Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
Surprise Your Partner with Gift Experiences for Couples
By Annie Symmonds
Wondering how to surprise your partner in 2023? Give an experience gift voucher and try anything from pasta-making classes, cocktail courses, kintsugiWondering how to surprise your partner in 2023? Give an experience gift voucher and try anything from pasta-making classes, cocktail courses, kintsugi and more! ...
Why a Paint 'n Sip Party Is the Ultimate Way to Celebrate
By ClassBento Team
If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, gather your loved ones for an evening of unforgettable entertainment at a paint ‘n sip party inIf you’ve got a special occasion coming up, gather your loved ones for an evening of unforgettable entertainment at a paint ‘n sip party in Australia. ...
Make Turkish Mosaic Lamps with Art Masterclass
By Laine Fullerton
From Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to their colourful and cosy studios across Australia, meet the business using Turkish mosaic-making as a form of culturalFrom Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to their colourful and cosy studios across Australia, meet the business using Turkish mosaic-making as a form of cultural connection. ...
Why You Will Thrive at Pottery Classes in Perth
By ClassBento Team
Dive into pottery classes in Perth and make magic with your hands. It's a great way to switch off and reconnect with your loved ones.
Fantastic 10 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas in Australia
By Annie Symmonds
Celebrate the 10 year milestone with these anniversary gift ideas! Mark the momentous occasion with experience gifts for couples that honour conCelebrate the 10 year milestone with these anniversary gift ideas! Mark the momentous occasion with experience gifts for couples that honour connection. ...
Fun Corporate Team Building Activities That Promote Employee Wellbeing
By Laine Fullerton
Spice up your team dynamics with these six engaging corporate team building activities in Melbourne. Foster collaboration and boost employee welSpice up your team dynamics with these six engaging corporate team building activities in Melbourne. Foster collaboration and boost employee wellbeing! ...
The Best Cooking Classes in Australia for Travel Lovers
By ClassBento Team
Enjoy international cuisine from the comfort of your home city with these cultural cooking classes in Australia. The perfect way to scratch thatEnjoy international cuisine from the comfort of your home city with these cultural cooking classes in Australia. The perfect way to scratch that travel itch! ...
Explore Your Inner Artist with Paint and Sip Classes in Australia
By ClassBento Team
Channel your inner Picasso and sample some delicious wine at the same time with paint and sip classes in Australia! You don't need any experienceChannel your inner Picasso and sample some delicious wine at the same time with paint and sip classes in Australia! You don't need any experience to join! ...
Create a DIY Project at These Cool Art Classes
By ClassBento Team
If you’ve always wanted to try painting, learn how to draw, kickstart a new hobby or explore your creativity, head to these top art classes inIf you’ve always wanted to try painting, learn how to draw, kickstart a new hobby or explore your creativity, head to these top art classes in Australia! ...
How to Build Better Boundaries If You WFH
By Courtenay Turner
Discover how to relieve stress, reduce the likelihood of burnout and improve your overall mental and physical wellbeing.
6 Feel-Good Workshops to Boost Your Mood
By Courtenay Turner
Feeling adventurous? Give glass blowing a go. Overwhelmed? Find your peace in pottery. With workshops for (almost) every mood, we’re here to helpFeeling adventurous? Give glass blowing a go. Overwhelmed? Find your peace in pottery. With workshops for (almost) every mood, we’re here to help you feel good. ...
9 Best Gifts for Dad in Australia in 2025
By Annie Symmonds
Find the best gifts for dad with our gift ideas! Celebrate Christmas, Father's Day and birthdays with arty experiences, crafts, cooking classes andFind the best gifts for dad with our gift ideas! Celebrate Christmas, Father's Day and birthdays with arty experiences, crafts, cooking classes and more. ...
Hands-on Birthday Party Ideas and Gifts for Gardeners
By Annie Symmonds
If you’re struggling to find birthday party ideas and gifts for gardeners, expect to find inspiration right here among our gardening classes inIf you’re struggling to find birthday party ideas and gifts for gardeners, expect to find inspiration right here among our gardening classes in Australia! ...
Best Anniversary Gifts for Men in Australia
By Annie Symmonds
Uncover the best anniversary gift ideas for men in Australia this year and surprise your lover with an unforgettable experience gift.
Why Clay and Sip Is the New Friday Night Drinks
By ClassBento Team
Discover why pottery classes in Australia are becoming one of the most popular ways to relax and unwind after work!
Why Art Courses Are Good for Stress Relief
By ClassBento Team
Relax, unwind and enjoy the stress-relieving benefits of art classes in Australia, where you can learn to paint, draw and much more!
Nourishing Experience Gifts for Women Who Need a Little Me Time
By ClassBento Team
If you have a special lady in your life who’s looking for some TLC, now is the time to treat her to a little “me time” with these experienceIf you have a special lady in your life who’s looking for some TLC, now is the time to treat her to a little “me time” with these experience gifts for women. ...
Best Unique Experience Gifts in Australia
By Annie Symmonds
Whether you’re looking for DIY birthday gift ideas or Christmas presents for Mum, there’s no better time to find the best unique experience giftsWhether you’re looking for DIY birthday gift ideas or Christmas presents for Mum, there’s no better time to find the best unique experience gifts in Australia! ...
Team Building Activities
By Julia Carr-Catzel
Learn how team building activities can boost morale in the workplace and why it's so important. Explore our best corporate activity ideas with teamLearn how team building activities can boost morale in the workplace and why it's so important. Explore our best corporate activity ideas with team workshops. ...
Unwind with Your Workmates at Paint and Sip
By ClassBento Team
Invest in the wellness of your workplace and get your colleagues bonding and connecting with each other at paint and sip classes in Australia.
Why Craft Workshops Are the Perfect Way to Unwind
By ClassBento Team
Soothe your senses with relaxing craft classes in Australia. Whether it's pottery painting or mosaic making, these workshops are the perfect waySoothe your senses with relaxing craft classes in Australia. Whether it's pottery painting or mosaic making, these workshops are the perfect way to unwind. ...
Drool-worthy Sour Cocktail Recipe
By Katie Milton
How the founder of Drool found love (and gin) in Melbourne lockdown.
Holiday Favourites: Gina Mason, Growth Partner
By ClassBento Team
Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!
Holiday Favourites: Kellie Maloney, Content Writer
By Courtenay Turner
Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!
The Best Digital Gift Cards for Craft-Lovers, Cooks and Creatives
By ClassBento Team
From pottery making to tossing pizza dough, find the ultimate digital experience gift cards for the person in your life that just loves to get handsFrom pottery making to tossing pizza dough, find the ultimate digital experience gift cards for the person in your life that just loves to get hands on with crafts. ...
Birthday Party Ideas for Wellness Warriors
By Annie Symmonds
Discover brilliant birthday party ideas for wellness warriors across Australia and treat them to an unforgettable celebration in 2025!
7 Ways Wine and Painting Classes Can Boost Your Wellbeing
By ClassBento Team
Explore 7 ways to improve your overall wellbeing with the help of fun-filled wine and painting classes available across Australia.
9 Presents Your Sister Will Love No Matter Her Niche
By ClassBento Team
Surprise your sister with these thoughtful gifts for her! Dive into a world of creativity with arts, crafts and cooking classes, tailored to everySurprise your sister with these thoughtful gifts for her! Dive into a world of creativity with arts, crafts and cooking classes, tailored to every unique taste. ...
9 Photography Styles to Master in 2025
By Grace Smith
Elevate your photo skills in 2025 with these 9 photography styles! You can learn about different photography styles at photography courses in MeElevate your photo skills in 2025 with these 9 photography styles! You can learn about different photography styles at photography courses in Melbourne. ...
5 Desk Crafts for Return-to-office Anxiety
By Charlotte McKewen
Struggling with office anxiety? Forget the fidget spinner and pick up one of these calming pocket crafts!
Make Churros with Tere and Colin Experiences
By ClassBento Team
Unwind with experienced artists Tere and Colin at their inspiring and creative experiences in London!
6 Reasons Why Flower Arranging Classes Make the Best Gift Experiences for Mum
By Annie Symmonds
Discover why flower arranging classes make the best gift experiences for Mums this Christmas.
Make Chocolate with Z.Cioccolato
By Jane Gauger
It’s hard to resist chocolate – just ask Mike Zwiefelhofer, who’s been making customers happy with his sweets and hands-on virtual classesIt’s hard to resist chocolate – just ask Mike Zwiefelhofer, who’s been making customers happy with his sweets and hands-on virtual classes. ...
Make Your Own T-shirt with Screen Printing
By ClassBento Team
As a teenager in a primary school art class, I had no idea what screen printing was, but from what I could see of the press in front of me, it wasAs a teenager in a primary school art class, I had no idea what screen printing was, but from what I could see of the press in front of me, it was going to be complicated. The contraption had several limbs branching out at different angles like some kind of advanced, spinning robot ready for take-off. The metal base was dripping with ink in various bright colors. “I’m going to use that?” I asked my teacher. She shook her head with a smile, “That’s a little advanced for you. Don’t worry, we’re going to be working with individual screens for now. It’s still a little complicated, but you’ll have fun.” Over the next two weeks, I spent hours designing, cutting, aligning, and squeegee-ing on various types of paper and fabric. There were times when I wanted to pull my hair out and times that I was ecstatic with the outcome, but usually I was just extremely focused on my work. By the time I had completed my first project - a tricolor work that would probably make Andy Warhol cringe - I was hooked on the hobby. I couldn’t wait to show off my freshly-pressed artwork to friends and family. I actually started to make my own t shirts with screen printing!! “Just wait until you learn more about the history,” my art teacher prodded. Indeed, screen printing has an interesting tale to tell. The art form has a surprisingly long history, with Polynesian Island natives producing the first images by seeping ink through banana leaves over 1500 years ago (1). Similar techniques popped up in China and Japan, where they developed in sophistication and skill. At the 1853 World’s Fair, Japanese goods were lauded by European and American artists, who sought to learn and commercialize the art form. Though screen printing wouldn’t show up in Australia until the second World War, other forms of printing have always been a crucial part of the country’s history (2). For instance, a humble little device came over with the first fleet in 1788, though it was incomprehensible to all crew members. Once the newcomers learned how to use the press, printing exploded in the form of newspapers and informative books on exploration of the continent. This type of production was usually relegated to the commercial sector, and wouldn’t become popular as an art form until the 1970’s, as a result of Andy Warhol’s explosive entrance into the art world. As an American artist, Warhol’s most famous works depict American popular culture, such as his iconic renditions of actress Marilyn Monroe in the 1960’s. As a result of his pioneering endeavors, artists all over the world began experimenting with silk screens. The craft became particularly popular in Aboriginal communities, specifically in Bathurst Island and at Gunbalanya, where much of the printmaking took place on fabric instead of the otherwise popular paper (3). Over the next few decades, this style would become an integral piece of Aboriginal fashion design, with artists showcasing their work in art galleries, Parisian fashion venues, and international cultural exhibits. Considering its humble beginnings, screen printing has certainly had an interesting journey. Today, many individuals, with or without an artistic background, are exploring the craft by attending printing classes. In fact, ClassBento offers a class in Marrickville lead by Carizza Teague who studied the art form at the Eastern Sydney Institute of Technology and has been teaching it for seven years. You may be as surprised by a beginner’s class as I was the first time I saw a screen printing press, but there’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy your first experience. Here are a few fundamental aspects to the process that may help you prepare for your first class. First, the materials This type of printing requires a pretty particular set of objects. Most notably, the screen, which is generally a wooden frame fixed with a thin semitransparent film. You will also be provided with a squeegee, emulsion liquid, printing ink, and testing fabric (although you should bring your own fabric for the finished project: think tea towels, tee-shirts, or tote bag.) Your instructor will have a light box to help the emulsion process along quickly. If most of these items seem foreign to you, that’s okay. Your instructor will explain everything! Churning out your work So, all you need is a screen and some ink right? Why all this other stuff? Well, it’s a little more complex than just seeping ink through a film. Carizza’s class uses a photo emulsion method, which requires the following steps: 1. You design a creative graphic. Anything you want! Elegant lettering, your dog, your best friend, the sky’s the limit. 2. You create a transparent version of your beautiful image that will be stripped away after the emulsion process (your teacher will help you with this part.) 3. You prepare for emulsion by fixing your image to a screen, which has been covered with the emulsion liquid. 4. When you expose your screen to light, the emulsion will harden where the liquid is exposed, allowing you to eventually strip away your transparent image. 5. What is left is a kind of stencil through which you can squeeze ink onto fabrics, shirts, and paper products! As a beginner, you will probably be satisfied with sticking to one color for your graphic, creating a minimalist work of art that will astound your friends and family. But, as you advance in your practice, this method can incorporate more and more colors into your work (just remember, each step usually requires a completely new graphic!) In other words, whether you're interested in a novice understanding of screen printing, or you want to take it to the next level, you can be sure that there’s never going to be too little or too much that you can do with your art. You may even advance to larger printing presses! So, don’t be shy! Anyone can make a beautiful graphic using this method, and there’s nothing quite like showcasing your work as part of your daily wardrobe. References: (1) georgerodriguefoundation.org (2) neram.com.au (3) digitalcommons.unl.edu ...
At the End of This Quiz You'll Know Exactly What to Gift Your Partner
By Laine Fullerton
Searching for gifts for couples? Take our quiz to unlock meaningful experiences, from crafting to cooking, designed for quality time together!
How to Create a Beautiful but Easy Watercolour Painting
By ClassBento Team
Master the art of watercolours with these fun-filled painting classes in Australia and create your own unique masterpiece today!
Learn Calligraphy with Pascribe
By ClassBento Team
Masterful calligrapher Paul Antonio has a penchant for sharing his passion with like-minded creatives... find out why!
Holiday Favourites: Katie Jeanes, Head of Marketing
By ClassBento Team
Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!
9 Awesome Gifts for Aunties Who Value Quality Time
By ClassBento Team
Discover experience gifts for an aunty that will have her smiling from ear to ear – making memories together beats a boring box of chocolates!
7 Fail-proof Gift Ideas for Mum Under $150
By Jana Lepojevic
Show Mum you care and protect your wallet with these thoughtful gift experiences for mum that are under $150.
Alternative Corporate Team Activities for Every Type of Work Event
By Laine Fullerton
Looking for the best team building activities for the best corporate event you're planning? Check out these fun classes for team building ideas.
How 8 Global Makers Are Using Workshops to Change the World
By ClassBento Team
What do you think when you hear the names Malala Yousafzai, Michelle Obama and Gloria Steinem? Strong, trailblazing icons. These women are householdWhat do you think when you hear the names Malala Yousafzai, Michelle Obama and Gloria Steinem? Strong, trailblazing icons. These women are household names for a reason, but in the words of author Kate Hodges, “Behind every great woman… is another great woman”. While their names might not be as widely known, ClassBento’s global community is overflowing with innovative women working to promote equality by sharing knowledge and creativity. Some have picked up their crafts from mothers and grandmothers, while others have determinedly taught themselves, or been mentored by fellow makers. The special thing about them, however, is their shared mission, one that allows you to tap into your creativity and experience the wellbeing benefits that come with it. So here are 8 voices from our uplifting community of women-identifying makers. Authentic, inspirational and crafting change—one stitch at a time. Makers turning the tables on gender stereotypes Monique and Reneé Hunte, East London England Sisters and co-founders of nf!Dai-KOR “For us, we’re breaking gender stereotypes by showing everyone that women are out here winning in business. We share our story during workshops in the hope to inspire and motivate others to follow their passion and dreams.” Janine Hendry, Melbourne Australia Founder of nf!Guild of Objects and the March4Justice Movement “For the first time in a decade, the gender pay gap is getting worse and not better. Workshops at Guild of Objects are all about empowering women to take control of their own income.” Nadia Abbas, London England Founder of nf!House of Stööki “Women can do the heavy side of jewellery making too. The jewellery making practice has a lot of different methods of making and some are more brutal than others. Our workshops show students that the finished Stööki products have been made using all the different methods of production.” Kelly Ortega, San Francisco United States Founder of nf!Artillery AG: Mindful Ceramics “So often to win success in business looks like being co-opted into the systems of oppression all around us. As a woman of colour, who is also a business owner, I hope to disrupt these harmful practices. At Artillery Ceramics we are slowing down, caring for each other, reconnecting to ancestral Indigenous roots and creating with intention.” Sara Knights, Steyning England Founder of perfumery nf!Sara Lucia “As a perfumer, I set out to challenge the stereotype that women should smell a certain way or ‘like’ certain aromas. Smell is not gender specific, in fact, men can love lavender and geranium and women can love leathery, tar smells.” Makers uniting to empower one another Cara Bevilacqua, St Augustine Florida United States Founder of nf!Coastal Design Workshops “The support creative women give each other is unmatched. I hire and train female artists to learn how to teach others their creative skills and to see how rewarding it is for them is something that makes me feel extremely fulfilled.” Nadia Abbas “The women that I met when I got my jewellery degree at university have become part of a friendship group that has shaped my career today. We all share a love of jewellery design and have continued to thrive in the industry with each of our businesses that encompass very different styles.” Kelly Ortega “Through my workshops, I was lucky enough to meet a woman who I now consider a dear friend and is now the second instructor for my mindful ceramics curriculum!” Amy Beggs-French, Canberra Australia Founder of nf!Deep Blue Ceramics “Years ago I bought a handmade mug at a market. I caught a cold shortly after and ended up having about a million lemon, honey and ginger teas. I fell completely in love with my new mug—it was so nurturing. I enrolled in my first pottery class as soon as I was better. The maker I bought my life-changing mug from was Tina. Connecting with her through appreciation of her art as well as a bunch of other mutually adored hobbies, we are now great friends!” Sampada Gurung, London England Founder of nf!The Slightly Curious Studio “One of the most impactful connections I've made was with a fellow potter who runs a sustainable pottery studio. It's reassuring to know that I'm not alone in my struggles as a business owner, and it's inspiring to see how another woman has been able to create a successful and sustainable business that aligns with her values.” Makers inspiring creativity from all walks of life Cara Bevilacqua “As someone who grew up feeling a bit like an outsider, I relied heavily on my passion for creativity as an outlet for my feelings and emotions. I feel it is my duty to use my platform as a business owner and creative instructor to include those who may need to feel the embrace of inclusion.” Kelly Ortega “Equity needs to be spread throughout the way we do business, the way we interact with each other, and even the way we think about what we should expect from one another. Through equity, we are moving forward towards liberation for all.” Amy Beggs-French “Appreciating where people are at and supporting my students to play with their creativity produces some really incredible, diverse results! What people can produce and create when they are feeling safe, equitably supported and encouraged is awe-inspiring.” Sampada Gurung “Everyone should have equal opportunities to pursue their passions and to access resources that can help them grow and develop. We're committed to providing accessible and affordable learning experiences that empower our students to discover their creativity and pursue their goals.” ...
Why Plants Are Your Best Friend If You WFH
By Charlotte McKewen
Discover how adding plants to your workspace can brighten up your mood and your day!
How to Host the Ideal Hens Party for an Introvert
By ClassBento Team
Create a memorable hens party for the bride-to-be who enjoys time with her nearest and dearest with these nine unique ideas!
Fingerlicking Foodie Gifts for Ladies Who Love to Lunch
By ClassBento Team
From cake decorating classes to food and drink tastings, discover the top creative gifts for foodies to add to the top of their present list in 2025.
5 Evening Hens Party Ideas to Wrap Up the Perfect Day
By Annie Symmonds
Spoil the bride-to-be with an unforgettable evening—explore hens' party ideas featuring professional makeup, arty experiences and cocktail shaSpoil the bride-to-be with an unforgettable evening—explore hens' party ideas featuring professional makeup, arty experiences and cocktail shaking! ...
Why DIY Soy Candle Making Kits Will Transform Your Home
By Sam Bowden
Needing a bit of a change around the house? Soy candle making kits can help transform the vibe of your living space.
5 Ways to Save Money and Keep Living Your Best Life
By Kellie Maloney
With these DIY secrets from Aussie small business owners, you’ll feel empowered, discover new ways to save money and change your life for theWith these DIY secrets from Aussie small business owners, you’ll feel empowered, discover new ways to save money and change your life for the better. ...
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