Stories

Who Said Women Can't Make Sausages

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By Kellie Maloney

Discover how a sausage maker, a talented threader, a glass smith and a macramè master challenge gender stereotypes in their chosen craft.

Make Your Own DIY Garden Bouquet

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By Kellie Maloney

Surprise your special someone with a heartfelt bouquet using flowers from your very own backyard!

30 Best Local Experiences in Sydney This Month

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By Sam Bowden

With so many things to do in Sydney, here's some of the best local experiences for you to enjoy during this month.

Best DIY Wedding Anniversary Gifts in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Hunting down DIY wedding anniversary gifts for your partner or a couple you know? Sydney is brimming with quirky and unique anniversary gift ideHunting down DIY wedding anniversary gifts for your partner or a couple you know? Sydney is brimming with quirky and unique anniversary gift ideas! ...

30th Birthday Present Ideas in Sydney for the Hard to Buy For

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By Sam Bowden

Ring in a new decade the right way and discover unique 30th birthday present ideas in Sydney that everyone will love, from glassblowing to cocktailRing in a new decade the right way and discover unique 30th birthday present ideas in Sydney that everyone will love, from glassblowing to cocktail making. ...

Learn to Make Japanese Sweets in Sydney

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By ClassBento Team

A typical Japanese bakery will have wagashi. In fact, they won’t just have wagashi. Most likely, they will have many, many types of the bite-sizedA typical Japanese bakery will have wagashi. In fact, they won’t just have wagashi. Most likely, they will have many, many types of the bite-sized sweet Japanese treats. As you peruse your options, it will be difficult to pinpoint just one tantalizing option: there are small, soft green balls, dense, chocolate-like squares, intricately molded hard candies, and more, all delicious and delicate and exciting. Learn how to make them from scratch at Japanese cooking classes in Sydney.    After deliberating for a long time between the wide selection, you may just have to sample more than one. Don’t worry if you don’t find your favourite treat on your first pass. Japanese sweets are available at virtually every Japanese establishment in Australia, including restaurants, department stores, food carts, and convenience stores (1). Make sure that you have an open mind and a cup of green tea with you as you begin your wagashi journey. To understand wagashi, you must first learn the ancient art of tea ceremony.   You’ve probably heard of Japanese Tea Ceremony, a practice that automatically conjures up images of delicate tea sets, the precise and talented movements of a tea master, and the serene greenery of a tea garden. Historians have written a great deal about this highly structured and difficult-to-learn cultural practice, from its introduction to Japan in the 700’s to today’s tea ceremony revival in younger generations. Everyone can agree that tea ceremony holds a special place in Japan’s national identity, invoking pride in citizens and absolute awe in tourists.   What you may not have heard, but will be excited to learn, is that tea ceremony has a sweet secret: Wagashi, or Japanese sweets.   This facet of tea culture deals specifically with the sweet accompaniments to green tea, made up mostly of sweet bean pastes and rice flour. They come in an endless variety of colors, shapes, tastes and textures, and have become a cultural staple in their own right.   Dessert-lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike are anxious to sign up for Japanese confectionery classes, in which students learn the preparation method and serving technique of the tasty morsels. Try making your own sweet treats with ClassBento's friendly and expert teachers, or dive deeper into a workshop that focuses on Japanese arts and culture.   Once you’ve signed up for your beginner’s course, you may want to brush up on your Japanese tea history before your first class. Here are a few key things to remember about this special practice:   •       In the 14th century, tea ceremony was created by Zen Buddhists as a religious practice emphasizing the four integral notions of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility (2). Because of this, tea ceremony is a fundamentally spiritual practice and has retained sacred status for seven centuries. •       The most important name associated with tea ceremony is Sen Rikyu (3), a tea master who set the standard for tea ceremony by codifying the entire process, from the technical process, to the utensils, to the setting. He is credited with developing the notions of wabi (a commitment to simple, everyday living) and sabi (an aesthetic tendency towards the old and worn.) The overall intention is to find beauty in ordinary objects. •       Tea masters dedicate their entire lives to perfecting their craft, and a full tea ceremony can last up for four hours, with multiple renditions of green tea, a meal, sake tasting, and wagashi (4).   Now that you have a foundational knowledge of the main show, let’s pivot to one of the key players of the ceremony: wagashi.   Wagashi can be broken down into three separate categories - togashi, tenjin and nanban-gashi - each with its own taste and cultural history(5).   •       Togashi is the rarest form of Japanese confectionery and is made from the kneading of wheat flour or bean paste into various shapes. It is then deep-fried and has a long tradition of being served at aristocratic banquets. •       Tenjin is the type most closely associated with tea ceremony as it was introduced with by the zen buddhists who popularized the custom. It is characterized by jellied and bun-like sweets, although traditional versions were more savory than sweet. •       Nanban-gashi was radically different from other forms of wagashi when it was introduced by Portuguese immigrants in 1543. Unlike its savory relatives, this unique form utilized sweet ingredients and eggs, which were previously uncommon on the islands.   If such distinctions are not enough, wagashi gets more complicated - and more exciting! For, the creation of Japanese sweets are not simply shaping sweetened bean paste into random shapes. Instead, each wagashi creates a balance of the senses which enhances its role as part of the Zen Buddhist’s tea ceremony(6):   •       Sight - each wagashi is perfectly crafted to be aesthetically pleasing and thought provoking •       Taste - wagashi is a showcase of its natural ingredients, allowing the person tasting the treat to admire traditional Japanese crops such as beans and grains •       Texture – the sweets come in a vast variety of textures, from soft to crispy to light to dense •       Scent - a key aspect is subtlety - in fragrance, especially. Each morsel compliments the other scents of the ceremony, like the all-important green tea •       Sound - wagashi invoke an auditory response as a result of its unique and significant labels. Many refer to natural elements or traditional poetic works   When sifting through all of the information, you may feel a little bit overwhelmed. This is normal; tea ceremony and Japanese sweets boast of long and meaningful histories that are difficult for foreigners to understand.   But wagashi can be a beautiful and accessible hobby, in which students learn about and gain an appreciation for an incredibly complex culture while also exploring the creative process of wagashi-making.   As a student of wagashi, you can benefit just by learning the basics, or you can fully lean into the practice, tapping into an extensive and well-established tradition of sweet-making. Learn about the amazing health benefits of matcha here.  References:   (1)  japan-guide.com (2)  mightyleaf.com (3)  britannica.com (4)  shibuiswords.com (5)  kikkoman.com (6)  toraya-group.co.jp ...

How to Keep Your Brain Young

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By Courtenay Turner

We unpack the simple lifestyle changes you can make in your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond to keep your brain sharp and your mind malleable.

Why It's Best to Learn Painting from a Pro

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By ClassBento Team

If you've always wanted to learn how to paint, there's no better way to learn than by enlisting the help of a professional at painting classes inIf you've always wanted to learn how to paint, there's no better way to learn than by enlisting the help of a professional at painting classes in Australia. ...

Simple Self-Care Ideas to Support Your Mum's Wellbeing

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By ClassBento Team

Know a Mum who could do with some spoiling this Mother's Day? Our Mother's Day gift ideas are perfect for those Mums who need some pampering!

7 Fail-proof Gift Ideas for Mum Under $150

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By Jana Lepojevic

Show Mum you care and protect your wallet with these thoughtful gift experiences for mum that are under $150.

Fabulous Hens Party Ideas Every Bride Will Love (2025)

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By Annie Symmonds

Find the perfect hens party ideas for any type of bride! From pottery workshops to cocktail classes, there are so many fun hens activities aroundFind the perfect hens party ideas for any type of bride! From pottery workshops to cocktail classes, there are so many fun hens activities around Australia. ...

How to Be More Effective with Mental Health in the Workplace

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By Sam Bowden

Boost mental wellbeing and create a good office culture with these team building activities in Sydney, the perfect way to improve the vibe in yourBoost mental wellbeing and create a good office culture with these team building activities in Sydney, the perfect way to improve the vibe in your workplace! ...

The Best Flower Arranging Gift Experiences for Mum

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By Jana Lepojevic

Get creative with your gifts for Mum this Christmas 2023 and treat her to a nourishing floristry class, designed to boost her mood and encourageGet creative with your gifts for Mum this Christmas 2023 and treat her to a nourishing floristry class, designed to boost her mood and encourage relaxation. ...

At the End of This Quiz You'll Know Exactly What to Gift Your Partner

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By Laine Fullerton

Searching for gifts for couples? Take our quiz to unlock meaningful experiences, from crafting to cooking, designed for quality time together!

Why Wheel Throwing Is the New Meditation

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By ClassBento Team

Join pottery classes in Australia at your local ceramic studio to unwind away worries, have fun and learn to relax in a soothing and encouragingJoin pottery classes in Australia at your local ceramic studio to unwind away worries, have fun and learn to relax in a soothing and encouraging space. ...

7 Special Experiences for Couples Craving Quality Time

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By ClassBento Team

Whether you’re long-time partners or newly smitten, these experience gifts in Australia promise unforgettable ways to connect and make memoriesWhether you’re long-time partners or newly smitten, these experience gifts in Australia promise unforgettable ways to connect and make memories together. ...

Best DIY Pottery Kits 2025

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By Sam Bowden

You don't need a studio to master pottery! With these incredibly crafty DIY pottery kits, you can play with clay your own home!

How Japanese Calligraphy Helps You Get Your Focus Back

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By ClassBento Team

Discover more about the age-old art of shodo, Japan's traditional calligraphy practice, and learn to put pen to paper!

Craft Ideas for Adults to Improve Mental Wellbeing

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By Jana Lepojevic

Need a creative outlet that’s good for the soul? Dive into these mental-health boosting craft ideas and discover how crafting can be your new go-toNeed a creative outlet that’s good for the soul? Dive into these mental-health boosting craft ideas and discover how crafting can be your new go-to for relaxation! ...

Amazing Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Celebrate every relationship milestone with a different workshop or couples activities in Sydney with these anniversary gift ideas by year.

Hens Party Ideas in Sydney for Every Type of Bride

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By Susana Aguilera

From cocktail making classes to flower crown workshops, here are 13 hens party workshops in Sydney that will make your bachelorette party one toFrom cocktail making classes to flower crown workshops, here are 13 hens party workshops in Sydney that will make your bachelorette party one to remember. ...

Knife Painting Is Just Like Decorating a Cake

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By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

Discover this fun medium at painting classes in Sydney and create a textured art masterpiece!

5 Ways to Save Money and Keep Living Your Best Life

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By Kellie Maloney

With these DIY secrets from Aussie small business owners, you’ll feel empowered, discover new ways to save money and change your life for theWith these DIY secrets from Aussie small business owners, you’ll feel empowered, discover new ways to save money and change your life for the better. ...

Stepping Out to Fight Dementia

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By Kellie Maloney

On May 22nd 2022, the ClassBento team stepped up to beat dementia at the Sydney Memory Walk And Jog.

Tried-And-Tested Gift Ideas for Mums Without a Wishlist

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By ClassBento Team

Struggling to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift for a mum without a wishlist? Explore our curated selection of thoughtful gift ideas for Mum!

Holiday Favourites: Jane Gauger, Content Writer

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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!

Grown-up Gifts for Adult Daughters

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By ClassBento Team

Searching for gifts for daughters that you can enjoy together? From rejuvenating flower arranging classes to a relaxing pottery course, we have youSearching for gifts for daughters that you can enjoy together? From rejuvenating flower arranging classes to a relaxing pottery course, we have you covered. ...

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! ...

5 Sydney Experiences That Will Lift Your Mood

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By Sam Bowden

Looking for Sydney experiences that will lift your spirits? From glassblowing to ramen-making, here are five cozy activities to do this weekend!

Best Photography Classes in Sydney for Those Looking to Sharpen Their Eye

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By Sam Bowden

Continue growing your skills at photography courses in Sydney and gain confidence with your DSLR camera!

Unforgettable 40th Birthday Present Ideas in Sydney They'll Love

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By Natalie Kemp

Spoil her with these 40th birthday present ideas in Sydney, from cocktail making to wheel throwing. Guaranteed to help her launch into her fortiesSpoil her with these 40th birthday present ideas in Sydney, from cocktail making to wheel throwing. Guaranteed to help her launch into her forties with a bang! ...

Last Minute Experience Gifts for Sydneysiders

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By ClassBento Team

Spoil your special someone this Christmas with these unforgettable experience gifts in Sydney, from cocktail classes to DIY terrarium workshops andSpoil your special someone this Christmas with these unforgettable experience gifts in Sydney, from cocktail classes to DIY terrarium workshops and much more! ...

Personalised Gifts for Her in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Trying to find romantic gifts for her in Sydney? Here are some of the best experience gifts to spoil your special lady in 2023.

Unique Gifts You Can Make Yourself in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Personalise your presents in 2023 with these DIY gift experiences in Sydney. From handmade candles to enjoying paint and sip together, there's somethingPersonalise your presents in 2023 with these DIY gift experiences in Sydney. From handmade candles to enjoying paint and sip together, there's something for all. ...

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. ...

Help the Planet with Our Eco Friendly Gift Ideas in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Hunting down eco friendly gift ideas in Sydney shouldn't be difficult. ClassBento is here to offer you a few tips, tricks and suggestions to makeHunting down eco friendly gift ideas in Sydney shouldn't be difficult. ClassBento is here to offer you a few tips, tricks and suggestions to make your birthday as environmentally friendly as possible! ...