Six cool classes for kids

Getting little ones to wash their hands or shower isn’t always an easy task. That could change if they sign up for a soap-making class at The Craft Crowd. The two and half hour class covers the process of soap making’s fundamentals, from calculating formulas to handling lye. Budding soap artisans will receive their own ingredients, gloves and aprons to wear as they whip up their own concoctions. The kids are free to choose their own scents, colours and shapes. Founded by Alina Koo, The Craft Crowd is located in a double-storey house in Bangsar and set up for all kind of fun classes and workshops for both adults and children. Keep an eye on their social media feeds to book a slot. 

Classes start at RM90 for soap-making class.

Dating back to the seventh century, ikebana or ‘flower arrangement’ is a Zen practice deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Ikebana was initially devised with the sole intention of adorning prayer altars, but has flourished into an art of its own. During the 15th century, a Buddhist monk by the name of Senno founded the first and most prestigious ikebana school dubbed Ikenobo. More than a means of assembling beautiful floral décor, ikebana calls for attention to the process of creation and promotes patience, among other virtues. Illoha Culture Centre in Bangsar is one of few centres in KL offering instruction in the Japanese art.

Ikebana introductory course, RM420 for 6 consecutive lessons.

Calligraphy serves as an elegant reminder of the art of handwriting, especially in an era where kids are more accustomed to typing on their electronic devices. Thanks to KLigraphy, stylish penmanship is right at your fingertips. Dynamic duo Inez Tan and Jil Sta Ana founded the company in the precious spare moments outside their day jobs and teach two kinds of calligraphy: brush calligraphy and pointed pen calligraphy; the first of which is recommended for kids and novices as it runs for three hours tops and is less strenuous. Come empty-handed, as all materials (and tasty snacks) are included in the class fees. Each session accommodates a maximum of 15 participants to allow for one-on-one attention. The classes are held at The Alphabet Press Studio or Table & Apron.

Brush Calligraphy, RM280; Pointed Pen Calligraphy, RM320

Piano, violin, guitar – these are the instruments most kids learn. At a stretch, the flute of cello may also be considered; but there are so many other instruments that can be taken up like the saxophone, ukulele and drums; or more exotic choices like the cajon, a box-shaped percussion instrument originally from Peru. Swee Lee Music Academy offers lessons in all the said instruments. Your kid will definitely score street cred if he or she plays the unique cajon!

Classes start at RM180 with an average  of four lessons per month. 

www.sweelee.com.sg

The emancipation of old-fashioned values sees a revival of the art of sewing. Hobby N Coffee is a space where you can attend a sewing class courtesy of Little Tailors. The kids’ creative sewing classes focus on the basics of machine sewing and within a couple hours, kids are surprisingly able to produce a proper cushion cover. There are bales of colourful fabric to choose from and the friendly, enthusiastic instructor is always close at hand to ensure the kids know what to do next. This isn’t solely for the girls; boys should be encouraged to take up sewing too.

Each session lasts 2.5 hours and costs RM200 with a special package available at RM420 per month for three sessions.

Encourage your kids to develop a green thumb and take them to Taman Hati’s terrarium class where they can create an entire miniature green world. Using succulents, cactus, jars, colourful sand, tiny props and a little imagination, this class is perfect for kids to unleash their inner naturalist. Plus, they can bring home their very own little ecosystem to care for. Founder Jan Zainal is a great hands-on teacher who begins her classes with a brief introduction on the importance of an ecosystem, the variety of plants and succulents that can be used, and how to put a terrarium together. For now, the classes are held at The Kitchen Project.

Classes start at RM100 depending on the complexity of the terrarium. For more information, head over to their Facebook page.