We all remember doing arts and crafts projects as children at school or summer camp, molding lumps of clay into lopsided paper weights or building a miniature log cabin out of popsicle sticks. If you think it was fun when you were a kid, you should give it another try as an adult. You may have developed an artistic side over the years you might not know about.
The growing trend is called “festive crafting” or “social arts” and involves grown adults revisiting their love for arts and crafts later in life. Group classes allow friends to gather and explore their creativity in a social setting, a far cry from the often boring environment of more formal art classes. Patrons can even bring their own wine and appetizers to make a party out of painting.
Local businesses like Paint and Unwined and Wine and Design have opened in recent years to rave reviews. Both offer painting parties and more laid-back art classes for guests wanting to brush up on their painting skills and find a unique and fun group activity. They provide the paint supplies, canvases and easels; you and your friends bring your own bottles.
Experienced artists are on hand to help you get started and tap into your artistic abilities, but their role is limited to allow you to express yourself and show your true colors. Featuring two-hour classes, Wine and Design and Paint and Unwined give each guest plenty of time to complete their work and take home a souvenir you can hang on the wall.
Pottery is another popular outlet for adults, and Mud Bucket Pottery gives visitors a great place to learn the ancient craft. Offering adult, beginner, and advanced level classes, Mud Bucket covers the basics of hand molding and wheel throwing. Bring along friends and family members or make new friends while learning about pottery in a fun environment.
All students will learn how to produce finished pieces of work by the end of each session, and patrons are allowed to bring their own wine to help get your creative juices flowing. Classes are limited to six students so you will receive the first-hand attention from the instructors while you make pots, bowls, platters and a long list of clay-based items. Mud Bucket Pottery also hosts private parties so you can hold everything from friendly gatherings to birthday parties.
Of course, anyone can take part in similar activities, not just the young at heart. If you are looking for a place where the children can take part in some creative projects, or if you want to join in the fun while your kids make arts and crafts, the Grand Strand has you covered with a number of family-friendly locations.
The Children’s Museum of South Carolina holds regular arts and crafts projects for ages 2-9. The activities are free with regular admission and the kids can take home a masterpiece to hang on the fridge. AC Moore and Michaels also offer occasional classes for various arts and crafts. Also, the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Broadway at the Beach gives kids the chance to make their own stuffed animal, complete with a certificate of adoption for your furry friend.
The Chapin Memorial Library in downtown Myrtle Beach and the branches of the Horry County Library system host regular programs for kids to get crafty. Also, if you are here during the holidays, be sure to check out Bass Pro Shops’ “Christmas Wonderland” at Myrtle Beach Mall, where kids can get their picture taken with Santa while also making a Christmas ornament.
After enjoying a fun and creative way to spend a day or night in Myrtle Beach, come back to your room at Compass Cove Resort and share your work with others. You just might be more of an artist than you think.
