Singapore is home to a talented array of designers, makers and craftsmen, many of whom are willing to share their skills for the day. Visit these studios for a crash course in working with your hands, covering everything from pottery to flower-arranging.
Traditional Pottery: Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle
The only surviving dragon kiln in Singapore is located in the west of Singapore. Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is a family business that has been producing ceramics in Singapore since the 60s, and is now run by 26-year-old daughter Stella Kwan, a fifth generation potter. In the 40s to 70s, there were 20 dragon kilns operating in the city, originally producing clay cups used in the rubber trade, and then moving onto orchid pots in the 70s when a trend for orchid growing hit Singapore. The kiln holds its I Love Pottery public workshop twice a month, where you can tour the kiln and then enjoy a 2.5-hour session where you’ll learn how to hand build pottery and try throwing on the potter’s wheel. Workshops are $60 per adult.
Flower Arranging: Ask a French
Ask a French is a flower arranging studio located in hip Tiong Bahru, run by Aude Giraud, a journalist and florist. Taking inspiration from the beauty of wilderness and still life paintings, workshops here take place once a month, and cover the basics of colour and flower selection, how to choose the right plants for Singapore’s climate and the best methods to arrange flowers professionally. You’ll be finishing off by displaying your arrangement in a chic glass vase. Workshops last two hours and include French pastries and tea, at a cost of $220 per person.
Terrarium Making: The Plant Story
Located in green Marina Bay, The Plant Story is Singapore’s first urban garden gallery, where you can find a cosy garden cafe (with special afternoon teas) as well as the workshop space. The Plant Story explores the therapeutic aspects of nature, with its space focusing on plants and personal wellness. There are three workshops available here: you can learn about urban farming and making remedies at home, and also how to produce miniature gardens, or terrariums. Perfect for soothing the soul despite a space constraint, you’ll spend an hour here learning how to design and build a rainforest, desert, air or water garden, selecting the right plants and learning how to nurture them in the future. Workshops start from $40 per person.
Natural Dyeing: WithAutumn
This textile workshop is run by Autumn, a former chef and graphic designer who is an expert on natural dyeing. All textiles used are sustainably produced, using natural fibres like organic cotton, handwoven linen and 100% silk, while dyes used are non-toxic, water-based and created from botanical ingredients. Workshops occur on an ad-hoc basis and often in partnership with other local sustainable organisations, like Edible Garden City (see below.) Upcoming is their tapestry weaving masterclass, where you’ll learn about the environmental impact of the fashion industry, repurposing old clothing into yarn and basic weaving techniques. The workshop costs $79 per person and takes place on Citizen Farm’s bucolic campus in Queenstown.
Urban Farming: Edible Garden City
Championing the Grow Your Own Food movement in Singapore, Edible Garden City aims to reconnect people with nature and inspire Singaporeans to create their very own edible gardens. Workshops here include How To Start An Edible Garden At Home, where you’ll learn the basics of how to set one up in a small space. Learn the types of herbs and vegetables that grow well in Singapore’s environment, their light and soil requirements, how to pick ideal pots and all about pest control. You’ll also learn how to sow seeds and propagate cuttings. A place at one of their urban farming workshops cost $79 per person.
Silversmithing: Fat Anvil Studios
With over a decade of experience, Fat Anvil Studios is run by two dedicated silversmiths. Workshops here will get you well versed in traditional silversmithing techniques like annealing, soldering and stone setting, while you create your choice of jewellery - whether it’s a ring, pair of earrings, pendant or bracelet charm. Workshops last 2.5 hours, are always kept small for the best learning environment and cost $110 per person.