Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
Inside a DIY Terrarium Class
By ClassBento Team
Spoiler alert! If you'd like to discover the magic of terrarium making for yourself, go ahead and book yourself in, and read no further. ButSpoiler alert! If you'd like to discover the magic of terrarium making for yourself, go ahead and book yourself in, and read no further. But if you're curious about what exactly happens in a terrarium workshop, I'll be sharing my personal experience with you in detail. Entree I stepped into the Merchant and Green floristry, where the walls are adorned with flowers and shrubs of all kinds, ranging from classics like roses and tulips, as well as Australian natives, through to more exotic (at least for me) flora like cotton. I also learned that there was a Happy Plant in the corner, as well as a Mother-in-laws-tongue (yes, those are really their names! Interesting names for interesting plants. Scientifically, they are Dracaena sanderiana, and Sanseveria respectively). The space had a relaxing vibe. Perfect for stopping to smell the roses (yes, I did that literally too). A table sat in the centre of the room, on top of which were neatly organised terrarium ingredients, giving me a sneak glimpse into the fun ahead. I was greeted by Chris and Mitch from the Merchant and Green team, as well as the other students. Our hosts offered us beverages, and we got to know everyone through a bit of light conversation. We flipped through a little book that Chris had recently acquired, all about terrariums. It reminded me of a cookbook, with recipes for the various types of terrariums, containing detailed lists of ingredients, preparation steps, as well as inspiring and appetising photos. We put on our aprons, and dove eagerly into our first course. Second course Chris showed us the various glass containers we could build our terrariums in. We opted for large circular 'fishbowl' vases, though also available were triangular prisms (a bit more challenging), as well as smaller spherical containers, which can be hung. For those who have a bit more time to spare in a more advanced class, larger terrarium containers are a great choice for indulgence - they allow for more plants, and are perfect for events which you don't really want to end too early (think hen's parties and other special occasions, or a fun team outing). Chris explained that we'd be building up our terrarium in layers, and the purpose of each layer. We also saw a finished terrarium, 'one prepared earlier', to get a better sense of the end goal. The first layer is foundation of stones, which encourages sufficient drainage for our little ecosystems. We each chose from smooth white pebbles, river stones of assorted colours and shapes, and smaller grey stones - you could build this layer with one or a combination of these, with each stone type providing a different aesthetic. Of course, there's a bit of finesse required - it isn't just about dumping stones haphazardly into a bowl! The layers have to be of the right thickness and elevation, to ensure that the ecosystem you're building is conducive to healthy plant life, and to ensure that you end up with a visually appealing terrarium. Chris and Mitch made it all easy though, with their detailed instructions and demonstrations. They also gave plenty of one on one advice (and hands-on help) where needed, while still giving us plenty of space to play and explore by ourselves. Third course Next up was a layer of special moss. The moss plays a crucial role in the terrarium, holding any water you put in, to ensure that your little plants can drink up just the way they like to. The moss came in stringy brown fibres, and smelled very earthy, and reminded me of a forest's scent. We made a little mattress with this moss, which was soft and springy, in contrast to the hard rocks just beneath. My 'layer cake' was starting to take shape! Responding to questions, Chris gave some advice on how to water our terrariums, and the best position(s) in our living spaces for them to thrive. We also got to learn a bit about the history of terrariums, on how they came about. Chris was a great conversationalist, and kept us engaged throughout. Learn more about making terrariums here. Fourth course Next, we added a layer of soil, spooning it generously into our vases. Then Mitch brought out the stars of the show - a tray of petite succulents. There was a wide variety to choose from - short, tall, spiky, smooth, dark, light. On this day, there were over 30 plants to choose from. They reminded me of petit fours, due to their size, variety, and cuteness. Some reminded me of a blossoming lotus or camellia, with their intricate and petal-like leaves. We had a hard time choosing from that feast of options, there were just too many pretty choices (and the plants change with every workshop, so no two workshops are exactly the same). Chris gave us some helpful advice as to which plants would best suit each of us. For example, some plants are slightly harder to maintain (I avoided those), while some plants pair particularly well with others. We eventually settled on our choices (I picked out a tall 'jellybean' shrub, as well as a unique succulent with pink-tinged leaves), and gently shook the plants free of their little pot homes. We trimmed their roots down, so that they would fit comfortably into the soil layer that we had just laid down. The plants are quite delicate, and in some cases a few leaves fell off, but not to worry - Chris showed us how you can actually grow new plants from these leaves, using just a moist paper towel as their initial incubator. Then came the planting. Just like normal planting, just in miniature form. We dug out tiny spaces for the roots of our plants, snuggled them in, and back-filled with soil to ensure that they would be nice and secure, and be able to pass the 'wobble test'. Dessert They saved the best for last. It was now time to put our finishing touches on our terrariums. The icing on the cake! Chris showed us a few styling options, and gave us a few ideas. Would we make a little Zen garden, with a clean and symmetric appearance? Or a natural landscape, one you might find by a riverside? With perhaps rolling hills and gentle valleys, to give more depth to our landscapes? We had a wide variety of stones to work with, from large 'feature' stones of various colours, sizes and textures, to the smaller stones that we used for layering before, as well as some mosses. I sprinkled a fine gravel-like mix to cover the soil, and accentuated it with a larger white pebble, as well as a few smaller coloured ones, somewhat randomly scattered, for a natural and contemporary look. I got lost in the moment - it was so much fun designing and playing with my miniature garden. This was the part where you could be really creative and try out different ideas. Just like a chef would dab at a plate with a cloth to clean up its appearance before serving, we too dabbed and finessed to finish off. It was incredible to see everyone else's finished terrariums. From the same set of ingredients, we had each created very different looking enclosed gardens (though all of them looked great). The whole experience was a great chance to just take some time for myself, to get away from technology and closer to nature. If my story sparked your appetite, go ahead and attend one of our future terrarium classes. The team at Merchant and Green also provide lovely workshops on making Kokedama (Japanese-inspired moss balls), as well as flower arranging with Australian natives, and with seasonal blooms. The classes are perfect for individuals, as well as couples, and larger groups. Until next time! Iain for the ClassBento team ...
Want to Learn to Cook Like a Pro? Discover Australia's Top Culinary Schools
By ClassBento Team
Learn to cook and discover a world of delicious new flavours with the help of Australia’s finest culinary schools!
Discover Australia's Top Painting Classes for Adults
By ClassBento Team
Unwind as you learn painting and dive into a world of colour at some of our best painting classes in Australia.
How to Be Your Own Art Therapist
By Kellie Maloney
Try out this simple, creative exercise and get a glimpse into what art therapy is and how it can improve your wellbeing.
Best Zoom Activities for Kids
By Sam Bowden
Looking to keep the kids entertained? Here are a few of our best Zoom activities for kids to enjoy at home!
Why You Should Take Up a New Hobby This Leap Year
By Natalie Kemp
What to do this February leap year to improve your wellbeing, make social connections and make your life more interesting...
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 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.
Think You're Not Creative? Try Pottery
By Charlotte McKewen
How potter and academic Bettina Stevanovic rediscovered her childhood love of clay and used it to tap into mindfulness and find her balance.
Make Japanese Gift Wrapping with Larkswold Creative Workshops
By ClassBento Team
Melinda and Emma from Larkswold Creative Workshops share their crafting journey and why they love sharing their creative passion with others!
Brand Activation for Fashion Company
By ClassBento Team
A popular fashion company wanted to reinvigorate its brand, and launched a youthful campaign, with a Cuban theme, supported by a prominent singerA popular fashion company wanted to reinvigorate its brand, and launched a youthful campaign, with a Cuban theme, supported by a prominent singer and performer. To bring the campaign to life in Sydney, the brand designed an offline activation, inviting brand VIPs, influencers and press to Pitt Street Mall. A highlight of the event was ClassBento’s custom jewelry stand, where guests could custom order personalized earrings that fit in with the Cuban feel. There was a wide variety of beads and bangles to choose from, so the guests had plenty to spark their imagination – it was a nice avenue for them to indulge in their creativity. ClassBento’s teachers whipped up the earrings from their base components on the spot, and the guests could participate in the jewelry making if they liked. Our teachers know how to work a crowd, and kept the group engaged and buzzing. The jewelry was unique, authentic, designed specifically for this event, and of course, lots of fun to wear and share-worthy, and a nice way to remember the night by. Looking for an idea for your next marketing activation? Get in touch, and we’ll help find the right teachers to help you stand out and make it memorable. ...
The Colourful History of Jewellery Making
By ClassBento Team
I'd never tried jewellery classes in Sydney before. When I was a kid, my mother took me to meet one of her friends for an afternoon lunch. WeI'd never tried jewellery classes in Sydney before. When I was a kid, my mother took me to meet one of her friends for an afternoon lunch. We had to pick her up at her house, she explained, because Betty was blind and couldn’t drive herself. Having never met a blind person before, a flood of wonder and curiosity washed over my young mind: What would she be like? Would she be sad? What did she do if she couldn’t watch television? When we pulled up the gravel driveway, Betty was already at the doorway, ready to greet us. She was smiling and waving, and with her dark sunglasses, you wouldn’t even suspect that she wasn’t look straight at us. After introductions, Betty invited us inside for some iced tea before we went to the restaurant. As she turned to lead us into the house, I was mesmerized by her beautiful cascade of silver hair, pinned back with the most intricately beaded hair clip I had ever seen. The clip was an oval about five centimeters long and a few centimeters high and was adorned with blue, red and yellow beads arranged in symmetrical patters. It reminded me of the mosaics we had learned about in school, yet somehow more impressive because of the minuscule size of the beads (I later learned that they were called seed beads.) They were so small; you could almost mistake the entire thing for patterned fabric. My mother smiled. “She makes those herself, you know,” she said. Though she couldn’t see my expression, Betty sensed my surprise and laughed. “It’s true,” she said. “Come on, I’ll show you my collection.” Betty lead me to a spare room, where she had set up a workshop. On top of her desk, she had everything to make the intricate clips: rows and rows of brightly colored beads, spools of thread, various sizes of scissors and pliers, and strips of leather. Pinned up to the wall in neat columns were her finished products. Reds, blacks, oranges, greens, and blues. They were impossibly beautiful. Watching Betty show off her art made me realize how important beadwork was in her life. Just standing in her workshop, she was relaxed and full of joy. For the rest of the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about Betty making those incredible hair clips. I had always enjoyed making crafts with beads at school, but I couldn’t imagine creating something so detailed. My mother explained to me that the beadwork was an integral part of Betty’s heritage as a Native American of the Owen’s Valley Paiute Nation in the United States, and she had probably learned very young. Not a lot of people have an interest in learning the craft anymore, she told me sadly. Intrigued, I started researching the history of jewellery and beadwork on my own, finding a cultural history as elaborate as Betty’s art. History of Jewellery Making Jewellery, which in its most primitive form constituted decorative shells, bones, and colored rocks, is thought to be older even than clothing. As humans began settling into communal agrarian societies, in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt, jewellery developed into more ornate and sophisticated forms of art, alongside concepts like religion and governance. At this moment in history, jewellery began gathering social significance. For example, the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamen, whose treasures are housed at the Egyptian Museum (2) in Cairo, is still the largest collection of jewellery in the world, and gives modern historians a good idea of the opulence afforded only to the most powerful royal figures of the time. The next few centuries saw an explosion of jewellery trading that solidified the art as a staple of almost every European, North African, and Middle Eastern civilization. A historian can dedicate a lifetime to a single island in the Mediterranean, like Crete, and never learn everything there is to know about jewellery in the Ancient World. The waters are simply too deep. At the same time, on two completely separated continents, jewellery was weaving another historical thread in North and South American settled societies. In Central and Southern civilizations, like the Aztecs and Mayans, silver and gold were popular materials for ornamental pieces. For Western tribes, like Betty’s, early forms of jewellery consisted of natural materials, such as shells, silver, ivory, colorful stones like turquoise, etc. European colonists, surprised no doubt to see such beautiful jewellery in the New World, introduced glass and seed beads in the 16th century, revolutionizing Native American art. Today, Native American nations throughout the United States continue to produce beaded moccasins, hair pieces, and baskets to preserve the tradition. With such a diverse and vast history of jewellery in human civilization, it is no surprise that jewellery continues to be a key part of almost every society in the world. But in this age of mass-production, is there a way to preserve the age-old tradition of jewellery making? Is it even worth it to try? Scientists say we have a very strong incentive to keep jewellery making around, namely its potential to improve our mental health. One study (3), lead by Carolyn Adams-Price and Bernard Steinman of Mississippi State University, reviewed the impact of jewellery making on the mental wellbeing of 29 Canadian and American women, aged 31- to 64-years-old. All participants reported a psychological benefit, while 24% said that they experienced an increase in happiness and self-worth in particular. The organization, Bonita Bead Boutique (4) in the United States, has recorded similar effects, from reduction in stress-related illness to improved cognitive function, in individuals participating in jewellery making for the first time. Getting involved in jewellery making is incredibly easy. Jewellery making workshops are taught all over Sydney. Check out the long list of beginner’s classes by Chris Smalley: 1) Earring making 2) Beaded jewellery making and 3) Jewellery repair and upcycle Because of the broad definition of jewellery, there are endless options for beginner’s classes, based on your personal preferences. A typical introductory class will teach the basics of anything from beadwork to simple silver- or silicone-molding to creating your own porcelain beads and pendants. References: (1) britannica.com (2) sca-egypt.org (3) aginghorizons.com (4) promedicahealthconnect.org ...
Top 7 Hens Party Ideas for Eco-conscious Brides (2026)
By Kellie Maloney
Opt for eco-friendly hens party ideas! Share laughter and joy with your leading ladies while being kind to the planet.
Top Baby Shower Ideas
By Julia Carr-Catzel
An afternoon of tummy-rubs from enthused relatives, tiny gender neutral socks and disgruntled eternally-single friends beaming from across the roomAn afternoon of tummy-rubs from enthused relatives, tiny gender neutral socks and disgruntled eternally-single friends beaming from across the room in a feigned act of felicitations - all gather in honour of the greatly anticipated newborn. The baby shower in Sydney. Overwhelmed with the ceaseless stream of advice from tired mothers and unwrapping gift after gift straight out of the first four pages of the ‘Baby Kingdom’ catalogue, you wonder if there’s an alternative to the predictable baby shower schedule. ClassBento have just the afternoon for you, with plenty workshops replacing small talk with environments promoting learning, creativity or simply meditative or therapeutic rest during the testing pregnancy months. Zen and the Art of Block Printing Join Rowan Sivyer, watercolour artist and printmaker, in carving your way to peace in her Block Printing workshop. Rowan, who carves as a form of meditation, encourages students to reignite their creative streak with the simple act of wielding tools to cut rubber. The art is a powerful de-stressor, inexpensive and doesn’t require a lot of space. In Rowan’s workshop, you will learn the process of designing, carving and printing, as well as techniques and tips for creating simple blocks, layering stamps and repeating tile stamps. In the workshop, parents-to-be, friends and family can enjoy one another’s company whilst designing and carving a small rubber block to create beautiful stationery with. Chocolate Making Aspiring chocolatier? Gather the Birthday Shower party and try a Chocolate Making workshop with 'Adora Handmade Chocolates', a company who have won numerous gold and silver awards and whose unique chocolates have earnt the respect of establishments among the likes of the Sydney Opera House who, in response to great demand, Adora supply to regularly. Learn about the history and benefits of great quality chocolate, made with the freshest ingredients including Belgian Callebaut chocolate and espresso coffee, minus the added preservatives or artificial flavours. Walk away with a knowledge of how to make signature butter truffles and temper chocolate in the two hour workshop. Succulent Garden Workshop Thick and fleshy, succulents are low-maintenance plants that come in variety of colours, shapes and sizes and have the potential to add a smidgen of personality to the no doubt highly debated nursery in months pre-birth. Follow Christopher Saban’s step-by-step guide to building your own terrarium garden in his ‘Succulent Terrarium’ workshop. Christopher, creative decorator of ‘Merchant and Green’ has over fifteen years’ experience as a floral decorator and stylist and will provide you with all materials required. Choose from a Pyramid or Quad glass container, layer with vase river stones, moss, soil and mini succulents to create the perfect environment for your plants to thrive. Cake Decorating Between fiercely jotting down the titles of baby books from enthusiastic relatives and unwrapping of baby bottles, there is time for cake. And whilst the thought of simply sitting back and indulging in rich chocolate cake may sound appealing to the lethargic mother-to-be, a group task which encourages the entire family to get involved, such as cake decorating, may just spice up the afternoon in a way which does not deprive anyone of cake, but merely forces them to appreciate it. Jo, from ‘Wendy Jo Baking’, who is known for her creative cakes and beautiful and elegant design, will see you and the baby shower party licking your fingers, layer and stack double barrel cakes, spread swiss meringue buttercream, experiment with watercolour effects, apply gold leaf, prepare and arrange flower decoration and temper chocolate in her finger-licking workshop. Celebrate the mother or father to be by helping them share a passion or learn a new skill with a ClassBento workshop. We have a great variety of classes to suit a diverse range of tastes, budgets and group sizes, and our experienced teachers are here to help make your baby shower that little bit more special. With a new bub on the way, the baby shower is the perfect time to take a minute to remember the joy of making, and our ClassBento workshops ensure all your guests will leave with a great new skill. They also help to get everyone involved in the fun, making them a great way to share the occasion with friends and family. ...
Intimate Learning and Teaching - the Power of Privacy
By Classbento CTO
ClassBento's privacy options allow teachers to use secret venues, and gives students marvellous new ways to experience classes. So what'sClassBento's privacy options allow teachers to use secret venues, and gives students marvellous new ways to experience classes. So what's this all about, how would it be helpful, and how did we apply lessons from psychology research? Let's run through these options one by one and see. We allow teachers to mask their teaching venue. In this case, a circle is shown on a map, with the venue’s real location hidden somewhere within the circle. The exact location is only revealed to paying students. This allows teachers to use private venues like their home or private studios for classes, while allowing prospective students to know their rough location without compromising their privacy. These venues tend to be more convenient and cheaper for teachers, since they tend to be owned and used by teachers for other purposes. I’m personally uncomfortable with revealing my home address to strangers (strangers who pay me to be my students are the exception), so I use this option myself (1). There are of course other reasons why teachers may choose this option. For example, photography teachers may want to take students to their secret spots with the best angles, lighting and subject matter, and don’t want to reveal these to the general public. We offer private classes to students for intimate learning. Specifically, students can book some classes privately (where enabled by the teacher), which will immediately make the class unavailable for future bookings by members of the public. Students can book private classes either just for themselves, or also on behalf of others. Teachers can offer their own venues and/or to travel to students. We can imagine some ways that this would benefit students (there are probably more): You want to take a date out to something a bit more interesting than dinner and a movie, and want an intimate experience (you may know the song ‘Tennessee Waltz’; it’s both a great song and a cautionary tale (2)) You don’t want outsiders intruding on your company team or family bonding time You are an introvert and don’t cope well in bigger groups (between a third to a half of us are introverts (3), including me) You are don’t want to be judged for your currently amateurish skills (like me with dancing, singing, painting, skateboarding, Spanish … okay basically everything). After all, if you think that you're being judged negatively, you'll often perform worse, compared to if you were by yourself or with just trusted others (like a patient teacher) (this has been proven by scientific experiments) (4) You want to express your creativity fully, especially in open-ended subjects like the visual arts; you want to minimise the 'peer pressure' to produce conformist output (5) You don't want random other people who aren't quite as advanced as you slowing down your learning Of course, we offer 'public' options as well. Teachers can specify where their venues are to the public if they wish, and students can join public classes and meet new people if they wish (and if the teacher's class allows). Each option has its own advantages. We hope you love our privacy options! (1) Yes, I’m actually also a teacher on ClassBento. As to which one … that’s a secret for now (2) Listen to Patti Page’s lovely rendition at: youtube.com/watch?v=_Ek3eCbfqp0 (3) From "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking" by Susan Cain. A great read, highly recommended (4) The technical term from this is 'Evaluation apprehension'. It's a well researched theory in psychology. It's remarkably pervasive; a famous study showed that women perform worse in maths tests when their gender was implicitly brought to their attention, due to the women recalling the stereotype that they should be worse at maths than men (in this specific case, it's referred to as 'Stereotype threat', but now I'm going quite a bit off topic) - see Inzlicht, M.; Ben-Zeev, T. (2000). "A Threatening Intellectual Environment: Why Females Are Susceptible to Experiencing Problem-Solving Deficits in the Presence of Males" (5) This is related to the concept of 'Social desirability bias', which again is well established in psychology. Interestingly, studies suggest that this effect explains why men tend to artifically inflate the number of sexual partners they've had in self-reports, while women under-report theirs, to conform with the participants' view of what is socially acceptable. See Smith, T. W. (1992). "Discrepancies between men and women in reporting number of sexual partners: A summary from four countries", and Tourangeau, R.; Yan, T. (2007). "Sensitive Questions in Surveys" ...
Meet the Real House Dogs of ClassBento
By Katie Milton
You’ll never guess what they get up to…
Presents for Mum That Will Boost Her Happiness in 2026
By ClassBento Team
Boost her happiness this Mother's Day with our best gifts for Mum in 2026! From drawing to ikebana, these Mother's Day activities will make her feel special.
Best Embroidery Kits for Beginners 2026
By Sam Bowden
ClassBento has assembled the MVP's of embroidery kits for beginners for you to sink your teeth into at home, in 2020!
Adapting the Workplace for Millennials
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Help the workplace adapt to millennials with our team building activities in Sydney! It's a great place to learn something new while connecting with others.
How to Get the Perfect Gift for Your Father
By Tiffany Fung
When it comes to getting the perfect gift for Dad, we’ve got you covered. Take a squiz at our beginner guide to know exactly what to get for Dad in 2026.
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!
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!
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.
Best Self Isolation Activities to Try This Month
By Sam Bowden
6 Week lockdown in Melbourne doesn't have to be all Netflix and tedium! Here are a few helpful self isolation activities to avoid the boredom.
Grab a Skateboard and Get Rolling
By ClassBento Team
For various reasons, many people overlook skateboarding as a hobby. It is reserved mainly for young, cool kids with trendy fashion sense and a seemingFor various reasons, many people overlook skateboarding as a hobby. It is reserved mainly for young, cool kids with trendy fashion sense and a seeming imperviousness to pain. So it may come as a surprise that skateboarding as a sport and a hobby has been creating buzz in various professional fields, with physical therapists, metal health experts, and community organizers coming together to change the public discourse about skating. What conclusions are they making? That we should all grab a board. But first, the history: Skateboarding is a relatively new sport, first appearing on the West Coast of the U.S. in the 1950’s. At this stage, the concept was crudely obvious: find a wooden plank, four wheels, a screwdriver, and a hill. Of course, the danger of the sport soon tainted its reputation, and many considered skateboarding to be a passing phase in popular culture, especially when it disappeared throughout the 60’s. Thanks to die-hard skaters, the 70’s saw a resurgence of skateboarding in California. One of the innovations of this period was the transition from downhill slalom-style skating to more street-style, trick-based work. This was made possible by some key improvements to the sport, such as better wheels and board design, allowing skaters to discover and master previously unattainable techniques and tricks. It was during this time that the hobby became particularly popular with the anti-establishment culture of the time, a relationship that would shape societal prejudice against skaters for decades. Despite the distaste, skateboarding was quickly becoming an iconic pastime in California, one that would prevail for the next forty years. Skateboarding gained international credibility when technological advances allowed videographers to portray skater culture in wildly popular films such as Thrashin’ (1986) and Video Days (1991). Skateboarding video games soon took over the market, creating a following with millennials, who would grow up with skateboarding as a legitimate, established, and cool sport. Today, the quintessential image of the skater is alive and well. However, more than just young, male skaters are enjoying the sport. With backing from various health professionals, the future of skateboarding looks to be broadening. The Many Health Benefits of Skating Perhaps the most visible benefit of learning to skateboard is the improvement in physical health. Skating requires muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility, all areas which are known (1) to contribute to physical wellbeing. It also helps our body in less noticeable areas, such as coordination and balance. According to various fitness sources (2), honing these skills is particularly beneficial in injury prevention and joint health. Physicality is just the tip of the iceberg. Skateboarding offers an array of mental health benefits, as well. On the one hand, general physical exercise is proven (3) to improve mood, increase energy, and combat feelings of stress and depression. This is because the brain reacts to physical exertion by releasing serotonin and dopamine, two chemicals closely related to mood. Yes, but what makes skateboarding so special? Surely those looking for a cure for the blues can run on a treadmill, no training (or bruises) required. Well, there are a few aspects to skateboarding that separate it from other forms of physical exercise. One hidden advantage of skateboarding is the need to be outdoors. Though there are many indoor skateparks in this period of skating revival, most skaters practice their craft in the streets, where the tradition began. Studies (4) suggest that simply being outdoors can improve mental health as a result of increased circulation of Vitamin D in the body. The effect on depression is accentuated in green environments as opposed to urban settings, but anything is better than hitting the gym. Let’s put physiology aside completely for a moment and highlight the other impacts of skating on mental health. For example, a key element to skate culture is a laid-back attitude, but could it also be considered zen? The technicality of skateboarding requires enhanced attention to the body and the present moment, similar to yoga and other meditative practices. In the field of psychology (5), this process is known as mindfulness and has been proven to ease depression and anxiety by redirecting negative thought cycles and reducing stress. Some skaters, like Melani Hatter and Michel Loranger, have documented the role that skateboarding has had in their struggles with mental illness. Skateboarding has one more altruistic trick up its sleeve, namely its sense of community. Groups like Skateboarding is Positive in the United States, lead by Nathan Kolar, are bringing the societal benefits of skating to light. Their advocacy covers topics like public safety, primary and secondary education, autism, and more. In their view, and with the backing of reputable Sociologists and not-for-profit organizations, skateboarding offers invaluable societal advantages, from alternatives to delinquency to transferable life skills that make the entire community a better place. So, Why Aren’t We All Skating? Who knows. Maybe skateboarding’s affiliation with anti-establishment sub-groups of the 80’s has lingering effects on new membership. Maybe those who didn’t start early feel uncomfortable trying later in life. Or, maybe it just really hurts to fall the first few times. But hopefully, all this talk of physical health, mental wellbeing, and societal improvement will open a few minds to the potential of skateboarding. If you’re considering trying out the sport yourself, the best first step is to sign up for a beginner’s class, where an instructor can help you lay the foundation of your craft in a safe and controlled environment. An introductory class will go over basics like balancing on the board, turning, stopping, and falling safely. There are plenty of Sydney skateboarding lessons available, in which beginners can learn from professionals and life-long skaters. Alternatively, many beginners find one-on-one instruction to be particularly helpful and less intimidating than trying out their skills in front of a group. Whatever appeals to you, just don’t forget your helmet and knee pads! From there, skateboarding offers endless possibilities for improvement, from learning new tricks to downhill events. Even if you’re just in it for a reliable form of transportation, skateboarding can drastically improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Happy skating! References: (1) sciencedaily.com (2) passionateaboutfitness.com (3) rcpsych.ac.uk (4) health.harvard.edu (5) apa.org ...
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 the better.
Top Beginner Pottery Classes Around Australia
By ClassBento Team
Meet like-minded people and get your hands dirty with pottery classes in Australia.
Tune Into Something New
By Charlotte McKewen
Switch up your routine and engage in sensory experiences that will inspire and invigorate you.
Holiday Favourites: Jane Gauger, Content Writer
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!
Best Eco Friendly Candle Making Kits
By Sam Bowden
As we all become more aware of the ethics behind the way we consume, candle making kits have a few question marks over it. Here's some essentialAs we all become more aware of the ethics behind the way we consume, candle making kits have a few question marks over it. Here's some essential info to help you choose. ...
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 in Australia!
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 help you feel good.
Candle Making Classes Are for Everyone
By John Tabari
Join our candle making classes in Sydney for a fun, relaxing craft experience. Perfect for everyone to join, it's a therapeutic experience you'll love!
Fun Activities to Fit Your Busy Schedule
By ClassBento Team
In this day and age, everyone is busy. It seems almost a social misdemeanor to not be (or at least claim to be) busy, all the time. Many of us areIn this day and age, everyone is busy. It seems almost a social misdemeanor to not be (or at least claim to be) busy, all the time. Many of us are working long hours, often with overtime. Some of us work weekends. With our portable devices, it’s so much easier to stay glued to work, and it’s so much more convenient to be a workaholic. And beyond work, we often have lots of commitments. We need time for ourselves and to find fun activities to make the most of a day at home. Time to just be in the moment, without worrying about what’s ahead and behind us. Time to unleash the creative sparks we all have inside. Time to relax, unwind, and just enjoy the simpler pleasures in life. Every moment we invest into leisure, pays off handsomely. Studies have shown that activities like recreational classes can help to prevent workplace stress and burnout, and improve workplace performance. So it’s not just about indulgence, it’s also good sense for your career. Our workshops are perfect for the busy professional. ClassBento has a wide variety of fun workshops in the evenings, on Saturdays and Sundays, and even during lunch breaks during weekdays. Forget about your worries, as you concentrate on making some chocolate, or arranging some flowers. Form some meaningful social connections, as you draw a portrait or play a ukulele. Broaden your perspectives, as you learn a different language, or learn about philosophy. And it would be a minor crime for you to not invite your friends too. Put a smile on their face, by inviting them to a class with you, or say ‘take a well deserved break’, by sending them a gift card. Check out our classes, listed on a nifty calendar. Add more life to your work-life balance. Discover fun new ways to experience VIVID here. ...
Experience Gifts for Dad Based on His Love Language
By Tiffany Fung
Do you know Dad’s love language? Surprise him with these thoughtful gifts for Dad in Melbourne that will make him feel truly loved.
Drool-worthy Sour Cocktail Recipe
By Katie Milton
How the founder of Drool found love (and gin) in Melbourne lockdown.
Australia's Biggest Terrarium
By ClassBento Team
Epic. Incredible. The title says it all! A glorious living garden in an absolutely huge fishbowl glass. A terrarium created by the one and onlyEpic. Incredible. The title says it all! A glorious living garden in an absolutely huge fishbowl glass. A terrarium created by the one and only Chris Saban from Merchant and Green with his student, as part of a special workshop. Here it is in all its glory: Inspired? Check out Merchant & Green's succulent terrarium class or closed greenhouse terrarium workshop, or for a special occasion, book their private class for two. If you're looking for something more epic than the standard sized terrariums, just get in touch with Merchant & Green and see where your imagination leads you. Learn more about terrarium plants here. ...
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!
Make Vegan Shortbread with Caroline Rowe
By Courtenay Turner
Meet Caroline Rowe, the passionate foodie inspiring everyday Aussies to get creative in the kitchen and uncover the joys of cooking for one.
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 classes.
Top Valentine's Gifts for Every Kind of Couple
By Tiffany Fung
Unwrap these top Valentine’s gifts for every kind of love story, whether you’re looking for something traditional, adventurous or romantically sweet!
25 Fun Things to Do for Mother's Day in Australia in 2026
By ClassBento Team
When it comes to fun things to do for Mother’s Day in Australia, we’ve got gift experiences guaranteed to make Mum’s day even more special.
11 Perfect First Valentine's Day Gifts for Your Boyfriend
By Laine Fullerton
Need Valentine's gift ideas for your first Valentine's Day together? Try these thoughtful Valentines experience gifts for him that he's guaranteed to love.
Unique Corporate Christmas Ideas to Impress Your Team
By Tiffany Fung
We’ve got the ultimate guide to the best corporate Christmas ideas to help you win brownie points among your team, from cocktail parties to pottery classes.
Spice Up Your Office Holiday Party with Alternative Work Christmas Party Ideas
By Tiffany Fung
Discover alternative work Christmas party ideas in Australia to help you shake things up and create unforgettable memories with your team this holiday season.
Heartwarming Mother's Day Ideas You Can Do Together
By Jana Lepojevic
Looking for meaningful Mother’s Day plans? Explore our list of unforgettable Mother's Day gift ideas you can do together and create lasting memories with Mum!
20 of the Best Christmas Gift Voucher Ideas in 2026
By Courtenay Turner
Want to treat someone special? Browse the best Christmas gift voucher ideas of 2026. Shop gift cards for pottery classes, whisky tastings and more.
Top Mothers Day Gifts for Grandma 2026
By Sam Bowden
Don't forget Grandma this Mother's Day! These experience gifts for grandma will give her what she really wants—time with her grandkids doing something fun.
9 Wholesome Gift Ideas and Mother's Day Activities for Adults
By Courtenay Turner
From pottery workshops to cocktail making classes, discover the best Mother’s Day activities for adults around Australia.
Break Tradition with 10 Unique Ideas for Christmas Parties
By Annie Symmonds
Think outside the box in 2026 with these unique Christmas party ideas to help your team bond and reconnect.
Thoughtful Christmas Gift Ideas for Her in 2026
By Courtenay Turner
Shopping for your wife, GF or mum? No matter her hobbies or interests, these thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for her will bring a smile to her face.
11 Romantic Things to Do on Valentine's Day
By Jana Lepojevic
Looking for things to do on Valentine’s Day? Discover romantic, creative experiences you can enjoy together and turn the day into something unforgettable.
10 Foolproof Christmas Presents for Couples Who Have It All
By Courtenay Turner
From pottery workshops to cooking classes, discover one-of-a-kind Christmas presents for couples who have everything. Gift cards available.
Christmas Gifts for Dads Who Have Everything
By Annie Symmonds
Ignite his creativity with the best Christmas gifts for Dad in Australia—perfect if he says he wants nothing this year!
Summer Bucket List: 26 Creative Things to Do with Friends
By Tiffany Fung
Get your group chat buzzing with this summer bucket list—26 creative, hands-on things to do with friends, from pottery and cooking to wine tasting and more.
6 First Father's Day Gifts in Australia for New Dads
By Annie Symmonds
Discover thoughtful first Father’s Day gifts in Australia for new dads and spoil him with gift experiences he'll remember for years to come.
9 Ways to Spend Valentine's Day with Friends
By Jana Lepojevic
Celebrate friendship this Valentine’s Day with friends! Fun activities, creative workshops, and tasty treats make it a day to remember.
Secret Santa Ideas for Men That Everyone Will Enjoy
By Tiffany Fung
Find fun, foolproof Secret Santa ideas for men, from pottery classes to BBQ smoking workshops. Give him a gift experience he’ll actually enjoy this Christmas.
The Ultimate Mother's Day Gifts Guide in 2026
By Jana Lepojevic
The ultimate Mother’s Day gifts guide in 2026—explore foodie experiences, personalised keepsakes and more to find the perfect gift to surprise Mum this year!
Top 10 Mother's Day Gift Ideas in Australia
By Jana Lepojevic
Looking for the perfect gift? Check out these top 10 Mother’s Day gift ideas in Australia. From pottery to cocktails, these fun experiences will make Mum’s day!
Top Gift Voucher Ideas for Your Family This Christmas
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover the perfect Christmas gifts for your family with our top gift voucher ideas. You can help create memorable moments with these unique experiences!
Cheerful Xmas Work Party Ideas for Creative Colleagues
By Tiffany Fung
Want to treat your team to unique Christmas party ideas in Australia? Browse these Christmas activities for crafters, cooks and cocktail-makers!
Easy Mother's Day Crafts to Try with Mum
By Jana Lepojevic
Make this Mother’s Day memorable with craft experiences you can share with Mum, from mosaic art to textiles, pottery and more creative workshops.
The Best Last Minute Valentine's Day Gifts That Still Feel Thoughtful
By Jana Lepojevic
Forget the stress! These last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts offer date night activities and memorable experiences you can book in minutes.
21+ Coolest Christmas Presents for Her in Australia
By Courtenay Turner
From cheese-making classes to pottery and wine nights, find the coolest Christmas presents for her right here. Unforgettable experience gifts await!
Crafty Care Packages for Mother's Day 2026
By Sam Bowden
Show Mum how much you appreciate her with crafty care packages for Mother's Day 2026! Perfect if you're looking for relaxing gift experiences for Mum.
Your Cute Itinerary for Valentine's Day Activities
By Tiffany Fung
Discover cute, creative Valentine’s Day activities in 2026—from pottery and cooking to cocktails—that turn your date into a memorable experience you’ll love.
7 Do It Yourself Mother's Day Gifts to Show You Care
By Tiffany Fung
From handmade soaps to macrame plant hangers, these do it yourself Mother’s Day gifts are the perfect present to show Mum you truly care this year.
How to Pull Off an Unforgettable Office Christmas Party
By Annie Symmonds
Take your office Christmas party to a whole new level with these unique team building activities in Australia.
Plan a Father's Day Weekend Dad Will Actually Remember
By Erica Genda
Skip the generic socks. Discover unique, unforgettable ideas to plan a Father's Day weekend your Dad will remember and cherish for years.
How to Give Dad What He Really Wants This Father's Day
By Laine Fullerton
Searching for meaningful gifts for Dad this Father's Day? The answer is simpler than you think.
Best Mother's Day Australia Wellness Experiences
By Annie Symmonds
From yoga in the park to mindful pottery classes, pick the best gift experiences for Mum and spoil her this Mother's Day.
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