TAP INTO CRAFTING SPIRIT OR FIND TRUSTED STORES
It’s the perfect place to try your hand at something new and leave with a trendy piece of decor for your home — complete with bragging rights when the compliments on your new piece come rolling in.
Emily Hitz and Jen Schier have long histories as artisans and creators. Schier’s background is in art history and digital art and Hitz studied tapestry weaving in her home state of California. When it comes to planning projects for Craft School YXE they find inspiration in the art of ancient crafting — but add their modern twists.
“We aim to have our finger on the pulse of the best DIY projects and design trends that have a DIY element to them,” Hitz explains. “Although, they are all ancient crafts reinterpreted with a fresh look.”
If the consistently sold out classes say anything, it’s that people are loving the workshops and the items they create. Feedback has been so good that Hitz and Schier have plans to increase the amounts of classes — and crafts — they offer.
Currently, the emphasis is on fibre arts like macramé, though they do dabble in classes offering options like concrete accessories, paper marbling and more. Hitz says they are always open to suggestions and are happy to collaborate with other artisans to create fresh workshops and build more connections within Saskatoon’s artistic community.
Classes generally cater to beginners in a friendly, supportive environment and their goal is that each workshop leaves enough time for each student to finish the project so it’s ready for display as soon as you get home. “It’s very satisfying for us too,” Schier said. “To watch people use their hands and gain confidence in something they wouldn’t do on their own and just help to facilitate that.”
CRAFT SCHOOL YXE
Owners: Emily Hitz and Jen Schier Address: 325 21st Street W. — Storefront is a collaborative workspace hosted by Bldg Studio Inc. Hours: Check website for upcoming public workshops or to book a private workshop. Website: www.craftschoolyxe.com Email: info@craftschoolyxe.com, Check Facebook and Instagram
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Check Facebook Erin Petrow is a reporter at The StarPhoenix. If you have started, expanded or moved a small business in Saskatoon within the last few months, contact her at epetrow@ postmedia.com. Follow Erin on Twitter @petr0w