Artisans share their skills at workshops hosted by The Gilded Nest

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GREENFIELD — Those seeking a creative outlet can head to the Gilded Nest in downtown Greenfield, where a variety of DIY classes are being offered on any given Saturday.

Workshops rotate each week, giving guests the to create everything from bath bombs to custom totes.

Hosting such classes was always part of the master plan for store owners Mary Schuck and Jamie Cooke, who opened the craft-centric boutique at 16A N. State St. on June 20, 2020.

The shop quickly filled up with vendors and delayed those plans, but the business owners are now excited to offer customers a multitude of ways to tap into their creative sides.

“We had always wanted to do workshops since our store’s merchandise is all handcrafted. We wanted to give the merchants the opportunity to share their craft,” said Schuck. “It just took awhile to get there since the space we had filled up with vendors so quickly.”

A ceramics vendor will lead a workshop on ceramics, while a woodworker will lead one on woodworking. A seamstress who sells aprons and purses will teach participants how to make their own canvas tote.

“She’s coming with six sewing machines and will teach how to create a tote from start to finish, even if you’ve never used a sewing machine before,” said Schuck.

Other vendors will lead workshops on making your own jewelry, paper flowers, wooden lanterns and farmhouse signs.

There’s also a workshop that will cater to couples, where appetizers will be served as couples make their own acrylic paintings.

A bubble bath bomb bar, held in early October, will allow guests to make their own scented bath bombs.

The cost of each workshop covers all materials, said Schuck, right down to the rubber duck that’s included at the bath bomb class.

The next class takes place Sept. 25, when participants get the chance to create their own 12-by-12-inch “paint pour” creation.

Earlier this month, the shop hosted a toddler workshop that introduced youngsters to a variety of hands-on activities.

In the coming months, workshops catered towards adults are scheduled out through early December.

The shop will also be adding an open studio day where customers can come in to see vendors at work on their crafts.

On Tuesdays, Gilded Nest vendor Michelle Kimberlin Is leading virtual painting classes for kids. She also offers private lessons.