Stories

Create a DIY Project at These Cool Art Classes

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By ClassBento Team

If you’ve always wanted to try painting, learn how to draw, kickstart a new hobby or explore your creativity, head to these top art classes inIf you’ve always wanted to try painting, learn how to draw, kickstart a new hobby or explore your creativity, head to these top art classes in Australia! ...

Holiday Favourites: Gina Mason, Growth Partner

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By ClassBento Team

Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!

9 Awesome Gifts for Aunties Who Value Quality Time

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By ClassBento Team

Discover experience gifts for an aunty that will have her smiling from ear to ear – making memories together beats a boring box of chocolates!

Surprise Your Partner with Gift Experiences for Couples

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By Annie Symmonds

Wondering how to surprise your partner in 2023? Give an experience gift voucher and try anything from pasta-making classes, cocktail courses, kintsugiWondering how to surprise your partner in 2023? Give an experience gift voucher and try anything from pasta-making classes, cocktail courses, kintsugi and more! ...

3 Team Building Exercises to Help Bond Your Team

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By Annie Symmonds

Stop searching for cliche team building exercises and instead, find thousands of incredible team building activities in Australia to help build strongerStop searching for cliche team building exercises and instead, find thousands of incredible team building activities in Australia to help build stronger relationships! ...

Why Clay and Sip Is the New Friday Night Drinks

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By ClassBento Team

Discover why pottery classes in Australia are becoming one of the most popular ways to relax and unwind after work!

Unwind with Your Workmates at Paint and Sip

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By ClassBento Team

Invest in the wellness of your workplace and get your colleagues bonding and connecting with each other at paint and sip classes in Australia.

The Best Art Classes for Adults in Australia

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By ClassBento Team

Explore hands-on adult art classes in Australia. From acrylic pouring to resin art, find the perfect class to relax and unleash your creativity.

Holiday Favourites: Kellie Maloney, Content Writer

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By Courtenay Turner

Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!

7 Best Hens Party Ideas for Foodies (2025)

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By Kellie Maloney

Indulge in the 7 best food-focused hens party ideas for 2025! From cooking Italian classics to tasting local wines, your bride-to-be will be spoiltIndulge in the 7 best food-focused hens party ideas for 2025! From cooking Italian classics to tasting local wines, your bride-to-be will be spoilt for choice. ...

5 Desk Crafts for Return-to-office Anxiety

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By Charlotte McKewen

Struggling with office anxiety? Forget the fidget spinner and pick up one of these calming pocket crafts!

Top Beginner Pottery Classes Around Australia

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By ClassBento Team

Meet like-minded people and get your hands dirty with pottery classes in Australia.

Top Craft Ideas to Try in 2025

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By ClassBento Team

Getting crafty is fun and good for us! Reap all the benefits of getting hands-on and creative at a craft workshop. Start with these craft ideas forGetting crafty is fun and good for us! Reap all the benefits of getting hands-on and creative at a craft workshop. Start with these craft ideas for inspiration! ...

Nourishing Experience Gifts for Women Who Need a Little Me Time

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By ClassBento Team

If you have a special lady in your life who’s looking for some TLC, now is the time to treat her to a little “me time” with these experienceIf you have a special lady in your life who’s looking for some TLC, now is the time to treat her to a little “me time” with these experience gifts for women. ...

Think Outside the Box in 2025 with Unique Experience Gifts

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By Tiffany Fung

Looking to treat your favourite people to something special? Here’s why you should think outside the box with unique experience gifts they’llLooking to treat your favourite people to something special? Here’s why you should think outside the box with unique experience gifts they’ll love. ...

I Learnt About Ngemba Culture Through Art – You Can Too

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By Katie Milton

Artist and proud Ngemba woman, Kabushka Ngemba welcomes you to Dot Art Circle, for a warm afternoon filled with painting, storytelling and smileArtist and proud Ngemba woman, Kabushka Ngemba welcomes you to Dot Art Circle, for a warm afternoon filled with painting, storytelling and smiles. ...

How to Nail Your 10 Year Anniversary Gift

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By ClassBento Team

From mosaic making to wine and cheese tasting, these experience gifts for couples will help you reconnect with your lover, right in time for yourFrom mosaic making to wine and cheese tasting, these experience gifts for couples will help you reconnect with your lover, right in time for your anniversary. ...

9 Best Gifts for Dad in Australia in 2025

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By Annie Symmonds

Find the best gifts for dad with our gift ideas! Celebrate Christmas, Father's Day and birthdays with arty experiences, crafts, cooking classes andFind the best gifts for dad with our gift ideas! Celebrate Christmas, Father's Day and birthdays with arty experiences, crafts, cooking classes and more. ...

13 Reasons You Should Learn to Cook at a Culinary Class

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By ClassBento Team

Find out the top, tasty reasons to try cooking classes in Australia, from growing your confidence in the kitchen to calming your mind after a stressfulFind out the top, tasty reasons to try cooking classes in Australia, from growing your confidence in the kitchen to calming your mind after a stressful week. ...

Why Plants Are Your Best Friend If You WFH

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By Charlotte McKewen

Discover how adding plants to your workspace can brighten up your mood and your day!

5 Reasons Wine and Paint Workshops Are Trending

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By ClassBento Team

Find out why wine and paint workshops in Australia are having a moment right now and discover five reasons why you too should embrace the trend inFind out why wine and paint workshops in Australia are having a moment right now and discover five reasons why you too should embrace the trend in 2025. ...

Why We Turn to Craft in Times of Crisis

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By Courtenay Turner

From global pandemics to natural disasters, we explore the role of craft in helping humankind cope with crises.

6 Reasons Why Flower Arranging Classes Make the Best Gift Experiences for Mum

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By Annie Symmonds

Discover why flower arranging classes make the best gift experiences for Mums this Christmas.

Everything You Need to Know About Macarons

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By John Tabari

Learn about the history of macarons at baking classes in Sydney It may surprise you to learn that macarons did not originate in France. WeLearn about the history of macarons at baking classes in Sydney It may surprise you to learn that macarons did not originate in France. We imagine that this quintessentially French patisserie could only be the work of a French pastry chef. But, according to historic records, macarons date back to 8th century AD. With the first recorded instances baked in Venetian monasteries. The macaron came to France with Catherine de Medici, when she married King Henry II in 1533. Her pastry chefs continued to make these meringue-based biscuits for her when she moved over to Paris. According to one controversial Encyclopedia entry, it was two French nuns who invented macarons. The text claims that the dessert gained popularity when two Sisters baked and sold macarons during the French Revolution. They used their venture as a way to fund their housing while they were seeking asylum. Yet, those macarons were not the ganache-filled treat we know today. Those macarons were two meringue cookies atop one another, without any filling. As with the invention of the original macaron, there is a discrepancy about how the modern version was invented as well. Two French chefs claimed to have invented the sweet fillings; Claude Gebert and Pierre Desfontaines of Ladurée. They are both credited with having introduced a third layer to the sweet in the early 20th century.     French or Italian Recipe?   Although macarons originated in Italy, some 17th century Italian cookbooks include ‘French Macaron’ recipes. In any case, there are two distinct methods to making macarons; the Italian way and the French way. The difference comes from the meringue part of the recipe; specifically when to add sugar. The French recipe calls for egg whites to be whisked into meringue shapes before powdered sugar is folded in. The Italian method includes adding sugar to raw egg whites to make a paste. Today, the accepted method to bake macarons is closest to the French recipe.   Ladurée   Although macarons didn’t originate in France, we have a French patisserie to thank for their lasting popularity. Ladurée has been around for over 150 years. It was founded in 1862 by writer, Louis-Ernest Ladurée. The original location burned down during a late 19th Century uprising, so a second popped up. It was at the second location that the founder’s second cousin, Pierre Desfontaines, created the ‘Double decker’ macaron. This refers to two traditional macarons on top of one another bound together by a creamy, usually ganache or buttercream, filling.   The steady increase of these stores outside France attests to how popular the macaron has become. Ladurée is now present in almost 20 cities in Europe and many countries across four more continents.   International Interpretations   Keeping with the tradition of adapting the original recipe, may other cultures now produce their own versions of the dessert.     In the States, the composition of macarons remains the same, but the flavours are much more experimental. In France, you will find classics such as pistachio, raspberry and chocolate. In the US you can buy peanut butter and jelly, pumpkin, cheesecake and candy corn.   In Southeast Asian countries, recipes substitute traditional ingredients for local variations. Almond flour is substituted for peanut flower in Japan. Taiwanese recipes incorporate red beans and South Korean recipes use green tea leaves or powder. Discover the best types of macarons here.  Pop Culture   In Japan, where food can be cute, the macaron is a popular print for fashion items, stationery and even bedding. Simple and colourful, they decorate clothing and accessories along with other foods such as fruit and sushi.   In their attempts to create a more upscale image, McDonalds’ McCafe branches sell macarons in France and Australia. Interestingly, they are produced by a company owned by the same holding company as Ladurée. Yet, they don’t use the same recipe; McDonalds has a more limited flavour menu than Ladurée, offering six classic flavours. Ladurée, whilst not as experimental as some US macaron producers, does offer a wider range of French favourites. These include speculoos, rose and salted caramel. ...

How 8 Global Makers Are Using Workshops to Change the World

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By ClassBento Team

What do you think when you hear the names Malala Yousafzai, Michelle Obama and Gloria Steinem? Strong, trailblazing icons. These women are householdWhat do you think when you hear the names Malala Yousafzai, Michelle Obama and Gloria Steinem? Strong, trailblazing icons. These women are household names for a reason, but in the words of author Kate Hodges, “Behind every great woman… is another great woman”. While their names might not be as widely known, ClassBento’s global community is overflowing with innovative women working to promote equality by sharing knowledge and creativity. Some have picked up their crafts from mothers and grandmothers, while others have determinedly taught themselves, or been mentored by fellow makers. The special thing about them, however, is their shared mission, one that allows you to tap into your creativity and experience the wellbeing benefits that come with it. So here are 8 voices from our uplifting community of women-identifying makers. Authentic, inspirational and crafting change—one stitch at a time. Makers turning the tables on gender stereotypes Monique and Reneé Hunte, East London England Sisters and co-founders of nf!Dai-KOR “For us, we’re breaking gender stereotypes by showing everyone that women are out here winning in business. We share our story during workshops in the hope to inspire and motivate others to follow their passion and dreams.” Janine Hendry, Melbourne Australia Founder of nf!Guild of Objects and the March4Justice Movement “For the first time in a decade, the gender pay gap is getting worse and not better. Workshops at Guild of Objects are all about empowering women to take control of their own income.” Nadia Abbas, London England Founder of nf!House of Stööki “Women can do the heavy side of jewellery making too. The jewellery making practice has a lot of different methods of making and some are more brutal than others. Our workshops show students that the finished Stööki products have been made using all the different methods of production.” Kelly Ortega, San Francisco United States Founder of nf!Artillery AG: Mindful Ceramics “So often to win success in business looks like being co-opted into the systems of oppression all around us. As a woman of colour, who is also a business owner, I hope to disrupt these harmful practices. At Artillery Ceramics we are slowing down, caring for each other, reconnecting to ancestral Indigenous roots and creating with intention.” Sara Knights, Steyning England Founder of perfumery nf!Sara Lucia “As a perfumer, I set out to challenge the stereotype that women should smell a certain way or ‘like’ certain aromas. Smell is not gender specific, in fact, men can love lavender and geranium and women can love leathery, tar smells.” Makers uniting to empower one another Cara Bevilacqua, St Augustine Florida United States Founder of nf!Coastal Design Workshops “The support creative women give each other is unmatched. I hire and train female artists to learn how to teach others their creative skills and to see how rewarding it is for them is something that makes me feel extremely fulfilled.” Nadia Abbas “The women that I met when I got my jewellery degree at university have become part of a friendship group that has shaped my career today. We all share a love of jewellery design and have continued to thrive in the industry with each of our businesses that encompass very different styles.” Kelly Ortega “Through my workshops, I was lucky enough to meet a woman who I now consider a dear friend and is now the second instructor for my mindful ceramics curriculum!” Amy Beggs-French, Canberra Australia Founder of nf!Deep Blue Ceramics “Years ago I bought a handmade mug at a market. I caught a cold shortly after and ended up having about a million lemon, honey and ginger teas. I fell completely in love with my new mug—it was so nurturing. I enrolled in my first pottery class as soon as I was better. The maker I bought my life-changing mug from was Tina. Connecting with her through appreciation of her art as well as a bunch of other mutually adored hobbies, we are now great friends!” Sampada Gurung, London England Founder of nf!The Slightly Curious Studio “One of the most impactful connections I've made was with a fellow potter who runs a sustainable pottery studio. It's reassuring to know that I'm not alone in my struggles as a business owner, and it's inspiring to see how another woman has been able to create a successful and sustainable business that aligns with her values.” Makers inspiring creativity from all walks of life Cara Bevilacqua “As someone who grew up feeling a bit like an outsider, I relied heavily on my passion for creativity as an outlet for my feelings and emotions. I feel it is my duty to use my platform as a business owner and creative instructor to include those who may need to feel the embrace of inclusion.” Kelly Ortega “Equity needs to be spread throughout the way we do business, the way we interact with each other, and even the way we think about what we should expect from one another. Through equity, we are moving forward towards liberation for all.” Amy Beggs-French “Appreciating where people are at and supporting my students to play with their creativity produces some really incredible, diverse results! What people can produce and create when they are feeling safe, equitably supported and encouraged is awe-inspiring.” Sampada Gurung “Everyone should have equal opportunities to pursue their passions and to access resources that can help them grow and develop. We're committed to providing accessible and affordable learning experiences that empower our students to discover their creativity and pursue their goals.” ...

Be Kind to Your Mind

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By ClassBento Team

Increasing isolation and burnout means it's more important than ever to be kind to your mind. Getting involved in fun creative workshops can helpIncreasing isolation and burnout means it's more important than ever to be kind to your mind. Getting involved in fun creative workshops can help to improve your mental wellbeing ...

I Did a Workshop with My Family. Here's What Happened Next

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By Kellie Maloney

And why you should try it this Christmas.

How to Create a Beautiful but Easy Watercolour Painting

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By ClassBento Team

Master the art of watercolours with these fun-filled painting classes in Australia and create your own unique masterpiece today!

Fun DIY Crafts You Should Learn from an Expert

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By ClassBento Team

If you’re keen to give crafting a go, check out these fun-filled DIY craft workshops in Australia for some creative inspiration!

Holiday Favourites: Natasha Dsouza, Community Partnerships Manager

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By ClassBento Team

Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!

Fingerlicking Foodie Gifts for Ladies Who Love to Lunch

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By ClassBento Team

From cake decorating classes to food and drink tastings, discover the top creative gifts for foodies to add to the top of their present list in 2025.

Make Memories Together with These Meaningful Presents for Your Wife

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By ClassBento Team

Transform presents for your wife into meaningful experiences! From painting classes to pottery workshops, these gifts are sure to bring a smile toTransform presents for your wife into meaningful experiences! From painting classes to pottery workshops, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to her face. ...

Why DIY Soy Candle Making Kits Will Transform Your Home

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By Sam Bowden

Needing a bit of a change around the house? Soy candle making kits can help transform the vibe of your living space.

To Spice or Not to Spice: Can Chilli Improve Your Health

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By Susana Aguilera

Find out how to add more chilli to your food and what the benefits of chilli are at a Melbourne cooking class near you with a focus on spicy cuiFind out how to add more chilli to your food and what the benefits of chilli are at a Melbourne cooking class near you with a focus on spicy cuisine. ...

Unconventional Gifts for Friends Who Have Everything

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By ClassBento Team

Give your loved ones DIY presents they'll remember with these unique experience gift ideas in Australia, guaranteed to bring a smile to their faGive your loved ones DIY presents they'll remember with these unique experience gift ideas in Australia, guaranteed to bring a smile to their face. ...

The Best Digital Gift Cards for Craft-Lovers, Cooks and Creatives

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By ClassBento Team

From pottery making to tossing pizza dough, find the ultimate digital experience gift cards for the person in your life that just loves to get handsFrom pottery making to tossing pizza dough, find the ultimate digital experience gift cards for the person in your life that just loves to get hands on with crafts. ...

Best Crafts for Kids to Improve Their Focus

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By Sam Bowden

Searching for kids activities in Melbourne that can help improve their concentration and focus? Here's a good place to start.

Best Eco Friendly Candle Making Kits

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By Sam Bowden

As we all become more aware of the ethics behind the way we consume, candle making kits have a few question marks over it. Here's some essentialAs we all become more aware of the ethics behind the way we consume, candle making kits have a few question marks over it. Here's some essential info to help you choose. ...

Top Ten Experience Gifts for Him

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By John Tabari

Make this the best Christmas ever and surprise the men in your life with the best gifts for him in Sydney, from wine tasting experiences to potteryMake this the best Christmas ever and surprise the men in your life with the best gifts for him in Sydney, from wine tasting experiences to pottery workshops. ...

Learn Acrylic Painting for Beginners and Make a Masterpiece

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By ClassBento Team

Shake up your routine and discover a new hobby with acrylic painting classes in Australia, perfect for birthdays, team building activities, dateShake up your routine and discover a new hobby with acrylic painting classes in Australia, perfect for birthdays, team building activities, date nights and more. ...

Express Your Gratitude with These Thoughtful Gifts for Her

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By ClassBento Team

From cooking workshops to floristry classes, show the special lady in your life just how much you care with these thoughtful gifts for her!

Spark Romance with These Girlfriend-Approved Gifts

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By Jana Lepojevic

We’ve got cute Christmas gifts for girlfriends galore – and with these experiences, you’re bound to get a gold star or two as well!

13 Thoughtful Wedding Gifts for Couples Without a Registry

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By ClassBento Team

Discover thoughtful gift experiences for couples who don’t have a registry and get your favourite duo cooking up a storm, playing with clay orDiscover thoughtful gift experiences for couples who don’t have a registry and get your favourite duo cooking up a storm, playing with clay or getting crafty. ...

Cute Gifts for Your Girlfriend She Can Share with Friends

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By ClassBento Team

While there’s definitely a place for romantic date nights for two, these cute girlfriend gifts for her will win you serious brownie points withWhile there’s definitely a place for romantic date nights for two, these cute girlfriend gifts for her will win you serious brownie points with your special someone. ...

5 Evening Hens Party Ideas to Wrap Up the Perfect Day

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By Annie Symmonds

Spoil the bride-to-be with an unforgettable evening—explore hens' party ideas featuring professional makeup, arty experiences and cocktail shaSpoil the bride-to-be with an unforgettable evening—explore hens' party ideas featuring professional makeup, arty experiences and cocktail shaking! ...

Rejuvenating Birthday Party Ideas for Mum in 2025

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By Annie Symmonds

Spoil Mum on her birthday with rejuvenating birthday party activities that she can to use to reset and celebrate! Perfect birthday party ideas forSpoil Mum on her birthday with rejuvenating birthday party activities that she can to use to reset and celebrate! Perfect birthday party ideas for Mums. ...

Different Ways to Celebrate the Leap Year in 2025

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By Sam Bowden

With February 29 2020 being the first leap year day in four years, celebrate it in style with these fantastic workshops and classes running on FebruaryWith February 29 2020 being the first leap year day in four years, celebrate it in style with these fantastic workshops and classes running on February 29th! ...

Reinvigorate Your Workplace with These Corporate Team Activities

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By Sam Bowden

If you're looking for team building activities in Australia that go beyond the pub drinks try these reinvigorating corporate activities for teamIf you're looking for team building activities in Australia that go beyond the pub drinks try these reinvigorating corporate activities for team building. ...