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New Year, New Hobby: 8 Creative Classes in Kitsap
Now is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby. Or, use that new year energy to dig deeper into a current interest. Kitsap County is full of many creative classes. So, we’ve compiled a list of ideas to get you started. These classes will get your creative juices flowing and kick off the new year in a fun way.
BARN on Bainbridge Island
A staple of the arts community on Bainbridge Island, BARN (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network), continues to offer a plethora of courses in 2024. They are currently home to 10 different studios. If you’re interested in podcasting, stop by. If you’re interested in the kitchen arts or fiber and glass arts, there’s something here for you. Woodworkers, metal workers, boat builders, writers, and even printers can all find something in this space in 2024. In fact, BARN focuses on mentorship and apprenticeship. Any experience level is welcome.
Creative Warrior Studio in Silverdale
This studio has three different options for those looking to get creative with glass projects. They offer open studio times five days a week and guided classes throughout the month. Or, you can rent out the studio for a private event. And, on Friday, January 12th, the studio is hosting a Jammin’ with Jellies class. After that, on January 19th the studio will guide creative minds in making a Winter Aspens Panel. Check their website for more events throughout 2024.
Heart 2 Heart Knitting and Fiber Arts in Poulsbo
What’s cozier than a hand-knit hat, scarf, or sweater? A circle of friends to make those items together. The Heart 2 Heart Knitting and Fiber Arts store in Poulsbo offers newbies an hour with one of their teachers. Beginners will learn how to knit or crochet. In addition, every Tuesday and Thursday they host an open craft time. Anyone can come in, meet new people, chat, and knit or crochet together. Check out their monthly newsletter and keep an eye on their calendar for upcoming events.
Kitsap Art Center in Silverdale
The Kitsap Art Center provides art classes for children and adults. They offer courses such as drawing with various media, self-portraits, and watercolor techniques. They host everything from teen nights to summer camps to adult art sessions. Furthermore, younger students can enjoy classes that meet weekly throughout the school year. These classes offer the chance to try your hand at something new or encourage kids to do so.
Kitsap Photography Guild in Silverdale
The Kitsap Photography Guild offers a wide variety of activities and meetings for club members. All are welcome to join. Member experience levels range from newcomers to retired professionals. Club members can attend monthly meetings in Silverdale. Additionally, they offer workshops, photo walks, and critique sessions. Also, the guild holds competitions and exhibitions. And, fun fact: they are members of the Photographic Society of America. For more information, you can sign up for a guest membership account or jump right in with the membership form.
Master Gardener Foundation in Bremerton
A non-profit organization, the Master Gardener Foundation of Kitsap County is dedicated to promoting a love of gardening and stewardship in the community. They host learning garden events and clinics. And, gardeners can submit questions to a master gardener for advice. If you would like to become a master gardener, the Washington State University Extension program begins taking applications in October for courses the following January.
Port Orchard Dance in Port Orchard
Recently nominated as one of the “Best Dance Studios” and “Best Places to Dance” in 2023 in Kitsap County, Port Orchard Dance is swinging into 2024 in full force. For beginners, their January line-up of classes offers many options. You can learn the fox trot, salsa, and East Coast swing. They also host open dance parties. Whether it’s your first time dancing or you’re an experienced pro, this studio is sure to have an exciting way to get moving.
Ted Brown Music in Silverdale
One of six locations throughout Washington, Ted Brown Music in Silverdale is perfect for those who are musically inclined. They offer instrument rentals, repairs, products, and private lessons. The studio offers everything from voice lessons to guitar and tuba lessons. Do you have a piano taking up space that needs dusting off? Have you always wanted to learn to play the drums? Whatever it is, Ted Brown Music in Silverdale is a great spot to start (or restart) your musical journey.
There are so many interesting activities and fun things to do in our area. If you’re new to our community, check out our free digital Guide to Kitsap County. Wherever this year takes you, we hope you’re able to pursue whatever inspires and fulfills you.
Garden Like a Pro This Spring with These Tips
We don’t know about you, but we’re ready for sunshine, blossoms, and beautiful gardens! Whether you’re new to gardening or have quite the green thumb, here are some tips to set you and your garden up for success this spring.
1. Soil is Everything
“Some gardeners do not say that they garden, but rather that they work the soil. This reveals an understanding that good soil conditions are essential to support productive plant growth,” says Dr. Lois Berg Stack from the University of Maine. Properly managing soil leads to crop productivity. So, make sure you prepare the soil before you plant. Improve its condition and drainage with compost and organic matter.
To say that rich soil has a life of its own is not an exaggeration. It has its own micro-organism activity (such as earthworms) that breaks down matter to release needed nutrients. Enriching soil with organic matter ensures that it can retain nutrients and moisture while still draining well. Your soil’s structure should be easy to dig, crumbly, and loose enough to provide oxygen for your plants’ roots. When it comes to using fertilizer, use an organic one that adds nitrogen, phosphate, and potash (potassium that plants can use). Here’s more info on how to prepare your soil.
2. Mulch Helps You and Your Garden
Adding a layer of mulch to your garden reduces watering needs, weeding, and it protects the soil. Be sure to lay a thick enough cover of at least two inches. There are different types of mulch you can use. Hardwood bark mulch decomposes into rich, black dirt and has a sweet scent. Alternatively, straw can be used in vegetable gardens and around strawberry plants. It can also help keep mud off of your edible plants. If you decide to go with straw, be sure that it’s free of weed seeds or it can make more weeds grow around your crops.
3. Make Time to Deadhead This Spring
If you have spring-blooming bulbs like hyacinths and daffodils, spend a few minutes deadheading spent flowers. By doing so, the plants send energy to the bulbs instead of into making seeds. Resist the urge to cut the foliage until it turns brown. The leaves store nutrients, which those flowers will need in order to bloom next year.
4. Watch Out For Garden Pests
Thanks to our rainy climate, slugs and snails are common Pacific Northwest garden pests. So, invest in some slug bait. If you’re new to gardening, it’s important to be aware there are many beneficial insects too such as centipedes, millipedes, and ladybugs.
5. Plant According to What Grows Well in Zone 8b
If you’re new to gardening, it’s important to pay attention to the optimal zones listed on a plant or seed package’s label. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re in Zone 8b, so be sure to plant a garden full of zone 8b loving flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
Not sure what to plant? Here are some ideas:
- Attract bees and hummingbirds with colorful flowering plants like pansies, petunias, phlox, daylilies, and hardy geraniums. Zone 8 plants that grow best in partial or full shade include bleeding hearts, foxglove, and coral bells (also known as Heucheras).
- Looking for ground cover plants that do well in our climate? Some nice options include hostas, creeping juniper, and English ivy.
- If you’d like to have an herb garden, consider planting lavender, rosemary, oregano, parsley, sage, and mint. However, mint can be invasive, so we suggest using a container.
- Some great early spring and early summer ideas for your vegetable garden include spinach, kale, chard, lettuce, carrots, cauliflower, squash, and strawberries.
6. Consult Your Local Nursery
If you have gardening questions, utilize our local experts. Visit a local nursery! We’re lucky to live in a place with many helpful locals who have years of experience, including the staff at Vallery Nursery in Poulsbo, Bainbridge Gardens, and Bremerton City Nursery.
