Looking at our busy streets and skyscrapers, one might think that Singapore isn’t the most artistic of places. And in many cases, that is true: we often find ourselves too exhausted or pressed for time to get our creative juices flowing.
But we don’t have to give up on our creative pursuits just because we’re too caught up with work on the weekdays; there’re always the weekends to make up for it. So if you’re feeling stifled and stressed-out, or just tired of cafe-hopping and lounging on your couch, here are a few creative ways to spend your weekends:
1. Chocolate Painting
Chocolate paint is the creation of Janice Wong, a local chef and owner of 2am:dessert bar. At room temperature, these little jam jars of paint are like regular chocolate. But give them a minute or two in the microwave, and they melt into liquid with a consistency very much like acrylic paint — you’re now ready to unleash your inner Van Gogh! I don’t know how creepy crawlies won’t be attracted to your edible artwork, though.
If you can’t seem to find a single artistic bone in you, though, or if your growling stomach is impeding your creativity, you can always use chocolate paint the same way as chocolate fondue, or fill them into little cake moulds to make your own chocolate. Chocolate paint has a shelf life of about six months, and you can microwave it as many times as you wish without affecting its taste or texture.
2. Social Painting
Arteastiq is a luxury tea lounge with a ‘jamming studio’ for customers to paint together. You get a canvas, an apron, brushes, unlimited paint, and a free beverage (alcohol included), all while being surrounded by other budding artists like yourself.
They offer art lessons if you need some extra guidance, and special rates and promotions for students and senior citizens. Never mind if you can’t paint — you can always make friends with the artist next to you.
3. Floral Arrangement Workshops
Try your hand at the art of floral arranging with Poppy’s floral workshop. All necessary materials will be provided, complete with a photoshoot session at the end of each lesson.
As Poppy puts it, “We take time to notice, to really look at things; beautiful things. To look at the flowers, to watch them dance in our hands.”
Besides taking your masterpieces home with you, take a moment to smell the flowers too.
4. Soap-making Workshops
Mix and match a combination of soap bases, essential oil scents, colours and designs to make your very own soaps at Soap Ministry, where workshops are available every day for adults and children alike. I don’t think there’s anything more comforting than knowing every ingredient (coupled with their benefits), that goes into the soap you use on a daily basis.
All soaps are also chemical-free, eco-friendly, and perfect for sensitive skin.
5. Henna Workshops
If you’re not feeling committed enough to get a tattoo, a temporary one done with henna should work well for you. Instead of paying someone to draw henna on you, why not learn how to do it yourself?
At Simply Elegant, professional henna artists will guide you along in ‘A Touch of the Art’ workshops, where you learn to control the henna cone and attempt intricate henna designs.
A complimentary hand spa will be provided as well, along with a henna kit for you to apply your new skill at home.