Stories

5 Unique Present Ideas for Dad

From shaking up classic cocktails to getting messy with clay, find the perfect experience gift to get for Dad for his next special occasion.

Meet Vanilla Zulu

Inspired by Chef Mel’s African heritage, Vanilla Zulu Culinary Adventures in Brisbane is an adventurous cooking school plating up fun!

Try These Creative Date Ideas in Perth

Looking to spice things up for date night in 2024? From candle making to wheel throwing, discover these fun, new date ideas in Perth to help embrace ...

Our Top Picks for Creative Date Ideas in Brisbane

From DIY jewellery making to throwing clay, take a squiz at our most popular date night ideas in Brisbane and add a little creativity to your day. ...

7 Unique Sip and Paint Brisbane Classes for Date Night

Looking for fun date night ideas in Brisbane? Paint and sip your way to a romantic evening with your partner—it’s guaranteed to spice up your ...

Learn Painting for Beginners in Brisbane

New to the world of painting? Discover fun painting classes in Brisbane and explore your inner artist with fluid art, paint and sip and much mor ...

5 Reasons to Start Your Own Beginner Woodworking Projects in Melbourne

Become your own craftsperson at woodworking classes in Melbourne! Whether you’re a beginner or you dabble in DIY, these projects are the perfect ...

5 Must-Visit Creative Neighbourhoods in Australia

And your guide to the craftiest things to do when you’re there.

Learn How to Paint in Melbourne with Our Step-by-Step Guide

Start your artistic journey with painting classes in Melbourne! If you’re not sure where to start, take a squiz at our step-by-step guide.

5 Ways to Spend a Mindful Morning in Brunswick

There’s more to this Melbourne suburb than op shopping and brunch.

Discover Surry Hills' Best-Kept Secrets This Weekend

Surry Hills is brimming with creativity and there's even more things to do than you might expect...

Think Outside the Box with These Creative Gifts for Dad in Melbourne

From pouring fluid art to creating signature perfumes—think outside the box in 2023, with some of the best experience gifts for Dad in Melbourne. ...

I Learned About the Gadigal People on a Dreaming Tour—and You Can Too

Curious to know more? Find out everything Content Lead Kellie Maloney and the ClassBento team learned at a walking tour with Dreamtime Southern ...

Meet the Fox Hole

Discover the stories behind your favourite drinks at The Fox Hole in Sydney and indulge your senses with an exclusive drink tasting experience you’ll ...

Experience Gifts for Dad Based on His Love Language

Do you know Dad’s love language? Surprise him with these thoughtful gifts for Dad in Melbourne that will make him feel truly loved.

9 Unique Father's Day Gifts for Dad in Melbourne

From shaking cocktails to pouring latte art—celebrate this Father’s Day differently with our unique gifts for Dad in Melbourne!

Meet the Classic Cupcake Co

From baking for the Royal Family to serving up cakes to the Mosman community, join Anna Eden, founder of The Classic Cupcake Co., and learn her cake ...

Meet Silky Shapes

Spin and sculpt your own ceramics with Yegana Jafarova at Silky Shapes studio. These pottery classes won’t just teach you techniques, but life ...

The Ultimate Guide to Woodworking Classes in Melbourne

Kickstart your DIY journey at woodworking classes in Melbourne—the perfect place to learn how to make your own furniture and homewares!

7 Best Pottery Painting Classes in Sydney

If you’re looking for a creative outlet in 2023, head to one of the best pottery painting classes in Sydney.

What to Expect at Pottery Painting Melbourne Classes

Discover the mindful joys of ceramic painting and glazing classes in Melbourne! It’s one of the trendiest hobbies to try in 2023.

I Tried the 7 Biggest Craft Trends of 2023. You Can Too

Dust off your yarn balls. The hottest crafts of 2023 are here and we promise anyone can give them a go.

How to Give Mum What She Really Wants This Mother's Day

This crafty quiz will give you the answers…

Meet Brunswick Kitchen

Step inside Brunswick Kitchen’s homely space and learn how to cook simple, seasonal dishes while sharing stories with Chef Tracey and Melbourne ...

Try This Chocolatier's Recipe and Make Caramel-Filled Easter Eggs at Home

Velvety smooth chocolate and a gooey caramel filling—as soon as you get your hands on one of these DIY caramel chocolate eggs, your tastebudsVelvety smooth chocolate and a gooey caramel filling—as soon as you get your hands on one of these DIY caramel chocolate eggs, your tastebuds will be begging for more. To celebrate the Easter season chocolatier Arno Backes from Melbourne has provided a simple yet delicious recipe we know you’ll love. These mouth-watering morsels are too good to keep to yourself... but if you must, we won't judge! Arno Backes’ Caramel Chocolate Easter Eggs Your shopping list… 170g of cream 15g of glucose 45g of sugar For ganache: 140g of milk chocolate For tempering: 500g of couverture chocolate What you’ll need… Saucepan Spatula Fine strainer Bowl Thermometer Easter eggs mould Piping bag Now let’s whip up some chocolate goodness! Part 1: Make the gooey caramel filling You’ll need to whip up this caramel ganache four hours before filling. In a small saucepan, heat up the cream close to boiling point. Mix the sugar and glucose in a separate saucepan and slowly heat until it turns golden brown/caramelised. Add the hot cream bit by bit to the caramel to stop the caramelising process. Bring the mixture to the boil, pour through a fine strainer into the milk chocolate and stir until mixed. Your caramel ganache is complete! Part 2: The chocolate making magic It’s time to temper chocolate like a pro! Follow this nf!simple guide, or better yet, learn from nf!Arno and get his expert tips. Polish the egg moulds with a clean tea towel. Pour the tempered chocolate into the mould and tap to reduce air bubbles. Tip the mould over to allow the chocolate to run out and tap the side of the mould to help the chocolate to flow out further. Set the mould aside and leave the chocolate to set in a cool environment. Once it is semi set, scrape the excess chocolate and place the mould in the fridge for 5 minutes. Remove the chocolate from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature. Part 3: Time to assemble your Easter eggs! Fill a piping bag with the caramel ganache. Pipe the ganache into the egg shells, filling them to about two millimeters below the edge. Fill the shell with tempered chocolate and scrape off any excess. Allow the chocolate to set in a cool environment or in the fridge. Once set, de-mould the half easter egg. With a small piping bag, apply a small amount of tempered chocolate on the flat side of the easter eggs and place the two half easter eggs together. Enjoy! Keen to learn more delicious recipes this Easter? Check out Arno and his variety of chocolate classes in Melbourne, from making nf!chocolate truffles to nf!delectable Rocky Road bites. ...

How 8 Global Makers Are Using Workshops to Change the World

What do you think when you hear the names Malala Yousafzai, Michelle Obama and Gloria Steinem? Strong, trailblazing icons. These women are householdWhat do you think when you hear the names Malala Yousafzai, Michelle Obama and Gloria Steinem? Strong, trailblazing icons. These women are household names for a reason, but in the words of author Kate Hodges, “Behind every great woman… is another great woman”. While their names might not be as widely known, ClassBento’s global community is overflowing with innovative women working to promote equality by sharing knowledge and creativity. Some have picked up their crafts from mothers and grandmothers, while others have determinedly taught themselves, or been mentored by fellow makers. The special thing about them, however, is their shared mission, one that allows you to tap into your creativity and experience the wellbeing benefits that come with it. So here are 8 voices from our uplifting community of women-identifying makers. Authentic, inspirational and crafting change—one stitch at a time. Makers turning the tables on gender stereotypes Monique and Reneé Hunte, East London England Sisters and co-founders of nf!Dai-KOR “For us, we’re breaking gender stereotypes by showing everyone that women are out here winning in business. We share our story during workshops in the hope to inspire and motivate others to follow their passion and dreams.” Janine Hendry, Melbourne Australia Founder of nf!Guild of Objects and the March4Justice Movement “For the first time in a decade, the gender pay gap is getting worse and not better. Workshops at Guild of Objects are all about empowering women to take control of their own income.” Nadia Abbas, London England Founder of nf!House of Stööki “Women can do the heavy side of jewellery making too. The jewellery making practice has a lot of different methods of making and some are more brutal than others. Our workshops show students that the finished Stööki products have been made using all the different methods of production.” Kelly Ortega, San Francisco United States Founder of nf!Artillery AG: Mindful Ceramics “So often to win success in business looks like being co-opted into the systems of oppression all around us. As a woman of colour, who is also a business owner, I hope to disrupt these harmful practices. At Artillery Ceramics we are slowing down, caring for each other, reconnecting to ancestral Indigenous roots and creating with intention.” Sara Knights, Steyning England Founder of perfumery nf!Sara Lucia “As a perfumer, I set out to challenge the stereotype that women should smell a certain way or ‘like’ certain aromas. Smell is not gender specific, in fact, men can love lavender and geranium and women can love leathery, tar smells.” Makers uniting to empower one another Cara Bevilacqua, St Augustine Florida United States Founder of nf!Coastal Design Workshops “The support creative women give each other is unmatched. I hire and train female artists to learn how to teach others their creative skills and to see how rewarding it is for them is something that makes me feel extremely fulfilled.” Nadia Abbas “The women that I met when I got my jewellery degree at university have become part of a friendship group that has shaped my career today. We all share a love of jewellery design and have continued to thrive in the industry with each of our businesses that encompass very different styles.” Kelly Ortega “Through my workshops, I was lucky enough to meet a woman who I now consider a dear friend and is now the second instructor for my mindful ceramics curriculum!” Amy Beggs-French, Canberra Australia Founder of nf!Deep Blue Ceramics “Years ago I bought a handmade mug at a market. I caught a cold shortly after and ended up having about a million lemon, honey and ginger teas. I fell completely in love with my new mug—it was so nurturing. I enrolled in my first pottery class as soon as I was better. The maker I bought my life-changing mug from was Tina. Connecting with her through appreciation of her art as well as a bunch of other mutually adored hobbies, we are now great friends!” Sampada Gurung, London England Founder of nf!The Slightly Curious Studio “One of the most impactful connections I've made was with a fellow potter who runs a sustainable pottery studio. It's reassuring to know that I'm not alone in my struggles as a business owner, and it's inspiring to see how another woman has been able to create a successful and sustainable business that aligns with her values.” Makers inspiring creativity from all walks of life Cara Bevilacqua “As someone who grew up feeling a bit like an outsider, I relied heavily on my passion for creativity as an outlet for my feelings and emotions. I feel it is my duty to use my platform as a business owner and creative instructor to include those who may need to feel the embrace of inclusion.” Kelly Ortega “Equity needs to be spread throughout the way we do business, the way we interact with each other, and even the way we think about what we should expect from one another. Through equity, we are moving forward towards liberation for all.” Amy Beggs-French “Appreciating where people are at and supporting my students to play with their creativity produces some really incredible, diverse results! What people can produce and create when they are feeling safe, equitably supported and encouraged is awe-inspiring.” Sampada Gurung “Everyone should have equal opportunities to pursue their passions and to access resources that can help them grow and develop. We're committed to providing accessible and affordable learning experiences that empower our students to discover their creativity and pursue their goals.” ...

Meet Glaze Galleria

Step inside Glaze Galleria’s cosy studio in Drummoyne and experience the mindful joys of sinking your hands into clay.

Meet Kylie Johnson

Hear the waves lap, pick up a paintbrush and experience the mindful benefits of painting with Kylie Johnson.

Become a Florist for the Day at a Flower Arranging Course in Adelaide

Learn the step-by-step process of arranging flowers at floristry classes in Adelaide and transform ordinary blooms into beautiful masterpieces.

Meet Sydney Creative

Step inside Sydney Creative and you’ll find a pink and bubbly creative hub in Redfern, where Sophie Parry and her team are all about crafting ...

Satisfy Your Wanderlust at a Cookery Course in Adelaide

Travel around the world without ever leaving home at cooking classes in Adelaide, where you can enjoy spicy Mexican flavours or the aroma of cinnamon ...

9 Misconceptions You'll Learn About Coffee at a Barista Course in Adelaide

Debunk the most common misconceptions about coffee making at barista classes in Adelaide, where anyone can try this relaxing, beginner-friendly craft ...

Meet Kiss Ready Lips

Fall in love with the art and ease of natural skincare making alongside Kiss Ready Lips founder, Louella Docot.

Take Your Photos to the Next Level with Photography Courses Perth

Discover unique photography classes in Perth and turn ordinary moments into high-quality images you can show off with pride!

Your Ultimate Guide to Floristry Courses in Perth

Proudly presenting our beginner-friendly guide to floristry classes in Perth. Spoiler alert: anyone can try flower arranging and love it!

Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee at Barista Courses Perth

At beginner-friendly barista classes in Perth, you can learn the 9 steps to making the perfect cup of coffee—from tamping coffee beans to latte ...

Make Unique Homewares at Pottery Courses in Perth

Make unique ceramic homewares at these Perth pottery classes and turn your home into a rustic haven showcasing your one-of-a-kind creations.

Explore Your Hidden Creativity at Art Workshops in Brisbane

Unleash your inner creative at art classes in Brisbane, from splashing flowy paints onto the canvas to capturing favourite moments of your beautiful ...

Support Local with Photography Courses in Adelaide

From the streets of the Adelaide CBD to Port Noarlunga, head to your local photography classes in Adelaide and see your city through a whole new ...

Why Clay and Sip Classes in Adelaide Are the Perfect Place to Relax

Make sure pottery classes in Adelaide are at the top of your bucket list in 2023—the perfect way to unwind, relax and celebrate your next special ...

7 Perth Cooking Classes You Should Try in 2024

Start the new year right by visiting some of the best cooking classes in Perth—roll some pasta, shape dumplings together and much more!

Meet Impala and Peacock

Leading the charge of Melbourne’s specialty tea scene, Impala and Peacock want to show you there’s more to tea than meets the eye.

Date Night Ideas in Canberra for Every Kind of Couple

Whether you’re coffee connoisseurs or fluid art lovers, these date night ideas in Canberra can be customised for all couples out there!

Date Night Ideas in Perth Under $100

Searching for affordable date night ideas in Perth? We’ve got you covered, with our wide variety of art, craft and cooking experiences, perfect ...

What Experience Melbourne Dates Are Actually Like

Need exciting date ideas in Melbourne? Find out what to expect at our couple's experiences and learn why they're the best things for couples to do ...