Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
Meet Impala and Peacock
By Laine Fullerton
Leading the charge of Melbourne’s specialty tea scene, Impala and Peacock want to show you there’s more to tea than meets the eye.
7 Fun Gifts for Your Girlfriend She'll Adore
By Tiffany Fung
Explore unforgettable gifts for her in Melbourne! From creative workshops to sweet adventures, find the perfect surprises for your special someone in 2023.
5 Dad-Approved Gifts That Will Ignite His Creativity
By Kellie Maloney
If these real-life Dads loved them, yours will too.
Birthday Gifts for Mum in Melbourne She'll Love
By Sam Bowden
Make Mum's day special with the best Melbourne experience gifts for Mums on her birthday! From cocktails to candles, treat Mum to a fun activity in Melbourne.
Why Having Flowers on Your Desk Brings More Happiness
By Natalie Kemp
Make your desk an inspiring space with floristry classes in Melbourne. From simple bunches of daisies to striking natives, learn how to boost your happiness.
Corporate Team Building for Large Teams
By Tiffany Fung
Corporate team building for large teams made easy. Discover fun, creative workshops your team will actually enjoy—from painting to cooking and more.
7 Dad and Son Gifts That Create Lasting Memories
By Jana Lepojevic
Make lasting memories with Dad! Discover 7 fun Dad and Son gifts across Australia, from tufting to BBQ, photography and more.
Learn 5 Easy Recipes at Italian Cooking Classes
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for experience gifts for foodie lovers? Gift these Italian cooking classes in Melbourne and help them learn to cook five easy recipes with confidence.
Best Healthy Team Building Activities in Melbourne for the Mind, Body and Soul
By Annie Symmonds
Ditch the after-work drinks and discover the best healthy team building activities in Melbourne for the mind, body and soul.
Master Latte Art Designs at Barista Classes in Melbourne
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Up your coffee making game when you learn how to make coffee pretty with latte art classes in Melbourne. Learn how to make hearts to tulips and rosettas!
Learn How Easy Asian Cooking Is in Melbourne
By Tiffany Fung
Discover flavour-packed fun at Asian cooking classes in Melbourne! With expert guidance and everything provided, you'll be whipping up delicious dishes in no time.
Why Experience Gifts Are My Favourite Holiday Tradition
By Laine Fullerton
Skip the wrapping paper this year! ClassBento Australia's Head of Content shares why experience gifts are the best way to create lasting memories.
What Experience Melbourne Dates Are Actually Like
By Tiffany Fung
Need exciting date ideas in Melbourne? Find out what to expect at our couple's experiences and learn why they're the best things for couples to do in Melbourne.
7 Different Painting Courses to Try in 2026
By ClassBento Team
Try these fun-filled painting courses to try your hand at different painting techniques and learn the difference between each from watercolour to oil paints.
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, from floristry courses to candle making classes.
Best Cooking Classes in Melbourne to Save You Money and Help You Perform Better at Work
By Sam Bowden
Give up the takeout to improve your finances, health and productivity when you learn to make home cooked meals at Melbourne cooking classes.
13 Crafty Experiences That Make a Great Galentines Gift
By Tiffany Fung
Gather all the girls together and celebrate friendship with our Galentine’s gift experiences! Learn wheel throwing, perfume making, flower arranging and more.
Fun Galentine's Day Ideas That Celebrate Friendship
By Jana Lepojevic
Celebrate friendship this February with fun Galentine’s Day ideas. From flowers to cocktails, chocolate to pottery, there’s something for every girl gang!
Gifts for Her Under $100 That Still Feel Thoughtful
By Jana Lepojevic
Spoil her without overspending. Explore unique, thoughtful experience gifts for her under $100 that feel personal and memorable.
5 Heartfelt Gifts for Women Who Love Quality Time
By Jana Lepojevic
Find the perfect gifts for her in Melbourne for those who love quality time and dive into experiences like mixology classes and perfume workshops.
Meet the Plant Whisperer
By Laine Fullerton
Meet Haylee Magendans, AKA The Plant Whisperer, and discover how plants can help you spark connection.
Sustainable Stocking Filler Alternatives
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for something a little less wasteful to stuff in your stockings this Christmas day? Read on for our guide to sustainable stocking filler gifts.
How to Throw Crafty Kids Parties in Melbourne
By Sam Bowden
Organising kids activities in Melbourne? ClassBento has a few party ideas for kids that'll blow everyone's socks off
Looking for Hens Weekend Ideas in Melbourne? Try a Staycation
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
In need of hens weekend ideas in Melbourne? Rent a house, stock up on the bride-to-be’s favourite snacks and wine and bring a perfume blending workshop to you...
Tasty Gifts for Foodie Mums That Aren't a Hamper
By Tiffany Fung
Swap the usual hamper for foodie gifts for Mum she’ll love—think hands-on cooking classes, new skills and delicious memories you can share together.
Customised Gifts for Her She'll Actually Use
By Tiffany Fung
Discover customised gifts for her she’ll actually use, from candle and pasta making classes to mindful art workshops. Thoughtful, creative and truly personal.
Meet 345 Art Creative
By Tiffany Fung
Combine a modern art gallery, inspiring workshop space and leafy-green cafe, and you’ll get Mont Albert’s ultimate hub for creativity, 345 Art Creative.
Support Local with the Best Art Classes in Melbourne
By Kellie Maloney
From resin art workshops to fun photography courses, give back to local creatives with art classes in Melbourne!
Spark Romance with These Girlfriend-Approved Gifts
By Jana Lepojevic
We’ve got cute Christmas gifts for girlfriends galore, and with these experiences, you’re bound to get a gold star or two as well!
Feel-Good Gifts for Her to Boost Health and Happiness
By Tiffany Fung
Whether you’re after a bridal shower treat or a thoughtful birthday gift, these feel-good gifts for her are sure to leave your special lady smiling.
7 Art Classes Melbourne Crafters Are Raving About
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Paint, sketch or capture photos at art classes in Melbourne and find exactly why your local community is raving about!
Why Pottery Classes in Melbourne Improve Your Wellbeing
By Laine Fullerton
Tune into mindfulness with pottery classes in Melbourne and discover the amazing wellbeing benefits of this DIY craft!
7 Mother Son Gifts for Spending Quality Time
By Jana Lepojevic
Looking for thoughtful mother son gifts? Explore fun, hands-on experience gifts to do together, from pottery and cooking to candles, terrariums and art.
Meaningful Gifts for Dad from Son That Inspire Quality Time
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for the best gifts for Dad from son? Pick fun experiences that help you spend quality time together, from cooking classes to paint and sip sessions.
Why Paint Your Partner Classes Are the Best Date Night Ideas
By Jana Lepojevic
Ditch the dinner and movie routine! Paint your partner classes offer a playful way to connect, get creative and share laughs on your next date night.
5 Must-Visit Creative Neighbourhoods in Australia
By Kellie Maloney
And your guide to the craftiest things to do when you’re there.
Make Your Own DIY Garden Bouquet
By Kellie Maloney
Surprise your special someone with a heartfelt bouquet using flowers from your very own backyard!
Bring Her Pinterest Board to Life with These Crafty Hens Night Ideas
By ClassBento Team
Calling all Pinterest enthusiasts! Uncover our selection of hens party ideas tailored for you and create a celebration that reflects your flair in 2026!
How to Make the Best Flower Arrangement for Your Home (2026)
By Natalie Kemp
Explore floristry courses in Melbourne and learn how to make flower arrangements at home that pop! You'll get tips, tools and inspiration for your DIY bouquets.
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 ...
Celebrate Relationship Milestones with an Anniversary Gift Card
By Jana Lepojevic
Celebrate your relationship milestones with an anniversary gift card. Find out how experience gift cards for couples deepen connections.
A Beginner's Guide to Taking a Pottery Course in Melbourne
By Tiffany Fung
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the world of clay, check out our go-to guide for what to expect at a pottery course in Melbourne.
Painting Classes in Melbourne to Boost Your Creativity
By Tiffany Fung
Want to learn how to paint in Melbourne but don't know where to start? Join Melbourne beginner-friendly painting classes to boost creativity!
Easy Crafts for Kids That Are Good for the Environment in Melbourne
By Sam Bowden
You're really spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing crafty kids activities in Melbourne. Here are some of the most environmentally friendly options available.
Beginner Photography Classes in Melbourne
By John Tabari
Explore Melbourne and practice capturing the true essence of this city with beginner photography classes in Melbourne. Smartphones or DSLR's, all are welcome.
Gifts for Her Guide to Picking the Perfect Present
By Tiffany Fung
Discover thoughtful, hands-on gifts for her—from sculpting clay and arranging blooms to pouring dreamy candles—and find an experience she'll truly cherish.
Thoughtful Gardening Gifts for Dad to Brighten His Day
By Tiffany Fung
Surprise your father with thoughtful gardening gifts for Dad he'll love. From terrarium to pottery classes, explore creative experiences to brighten his day.
7 Fun Things to do as a Couple Today
By Tiffany Fung
Searching for fun date night ideas in Australia? Read our guide to finding the perfect date night you and your loved one will absolutely adore in 2023.
Why You Should Give Experience Gift Vouchers in 2026
By Tiffany Fung
Discover why experience gift cards are the next best thing in 2026, where you can help them book into their favourite workshop and celebrate their big day in style.
Creative Ways to Connect with a Loved One Living with Dementia
By Kellie Maloney
We’ve put together a list of heartwarming ideas designed to help you reconnect with your loved one this Dementia Action Week and beyond…
13 Thoughtful Wedding Gifts for Couples Without a Registry
By ClassBento Team
Discover thoughtful gift experiences for couples who don’t have a registry and get your favourite duo cooking up a storm, playing with clay or getting crafty.
Unconventional Gifts for Friends Who Have Everything
By ClassBento Team
Give your loved ones DIY presents they'll remember with these unique experience gift ideas in Australia, guaranteed to bring a smile to their face.
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Hen's Party Ideas 2026
By Annie Symmonds
Shake, mix and paint with your favourite people at the best 2026 hens party ideas in Australia!
Why Barista Courses in Melbourne Are Trending in 2026
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
From brewing at home to sustainable coffee cups, discover why barista courses in Melbourne will be some of the best coffee trends to look out for in 2026.
Make Your Own Cocktails in Melbourne (2026)
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Mix, shake and stir margaritas and martinis like a pro with cocktail making classes in Melbourne!
A Guide to Making Your Own Pottery
By John Tabari
Delve into the origins of pottery and learn how to begin your DIY ceramics journey at pottery classes in Sydney!
Luxury Gifts for Mum to Make Her Feel Special
By Jana Lepojevic
Spoil her with luxury gifts for mum, from perfume making to chocolate crafting. Give her a pampering experience she’ll treasure.
13 Fun and Unexpected Things to Try Around Australia Next Month
By Laine Fullerton
Next month just got exciting! From pasta making in the Byron Hinterland to quirky collage art in Melbourne, here are 13 fun and unexpected things to try around Australia.
How to Pick Personalised Gifts for Your Dad
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for the best gifts for Dad in 2026? Read on to discover our guide to making it personalised just for him—think pottery, cooking and more!
5 Romantic Activities for Couples That Aren't Dinner and a Movie
By Jana Lepojevic
Transform date nights with romantic activities for couples! Try pottery classes, barista courses, cooking adventures and more for a fun and creative experience.
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 experience to join!
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!
Personalised Presents for Couples Who Have Everything
By ClassBento Team
Stuck on what to buy a couple who have everything? These personalised experience gifts help them reconnect, create memories and try something new.
Great Gifts for Your Wife That Make Any Day Special
By Tiffany Fung
Make her day special with these great gifts for your wife, from pottery and cooking classes to romantic date ideas she'll truly love.
4 Mother-Daughter Moments That Will Warm Your Heart
By Courtenay Turner
From Japanese ceramics to mosaic-making, these creative experiences will warm her heart!
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.
Best Photography Classes in Melbourne to Learn How to Use a DSLR
By Natalie Kemp
From photography techniques like shutter speed to aperture and ISO, get out of auto mode and into manual mode at these DSLR photography classes in Melbourne!
Discover Your Next Hobby at a Woodwork Course in Melbourne
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for a new 2023 hobby? Try our woodworking classes in Melbourne, where you can pick up handy DIY skills and craft your own furniture.
6 Vegan Cooking Classes for All Food Lovers
By Tiffany Fung
Enter the world of plant-based cooking with these 6 vegan cooking classes in Melbourne! Learn cooking skills, bond with others and master veg-friendly recipes.
9 Reasons to Sink Your Hands Into a Ceramics Class
By ClassBento Team
Curious about pottery classes? Here are 9 reasons to dive in and try this calming craft.
Best Creative Kids Activities Under $60 in Melbourne
By Sam Bowden
Chasing kids activities in Melbourne on a budget? Here are some of your best workshops that come in under $60.
6 Creative Hen's Day Activities to Make Your Party Unforgettable
By Jana Lepojevic
Make your hen’s day unforgettable with creative hens party activities. Try pottery, collage and more for a memorable celebration with friends.
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