Sometimes, the saying “if you want it done right, you have to do it yourself” is worth living by. Whether it be envisioning a painting, crafting the perfect design on a piece of pottery for fresh-cut flowers, or finding just the right color of glass for a window display, DIY can be the way to go. For those who need home improvements or to scratch a crafting itch, DIY places + spaces have become favored in post-pandemic life. However, now do-it-yourselfers don’t just have to experiment at home. Keep reading for DIY spots to explore in the Montclair + Essex County area.

Alchemy Scent Bar | 30 Church Street, Montclair

Alchemy Scent Bar is a custom scent experience in the heart of downtown Montclair. Guests can create their own custom-fragranced candles as well as home and body products from a wall of more than 100 different scents. The candles are natural soy and use pure fragrance oils, burning longer and truer to scent than others in the marketplace.

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Bass Art Studio | 202 Park Street, Montclair

Bass Arts Studio is a space that provides art and creativity for kids, teens, + adults. Painting, drawing, + mixed media is an example of a class provided for youths. Summer camps are also available for kids. Introduction to Painting with Oil + Cold Wax and Mosaics, Merlot, + Mozzarella are examples of two class options for adults.

Board + Brush | 25 West Northfield Road Suite 3, Livingston

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Board + Brush is a creative space that hosts crafting events and workshops for the Livingston area. DIY events can be held for gatherings like bridal showers, birthdays, children’s parties, fundraising, + more. The calendar on Board + Brush’s website shows when the studio’s events and workshops are held. Many works run PYP (Pick Your Project). There is also an inspiration gallery for those who aren’t sure where to start.

Casa De Flora Bar | 75 Washington Street, Bloomfield

Guests can turn brunch or a coffee date into a crafting session at Casa De Flora Bar. Weekend brunch is available, as well as breakfast and coffee items, but this space is more than its delicious coffee drinks. Planners can bring up to 40 friends for a Sip + Clip Event that allows guests to enjoy brunch and a floral experience.

CLAY by Indigo Road Studio | 10 Vose Avenue, South Orange

Indigo Road Studio is a space to visit in South Orange for those passionate about DIY clay projects. Owner Lindsay has a background in teaching art at many levels including high school art education. The studio began classes in January of 2023. It provides options like Try It Wheel Throwing Workshop + Throwing Larger Workshop which will focus on techniques to center larger amounts of clay and then how to use the clay efficiently through pulling tall cylinders or forming larger bowls.

Craft Club Studio | 122 South Orange Avenue, South Orange

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Craft Club Studio is located in South Orange Village and is a great spot to test DIY skills. With options like needlepoint, beading, embroidery, weaving, painting, knitting, + more, it’s hard not to find something to love. Events available within the space can be family affairs, adults/BYOB, or just for kids. Classes to try are Stitch + Sip: Mood Embroidery, Bedazzle-It Night, + Harry Potter Craft Workshop (for the kids).

Creatif | 565 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston

This creative space in Livingston has options for planners like workshops and classes, but also is available for walk-in creators. Some classes to consider are Comic Book Drawing, Abstract Art, Still Life Painting, Anime Drawing, + more. Workshop times and spaces are available for both kids + adults. Creatives can walk in alone or with friends, while parties of more than six people will need to make a reservation.

Crystals + Candle | 195 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair

Located in Upper Montclair, Crystals + Candle hosts many different candle-making classes. At these classes, guests can choose a jar size, mix and match scents, and decorate their creations with energy-infused crystals and gemstones.

Doin’ Dishes | 50 Church Street, Montclair

Far from chores, this Church Street space provides nothing but creativity and fun with pottery painting. The selection may seem endless because crafters have choices like plates, mugs, ornaments, tiles, piggy banks, vases, + more. Patrons can call to inquire about classes like Finger Painting + Splatter Painting.

The Eclectic Chic Boutique | 547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

If looking for a DIY and shop small combo, check out The Eclectic Chic Boutique located in Montclair’s town center, near the corner of Park Street + Bloomfield Avenue. Items for purchase in the establishment are locally sourced or handmade. The boutique prides itself on being a welcoming space where all are free to express creativity. Some classes to try are Cricut Machine Basics, Shrink Film Jewelry Making Class, Donut Decorating Workshop, Chinese Calligraphy Workshop, + more. If working on something already, there are a few Bring Your Own Project Classes available for knitting, crocheting, Cricut, + sewing machines.

 

Express Yourself Studios | 1877 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This creative hub is located in Maplewood near the corner of Springfield Avenue + Prospect Street. Options for adult workshops available are Studio Pottery, Acrylic Painting Class, Wine Glass Painting, + more. If feeling creative on a snow day, Express Yourself Studios also has virtual painting workshops available.

The Glass Gallery | 140 Chestnut Street, Nutley

If interested in creating a DIY piece that can be lovingly displayed as part of the home, plan to visit The Glass Gallery. From lamps to put on display to stained glass windows and cabinets that can become part of the home, The Glass Gallery has it covered. Classes available at The Glass Gallery include three, four, + five-week courses and the studio provides tools and resources for week one.

Kitchen a la Mode | 59 South Orange Avenue, South Orange

This little spot is meant for those who like to have their cake and eat it too. While it may not be a cake that visitors are baking, Kitchen a la Mode has options for classes like Cherry Pie, Pasta Making, Soups + Stews, Mozzarella Making, + Cookie decorating classes for almost every holiday. If looking to DIY with little ones, there is a Mommy + Me Pizza class on the schedule.

LIT Cafe | 25 Church Street, Montclair

LIT Cafe is a great space to stop for DIY fans that are particularly sustainably conscious. Candles made in this facility are “petroleum-free, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and 100% vegan.” Products are available for purchase within the space. Be sure to visit the website’s workshops tab to find DIY events like a Candle Making event.

Mud Clay Studio | 370 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

DIY fans can get in touch with their inner child by setting up a claydate at Mud Clay Studio. Bring a minimum of six friends together for a private claydate event where crafters will get a brief introduction to hand-building with clay followed by a potter’s wheel demo, before trying the wheel. If coming alone, try one of the one-day workshops like a Wheel Workshop or a Handbuilding session. Passionate crafters should consider signing up for an eight-week intensive course or inquire about the membership program.

Wine + Design | 1 Greenwood Avenue, Suite 101, Montclair

Wine + Design provides a BYOB space for all levels of DIY inspiration. If guidance is needed, paint-and-sip events are available under the calendar section. If choosing a guided design, owner Rachel Moehl assures all crafters that “each design is sketched, tried, tested, perfected, + photographed before we offer it to the public.” For those who have the basics down, try stopping in during the Open Studio – Independent Painting times. True DIY-ers should inquire about Wine + Design’s Paintings Without Parameters, where anything can be a canvas, like home decor, glassware, + more.

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Yarnia | 127 Watchung Avenue, Montclair

Yarnia is a space that provides group classes, private classes, + virtual classes. Some of the classes available are basic levels like Knitting 101 + Crocheting 101, classes to make a specific item like Knit a Sweater, and social craft gatherings like Knit Night Live at Yarnia where people can come in with their own crafts. For those stuck on a project, Yarnia also has Help Times available for those who need assistance working with dropped stitches or misunderstood patterns.