Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1024592
NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 50 SEPTEMBER 2018 PHOTOGRAPHS, TOP AND BOTTOM, BY SHANE GODFREY, COURTESY OF LES FLEURS For years, paint-and-sip events have cornered the market on spending a creative night out with friends. But if you've collected a few too many made-by-you masterpieces on canvas, don't despair. ere are lots of other ways to get your craftiness fix, from flower arranging classes to creating your own wooden signs. Read on for some of our favorites on the North Shore. S C R I P T I N G P R E T T Y Contrary to popular belief, good handwriting isn't a prerequisite for being able to do calligraphy, says Julie Mancini. She should know. As co-founder of Sip & Script, she's taught countless people how to create gorgeous calligraphy. "We teach calligraphy, usually with a drink in hand," Mancini says. "People can go meet their friends at a bar, but why not also learn something new and get a new hobby?" Since Sip & Script is mobile, you can find them hosting events at restaurants and other venues throughout the region, including North Shore spots like e Poynt restaurant and Salt & Grove, both in Newburyport, and Notch / L I V E + P L AY / Brewing in Salem. ey also do private events. Attendees receive a beginner's calligra- phy pack, including paper, pen, ink, tracing paper, and letter formation guides. They'll learn how to hold the pen, get the ink flowing through the nib, and letter forma- tion, and also have the chance to make a small keepsake, like a gift tag or a crest on heavy paper with a watercolor border. Mancini recommends arriving at an event a little early to order drinks and appetizers. Participants have fun, learn something new, make a unique item, and relax. "In this world of tech, it's so nice to pick up a pen and just zone out," she says. sipandscript.com B U N C H E S O F B LO O M S Les Fleurs in Andover is known for its dreamy, French-inspired florals, but owner Sandra Sigman also loves sharing her skills with others. at's why Sigman hosts classes and workshops throughout the year that have proved super popular and sell out quickly. "I have a groupie flower following," she says with a laugh. Classes usually have a theme, like wreath- making or the recent French floral–themed class where attendees created arrangements in antique tureens that Sigman brought back from France. e classes are several hours long and go over skills like basic flower care, as well Les Fleurs' flower arranging class Create gorgeous calligraphy with a cocktail in hand at one of Sip & Script's events.