​Handmade Holiday

What do you buy the person who has everything? Nothing – you make something. From cocktail bitters to chainmaille, succulent gardens to personalized poetry, local experts can help you create something totally unique for everybody on your list. As an added bonus, you get to relax, unplug and enjoy the process of creation.

Every class and workshop on this list provides all the materials and instruction you need to get crafty. Unless otherwise indicated, they’re all appropriate for beginners. Just make sure to reserve well in advance to secure your spot.

Customized Art
Personalized Poems

December 5, 7-8, 12, 14-15,19, 21-22

Thursdays 5 p.m.

Saturdays-Sundays 1 p.m.

Aptitude inside West Acres in Fargo

Give poet Emily Vieweg a few prompts and a free will donation, and she’ll create collaborative poem on her typewriter. The result is suitable for framing. theartspartnership.net/aptitude

Adult Metalsmithing Workshop: Chains and Chainmaille

December 7

9 a.m.

Hughes Fine Arts Center Grand Forks

Artist and professor Marissa Kuznicki teaches basic techniques using copper wire. No experience necessary, ages 18+. Register in advance. ndmoa.com/adult-classes

Scandinavian Gnomes

December 7 at 2 p.m. Carlson Library

December 10 at 6:30 p.m. Northport Library

Craft a cute, rice-filled Scandinavian gnome from felt. Workshop is recommended for adults. Register at 701-241-1492 or bit.ly/registerFPL

Mini Succulent Gardens

December 8

1 p.m.

Bakers Garden & Gift in Fargo

Plant a low-maintenance mini garden. Registration includes everything you need to grow three succulents in a terra cotta pot. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. bakernursery.com

Winter Canvas Painting

December 7-8

11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. Saturday

11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday

Art ‘n Joy in Grand Forks

Paint a winter scene on your choice of canvas. (Two sizes are available.) Seating is limited. Call or text 623-606-0895 to reserve in advance.

Flow Art

December 10

7 p.m.

Creatively Uncorked in West Fargo

Let colorful acrylic paint flow over two canvases, or mix it up by painting one canvas and one wood cutout. Reservations required. Ages 6+. creativelyuncorked.com

Paws, Paint and Pints

December 16

6:30 p.m.

Wild Terra Cider in Fargo

Email a photo of your pet in advance, then paint their likeness in class. Reservations required. Recommended for artists with previous painting experience. facebook.com/StarlingArtistry/

Printing in Pairs – Snowflake Pillowcase

December 20

6:30 p.m.

Plains Art Museum

Learn printmaking techniques with a partner in an easygoing atmosphere. Registration fee is for two people. Each will take a project home. plainsart.org

Fun For Foodies
Gifts from the Kitchen

December 10

6 p.m.

Square One Rental Kitchen and Events in Fargo

Prepare meringues, chocolate buttercrunch, mulling spices, scented sugars and a nut and pretzel mix perfect for gift giving. squareonekitchens.com/cooking-classes-2

Copper Pour Over Coffee Bar

December 10

6 p.m.

Thunder Coffee in West Fargo

Construct a copper pipe pour over coffee bar, complete with funnel and five Chemex filters. Registration is required and includes a cup of coffee. The class is appropriate for older teens and adults. ungluedmarket.com/events/

Candy Making Class

December 15

3 p.m.

Victorian Charm in Valley City

Make four different varieties of candy, and leave with a dozen of each kind, perfect for gifting. Message or text Natalie at 701-840-2788 to reserve a spot.

Make Your Own Bier Stein

December 16

6:30 p.m.

Fargo Brewing Company

Livin' the Dream Pottery’s Hayden Swanson helps you choose glaze colors and create your own stein from clay. Class fee includes a free beer. plainsart.org

Daytime Popping Fun

December 17

10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Tupperware Studio in Fargo

Make four different flavored popcorn varieties, from savory to sweet, and take it home in Tupperware. Call or text to register by December 12. 701-212-2956

Late Night Craft Party: Foodie Edition

December 19

7 p.m.

Unglued in Fargo

Create a wood burned cheese board, a giftable bottle of cocktail bitters and truffles with Sugarplum. The registration fee includes each craft, a Proof cocktail and Yeobo Sweet Shop cupcake. ungluedmarket.com/events/

Holiday Decorations
Ceramic Ornaments

December 8

2 p.m.

Unglued in Fargo

Jen from Jenny Sue teaches you to draw or scratch into the surface of clay to create four unique ornaments. Registration required, ages 15+. ungluedmarket.com/events/

Acrylic Pour Tree Ornaments

December 8, 14

2 p.m.

Bunny’s Creative Edge in Fargo

The swirling colors of an acrylic pour ornament really pop on a tree. The class is appropriate for ages 11 and older and includes three holiday ornaments. Register in advance at 701-238-8257 or bunny-paints.com.

Wreath Workshop

December 10

6 p.m.

Gathered. Boutique Rentals and Events in Moorhead

Your registration fee includes everything you need to make a 14-inch wreath. Wine, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are available. Reserve in advance. facebook.com/gatheredrentalsandevents/

Wreath Workshop with Floret + Foliage

December 11

6 p.m.

City Brew Hall in Wahpeton

Allison of Floret + Foliage shows you how to make your own indoor or outdoor wreath. Your prepaid reservation includes your choice of a 12-inch or 14-inch wreath and a $5 drink token. facebook.com/citybrewhall/

Ceramic Truck Container

December 12

7 p.m.

Creativity Uncorked in West Fargo

This vintage-inspired 13.5-inch ceramic container is an unexpected gift. Ages 6 and up are welcome. Drinks and snacks are available. creativelyuncorked.com

Late Night Craft Party: Holiday Quillin’ and Chillin’

December 13

6 p.m.

Unglued in Fargo

Sip wine and enjoy a cupcake (both included in the admission fee) while Christina from See Lang Design teaches the art of paper quilling. You’ll leave with your own Christmas tree or ornament design. ungluedmarket.com/events/

Ceramic Lighted Tree

December 14

7 p.m.

Creatively Uncorked in West Fargo

Conjure up those vintage vibes when you paint and add lighted bulbs to your own ceramic, retro-inspired Christmas tree. Registration ends a week before the event. Step-by-step instruction is provided. creativelyuncorked.com

Kid Creations
Kids’ Make It Club: Scrunchies and Stickers

December 7

10:30 a.m.

Unglued in Fargo

Kids in kindergarten through 6th grade can make scrunchies and stickers at this drop-off event. Register in advance. ungluedmarket.com/events/

Kid Quest: Wondrous Wire Weaving

December 7

1 p.m.

Center for Creativity at Plains Art Museum

Kids can create their own wire weaving project in the studio during this free, drop-in, family-friendly event. plainsart.org

Family Paint: Snowmen at Santa’s Village

December 10

6 p.m.

Rheault Farm

Kids 5+ (accompanied by an adult) can paint their own snowman. The instructor will distribute individual sketches to use as a template. creativelyuncorked.com

Adult + Child Workshop: Printastic Holiday Cards

December 14

11 a.m.

Center for Creativity at Plains Art Museum

Choose holiday designs to print eight cards (with envelopes) to take home. The class is overseen by printmaker Amanda Heidt is appropriate for kids over four and an adult companion. Register to reserve a space. plainsart.org

Alicia Underlee Nelson is a freelance writer and photographer. She co-hosts a podcast called “Travel Tomorrow,” available at TravelTomorrowPod.com and wherever you find your podcasts.Her first book, titled “North Dakota Beer: A Heady History,” was published in 2017. Follow her adventures at PrairieStyleFile.com.