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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 ...
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.
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.
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.
3 Best Macrame Kits for Beginners
By Sam Bowden
Does all this buzz about macrame kits have you intrigued? Macrame is the unsung hero of the fabric world, but ClassBento is here to give it the credit it deserves.
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. ...
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!
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).
The Best Cooking Classes in Australia for Travel Lovers
By ClassBento Team
Enjoy international cuisine from the comfort of your home city with these cultural cooking classes in Australia. The perfect way to scratch that travel itch!
Tea Brewing Versus Barista Workshops
By ClassBento Team
If you decide you want to become a Barista, you’re in luck. There are tons of classes that offer all different types of Barista training. ButIf you decide you want to become a Barista, you’re in luck. There are tons of classes that offer all different types of Barista training. But what about people who don’t like coffee? Those who prefer a morning green tea rather than a latte? Whilst tea brewing classes are not as common as coffee courses, there are options. In this article, we’ll look the rising trend of tea brewing classes. Tea Brewing Classes First of all, it’s important to understand exactly what a Tea Brewing class might look like. Though there are not as many of these classes as Barista courses, there are a few different types of tea-making courses: Tea Brewing workshop At a standard Tea Brewing class you will learn the best way to brew loose leaf tea. The teacher will outline the best type of water, temperatures and methods to use for different types of tea. You’ll also learn about different equipment for brewing tea and when to use it. Tea Sommelier After learning the basics of tea brewing, you can go on to learn how to become a tea expert. By navigating the history, culture and tasting notes of tea, you’ll be equipped to make recommendations for retail menus. Try out a workshop on how to make the right tea with chocolate or even tea with cheese. You’ll also come away with the ability to recommend food pairings for the tea. Kombucha classes Take your tea brewing one step further and learn to brew Kombucha. This fizzy, fermented tea drink has gained popularity in recent years because of its touted health benefits and it tastes great! Kombucha is made by adding yeast bacteria to green or black tea and fermenting it. But don’t let us tell you how to do it, you’ll learn everything at a Kombucha making class. Tea Specialist classes In the same way that Barista training will prepare you to enter the coffee industry, learning to be a tea specialist will help you get a job in a tea store. In this class you will learn the ins and outs of all the different types of tea. You will need a basic knowledge of tea brewing, which is usually included in these courses. With this foundation, you will be able to recommend products to customers based on their needs. Tea or Coffee? So now that you have a better idea of the topics and training you would cover in a Tea Brewing class. Should you learn how to perfect your tea brewing expertise or your coffee making prowess? which is better? Neither! Do both or do the one that you love! If you are looking into making a career move, smart money would be investing in a Barista training. There are more of these courses available and likely more jobs which need this knowledge. However, if you’re hoping to become a tea aficionado, whether as a hobby or profession, go for the Tea Brewing course and pour your heart and soul into it! ...
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.
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.” ...
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.
5 Creative Activities to Enrich Your Senses
By Laine Fullerton
That are just as fun as they are beneficial.
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!
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!
Best Interstate Hens Party Ideas in Australia (2026)
By Annie Symmonds
Looking for getaway destinations for an epic hens party? Uncover the best interstate hens party ideas around Australia to celebrate love in 2026!
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" ...
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. ...
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!
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.
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. ...
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.
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!
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.
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! ...
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!
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.
Tune Into Something New
By Charlotte McKewen
Switch up your routine and engage in sensory experiences that will inspire and invigorate you.
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.
Check Out Australia's Most Popular Cooking Lessons
By ClassBento Team
From spicy Thai curries to rainbow-coloured macarons, we’ve got the lowdown on the best cooking classes in Australia.
Top Beginner Pottery Classes Around Australia
By ClassBento Team
Meet like-minded people and get your hands dirty with pottery classes in Australia.
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.
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.
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. ...
Top Barista Class Types
By ClassBento Team
Explore the different types of coffee classes you can take in Sydney. From how to make an espresso at barista classes to learning to appreciate and taste coffee.
Dragon Boat Racing Origins
By ClassBento Team
Imagine the perfect morning on the bank of a tranquil river. The water is slow-moving and glassy. The only sounds are birds chirping and a gentleImagine the perfect morning on the bank of a tranquil river. The water is slow-moving and glassy. The only sounds are birds chirping and a gentle breeze whispering through the grass. You are relaxed. Now, imagine you begin to hear some distant sounds of movement coming from up river. Maybe you hear splashing, maybe faint yelling, as if a group of people is chanting. You can hear them only shortly before their figures start to become visible in the distance. Before you can believe it, they are upon your stretch of tranquility. The first thing you notice in detail is the giant carved head of a dragon, painted in vibrant colors, its lips peeled back in an intimidating smile. Sitting directly behind the beast’s white horns, a man straddling a giant drum is facing a crew of what looks like two dozen rowers sitting side by side in the narrow hull of the boat. Each is paddling in time with the drum, each blade slicing into the water at exactly the same time. You cannot believe how quickly and technical their movements are. At the back of the boat sits a woman, shouting orders and counting along with the drum. Directly behind her, the graceful tail of the dragon sweeps up out of the water, leaving a sizable wake behind the boat. Then, they are gone. In just a few seconds, the boat traversed a space you would previously have thought impossible. The water is still churning behind their frenzied motion. In the sudden silence, your heart is beating. Your adrenaline is pumping. You don’t want your tranquil setting back; you want to get onboard. The best place to start is to join a dragon boat racing introductory class. Luckily, Naga Spirit Dragon boating in Pyrmont, Sydney offers a beginner’s course that is the perfect way to ease into the complex sport. Before you begin, you may want to review the historical context of dragon boat racing, so that you can impress your new teammates and gain an appreciation for the sport. Let’s start with the most important aspect of dragon boat racing, the boat. According to Chinese tradition (1), the ornate design of the boat is very specific: an ox-like head, deer’s antlers, a stallion’s mane, reptilian scales, and the tail of a fish. The paddles in between are reminiscent of the animal’s many claws, moving in time while the dragon flies through clouds. The boats are thought to have ancient religious origins, with some believing their role to be appeasement of the rain god. The Dragon Boat Festival, recorded over 2,000 years ago, boasts of several origin stories, varying by region. A popular one (2) tells the story of Qu Yuan, a beloved advisor to the king turned exiled poet whose suicide by drowning in the river sparked widespread grief. In looking for the deceased hero, his followers rowed into the river and threw rice into the water to distract the fish. Subsequently, the festival has become a large cultural tradition, and people from all over the world have adopted the invigorating sport. In accordance with racing rules, there is always a drummer (sitting at the front) and a steer (at the rear.) Traditional festivals can boast of crews of up to 50 rowers, but standard rules allow for 18 to 20 in the large boats, and 8 to 10 in the smaller versions. So, now that you’re equipped with a foundational knowledge of the sport’s cultural roots, what does an introductory class look like? Well, you’ll probably spend a lot of a time on land. As a technical sport with some risks, there are a few things to learn before getting into the water, like safety procedures, basic paddle technique, and how to get in and out of the boat (it may sound silly, but that is one squirrely vessel when you’re stepping onto it from dry land.) This class is also good time to go over the rhythm and timing that are so crucial to a cohesive crew. Speaking of the crew, the initial class, while informative, is a great opportunity for the crew to start bonding. As an inherently social sport, the integration of individual members into a team is an incredibly important element to successful dragon boat racing. In other words, don’t be shy! Get to know your team! Each subsequent class will incorporate more water time, but be prepared to start most sessions with dry land training. After all, dragon boat racing is an athletically demanding sport, so be prepared to put in that physical training! During your first few sessions, you will probably experience some of the obvious joys of dragon boat racing. The teamwork. The beautiful setting. The sense of accomplishment that comes from hard work. Yet, there are a few hidden benefits to dragon boat racing that you may not even realize. For instance, did you know that dragon boat racing can positively affect your mental state and have long-term effects on your physical health? It’s true: dragon boat racing is shown (3) to decrease stress levels, improve self-esteem and increase energy levels while creating an overall sense of accomplishment and confidence in rowers of all ages. Many agree (4) that that teamwork can have a positive effect on mental health, as well. Without a doubt, the physical advantages of dragon boat racing are also well worth the effort. Rowing requires the toning of several muscle groups in the body: neck, shoulders, back, chest, abdominals, obliques, hips, and thighs, to name a few. Within a few weeks of intense training, you’ll start to notice the results (try not to break too many fragile objects with your new strength in the process.) Your practices will increase your overall cardiovascular health as well as heighten your coordination as a result of working so closely with your fellow rowers. Of course, we all know the vast benefits of being physically fit, from reduced risk of heart disease to improved stamina. So, if you’re looking for adventure, community, and fun, dragon boat racing might just be the sport for you. Look into classes in your area to get training today! References: 1.idbf.org 2.chinahighlights.com 3.dragonboatco.com 4.journals.lww.com ...
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!
Drool-worthy Sour Cocktail Recipe
By Katie Milton
How the founder of Drool found love (and gin) in Melbourne lockdown.
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.
Terrarium Making Ideas
By ClassBento Team
Terrariums are a great outlet for your creativity - there are just so many different ways you can put them together. Here are some of our favouriteTerrariums are a great outlet for your creativity - there are just so many different ways you can put them together. Here are some of our favourite designs. Wall-mounted terrariums Use magnetic metal containers, and stick your terrariums to your walls. Free up your desk space and build your vertical gardens. Pair your terrariums with some funky wall hangings or other home decor. Terrariums in light bulbs How's that for a light bulb moment? (Sorry, that was too easy!). Instead of throwing your burnt out light bulbs, why not give them a new life? Food-inspired terrariums A perfect way to add some chic earthiness to your table. Beyond tea cups and cake stands, you can easily extend on this concept by doing terrariums in glass water jugs, cookie jars, soft drink bottles, spice containers, glass teapots, old coffee plungers - sky's the limit. Recycle those beautiful old containers and don't let them go to waste! Hanging terrariums Perfect for your veranda or balcony, or even as a room's centrepiece, as a modern version of a chandelier. Coastal terrariums There are lots of themes you can explore with terrariums, but a classic is the coastal theme. Succulents are the star, and you can add seaside pebbles, sand and little shells to complete the look. If you you're a bit far from the coast, this is a great way to bring a taste of the ocean to your home or workplace. Feminine terrariums Terrariums are great no matter your gender, age or background, but certainly if you want to amp up the femininity, try adding some flowers and perhaps some marble. Focus your plant selection for an amber-pink hue, and you'll have a pretty terrarium any lady would be proud of. That's it for now! Join a terrarium class Excited? If you're in Sydney, you're in luck. Jump into our beginner's terrarium workshop, or if you're already comfortable with the basics, try a more advanced terrarium class. Want a customised terrarium workshop to try one of the designs we've mentioned? Just contact our terrarium master Chris Saban and you'll be on your way. Know of any other interesting terrarium designs that you want to see on this list? Let us know! Happy terrarium making! ...
How to Make a Terrarium DIY
By Julia Carr-Catzel
Succulents are the ideal household plant, and terrariums are a great home for them. Try out Sydney's most highly rated succulent terrariumSucculents are the ideal household plant, and terrariums are a great home for them. Try out Sydney's most highly rated succulent terrarium class and make one yourself. Succulent plants are a popular choice for modern Australian homes and gardens, due to their high-tolerance of various weather conditions, including life indoors. Teeming with water which is stored in leaves, roots and stems, these low-maintenance plants thrive almost everywhere, making them the ideal décor to spruce up a basic veranda or courtyard during the steamy summer months. Alternatively, owners can place succulents indoors, near windows to shower them with natural light. Pry through a gallery of frilled, spined and flower embellished succulents to liven up the indoors; opt for pincushion cactei dotted in beautiful hues of pink or perhaps a variegated zebra plant to match household décor. The number of succulent garden compositions are unlimited, choose from colours, shapes and sizes to adorn a bookend, hanging wall frame, wreath, pot, birdcage or terrarium. Not to mention the health benefits of indoor plants, such as the aloe vera plant, which produces cleaner air, lowers the risk of illness, boosts one’s mood and has potential to enhance concentration and memory. Despite their low-maintenance reputation, succulents thrive under a balanced upkeep. Refrain from over-watering when attending to your succulent garden, a common mistake among owners who overcompensate with a plant able to tolerate prolonged drought. Instead, make sure to check the soil moisture level with your fingers and water only when dry. Water or mist succulents at least once per week. Position them wisely with for time in shade each day, as succulents can burn when exposed to too much sunlight. Use a gentle formula once per month to fertilise. Do not combine succulents with non-desert dwelling plants Making your own succulent garden is therapeutic and rewarding activity to fill a morning or afternoon and doesn’t require any prior expertise. Adorning your home with a succulent garden can have aesthetically pleasing benefits for the inside of your home, as well as health benefits. The terrarium making experience can be shared with others and doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Encourage family and friends to take part in a terrarium workshop with Christoper Saban, Creative Director of ‘Merchant and Green’ who conducts beginner workshops in Sydney, catering for plant-lovers looking to design and create their very own succulent garden. Christopher, who has over fifteen years’ experience as a floral decorator and stylist provides all plants and equipment, and caters to all skill levels. Equip yourself with a pyramid or quad glass container, choose from a wide variety of mini succulents, toy with vase river stones, dirty your hands with moss and soil and create the perfect environment for your plants to thrive. Make a terrarium today. ...
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!
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.
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! ...
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.
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!
6 Meaningful Things to Do for Mother's Day with Mum
By Tiffany Fung
Searching for meaningful Mother’s Day gifts? Read our guide to the best things to do for Mother’s Day in 2026, from gardening classes to tasting experiences.
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.
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.
9 DIY Christmas Decoration Ideas for 2026
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Celebrate the holidays with these DIY Christmas activities in Sydney. From wreath-making to bauble decorating, create festive, handmade decorations that last.
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.
11 Christmas Ideas for Family That Everyone Will Love
By Jana Lepojevic
Make this holiday magical with fun Christmas ideas for family, including crafts, baking, ornaments, and workshops for kids, adults, and grandparents alike.
Forget Mother's Day Flowers and Book a Flower Arranging Class Together Instead
By Annie Symmonds
Ditch the bouquet this year and make mum's day special with a flower arranging class! It's the best Mother's Day gift idea and a chance to spend time together.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Creative Office Xmas Party Ideas for Every Budget
By Jana Lepojevic
Plan a fun and memorable office Christmas party with creative ideas to suit every budget, from paint and sip to gourmet cooking.
Best Outdoor Team Building Activities for Summer
By Tiffany Fung
Discover the best outdoor team building activities perfect for summer, from gardening workshops to photography walks. Make this your team's best season yet.
Plan the Best Xmas Party Ideas with This Guide
By Jana Lepojevic
Plan the best Xmas party with creative workshops, festive food and easy tips. Fun ideas for friends, family and office celebrations.
7 Fun Christmas Party Activities for Adults to Enjoy in 2026
By Tiffany Fung
Spread festive cheer with these fun Christmas party activities for adults in 2026, from cocktail making classes to chocolate decorating workshops.
What to Get a Guy for Valentine's Day in 2026
By Laine Fullerton
Celebrate love and romance with these unique Valentines experience gifts for him in 2026. Learn cocktail making, throwing clay or BBQ cooking with your partner.
6 Festive and Fun Christmas Activities to Try in 2026
By ClassBento Team
Whether you’re searching for team building exercises or organising a family gathering, our fun-filled Christmas activities are suitable for every occasion!
Feeling Grinchy? 10+ Xmas Activities to Get You in the Mood
By Courtenay Turner
Say goodbye to your inner Grinch with 2026's best Xmas activities. Discover hundreds of Christmas events around Australia and spark festive spirit.
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.
Our Top Picks for Things to Do with Mum This Mother's Day
By Jana Lepojevic
From cocktail shaking to pasta making, find unique Mother’s Day activities you can do together in 2026 and create meaningful memories with Mum this May!
Cool Christmas Party Ideas Everyone Will Love
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for cool Christmas party ideas? Discover creative pottery classes, festive baking and cooking workshops that bring friends and family together.
15 Unique Xmas Party Activities to Try in 2026
By Jana Lepojevic
Host a festive bash everyone will remember with 15 unique Xmas party activities across Australia, complete with creative workshops and tasty treats.
Creative Christmas Team Building Ideas for Every Team
By Jana Lepojevic
Spread festive cheer with these creative team building ideas for your Christmas party. From baking classes to virtual workshops, there’s something for every team.
Christmas Crafts for Adults That Even You Can Make
By Tiffany Fung
Discover stress-free Christmas crafts for adults! Explore fun, beginner-friendly workshops like wreath making and candle pouring this holiday season.
How to Give Mum What She Really Wants This Mother's Day
By Kellie Maloney
This crafty quiz will give you the answers…
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