Start a new craft while out of town

Whether you’re painting with watercolors, folding origami or kneading clay, working with your hands has big benefits. If your hands work best when instruction is involved, a class may be the place to be. Here are five studios in the West that will nurture your creative side and send you off with a homemade souvenir.

Arizona

At Circle 6 Studios in downtown Phoenix, glassblowing novices create delicate pieces. Each two- to threehour class focuses on a set object — paperweights, decorative bowls, glass bouquets — but you choose your colors. Through November, make a vibrant glass pumpkin, or try a “happy hour” drinking-glass class. Cost, info: From $70; circle 6studios.com

California

Improve your drawing skills at A Work of Heart in San Jose. A relaxing class for beginners: introduction to the Zentangle Method, in which you draw structured patterns (or “tangles”) on paper tiles to create a mosaic. Check the calendar for other classes, such as book binding and calligraphy. Cost, info: From $45; aworkofheart.com/studio

Oregon

If your family can’t agree on one craft, each of you could try something different at Live Laugh Love Art. The studio, in Tigard, about 11 miles southwest of Portland, offers six classes, including glass fusing and wood-sign painting or drinking while painting. There’s a second location in Sunriver, about 17 miles southwest of Bend. Cost, info: From $25; live laughloveglass.com

Washington

No matter your skill level or taste, you can make wearable art at Beadworld in Seattle. Use Indian chevron beads, African goat bone, vintage charms and more to create ornamental items. Cost, info: From $30; bead worldnw.com.

Utah

Craft Lake City is a Salt Lake City nonprofit that promotes workshops by local artisans. Check the website for classes, which take place about once a week and allow you to dabble in paper sculptures, macramé wall hangings and floral arrangement design, all while getting to know a local artist. Cost, info: From $35; craft lakecity.com