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Adult Workshops At UpCycle, we celebrate the creative side of ALL of us, not just those who call themselves "artists." Our adult programming provides you an opportunity to connect with your right brain ("get in your right mind") and find new, unusual and beautiful ways to use cast-off and recycled materials. Workshops are limited to 14 participants, and are open to anyone ages 16+. Workshops include all materials! Evenings from 7 - 9 PM (please arrive 5 mins early) Location: UpCycle Creative Reuse Studio 2397 S. Dove St. Alexandria, Virginia 22314 Please note: If we do not meet the minimum registration of 6, the class may be canceled. Registrations are refundable ONLY if made 7 days in advance of the workshop date. REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 12PM DAY OF WORKSHOP |
ADULT WORKSHOPS 2026
Thursday, March 12th: Martaki Bracelets - $20
In this workshop we will learn about the practice of creating Martaki bracelets, an ancient custom for the beginning of Spring. Derived from the Greek word for the month of March, “Martios”, it is a tradition to create and wear a bracelet made of twisted white and red thread for the entire month. The bracelet is worn until the last day of March or until it falls off. After taking off the bracelet, it is hung on a fruit tree so the tree remains healthy and productive. Come make bracelets for yourself and some extra ones for gifts!
Wednesday, March 25: UpCycled Zine Making - $20
Join local artist Lost Marbles to learn how to make your own Zine! Zines are small, self-published and handmade art booklets made from folded paper. The beauty of making your own Zines comes from the open-endedness: they can be about anything you want! It could be your art, poetry, writing, photos, a skill you'd like to share, or even a snapshot of whatever is on your mind at the moment. The possibilities are endless - Zines can be drawn, stamped, collaged, sewn onto, and so much more!
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to fold a sheet of paper into a Zine, and then how to decorate it so that it comes together as a beautiful mini-booklet when folded. You'll get to delve into our unique collection of paper ephemera, stamps, multimedia, and more, and leave with a personalized mini art booklet made by you! Join us for a stress-free, relaxing evening of exploring all the artmaking opportunities Zines provide!
Wednesday, April 8: Mindful Mending - $40
Stay on trend this spring with a workshop that celebrates “visible mending” fashion. Mending clothing extends the life cycle of your clothing as well as allowing your style to bloom creatively. Many cultures undertake the task of mending in community groups (i.e. sewing bees or sewing circles) which allow for a multitude of ways to mend clothing. This workshop will discuss darning -- a way to fill in a hole with thread or wool, Boro -- a Japanese mending technique where a patch of fabric is laid over or under a hole, and then rows of running stitches secure the patch to the original garment, and free hand embroidery. So grab a holey sweater, an old pair of jeans, or a well loved garment to mend with other re-fashionistas!
Thursday, March 12th: Martaki Bracelets - $20
In this workshop we will learn about the practice of creating Martaki bracelets, an ancient custom for the beginning of Spring. Derived from the Greek word for the month of March, “Martios”, it is a tradition to create and wear a bracelet made of twisted white and red thread for the entire month. The bracelet is worn until the last day of March or until it falls off. After taking off the bracelet, it is hung on a fruit tree so the tree remains healthy and productive. Come make bracelets for yourself and some extra ones for gifts!
Wednesday, March 25: UpCycled Zine Making - $20
Join local artist Lost Marbles to learn how to make your own Zine! Zines are small, self-published and handmade art booklets made from folded paper. The beauty of making your own Zines comes from the open-endedness: they can be about anything you want! It could be your art, poetry, writing, photos, a skill you'd like to share, or even a snapshot of whatever is on your mind at the moment. The possibilities are endless - Zines can be drawn, stamped, collaged, sewn onto, and so much more!
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to fold a sheet of paper into a Zine, and then how to decorate it so that it comes together as a beautiful mini-booklet when folded. You'll get to delve into our unique collection of paper ephemera, stamps, multimedia, and more, and leave with a personalized mini art booklet made by you! Join us for a stress-free, relaxing evening of exploring all the artmaking opportunities Zines provide!
Wednesday, April 8: Mindful Mending - $40
Stay on trend this spring with a workshop that celebrates “visible mending” fashion. Mending clothing extends the life cycle of your clothing as well as allowing your style to bloom creatively. Many cultures undertake the task of mending in community groups (i.e. sewing bees or sewing circles) which allow for a multitude of ways to mend clothing. This workshop will discuss darning -- a way to fill in a hole with thread or wool, Boro -- a Japanese mending technique where a patch of fabric is laid over or under a hole, and then rows of running stitches secure the patch to the original garment, and free hand embroidery. So grab a holey sweater, an old pair of jeans, or a well loved garment to mend with other re-fashionistas!
BEginners only!
UpCycled sewing series: Pants to Tote Bag
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The UpCycled Sewing Series is back ! In these classes, we'll learn how to use our upcycling muscles to sew beautiful and unique creations using fabric from unexpected places. In the beginner-level Pants to Tote Bag Series, we'll join local artist Laly Makes to turn a pair of unused pants into a functional and customizable tote bag that you'll pick up time and time again. Upcycling existing garments is a super easy and accessible way to get into sewing, because it teaches you how garments are constructed and allows you to re-use existing pieces like pockets and belt loops.
If there's a pair of pants in your closet that you never seem to wear, let's turn them into a tote! We'll learn how to deconstruct the pants, save pre-made usable pieces like pockets, belt loops, and zippers, and use a sewing machine to put all the pieces back together in a whole new way. Bring your own pair of pants or choose from a few thrifted options, and choose a fun lining fabric from UpCycle's stash. You'll go home with brand-new sewing skills, a new way of looking at unwanted clothes, and a custom tote bag designed by YOU! This series will run for 6 sessions, on Mondays and Thursdays from 7-9pm for 3 weeks. This class is designed for beginning level sewers, but open to sewers of all levels (however, please note that beginning sewing instruction is part of the class). All materials are included, but please feel free to bring your own pair of pants to upcycle if you'd like! April 6th Session 1: Class Intro, Learning to Deconstruct Garments, Choosing Lining Fabric, Bag Design April 9th Session 2: Pattern Drafting & Cutting April 13th Session 3: Sewing Machine Tutorial, Practice April 16th Session 4: Pinning/Assembly, Sewing on Elements April 20th Session 5: Sew Lining, Sew Outer April 23rd Session 6: Topstitching & Finishing |
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Open Studio Maker Break
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Do you have a project you would love to work on, but you just can't find the time? Take a designated maker break with us!
Join us in the studio every Friday from 4-6pm for Open Studio Maker Break, and enjoy the company of other community crafters while you wind down from the week with artmaking. Bring a project you’ve been working on at home or in one of our classes, or purchase some supplies from the shop, and spend a relaxing afternoon creating among your fellow upcyclers! Entry is free, but space is limited. To guarantee a spot, please sign up HERE. Walk-ins are available but not guaranteed. |