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Find Balance with Ikebana Flower Arranging
By ClassBento Team
To the untrained eye, ikebana may seem like just a few flowers in a bowl. The translation of the name doesn’t shed much light, with ike meaningTo the untrained eye, ikebana may seem like just a few flowers in a bowl. The translation of the name doesn’t shed much light, with ike meaning “arrange” or “alive” and bana meaning “flower (1).” Ikebana is also sometimes referred to in relation to kado or “the way of the flower (2).” But this etymology doesn’t get us any closer to understanding what ikebana is, where it came from and why Ikebana classes in Sydney are so popular. So to paint the picture, let’s consider the following scene: Image that the year is 1403 and you are in Kyoto, Japan. You are approaching a Zen Buddhist temple, which is perched on the edge of a tranquil lake. Everywhere you look, you see twisting pines and thick green foliage. Pink and white cherry blossoms seem to be falling delicately from the sky. This is a sacred place, and as such it is quiet and calm. The square building in front of you is three stories tall, each level separated by an ornate, sweeping roof and wrap-around walkway. The siding is yellowish-gold color which sets the temple in stark contrast with the soft greenery surrounding it. As you walk closer, you notice there is a doorway on the side of the temple facing the water, and you enter with bated breath. Inside, simplicity governs the space. Natural light filters through panes of thin-paper windows and the wood flooring is bright and open. The room is free of all furniture, except for an altar at the center, directly in front of you. The mantle is arranged on three tiers: at the top is an ornate carving of the Buddha in black stone. The two lower levels house four different floral arrangements, each seeming to defy gravity with their sprawling stems and drooping flowers. You are surprised by the array of colors: deep violet tulips are placed with bright red buds and wide pink water lilies. Interspersed with the flowers are precariously arranged leafless sticks and pine tree branches, which reach up and lean gracefully over to the side or curl around the outside of the arrangement as if holding everything in. Each ikebana is its own world of balance, playfulness, and tranquility. You could look at each one for hours, focusing on each individual blade of grass, stem, stick, or flower petal, and never tire of its design. Incredibly, each ikebana also adds to the balance of the altar as a whole. The effect is a kind of visual relaxation that is at once satisfying and mystifying. You realize, as you continue to appreciate the earthly beauty in front of you, that you are unconsciously practicing a fundamental Zen Buddhist tradition: the practice of mindfulness, of allowing the mind to exist in the present moment, and to bask in the calmness and serenity of the body (3). Put simply, ikebana is not just a few flowers in a bowl. It is an art form. A spiritual journey. An integral piece of Japanese tradition. Even to the untrained eye, this is something sacred and special. And now, it is open to individuals all over the world. Classes range from beginner’s design to advanced floral arrangement. ClassBento’s Setsuko Yanagisawa leads an exciting introductory course which covers the basics of ikebana like layering flowers and building up an arrangement from the base. You will even learn the different types of Japanese flora and fauna in order to make a beautiful and authentic work of art. As with any creative pursuit, ikebana also offers a range of mental health benefits as well. The most, obvious benefit, probably is the meditative element of Japanese flower arrangement. The benefits of meditation are well-documented (4), and have been shown to have a positive impact on people dealing with anxiety, depression and even physical pain. Ikebana can invite you to meditate by focusing your awareness on the technical and creative task at hand. You’ll find yourself so immersed in the beauty of your work, that you may not even realize that you’re meditating until you leave the session relaxed and serene. Another advantage of practicing ikebana: self-expression. According to the Government of Western Australia Mental Health Commission (6), self-expression is a key factor in improving mental health and wellbeing. Luckily, ikebana is fundamentally a practice of self-expression, in which each arrangement speaks to the emotions and visual aesthetic of the individual creator. Furthermore, it can lead to a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, and because there are more than 3,000 schools of ikebana today(5), you will never run out of ways to express your creativity. If you’re interested in incorporating your newfound skills in Japanese flower arrangements into your home, here’s some more great news for you. Ikebana can greatly improve your everyday mood by changing the ambiance of your living space. At its core, ikebana is about simplicity, balance, and an appreciation for the imperfect beauty of the natural world. These elements create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, which will naturally lower stress and rejuvenate you. In addition to tranquility, the emphasis on appreciation offers its own set of advantages for those looking to take care of their mental wellbeing. According to prominent voices in the field of gratitude like Hugh van Cuylenburg (7), research clearly indicates that showing gratitude, for something as small as a glass of water to something as meaningful as a loving family, can greatly increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Ikebana teaches this practice of gratitude powerfully by asking its students to appreciate and be thankful for everything from the beautiful glazed vase to the fragile stems to the striking blooms of color and fragrance. Overall, ikebana is not simply the act of arranging flowers. It goes far beyond its vague etymology into the realm of art, spirituality, and mental wellbeing. By signing up for a beginner’s class in ikebana, you are embarking on a meaningful and beautiful cultural journey. Enjoy. References: (1) ftd.com (2) livingnow.com.au (3) zen-buddhism.net (4) mindaustralia.org.au (5) ikebanabyjunko.com (6) mentalhealth.wa.gov.au (7) smh.com.au ...
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!
Make Your Favourite Drink at Cocktail Classes in Brisbane
By Tiffany Fung
Unleash your inner mixologist with the best cocktail classes in Brisbane. Learn to make classic cocktails and show off your new dinner party tricks!
20 Chilled Out Hens Party Ideas
By Annie Symmonds
Explore serene hens party ideas tailored for the low-key bride-to-be of 2026! Find hens party activities to suit every member of the bridal crew.
Cooking Classes in Brisbane: Your Event's Recipe for Success
By Kellie Maloney
Celebrate your next occasion in style with Brisbane cooking classes and enjoy bonding with loved ones over good food, good company and meals made with love.
5 Best Date Ideas to Help Spark the Romance
By Tiffany Fung
Ignite the romance in your relationship with one of our unique date night ideas in Australia, from spinning clay on a wheel to making custom DIY jewellery.
Why You'll Love Floristry Courses Brisbane
By Tiffany Fung
Create fragrant, DIY flower arrangements at floristry classes in Brisbane and impress your loved ones, the perfect way to find gifts for her or hens ideas.
Best Spring Hens Party Ideas in Brisbane 2026
By Tiffany Fung
Make your hens party in Brisbane one to remember with fun flower crown classes, crafty macrame workshops and more Spring-inspired hens activities!
Ceramic Classes Brisbane for Everyone to Enjoy
By Tiffany Fung
Whether you’re a full-time worker or a bride-to-be, discover our favourite pottery classes in Brisbane that will suit everyone’s needs.
How to Set Up Your Home Coffee Station in Brisbane
By Sam Bowden
Learn how to make coffee at home at a barista course in Brisbane then set up your home coffee station to start every morning with a mindful coffee ritual.
Create Unique Homewares for Your Space at Pottery Classes in Brisbane
By Kellie Maloney
At pottery classes in Brisbane you can sculpt, squish and mould clay into personalised ceramic pieces for your home or garden.
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!
What a Beginners Photography Class Can Teach You About Yourself
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Make the most of your camera settings, discover new things about yourself and be inspired at Brisbane photography classes. Explore Brisbane and yourself.
I Learned About the Gadigal People on a Dreaming Tour—and You Can Too
By Kellie Maloney
Curious to know more? Find out everything Content Lead Kellie Maloney and the ClassBento team learned at a walking tour with Dreamtime Southern X.
5 Must-Visit Creative Neighbourhoods in Australia
By Kellie Maloney
And your guide to the craftiest things to do when you’re there.
Reinvigorate Your Workplace with These Corporate Team Activities
By Sam Bowden
If you're looking for team building activities in Australia that go beyond the pub drinks try these reinvigorating corporate activities for team building.
Your Itinerary for a Classy Hens Weekend in Brisbane
By Natalie Kemp
This sample hens party itinerary offers fun ideas for your hens weekend in Brisbane! Keep everyone happy and entertained all weekend and have the best time.
Everything You Need to Know About Macarons
By John Tabari
Learn about the history of macarons at baking classes in Sydney It may surprise you to learn that macarons did not originate in France. WeLearn about the history of macarons at baking classes in Sydney It may surprise you to learn that macarons did not originate in France. We imagine that this quintessentially French patisserie could only be the work of a French pastry chef. But, according to historic records, macarons date back to 8th century AD. With the first recorded instances baked in Venetian monasteries. The macaron came to France with Catherine de Medici, when she married King Henry II in 1533. Her pastry chefs continued to make these meringue-based biscuits for her when she moved over to Paris. According to one controversial Encyclopedia entry, it was two French nuns who invented macarons. The text claims that the dessert gained popularity when two Sisters baked and sold macarons during the French Revolution. They used their venture as a way to fund their housing while they were seeking asylum. Yet, those macarons were not the ganache-filled treat we know today. Those macarons were two meringue cookies atop one another, without any filling. As with the invention of the original macaron, there is a discrepancy about how the modern version was invented as well. Two French chefs claimed to have invented the sweet fillings; Claude Gebert and Pierre Desfontaines of Ladurée. They are both credited with having introduced a third layer to the sweet in the early 20th century. French or Italian Recipe? Although macarons originated in Italy, some 17th century Italian cookbooks include ‘French Macaron’ recipes. In any case, there are two distinct methods to making macarons; the Italian way and the French way. The difference comes from the meringue part of the recipe; specifically when to add sugar. The French recipe calls for egg whites to be whisked into meringue shapes before powdered sugar is folded in. The Italian method includes adding sugar to raw egg whites to make a paste. Today, the accepted method to bake macarons is closest to the French recipe. Ladurée Although macarons didn’t originate in France, we have a French patisserie to thank for their lasting popularity. Ladurée has been around for over 150 years. It was founded in 1862 by writer, Louis-Ernest Ladurée. The original location burned down during a late 19th Century uprising, so a second popped up. It was at the second location that the founder’s second cousin, Pierre Desfontaines, created the ‘Double decker’ macaron. This refers to two traditional macarons on top of one another bound together by a creamy, usually ganache or buttercream, filling. The steady increase of these stores outside France attests to how popular the macaron has become. Ladurée is now present in almost 20 cities in Europe and many countries across four more continents. International Interpretations Keeping with the tradition of adapting the original recipe, may other cultures now produce their own versions of the dessert. In the States, the composition of macarons remains the same, but the flavours are much more experimental. In France, you will find classics such as pistachio, raspberry and chocolate. In the US you can buy peanut butter and jelly, pumpkin, cheesecake and candy corn. In Southeast Asian countries, recipes substitute traditional ingredients for local variations. Almond flour is substituted for peanut flower in Japan. Taiwanese recipes incorporate red beans and South Korean recipes use green tea leaves or powder. Discover the best types of macarons here. Pop Culture In Japan, where food can be cute, the macaron is a popular print for fashion items, stationery and even bedding. Simple and colourful, they decorate clothing and accessories along with other foods such as fruit and sushi. In their attempts to create a more upscale image, McDonalds’ McCafe branches sell macarons in France and Australia. Interestingly, they are produced by a company owned by the same holding company as Ladurée. Yet, they don’t use the same recipe; McDonalds has a more limited flavour menu than Ladurée, offering six classic flavours. Ladurée, whilst not as experimental as some US macaron producers, does offer a wider range of French favourites. These include speculoos, rose and salted caramel. ...
4 Creative Ways to Deepen Your Understanding of First Nations Culture
By Laine Fullerton
Share and celebrate First Nations culture with these 4 creative experiences—from Dot art classes to bush tucker tastings—led by local Indigenous makers, artists and guides.
Top Life Drawing Classes in Australia (2026 Guide)
By Tiffany Fung
Discover our top life drawing classes in Australia, where you can get out of your comfort zone, draw a live model and connect with other like-minded people!
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!
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!
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.
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 ...
Empowering Artists to Earn More, Doing What They Love
By Iain Wang
It can be tough being an artist and teaching your craft. Artists on average earn only $48,000, compared to an average of around $77,000It can be tough being an artist and teaching your craft. Artists on average earn only $48,000, compared to an average of around $77,000 for everyone else. This massively impacts their lifestyles – some artists even forgo having children because of their financial constraints. It isn’t a tiny problem. There are over 15,000 artists in NSW, and that’s just counting individual visual artists and musicians (e.g. not food artists like chefs or baristas, or garden artists like florists, or those who are unemployed). It's tough making a living, hustling to get money from grants, prizes, and unpredictably selling the occasional artwork. Many artists turn to casual work to make ends meet. Many consider participating in the gig economy. But the biggest Australian marketplaces out there, like Uber and Airtasker, aren’t great for artists. Being creative people, the idea of being stuck in a car, repeating the same task of taking people from point A to point B or delivering food, while earning minimum wage (or less), can be rather demotivating. Assembling IKEA furniture or moving boxes on Airtasker arouses similar feelings, in some ways it goes against the very essence of what it means to be an artist. Not exactly ideal jobs. At the same time, there’s strong (and in many cases, growing) interest in what these artists do – namely, arts and crafts. People (Australians in particular) are often looking for an artisan and unique experience, not something mass-produced and commoditised – the personal and creative touch that artists can provide is exactly what’s being sought after. This is why international brands, pushing their one-size-fits-all products, like Starbucks and Gloria Jeans, struggle so much in Australia – locals often prefer the brews made by their neighbourhood baristas, with the special twists they provide to make that experience just a bit more special and relevant. So why the disconnect? How can we connect this interest with the huge pool of talented artists in our cities, who walk our streets and maybe even live next door? Wouldn’t it be great if artists could do what they love, while earning more? Can’t the gig economy deliver our communities more meaningful and exciting jobs? This is a huge opportunity and forms an important part of our mission at ClassBento. We empower creative teachers to earn hundreds of dollars per hour while indulging in and sharing their passion. They don’t need to spend time on admin or on learning how to do marketing or website building, all of which can be hard for novices to learn and do well – ClassBento takes care of all of that. As many teachers would know, teaching is an incredibly rewarding experience. To be able to grant someone else the gift of skills and knowledge, to broaden their perspectives and to bring a smile to their face, is incredibly gratifying and even therapeutic. Teachers can do it to their schedule, only teaching when they want to, at places convenient to them, whether that’s at their home, their shop or studio, or at the student’s location. Thanks to the ubiquity of services like Airbnb and Uber, most Australians are now comfortable with the idea of letting a complete stranger they’ve never met before providing them with a personal service. With this additional income stream, we hope that teachers can improve their quality of life, and to keep doing what they do best. Through this, they’ll be preserving our culture and traditions while also taking art to new levels, helping us to question our thinking and how we view the world around us. With more creative teachers and classes available locally, we hope that everyone will reconnect with their communities, and keep themselves socially and mentally active, thus keeping problems like burnout and dementia at bay. What’s next? ClassBento will continue to grow its presence to spread the love, and will keep investing into ensuring that the ClassBento platform is the world’s best for discovering and booking fun workshops, and also for teachers to easily earn and manage their classes. It’s a long and exciting ride ahead and we can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. If you’re a teacher, we can’t wait to see what you can do – sign up today and start doing more of what you love. For everyone else, check out our wide range of workshops, and give back to your community. ...
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 We Turn to Craft in Times of Crisis
By Courtenay Turner
From global pandemics to natural disasters, we explore the role of craft in helping humankind cope with crises.
Fun DIY Crafts You Should Learn from an Expert
By ClassBento Team
If you’re keen to give crafting a go, check out these fun-filled DIY craft workshops in Australia for some creative inspiration!
Learn How to Paint Abstract Art for Beginners
By Tiffany Fung
Curious about abstract painting? Join fun, beginner-friendly abstract art classes in Australia and discover how relaxing, creative, and joyfully messy it can be.
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.
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!
Different Ways to Celebrate the Leap Year in 2026
By Sam Bowden
With February 29 2020 being the first leap year day in four years, celebrate it in style with these fantastic workshops and classes running on February 29th!
4 Feel-good Ways to Save Money on Groceries
By Laine Fullerton
From buying with your eyes to channelling the calm of cooking, our teacher community of foodies share four feel-good ways to save money on groceries in 2022.
How to Make Reusable Face Masks from Fabric
By Sam Bowden
Want to make reusable DIY face masks that are also sustainable? Check out these craft classes and become a certified sewing sensation!
Your Guide to the Top Things to do Next Month in Australia
By Jana Lepojevic
Looking for fun things to do next month? Our guide to unique Australian experiences has you covered! Try pottery in Adelaide, bush tucker in Perth and more.
Stylish Party Ideas for a Sophisticated Hens Night
By ClassBento Team
Plan a hens night that will go down in the history books with our range of classy hens party ideas across Australia!
7 Best Hens Party Ideas for Foodies (2026)
By Kellie Maloney
Indulge in the 7 best food-focused hens party ideas for 2026! From cooking Italian classics to tasting local wines, your bride-to-be will be spoilt for choice.
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 in Australia.
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 Craft Trends to Tap Into Your Inner Maximalist in 2026
By Laine Fullerton
This year’s craft trends are big, bright and bold—here are the top 5 you need to try!
7 Productive Fun Things to do in Self Isolation
By Sam Bowden
Fighting the tedium is crucial when looking for things to do during self isolation, so we've compiled a couple of pro-tips and suggestions to helpFighting the tedium is crucial when looking for things to do during self isolation, so we've compiled a couple of pro-tips and suggestions to help you push through quarantine season! ...
Terrarium Plants
By ClassBento Team
What makes a great terrarium? A classy enclosure (see our other story for ideas). The right soil, stones and internal decor. But most of all ofWhat makes a great terrarium? A classy enclosure (see our other story for ideas). The right soil, stones and internal decor. But most of all of course, the plants! You might be surprised to know that younger versions of plants that are typically quite large, can thrive in terrariums. The enclosed environment limits their growth and you'll get cute mini versions of the plants. If you're looking for a splash of colour, try African violets, or the pin cushion plant (Nertera granadensis) Want a dense forest? Try Maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum) Or have bold colours and stripes without any flowers, with Watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) or the Zebra plant (Aphelandra squarrosa) Want to have that lush wild overflowing abundant sprawling look? Try the Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) For a more delicate look, try Asparagus or emerald fern (Protasparagus setaceus) How about a glow-in-the-dark look? Try Moon valley friendship plant (Pilea involucrata) Discover more terrarium making ideas here. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! There are so many other plants to try, and so many ways to stretch your creativity. Inspired to build your own terrarium? If you're in Sydney, you're in luck. Join expert florist Chris Saban's fun class for beginners, or if you're up for a challenge, try his advanced class. Chris offers Kokedama (moss ball) and flower arranging classes too - check out all his classes here. ...
9 Simple Swaps to Make Your Hens Party More Sustainable
By ClassBento Team
Celebrate love and Mother Nature with sustainable hens party ideas! Join the eco-conscious bride-to-be and discover easy swaps for a more eco-friendly event.
Why a Wine Tasting Voucher Is the Perfect Gift for Every Occasion
By Tiffany Fung
Celebrating a special occasion? Wine tasting experiences are the perfect choice when it comes to memorable moments and quality time with loved ones.
5 Creative Date Activities to Bring Couples Closer Together
By Jana Lepojevic
Spice up your love life with our creative date ideas! From pottery to cooking, these fun activities will help you connect, laugh and make meaningful memories together.
Best Rainy Day Activities for Kids
By Sam Bowden
In need of rainy day activities for kids? Keeping kids busy when the weather conflicts with your plans is no easy task. So ClassBento has compiledIn need of rainy day activities for kids? Keeping kids busy when the weather conflicts with your plans is no easy task. So ClassBento has compiled a list of workshops perfect for little ones! ...
7 Crafty After School Activities for Kids
By Sam Bowden
Chasing down quirky and creative after school activities for kids? Here are some of our best offerings from two of our best kids providers!
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.” ...
Drool-worthy Sour Cocktail Recipe
By Katie Milton
How the founder of Drool found love (and gin) in Melbourne lockdown.
Birthday Ideas for First Time Party Planners
By Annie Symmonds
If it's your first time planning a party and you need some birthday ideas, try a creative workshop for a birthday activity that will delight your party guests.
Top Beginner Pottery Classes Around Australia
By ClassBento Team
Meet like-minded people and get your hands dirty with pottery classes in Australia.
The Best Cheese Making Lessons for Cheese Lovers
By Jana Lepojevic
Love cheese? From creamy ricotta to gourmet brie, cheese making lessons offer flavour, fun and handy new skills. Ideal for date nights, birthdays or a fun weekend.
How Paint Pouring Helped Me Embrace My Individuality
By Kellie Maloney
Beyond mesmerising swirls and splashes of colour, I discovered that there’s a lot more to paint pouring than making pretty pictures.
Why Wheel Throwing Is the New Meditation
By ClassBento Team
Join pottery classes in Australia at your local ceramic studio to unwind away worries, have fun and learn to relax in a soothing and encouraging space.
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. ...
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. ...
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.
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.
Tune Into Something New
By Charlotte McKewen
Switch up your routine and engage in sensory experiences that will inspire and invigorate you.
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 Baking Speaks Louder Than Words
By Laine Fullerton
Five irresistibly sweet recipes that can help you say everything from “I love you” to “I’m here for you” this World Baking Day.
Top 5 Baking Classes for the Weekend
By John Tabari
Many pastries may have originated, or gained fame in France, but they’re enjoyed around the world. There are many reasons to take a pastryMany pastries may have originated, or gained fame in France, but they’re enjoyed around the world. There are many reasons to take a pastry class; to enjoy your favourite treats at home, to entertain friends or simply hone your baking skills. Check out these five classes that will teach you how to make your favourite patisseries. 1. Macaron Making You may think that you wouldn’t need to attend a class to make macarons, but they are notoriously difficult to get right. At a macaron class, you will learn the ‘macaronage’ technique. This involves folding the mixture that will make your macaron biscuits. Most bakers agree that getting the correct consistency at this stage will determine whether your macarons turn out well. A good macaron class should put emphasis on this step. You will also learn the piping technique, which is used to produce the biscuit shape and administer the filling. Some macaron classes stick to the French method and advertise as ‘French’ or ‘Parisian’ macarons. Other classes get a little more experimental and you may use different ingredients or make different shapes. In any case, you will get to take your creations home in the form of a box of delicious treats. 2. Croissants As with the macaron, it may not seem difficult to make croissants but you should take a class if you want to make the best croissants. Freshly made pastries beat packaged ones any day, so add them to your repertoire with this course. You’ll learn about the secret ingredient, about yeast and proofing. Once you’ve made the dough, you learn how to roll and fold it to keep the classic crescent moon shape. If the teacher is prepared to get experimental, they may teach you how to make an almond or chocolate-filled croissant. Since proofing takes around 2 hours, you may not get to eat your croissants on the day, but you will be able to take your dough home to cook later. Plus, you're likely to get freshly-prepared croissants during the class, just to give you an idea of what you’re aiming for. These classes are not as common as macaron courses and as such will set you back a little more. 3. Choux Pastries Another classic French staple is the choux pastry. Choux pastry forms the base of many favourite desserts such as eclairs, profiteroles, chouquettes and gougères. The defining characteristic of choux pastry is that it looks like it’s going to be dense, but when you bite into it, it’s light and thin. It takes a special technique to get pastry this way, which involves using steam instead of a raising agent. You’ll learn how to do this at one of these classes. Since choux pastry is easier to make than it seems, some classes will involve trying your hand at both sweet and savoury pastries. A choux pastry class costs similar to a macaron classes and they take less time to make than croissants. 4. Danish Pastries & Pain au Chocolat You will find these desserts offered with croissants as well or as part of a general pastry-baking class. As these sweets are made from puff pastry, they are often covered together. While croissants are also puff pastry based, they use yeast and milk in the dough to create a different effect. In a puff pastry class, you will learn how to make the pastry, how to proof and then cook it. Proofing can be a delicate process and the baker must ensure that the pastry is proofed at the correct temperature. This class will also arm you with the necessary cutting and folding techniques for the dough. Plus, for Danish pastries, you will learn about the different types of filling. Since these classes usually encompass several different type of pastry, the cost is usually a little higher at $200. They’re less likely to be offered as experience classes, so you will be enrolling in a baking school; hence the higher cost. 5. Cinnamon Bun Moving away from France to this North American favourite, you can take a class to learn how to bake the perfect cinnamon bun. You will learn how to make the dough base, the delicious frosting and the sumptuous filling. The class will teach you about the best ingredients and baking method to make cinnamon buns. Not to mention the extra skills you need to produce bakery-standard buns, in the perfect shape. ...
Who Said Family Recipes Have to Be Kept Secret
By Tiffany Fung
The secret’s out! This International Women’s Day meet seven ClassBento teachers passing on their knowledge, recipes, and creative crafts to the next generation.
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!
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.
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 ...
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" ...
Why It's Best to Learn Painting from a Pro
By ClassBento Team
If you've always wanted to learn how to paint, there's no better way to learn than by enlisting the help of a professional at painting classes in Australia.
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.
Why Creative Classes Make the Best Date Night Ideas
By Jana Lepojevic
Unleash romance through creativity! Discover why creative classes make the best date night ideas. Dive into shared experiences, laughter and growth together.
Why You Need to Cook with Your Kids Every Single Day
By Natalie Kemp
Get your child feeling confident in the kitchen with these cooking classes in Melbourne, from hands-on pizza making to washing and cutting vegetables.
Are We Losing Our Focus
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Revitalise your team's focus with our team building activities in Australia and discover how these exercises can help make a difference in your workplace (and life too).
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