Have you ever heard of a “twofer”? You know, two-for-one, twice as nice, the proverbial “icing on the cake” if you will. Well what if I told you, you can enjoy an amazing experience AND have a one-of-a-kind do it yourself souvenir of your stay in Savannah to boot? It’s the ultimate twofer! And lucky for you Savannah is brimming with the latest-and-greatest-just-have-to-try-and-tag-it-on-social-media experiences. So roll up your sleeves and tap in to your creative side ‘cause you’re going to make something amazing – I just know it!
The boutique-style studio space alone of this first DIY souvenir spot is enough to make you want to craft your little heart out. AR Workshop Savannah is sure to become a place of many inspired memories as you take a hands-on class creating custom home décor and accessories. “Our most popular keepsakes include a mini wood sign, lazy Susan, photo frame, canvas pillow or tote,” owner Heather Nelson told me. Whatever you choose, Heather says all projects are custom to the individual and take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete depending upon the workshop you select.
“We prefer 12 hours advance notice for customizations but also understand when visiting a new place, these decisions can be last minute,” explained Heather. “If you see a regular workshop [on our calendar] that fits your schedule, email or call us with what your group would like to make and we will do what we can to accommodate!”
You can even give the pros at AR Workshop a price point and they’ll pick a collection for you. Prices for their most popular items range from $15-$50 each, and if your creation is too big to fit in a carry on, they’ll quote shipping for you so it will be waiting at your door when you return home.
Ready to turn up the heat on your DIY experience? Then you have to make Hostess City Hot Glass part of your stay. As you might have guessed from the name, you will actually do your own glassblowing in what is certain to be an unforgettable experience. “Our ‘blow your own (with a little help)’ class options include paperweights, ornaments, hearts, sea floats and drinking cups,” said Ron Kaewling, lead gaffer (and if you don’t know what a ‘gaffer’ is, that’s all the more reason to take a class and find out!). “Paperweight classes offer a great introduction to glassblowing techniques and drinking cup glasses are definitely popular, which is fitting for Savannah.”
Classes are open to adults and children age 9 and older and can be booked online, via their Facebook page or by calling the studio directly. Friday and Saturday classes typically book three to four weeks in advance and though they do typically offer classes six days per week, in the hot summer months evening-only hours are much appreciated by all who attend. Even before you arrive in Savannah, you can browse some of the artistic wares of Hostess City Hot Glass at their Etsy store. Visitors have been known to say their glassblowing experience was the highlight of their trip so make it part of yours, too! Even better, just for StayInSavannah.com readers, when you book at hostesscityhotglass.com and enter code STAYINSAVANNAH you’ll receive 30% off the class list price! Sounds like one totally cool, hot glass experience!
If you’re into all things scented and lovely, then this next workshop is most definitely for you. Salacia Salts, a Savannah-based company that uses all-natural ingredients for its collection of salt soaks, moisturizers, scrubs, skin care and home-fragrance products, offers you the unique hands-on experience of making your own scrub. Accommodating up to eight people per session, a studio experience at Salacia Salts includes learning about ingredients, selecting a scrub base, choosing an exfoliant and even naming your handmade scent. At the end of your class, your personal creation is packaged in a jar for you to take home and enjoy again and again. Did I mention, they’ll provide the glassware and you can feel free to BYOB?! Making your own scrub has never been more fun!
Chances are, when you’re visiting historic Savannah, you’re gonna wanna take a tour or two (or more) and you’re gonna wanna take some photos along the way. Then Capturing Savannah is a must on your list. Led by photography couple Pablo and Britt (graduates of the Hallmark Institute of Photography), the two combine their love of photography with their know-how as licensed tour guides to provide a view of Savannah unlike any other. As their site describes it, “You’ll be led by local architectural photographers on a non-traditional route revealing the best scenic angles and perspectives the landmark historic district has to offer.” With their mix of history, touring and photo workshops, you’ll leave with plenty of unique insights about Savannah, tips about photography and your own photographic memories to take home with you.
Looking for more DIY Savannah experiences? Painting with a Twist is a fun way to discover your inner artist. Led by seasoned professionals and paired with your favorite BYOB, this is a great way to make – literally – memories of your stay in Savannah. The Art Center of Wilmington Island, located just a few minutes’ drive from downtown, also offers you the chance to flex your artistic talents in a studio and classroom space for all skill levels. And for the wee ones, Henny Penny Art Space & Café is the perfect spot for grownups to grab a coffee and baked good (even those of the vegan variety) while the kiddos enjoy arts and crafts time led by a fun and bubbly instructor.
From glass creations to paintings to body scrubs (oh my!) a DIY experience in historic Savannah is sure to leave you with memories as colorful as the keepsakes you’ll create. Plan your stay in Savannah and have fun!
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