painting

Whether you have all the supplies necessary and just need a place to paint, or don’t even own a paintbrush, painting events are plentiful on the Northern Michigan DIY scene.

For the professional: The Old Art Building in Leland hosts an open studio for local artists on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. all winter long.

For the beginner: Sip and Dab travels to area breweries, wineries, and restaurants to teach painting techniques alongside food and wine pairings.

DIY Boat Building 

Inland Seas Education Association
100 Dame Street in Suttons Bay

Ready to make a crafting commitment? Sign up for a boat building class with Inland Seas in Suttons Bay. Their “open shop concept” allows woodcrafters to come and go, and work under the supervision of an instructor.

Wouldn’t it be neat to have a handmade stand up paddleboard to explore our Northern Michigan waters with?

Learn How to Letterpress 

Blackbird Arts
1485 Barlow Street in Traverse City

A hands-on process of using metal and wood leaves quite an impression on a crafter—especially if you can say you did it yourself! Learn how to letterpress with a new class taught by Blackbird Arts in Traverse City. Both a single class and 3-series option is available.

Find out more about how Blackbird Arts is giving back to the community with this MyNorth video.

When you try one of these Northern Michigan DIY crafts,
snap a picture and email it to courtney@mynorth.com.
You might just see your craft on MyNorth.com!


More Northern Michigan Art 

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Photo(s) by Courtney Jerome