Unique Places to Shop: DIY Spaces
Knack: The Art of Clever Reuse | Easthampton
The world is truly becoming a more creative place when everyone you meet makes something in their spare time from jewelry to homemade bread. It’s relaxing and fun to create, but sometimes we need a little help, an extra item here and there, or maybe just the space to get something done. Just this year, at least two new spaces have opened in Hampshire County that focus on creative reuse and do-it-yourself crafting, providing opportunities to learn a new skill or make someone a unique gift.
Art Alive in Amherst
Art Alive is handmade retail shop in downtown Amherst, MA with a focus on its DIY community craft space. In addition to handmade goods from local artisans, customers have the opportunity to make a variety of crafts in store, as well as hosting birthday parties, workshops or attend a wide variety of classes. Each week there is a new $5 craft project that anyone can pop in to create during open hours.
Upcoming workshops at Art Alive:
Wine and Painting Wednesday
Every Wednesday, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Intro to Soap Making
Friday, November 22, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Lampwork: Glass bead making
Saturday, December 14, 1 to 5 p.m.
Beehive Sewing Studio + Workspace
Ever wish you could use a sewing machine just for an hour? Beehive Sewing in downtown Northampton will provide you the machines, tools, and workspace you’ve been looking for! Pay by the hour and stay as long as you need to finish your project. Looking to pick up a few sewing techniques or learn for the first time? Beehive offers classes and workshops taught by accomplished local seamstresses, fiber artists and fabric artisans. Check out their schedule here, but if the times don’t work for you, Beehive welcomes flexible scheduling and is happy to host a workshop for three or more participants on a day that works for all.
Knack: The Art of Clever Reuse
This July, two locals who share a love of creating useful items from what some people might consider trash, opened Knack: The Art of Clever Reuse, one of the first creative reuse centers in Western Massachusetts. Knack is located in Easthampton at the Eastworks space, a repurposed mill building in this former factory city. At Knack, you can shop for creative reuse materials and upcycled gifts, get your craft on during open studio hours like Work On It Wednesdays (6 to 8 p.m. for $8!), take a class or workshop, plan a party, or simply find inspiration!
Upcoming workshops and activities at Knack:
DIY bookmarks Drop-in Activity
Saturday, November 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DIY Cup Cozy Drop-in Activity
Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mosaic Mirror Frame, two-part workshop
Thursday, January 9 and Thursday, January 16 6 p.m.
Also to note at Eastworks this season:
Handmade with Love Craft & Gift Market
Saturday, November 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Eventiques, A Wedding & Event Flea Market
Saturday, November 16 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Sunday, November 17 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A Holiday Pop-Up Shop, November through December