The amount of time that we spend scrolling through our phones has become a major concern in recent years. But to break the habit — and lower that screentime — many people want or need to replace it with something non-digital.
So maybe it’s time for an “analog summer,” where objects of yesteryear will come in handy as you explore your hidden talents, the great outdoors, and other interests with the use of a search engine.
The that found that “Three weeks of screen time reduction showed small to medium effect sizes on depressive symptoms, stress, sleep quality, and well-being.”
Here are a few ideas to get you on your way.
Learn blacksmithing
They don’t make it look easy in cowboy movies, and it’s not. But Hardy & Fuller, 900 W. First Ave. Unit 190, in Denver, can give you the basics of blacksmithing with some of its many classes, events and open studios. Basic Blacksmithing 101 ($200) gives participants a crash course in the basics and allows them to pick from a menu of items they can make, including fire pokers, chopsticks, barbecue tools, candle holders and bottle openers. But the more intensive, multi-day sessions include instruction in how to make chef’s knives, bush knives, pendants, jewelry and more. There is also instruction in welding and other metal arts. The business makes a point of being LGBTQ+ and BIPOC friendly.
DIY and drinks
Upstairs Circus, with locations in LoDo and the Denver Tech Center, has an array of DIY projects, including wine glass tumblers, stone serving trays, butcher boards, jewelry and concrete coasters. But this is more of a social space, and that means … drinks. Group sessions are also available for birthdays, bachelorette parties or other occasions.
Make your own shoes
The Colorado Shoe School, just outside of Fort Collins, has shoe-making workshops for beginners, where participants can create a new pair in just one day (the class costs $250). There is also a two-day workshop ($380) for those who want to get a little more creative with a pair of sneakers. Then there are the more extensive multi-day workshops for making boots or “fashion shoes,” where some sewing skills are very helpful. Shorter workshops are available for making sandals or fanny packs. Classes are for ages 12 and up; students under 15 need to be accompanied by a parent who is also making shoes.
Flint knapping and gourd carving
Head up to Grand Lake, where the Rocky Mountain Folk School has an array of classes from jewelry making and pottery to flint knapping and woodworking. In the flint knapping workshop ($76), participants learn about the North American history of making tools from stone and then make one of their own arrowheads or other stone tools to take home; all materials are provided. Another fun and unusual offering here is gourd art ($109), which is much more elaborate than carving a pumpkin. In these classes, students can make a hand drum, carve detailed scenes, paint, or add a stone inlay.
Glass blowing
Try glass blowing at the Glass Class in Englewood, where an instructor guides novices to experts in creating paperweights, vases, ornaments, and other decorative items with all the necessary safety gear.
More ideas for classes
- The in Wheat Ridge has many free or affordable classes for beginners, such as stained glass, crochet, sewing, and woodshop.
- The loans out equipment and power tools, but it also offers classes and workshops in woodworking, sewing, and welding.
- in Cherry Creek offers an inspiring space to create all kinds of flower-infused décor for the home, such as candles, perfume, glass lanterns and more. This is part maker studio/part boutique, so itap an option to check it out and shop in person before signing up for a workshop here.
- in Denver has metalworking classes that specialize in jewelry to make rings, cuff bracelets, and more. These are typically multi-week classes, so itap a commitment to show up over the six weeks or so.
- The at the Denver Botanic Gardens combines the indoor and outdoor by taking your materials into the gardens to create cyanotypes or to paint a picture of the scenery. Some indoor classes — such as making beaded earrings or drawing bees get inspiration from the great outdoors while enjoying the indoor comforts.
- Learn how to make a floral arrangement and about local sustainable flower farms at in RiNo. Events range from making flower crowns to seasonal vase arranging — no experience needed.
