Fern Facette has been a craftsperson selling her own creations for a long time. But customers kept asking her if she knew of places they could learn. It seemed pretty clear that there was a new opportunity opening for her. She opened Fern’s School of Craft and started teaching crafting classes in 2017 ; she hasn’t looked back. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years,” she says.
Her hunch was right, and people wanted the experience as much as they did the item. “The appeal is that a lot of people want to work with their hands and with materials,” she says. “It’s easier to learn from a real person than a book or a video,” she says. “And it’s easier to stay on task.” We’ve all been there, starting a project at home alone and not finishing it. “When you’re alone you are prone to distraction,” she says.
Some people register by themselves, others with a friend, but regardless, there’s a social element to her courses. “We have a big mix of ages, experience and gender of registrants,” she says.
Facette has a few holiday-themed classes, and offers others year round, but she’s not alone, there are a number of other places around town.
Like magic, you can make three-dimensional stars with just fabric and glue; you don’t need sewing skills. Create a decorative star for yourself or gift it to a friend. Fern’s School of Craft is running a 90-minute workshop on handcrafting a holiday star ornament on December 17, 2026 for $75. Check out Fern’s for other workshops in weaving, rug hooking and macrame.
Fern’s School of Craft
Strathcona Junction | 101, 7019 104 St NW, Edmonton | fernsschoolofcraft.com
Register for a hands-on workshop, with a little aromatherapy on the side! Learn how to make a fresh holiday wreath out of fragrant cedar, pine, ribbons and decorative items. The class is at Mayfield Community League on Saturday, December 5, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it costs $70 per person.
Mayfield Community League
Mayfield | 10941 161 St NW, Edmonton | mayfieldcommunityleague.com
The sixth annual Yule Crafting Workshop and Winter Solstice Celebration includes Yule crafts, candlelight, carols and other seasonal traditions. Participants can make such items as mini yule wreaths, pinecone wishes ornaments and dried orange tree ornaments. The event, at Kenilworth Community League, costs $75 and is open to the general public. Register ahead, it takes place on Saturday, December 12, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you bring a food bank donation, you’ll receive a gift.
Mystic Mana
Kenilworth | 7104 87 Ave NW, Edmonton | Mystic Mana on Eventbrite
Create a custom decorative rug or textile piece using yarn and a tufting gun. Holy Tuft offers two- to four-hour beginner and intermediate tufting workshops on the weekends, guided by experienced instructors. Make a gift for a loved one or keep it for yourself. Most workshops cost $85.
Holy Tuft
Coronet Industrial | 5906 96 St NW, Edmonton | holytuft.ca
Crankpots Ceramic Studios has been a stalwart DIY stop for crafters for decades. Walkins are welcome, but the place gets busy close to the holidays, and reservations are recommended for groups. Pick an unglazed ceramic piece, choose your colours and start painting. There are always seasonal items to choose from.
Crankpots Ceramic Studios
Garneau | 10702 Whyte Ave NW, Edmonton | crankpots.ca
