Arts and crafts aren’t just for little kids. Whether it’s painting a canvas or knitting a blanket, crafting is a great way to learn new skills, keep your mind sharp, and even lower your stress level. It’s also a fun activity you can do with your friends or family. Ready to try something new? Here are three local places and ways to boost your creative spirit.

The Mad Potter

This paint-your-own-pottery studio is located in Lansdowne Shoppes on Tates Creek Road. You start by picking out a piece of pottery — there are more than 300 different styles to choose from — and then you can plan out your custom design using the studio’s pens, markers, tape, stencils, and stamps. There are over 100 colors as well as different brushes and sponges to use when you’re ready to start painting. Once you’re finished, you leave your painted piece behind and they will glaze and fire it for you. Finished pieces are food- and water-safe. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you have more than six people in your party, you’ll need to make a reservation.

Kayla Weber Art

Local artist Kayla Weber Nord offers online painting workshops, so you can channel your inner artist from the comfort of your own apartment. There are three options to choose from: abstract, floral, and globe — or, you can purchase a bundle at a discounted rate. Once you’ve paid for a workshop, you can move at your own pace and retake it as many times as you’d like to perfect your skills. The courses include step-by-step instructions and tips and tricks from Kayla. Materials aren’t included, but, since you’ll be picking out your own paint, you’ll be able to customize a palette that’s perfect for your own space.

Kre8Now Makerspace

Kre8Now Makerspace is a community workshop where you can collaborate with and learn from fellow creators, including local artists, designers, inventors, engineers, and more. When you sign up for a membership, you get 24/7 access to equipment, tools, and supplies, so you can build whatever you want. If you aren’t quite ready to commit, you can check out their events calendar and sign up to take classes. Topics covered in the classes range from welding and drawing to screen printing and laser cutting.