Make & Take Experiences in Southern Indiana

Looking for hands-on fun in Southern Indiana? This blog highlights some of the best make-and-take experiences the region has to offer. From arts and crafts to DIY charm bracelets and hats, Southern Indiana’s local shops have something for everyone to flex those creative muscles. Whether you're planning a fun night out with your significant other, friends, family or flying solo, these activities are sure to provide a memorable time! 

Canvas Painting Experience

Unleash your inner Picasso at Viva Art, Kentuckiana’s top paint-and-sip studio! With guided, step-by-step instructions, Viva Art, located in downtown Jeffersonville, helps you create your own masterpiece—no experience needed. Perfect for all ages, it’s a great option for family nights or date nights. For those 21 and up, enjoy a glass of wine or beer while you paint. Plus, Viva Art offers a candle creation station where you can choose your scents and vessel. Check out their class calendar here.  

Hands-On Ceramics

Have you ever wanted to try making pottery? Now you can in SoIN! New Albany Clay Collective (Pots.By.Scott on Instagram) offers a range of ceramics classes, including wheel throwing and hand building. Choose from a 5-week wheel throwing course or opt for a single session to test your skills. These classes will teach you how to throw, trim and glaze the pieces you create.  

Blend Your Signature Scent

Become the perfumer at Vetiver Perfumery! This new shop in downtown New Albany lets you craft your own custom fragrance in three simple steps. Choose your scents, select your vessel, then combine and transfer to create a perfume or cologne unique to you. You can attend a fragrance workshop or book a session at their blending bar. Forgot to make an appointment? No problem—walk-ins are welcome! Take-home kits and indie fragrances from small-batch artisan perfumers are available for purchase, too.  

Design Something Charming

Your stylish visions come to life at DMZ in downtown New Albany. Create custom bags, backpacks, hats and more with a wide selection of patches to choose from. The shop specializes in personalized embroidery and unique apparel for all sizes, along with a variety of other items including tumblers, sweatshirts, stickers, books and more. 

Add some sparkle to your day at Hazel Jane’s Charm Bar, hosted by Elly Marie Jewelry. Typically offered monthly, this fun experience lets you choose from a variety of charms to create your own custom piece of jewelry. It’s the perfect activity for a girls' night out! Visit Hazel Jane’s Facebook page for upcoming charm bar events and updates.  

Take a Class & Create

The Cultural Arts Center in New Albany hosts monthly make & take events where you can come in and make a free craft! Past crafts include wall hangers, trinket dishes, holiday card making and more. While you’re there, check out the permanent and rotating exhibits. Permanent exhibits include "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage: Men and Women of the Underground Railroad," which tells the story of New Albany's role in the Underground Railroad, and "Remembered: The Life of Lucy Higgs Nichols," an exhibit following the life of a former slave and Civil War nurse.  Be sure to visit their website for details on upcoming events and to see what exciting crafts are coming up next. 

Compose Your Own Candle

Add a new candle to your collection with a visit to Wimsatt Soap & Soy Candle Bar. Candle-making classes typically last 30 to 60 minutes, during which one of their expert chandlers will guide you step by step and share tips for getting the most out of your soy candle. Choose your vessel—a standard 9 oz clear jar or an upgraded option to express your style—and pick from over 40 scent choices to create your custom candle. While your candle sets, enjoy a wine slushie or explore nearby restaurants and shops. Wimsatt also offers pop-up events around the area. Visit their website for more details! 

Similar to Wimsatt, Kozy Kandles offers a candle making bar where you can pick from over 100 scents to create your personalized scent. Fill a jar at their candle bar or bring your own container for a more personal touch. Classes last around an hour and candles take around an hour to set. While you wait, check out the shop’s premade candles or perfumes. Reservations must be made in advance.  

Join a Paint Party

Blessings on Spring is more than just a clothing boutique — it's also the perfect place for your next paint party! Whether you prefer to book ahead or walk in, you can select from a variety of door hanger designs to create a custom piece. Choose something festive for the season or a timeless design to enjoy year-round. While you wait for your masterpiece to dry, shop around the store for clothing, jewelry, home décor and more.  

Level-Up Your Maker Skills

Ready to take your crafting skills to the next level? Join one of Maker13's Thursday open houses to learn how to use state-of-the-art equipment like lasers, 3D printers, industrial embroidery and sewing machines, a t-shirt press, woodshop, metal shop and more! Memberships are available, too. Visit their website for more information.  

Did we miss any make and take experiences? Send an email to Marissa@GoSoIN.com to get your experience added!