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The best workshops in London for making your own stuff
From beer and soap to bikes made of bamboo, you can make almost anything by hand at these ace London workshops
February’s a miserable month, isn’t it? No problem. London is brimming with wholesome activities that'll lift your spirits. There's extra art exhibitions, pretty walks and ridiculously cosy pubs for starters.
But what if you're feeling particularly crafty? We think one of the best ways to make yourself feel better is to get hands-on and make something. So here's our favourite workshops in London. From ceramic dildos to bamboo bicycles, here are small ways to pump light and joy into the winter gloom.
Make your own...
Perfume
Tired of smelling like every other Londoner who’s tried to cover up their hangover with Le Labo? At the Experimental Perfume Club you can create your own unique scent.
4 Netil Lane. London Fields Overground. From £25.
Beer
Londoners making craft beer is nothing new, but it’s a cliché for a reason. At Brew Club’s classes you can use its professional facilities to make 40 bottles of IPA, bitter or stout.
Hackney Walk, Arches 7-8 Bohemia Place. Hackney Central Overground. From £120.
Coffee table
At Blackhorse Workshop you can learn how to weld a steel coffee table in a weekend. We’re sure your friends will love hearing how you ‘made it with fire’ every time they come over.
1-2 Sutherland Rd Path. Blackhorse Rd Overground. £235.
Soap
Sack off the parabens, sulphates and plastic packaging of your usual shower gel and learn how to make your own organic soap out of essential oils and herbs that are great for your skin.
Kensal Rise Overground. £28 via The Indytute.
Dildo
Adele Brydges runs regular workshops on decorating beautiful ceramic sex toys. They’re fired in the kiln before you take them home. Let’s hope that’s not the only hot action they get.
The Casting Room. Hackney Wick Overground. £125.
Sourdough starter
Give a man some Bread Ahead sourdough and he’ll accidentally eat it in one sitting; teach a man to make Bread Ahead sourdough and he’ll binge on bread for a lifetime.
Borough Market, Cathedral St. London Bridge. £90 half day, £180 full day.
Pottery
From throwing to glazing, the beginner pottery courses at The Kiln Rooms give attendees the opportunity to create home decor they can display with pride (even if it is a little wonky).
Peckham Levels. Peckham Rye Overground. One-off taster session £85.
Bike
Thinking of buying a new bike? Bamboo Bicycle Club runs four-day workshops where you can build a cutting-edge, sustainable two-wheeler that’s also completely recyclable.
Bamboo Bicycle Club. Canning Town. £695.
Tote bag
Put down your Daunt Books bag and pick up new skills at a Sew It with Love class. The Boxy Tote Bag workshop will teach you how to use patterns and sew on a machine.
Yellow Studio, Old Paradise Yard. Lambeth North. £50.
Illustrations: Kieran Riddiough
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