This was a fun class, each student was able to try out a few things and there was plenty of material to go around! Was a larger class but that gave opportunity to mingle and compare techniques.

Great time! It was very relaxing. The mala beads were easy to make and came out beautifully, but I could not have done it without all of their supplies. Nicole and Lindsay were great instructors and very friendly!

great class to learn how to make handmade books!!!!

I enjoyed learning to knit but did not think the class was worth $40. I hoped to take home a pair of knitting needles and yard for $40. I enjoyed learning to knit though and make basic stitches after casting on.

Enjoyed the class. The class was taught in a great space that inspired creativity. As someone who had taken book making classes before, I was looking to upgrade my skill set. The teacher was nice and patient and I did learn a few new techniques, but they were pretty simple and weren't at the level of complexity that I had hoped for. I was hoping to learn a few things that appear in all those craft books for which the photos and descriptions aren't enough and for which I thought it's better to have a demonstration. Taking the class did at least inspire me to do more creating once I was back home.

Nicole is awesome. Jessica the model is awesome. We had a perfectly excellent time!

small class, lots of individual attention, great outcome!

Would have liked the class to be better executed - like putting the lotions in small containers or tubes. For $40, it would have been nice to not have all materials in plastic bags.

I really enjoyed learning the differences between the all of the oils. I just wish there were more of the standard oils to select from. We were given a packet with all sorts of different oils that seemed to be standard, but a lot of them were not available at the time of class. I wish there would have been coffee beans to erase each oil smell. I left with a giant headache. I also thought for the price of the class the samples we left with were minimal. Also giving us the samples in plastic bags. Plastic is permeable and my scents all smell the same now. Mini glass jars would have been great. I understand the purpose of the class was for us to learn about mixing and figuring out what worked well. But leaving with more than 2 tablespoons of each finished product would have been great.

I love One Strange Bird and their teachers! Jess is so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. She made this class so much fun! I learned a few dyeing techniques and went home with my first silk hand dyed scarf. Can't wait to make more scarves on my own and try out other fun classes they offer!

Fabulous class! We learned several techniques for dying fabrics by practicing on cotton swatches before dying a silk scarf. Jessica was a great instructor whose teaching style allows you to learn by doing!

Nicolette was amazing! She taught me so much more about hand printing! I very much enjoyed the class!

It was a very fun class that introduced me to a lot of new ideas and inspired me to feed my creative side! Highly recommended!

Very intimate class, knowledgable instructor, & interesting book concept! Instructor showed samples of books she has created to give us future ideas, as well, which was helpful!

Great class! Just the right amount of instruction and hands-on work. Would definitely take another class.

I've never taken an art class in my life. Not in high school, not in college; not ever. Furthermore, I really don't draw. Doodles, sure. But never a real drawing. This being said, there are a number of things that I might note about taking this class for newbies like myself. First of all, the class was relaxing and not nervous, tense, or otherwise weird. The anxiety I was expecting to feel from being surrounded by people drawing, and by drawing a live model no less, was simply non-existent. The whole class was composed of newcomers like myself; there was plenty of chit chat and small talk to feel at ease, and Nicole, our teacher, made the air feel friendly and welcoming without even a moment of oddness or discomfort.

Second, the whole space screams art. There is a front room and a back room to the studio: when you first walk in, there is a small retail space, followed by an array of tables for larger classes, and, finally, at the very back of the studio is the space our class was held—a smaller room with a row of tables surrounding a stage of sorts where our model posed. All of the walls were covered in art; some for sale, some for fun, and so on. The atmosphere felt, somehow, to be artistic, warm, and inviting.

Third, there was no pressure to buy anything or to spend any additional dough. This is a plus when you're on a budget like me. All of the materials you could possibly need were in ready supply and freely offered. Nicole even took some time to spray some of our charcoal drawings with fixative during a break so that they might stay un-smeared and pristine.

And, finally, for a fourth point, in terms of instruction, Nicole was phenomenal. As I said, I don't draw, but by the time I walked out of there I felt like I could be, possibly, with some effort on my part of course, an artist someday. Everybody's drawings improved as the class progressed. Nicole helped us to figure out proportion and how to get our drawings looking like a person and not just the stick figures we all started with. She said so many things that I had never considered that I'm still trying to process them all, but not so much so as to feel daunted or intimidated by the advice.

To sum up, I might quite brazenly say that, if you're thinking about improving your abilities in drawing, even if you feel you possess, like me, no such abilities, this is *the* best class you could start with. Without hesitation, I would (and will) recommend this class and the One Strange Bird studio to anyone and everyone I know.

I really enjoyed this class, Nicolette was patient and very knowledgeable. I think I am going to take it again.

This class was very fun and can accommodate multiple levels. You can bring your own design idea or trace an idea from a book. Simon was a very patient teacher and everyone walked out satisfied with their print!

Alex was great. It's technically a cuff class, but he alowed the freedom and creativity to work on whatever inspired us (i.e. a ring).

He was giving with his knowledge and time. The class went over 30 minutes so that everyone could finish up, and he didn't bat an eye. Best of all, anyone who takes the class has an open invitation to his studio to use his tools whenever they'd like. Pretty damn good deal.

Very fun instructor, with an organized way of explaining the process. Enjoyed this class a lot!

Had a positive experience.

So fun and just what I wanted for a creative, chill Saturday evening. The instructors were so open and laid back and friendly, and also really interesting people who are artists themselves. We chatted with them periodically throughout the class, and it was an added bonus that we got to hear a few tidbits and feelings of what it's like to live and approach creativity in general as an artist. The other attendees were also really fun and friendly - all in all it's a great alternative option for Saturday night.

I am not a painter. I took this class because I wanted to do something fun with my girlfriend who, by the way, is wonderful. Despite my lack of painterly skills, however, I had a really, really fun time in this class! The teachers were both really warm and welcoming and non-judgemental and made the whole experience so fun. Take this class!! Don't be a fucking idiot, just do it!!!

Also, it's important to note exactly how mesmerized by those canvases I was. What a perfect size! Life is wonderful.

I thought this class was a good introduction to embroidery. We had 4 students and it was a small enough group that I got individual instruction and all my questions answered. Thanks to One Strange Bird for hosting! I'd recommend this class to anyone looking to Dabble in embroidery. :o)

I really enjoyed the class. Nicole was very friendly and the class was well organized and informative. Fun two hours!

Perfect class to dabble in drawing, great way to get over the fear of a blank paper and trust yourself as an artist. thinking about taking it again to keep refreshing my confidence, already signed up for urban drawing and figure drawing in a few weeks hosted by one strange bird... Can't wait!!!

Great class, was awesome to end the week this way! Learned a lot about how to make a basic painting, teacher did a great job letting us explore our creativity and was really encouraging and open to giving personal assistance to each person in the class. Really really happy with what I walked away with, my roommate bought my painting!

Went by myself, met some fellow frequent dabblers that I would come to see again in other classes. class was awesome, be sure to come with a tiny design in mind that is simple to carve. use this class to learn the basics of how to carve into the rubber stamp and then how to work with the printing ink. I immediately bought supplies the next day to keep practicing. made some awesome little stamps that I ended up using on my door to my room! Must take class, so easy and so many possibilities!!

Teacher was awesome and it was really clear she had been embroidering for years, instead of walking away with a finished product I asked her to help me learn some more complicated stitches and it showed that she was really knowledgeable. She even consulted on where to get the best embroidery books and resources to continue my learning. LOVE one strange bird. Always the best experience!!!

Over all, this was a super fun and relaxed class. I really enjoyed myself for my first paint class and dabble class in Chicago. My only feedback is that I was surprised that the canvas were so small. I expected atleast a 8x10, or a 11x13, for the price amount of the class. Other paint classes similar to this were larger size canvas's.

This was a great form of jewelry-making to explore! The instructor was incredibly friendly and explained tools and processes very clearly. My advice to all future attendees is to go for a very simple design if this is your first class of this kind. I ended up running out of time because my design was too complex.

A fun, laid back environment! I learned a lot in a short time from two ladies who were kind, talented and enthusiastic. And I got to take home a cool project! Makes me want to create more. I'd pay to take this same class again!

Was really cool to see so many different types of people come together for the love of street art. As with any One Strange Bird class, great hand-out + fun, hands-on experience. Like the "make by making" approach. Thanks Nicole and Nicolette!

I loved this class! The teacher was so patient with everyone and really knew her stuff. This is the second class I've taken at One Strange Bird and I will definitely take more classes there in the future.

Great class. Very easy for newbies (like me). Excellent instructor and great space.

Super relaxed. Actually made something. Know enough now to do Lino cut at home. Have signed up for other classes with one strange bird because this was so fun.

perfect class. exactly what i was looking for. it was fun, relaxed, i learned things, and i came home with a very cool lino cut. highly recommended!

Super fun and hands on class with great friendly instruction. Very much looking forward to taking more classes here!

I had fun, but the class itself did not feel very organized or structured. Overall, the classes hosted by the One Strange Bird venue feel a bit amateur. Perhaps I'm just expecting a deeper level of instruction, explanation, and thoroughness.

Totally fun! The store is super cute and the class was laid back and accessible. Great for a night out with friends.

Totally fun! The store is super cute and the class was laid back and accessible. Great for a night out with friends.

Come prepared with an idea for a stamp! It took me a bit to think of something to make. I wish I had thought of something before I came to class. Overall it was fun and really easy for beginners. Just a chill way to make some simple stationary.

Nicole was fantastic - moved just at the right pace and it was relaxed enough to kind of do your own thing if you wanted to veer away from the main teaching part of class. Great group of people and I loved the variety of jewelry options!

I arrived a tad late with my friend and they were very accommodating to us while still conducting the class for those who were already there. I really liked the atmosphere and how laid back, yet informative, the teacher was. We got the chance to ask questions and she was very helpful and encouraging. Fun times!

Perfect class--Nicole is a great teacher and paced the class very well. She chose a great project too that was accessible to all levels and allowed us to be creative.

great class, lots of fun and a good learning atmosphere. Nicole is a wonderful teacher.

My friend was so excited to take this class, so I agreed to join her. This was a wonderful low-key class for a relaxing Friday night. With less than 10 people, there was plenty of time for each of us to design and create our one of a kind rings. Alex gave clear and detailed instructions throughout the class, which worked out well since I tend to get focused on one thing and forget what the next step will be. It makes me very happy to know that I made this beautiful aluminum ring all by myself.

Awesome time! One Strange Bird is a great store on its own, and Nicole was fun to be around and knowledgeable for the class.

The instructor was fabulous and patient. The space was lovely as well

Nicole was great. She was patient, fun, and very informative with all of us. One Strange Bird was a wonderful venue and it was nice to learn that they have a lot "How To" courses, classes that I am interested in taking. The course topic was something that I have looked into in the past, but never took the initiative to try; this class enabled me and motivated me to learn the process of binding my own books. It was great, but the time and effort may be more than I am willing to give which I am now happy I know.

The class was narrowly focused into 3 main types of street art, allowing a lot of time to discuss and create examples of all three. Our instructor had a lot of materials for us and several take-home freebies, which made me feel like I got my time and money's worth. It was a friendly and supportive environment, so none of us were afraid to create whatever came to mind. She also discussed the legal ramifications behind street art, a lot of which I was completely unaware of. Also, many of us had traveled around the world, so it was fun discussing our experiences and the kinds of street art we've seen elsewhere.

nicole was awesome! super informative, encouraging, helpful and had great materials for us to use. i'll be back to one strange bird for more classes!

Instructor was wonderful; class was a lot of fun

This class was completely hands on. She gave a brief overview of each step as we did it, instead of explaining everything at once which I liked. I also liked that we all chose our own designs so each print was unique!

Great overview and introduction, Nicole was a solid teacher who answered any question given her with a well thought out reply

This class was relaxed but super informative. I especially loved that Nicole gave us an intro, but she was great at letting us get our hands dirty right away! She explained the most important stuff first and then helped us along as we went. I really felt like I took away skills that I could use on my own.

Hands on, but guidance available when needed.

It was the perfect amount of content for the time allotted. I feel like I could continue on my own. Nicole was a great teacher. It was a very nice afternoon!

I had a great time, learned about all of the materials, and the process in a quick, easy way.

I like the space and the vibe of this place. I like the people there. Nicole, who teaches the class, is really great.

I loved the venue! It was a very conducive environment for creating art and the materials available were fabulous. Nicole was very good at explaining the techniques and very friendly. I enjoyed our group.

It's so obivious how much Nicole and Jess love art and want to share it.

It wasn't too big, and as seated close together, it allowed for social interaction, which was a nice change from other classes at studios where there isn't much time to socialize while creating b/c always listening to the instructor. Nice breakdown of instruction and time to create. Casual, approachable, easy-going atmosphere and teacher approach.

This class was beyond fun. What a unique way to craft! The instructor was hands-on and attended to everyone. The space was perfect for creating and I will definitely be coming back.

"I liked that we got to make the moss paint and seed bombs; I'll never forget how to do it! I liked hearing about the teachers' own art, and I liked seeing examples of moss graffiti. Overall, it was fun to learn about these things and fun to get dirty and make the stuff.

The idea of making stencils for the moss paint was good (though I couldn't use them once I got home because I didn't blend my moss mixture well enough)."

Great teacher, great ideas!

It was way easier than I thought it was going to be, I was really intimidated. I've said this about a drawing class, what I like about Nicole's classes is that its about teaching you the process so you can begin to do it on your own outside of the class vs. trying to get you to make a final product that you can walk away with (you can, but I feel better about what knowledge I obtained rather than what I actually walked with). Nicole is also really inspiring, I haven't done artwork in months, and after this class + the drawing class I took Tuesday with her... I went home and worked at the drafting table for hours.

Good basic skills. Friendly instructor and classmates.

Great fun class!

"The small setting environment: we were only 3 to attend the class :-)
The teacher was friendly, energetic and qualified!"

"First off, the instructor was really personable which allowed the students in the class to feel comfortable socializing. Loved talking to her about her school/teaching background and owning her own business, really inspiring.
Second, she was a great teacher. She taught each drawing technique in an elementary fashion so that students of all ability levels could follow along easily.
Third and most importantly, the class was more focused on learning than generating a perfect product that I could take home. I like this because these are skills I can use later in my work vs. learning to copy a painting and not learning any technique like Arts n Spirits or Colors and Bottles (damn them both!) "

The teacher did not seem to know how to teach the stitches that she knew of. While she seemed educated, getting her knowledge past herself and to us was a challenge. It seemed overly expensive for the fact that you had to buy any further materials and did not get to keep anything but the piece of unbleached burlap they gave you. It also was in a bit of a sketchy area.

I think other knitting classes on dabble have more experienced teachers.