Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
Most Memorable 30th Birthday Ideas in Melbourne for Men
By Sam Bowden
Struggling to find a way to celebrate you or your special someone's 30th? ClassBento has a host of great 30th birthday ideas in Melbourne for menStruggling to find a way to celebrate you or your special someone's 30th? ClassBento has a host of great 30th birthday ideas in Melbourne for men that'll simplify the party planning and make it a birthday to remember! ...
Why a Team Building Barista Course in Melbourne Will Work Wonders
By Sam Bowden
Barista courses are a great team building activity in Melbourne! From grinding to frothing, equip your employees with skills and bonding opportuBarista courses are a great team building activity in Melbourne! From grinding to frothing, equip your employees with skills and bonding opportunities. ...
Best Anniversary Gifts for Men in Australia
By Annie Symmonds
Uncover the best anniversary gift ideas for men in Australia this year and surprise your lover with an unforgettable experience gift.
Best Evening Hens Party Ideas in Melbourne
By Annie Symmonds
Wrap up a perfect hens party with these evening hens party ideas that will see you and your guests ending the night on a high note and fun eveningWrap up a perfect hens party with these evening hens party ideas that will see you and your guests ending the night on a high note and fun evening activities ...
Easy Arts and Crafts Classes to Jumpstart Your Creativity
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Release your inner creativity with these beginner-friendly art classes in Melbourne, from playing with resin art to snapping good photos.
7 of the Best Painting Courses in Melbourne in 2025
By Tiffany Fung
Unleash your creativity with our painting courses in Melbourne! Perfect for beginners or seasoned artists, we offer a welcoming and inspiring atUnleash your creativity with our painting courses in Melbourne! Perfect for beginners or seasoned artists, we offer a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere. ...
7 End of Year Party Ideas for Fun-Seeking Teams
By Annie Symmonds
Looking to celebrate Christmas with your team? Discover some of our amazing Christmas party ideas in Melbourne.
Cocktail Making Ideas for Every Occasion
By Kellie Maloney
Celebrate your next occasion in style with cocktail classes in Melbourne and make delicious concoctions with your friends, colleagues and lovedCelebrate your next occasion in style with cocktail classes in Melbourne and make delicious concoctions with your friends, colleagues and loved ones. ...
Why Pottery Classes in Melbourne Are an Awesome After-work Activity
By Sam Bowden
Pottery classes in Melbourne are here to help you take a break from your screen and tap into your creative side after those long work days!
Smash Your 2025 Instagram Goals by Learning These Photography Tricks
By Sam Bowden
Learn the art of snapping the perfect pic for Instagram at photography courses in Melbourne, guaranteed to help you turn from beginner to pro!
Fun Experience Presents Melbourne Locals Will Love
By Courtenay Turner
From Brunswick to Braeside, discover the best Christmas gift experiences in Melbourne. Give the gift of gin-making, paint and sip or pottery!
Try These Woodworking for Beginners Classes in Melbourne
By Tiffany Fung
Learn new DIY skills at woodworking classes in Melbourne! From there, you can make anything you desire, from a custom office table to your own woodenLearn new DIY skills at woodworking classes in Melbourne! From there, you can make anything you desire, from a custom office table to your own wooden spoon. ...
Best Photography Classes in Melbourne to Improve Your Instagram Feed
By Sam Bowden
Learn how to take better photos to revamp your Instagram feed with these photography courses in Melbourne. Great for smartphone photos and ownersLearn how to take better photos to revamp your Instagram feed with these photography courses in Melbourne. Great for smartphone photos and owners of DSLR cameras. ...
Try Painting Abstract Art at These Melbourne Classes
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover the joy of painting abstract art in Melbourne. Try fun, beginner-friendly workshops and create your own expressive masterpiece.
5 Reasons to Try Sewing Classes in Melbourne
By Tiffany Fung
Kickstart your own DIY journey at sewing classes in Melbourne! Discover why you should try sewing in 2023 and make it a hobby to do with your lovedKickstart your own DIY journey at sewing classes in Melbourne! Discover why you should try sewing in 2023 and make it a hobby to do with your loved ones. ...
Meet Impala and Peacock
By Laine Fullerton
Leading the charge of Melbourne’s specialty tea scene, Impala and Peacock want to show you there’s more to tea than meets the eye.
9 Awesome Gifts for Aunties Who Value Quality Time
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!
30th Birthday Present Ideas for Men in Melbourne
By Sam Bowden
Looking for 30th birthday present ideas for men in Melbourne? We have some ideas to help him forget he's leaving his 20's behind. Think art, craftsLooking for 30th birthday present ideas for men in Melbourne? We have some ideas to help him forget he's leaving his 20's behind. Think art, crafts and BBQ! ...
Why Having Flowers on Your Desk Brings More Happiness
By Natalie Kemp
Make your desk an inspiring space with floristry classes in Melbourne. From simple bunches of daisies to striking natives, learn how to boost yourMake your desk an inspiring space with floristry classes in Melbourne. From simple bunches of daisies to striking natives, learn how to boost your happiness. ...
12 Unique Hens Day Activities in Melbourne
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Throw a daytime hens party to get the festivities started early and spend more time with the gals with these hens party ideas for daytime activiThrow a daytime hens party to get the festivities started early and spend more time with the gals with these hens party ideas for daytime activities ...
Why You Should Try Mobile Classes for Team Building in Melbourne (2025)
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Wondering what to do for your next corporate event? Break the ice and never leave the office with mobile cocktail making classes for team buildingWondering what to do for your next corporate event? Break the ice and never leave the office with mobile cocktail making classes for team building in Melbourne. ...
Meet the Plant Whisperer
By Laine Fullerton
Meet Haylee Magendans, AKA The Plant Whisperer, and discover how plants can help you spark connection.
Relaxing Ways to Spend Special Time with Grandma
By Jana Lepojevic
From sewing to soap making, these crafty things to do with your Grandma are the perfect way to spend time together this Christmas.
Best Healthy Team Building Activities in Melbourne for the Mind, Body and Soul
By Annie Symmonds
Ditch the after-work drinks and discover the best healthy team building activities in Melbourne for the mind, body and soul.
Why Is Melbourne Home to the Best Coffee in Australia
By Sam Bowden
If you’ve ever wondered why everyone is raving about our coffee, head on over to barista courses in Melbourne and uncover its rich history!
Meet Your Local Community at These Paint and Sip Classes in Melbourne
By Grace Smith
Surround yourself with old friends and new ones at these social paint and sip classes in Melbourne and connect with your local community!
Meet Cones Studio
By Laine Fullerton
Cones Studio in Melbourne invites you to dive into pottery, creativity and connection at their vibrant Bentleigh studio.
7 Unique Melbourne Experiences for Travel Lovers
By Tiffany Fung
Ignite your wanderlust with our gift experiences in Melbourne. From Indian cooking to Turkish mosaic lamp making, travel the world without leavingIgnite your wanderlust with our gift experiences in Melbourne. From Indian cooking to Turkish mosaic lamp making, travel the world without leaving the city! ...
Support Local with Fun Experience Gifts for Her in Melbourne
By Tiffany Fung
Treat the special lady in your life to our creative experience gifts for her in Melbourne and let them discover all the city has to offer!
9 Top Hens Party Ideas to Relax the Bride-to-be in 2025
By Kellie Maloney
Wedding planning can be stressful, indulge your bride-to-be with these relaxing hens party ideas in 2025 to help her ease some worries and haveWedding planning can be stressful, indulge your bride-to-be with these relaxing hens party ideas in 2025 to help her ease some worries and have fun! ...
Taste Authentic American BBQ at Cooking Classes in Melbourne
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Try BBQ cooking classes in Melbourne and learn all about the history of American BBQ and how to smoke meats to perfection!
7 Fun Gifts for Your Girlfriend She'll Adore
By Tiffany Fung
Explore unforgettable gifts for her in Melbourne! From creative workshops to sweet adventures, find the perfect surprises for your special someoneExplore unforgettable gifts for her in Melbourne! From creative workshops to sweet adventures, find the perfect surprises for your special someone in 2023. ...
Why Cocktail Classes in Melbourne Are Perfect for Every Event
By Sam Bowden
Fun, social and a little bit boozy, cocktail classes in Melbourne are the perfect, hands-on activity for every occasion!
9 Photographers You Need to Know Before Taking Photography Courses in Melbourne
By Sam Bowden
Photography courses in Melbourne are as popular as ever so let's first learn who are the photographic geniuses who helped make it what it is todPhotography courses in Melbourne are as popular as ever so let's first learn who are the photographic geniuses who helped make it what it is today. ...
Take Cooking Class in Melbourne and Join the Sustainable Food Movement
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Dive into Melbourne cooking classes to learn how to cook mouthwatering dishes, meal plan, reduce your takeaway consumption and shop local.
Last Minute Experience Gifts in Melbourne
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for last minute gift ideas? We’ve rounded up 11 unique experience gifts in Melbourne that will celebrate the people you love the most.
Amazing 30th Birthday Gift Ideas for Women in Melbourne
By Sam Bowden
Celebrate the special woman in your life with these unique 30th birthday present ideas for her! Give a gift worthy of the milestone.
Best Coffee Classes in Melbourne You Need to Know About
By Natalie Kemp
Take a coffee class in Melbourne and you'll be able to master espresso, pour stylish latte art and be the coffee connoisseur you've always dreamedTake a coffee class in Melbourne and you'll be able to master espresso, pour stylish latte art and be the coffee connoisseur you've always dreamed of being! ...
How Much Coffee Should You Be Drinking in 2025 to Have a Successful Year
By Sam Bowden
Learn more about coffee, how much to drink and its benefits with this article. Learn how to make coffee at barista courses in Melbourne.
Get Behind Your Local with Cocktail Making Classes in Melbourne
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Learn how to make cocktails at your local Melbourne spot with cocktail making classes! Shake, muddle and sip your way to a fun evening.
One Year Anniversary Gift Ideas You Can't Miss
By Annie Symmonds
Find inspiration for 1 year anniversary gift ideas in Australia that every couple will love! Get creative, unwind and connect over unique gift eFind inspiration for 1 year anniversary gift ideas in Australia that every couple will love! Get creative, unwind and connect over unique gift experiences. ...
How to Make Team Building Activities in Melbourne a Success
By Sam Bowden
If you're looking for unique team building activities in Melbourne, here's a quick guide on the do's and don'ts for office team events.
Best 50th Birthday Ideas in Melbourne for Her
By Sam Bowden
Celebrate a milestone birthday in style with ClassBento's 50th birthday ideas for her in Melbourne! Give the special lady in your life a birthdayCelebrate a milestone birthday in style with ClassBento's 50th birthday ideas for her in Melbourne! Give the special lady in your life a birthday to remember with our unique workshops and experiences. ...
Why Team Building Cocktail Classes in Melbourne Work So Well
By Sam Bowden
Cocktail classes in Melbourne are the refreshing recipe you need for team building success, where you can have fun and bond with each other outsideCocktail classes in Melbourne are the refreshing recipe you need for team building success, where you can have fun and bond with each other outside the office. ...
Why Barista Courses in Melbourne Are Trending in 2025
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
From brewing at home to sustainable coffee cups, discover why barista courses in Melbourne will be some of the best coffee trends to look out forFrom brewing at home to sustainable coffee cups, discover why barista courses in Melbourne will be some of the best coffee trends to look out for in 2025. ...
Make Your Own T-shirt with Screen Printing
By ClassBento Team
As a teenager in a primary school art class, I had no idea what screen printing was, but from what I could see of the press in front of me, it wasAs a teenager in a primary school art class, I had no idea what screen printing was, but from what I could see of the press in front of me, it was going to be complicated. The contraption had several limbs branching out at different angles like some kind of advanced, spinning robot ready for take-off. The metal base was dripping with ink in various bright colors. “I’m going to use that?” I asked my teacher. She shook her head with a smile, “That’s a little advanced for you. Don’t worry, we’re going to be working with individual screens for now. It’s still a little complicated, but you’ll have fun.” Over the next two weeks, I spent hours designing, cutting, aligning, and squeegee-ing on various types of paper and fabric. There were times when I wanted to pull my hair out and times that I was ecstatic with the outcome, but usually I was just extremely focused on my work. By the time I had completed my first project - a tricolor work that would probably make Andy Warhol cringe - I was hooked on the hobby. I couldn’t wait to show off my freshly-pressed artwork to friends and family. I actually started to make my own t shirts with screen printing!! “Just wait until you learn more about the history,” my art teacher prodded. Indeed, screen printing has an interesting tale to tell. The art form has a surprisingly long history, with Polynesian Island natives producing the first images by seeping ink through banana leaves over 1500 years ago (1). Similar techniques popped up in China and Japan, where they developed in sophistication and skill. At the 1853 World’s Fair, Japanese goods were lauded by European and American artists, who sought to learn and commercialize the art form. Though screen printing wouldn’t show up in Australia until the second World War, other forms of printing have always been a crucial part of the country’s history (2). For instance, a humble little device came over with the first fleet in 1788, though it was incomprehensible to all crew members. Once the newcomers learned how to use the press, printing exploded in the form of newspapers and informative books on exploration of the continent. This type of production was usually relegated to the commercial sector, and wouldn’t become popular as an art form until the 1970’s, as a result of Andy Warhol’s explosive entrance into the art world. As an American artist, Warhol’s most famous works depict American popular culture, such as his iconic renditions of actress Marilyn Monroe in the 1960’s. As a result of his pioneering endeavors, artists all over the world began experimenting with silk screens. The craft became particularly popular in Aboriginal communities, specifically in Bathurst Island and at Gunbalanya, where much of the printmaking took place on fabric instead of the otherwise popular paper (3). Over the next few decades, this style would become an integral piece of Aboriginal fashion design, with artists showcasing their work in art galleries, Parisian fashion venues, and international cultural exhibits. Considering its humble beginnings, screen printing has certainly had an interesting journey. Today, many individuals, with or without an artistic background, are exploring the craft by attending printing classes. In fact, ClassBento offers a class in Marrickville lead by Carizza Teague who studied the art form at the Eastern Sydney Institute of Technology and has been teaching it for seven years. You may be as surprised by a beginner’s class as I was the first time I saw a screen printing press, but there’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy your first experience. Here are a few fundamental aspects to the process that may help you prepare for your first class. First, the materials This type of printing requires a pretty particular set of objects. Most notably, the screen, which is generally a wooden frame fixed with a thin semitransparent film. You will also be provided with a squeegee, emulsion liquid, printing ink, and testing fabric (although you should bring your own fabric for the finished project: think tea towels, tee-shirts, or tote bag.) Your instructor will have a light box to help the emulsion process along quickly. If most of these items seem foreign to you, that’s okay. Your instructor will explain everything! Churning out your work So, all you need is a screen and some ink right? Why all this other stuff? Well, it’s a little more complex than just seeping ink through a film. Carizza’s class uses a photo emulsion method, which requires the following steps: 1. You design a creative graphic. Anything you want! Elegant lettering, your dog, your best friend, the sky’s the limit. 2. You create a transparent version of your beautiful image that will be stripped away after the emulsion process (your teacher will help you with this part.) 3. You prepare for emulsion by fixing your image to a screen, which has been covered with the emulsion liquid. 4. When you expose your screen to light, the emulsion will harden where the liquid is exposed, allowing you to eventually strip away your transparent image. 5. What is left is a kind of stencil through which you can squeeze ink onto fabrics, shirts, and paper products! As a beginner, you will probably be satisfied with sticking to one color for your graphic, creating a minimalist work of art that will astound your friends and family. But, as you advance in your practice, this method can incorporate more and more colors into your work (just remember, each step usually requires a completely new graphic!) In other words, whether you're interested in a novice understanding of screen printing, or you want to take it to the next level, you can be sure that there’s never going to be too little or too much that you can do with your art. You may even advance to larger printing presses! So, don’t be shy! Anyone can make a beautiful graphic using this method, and there’s nothing quite like showcasing your work as part of your daily wardrobe. References: (1) georgerodriguefoundation.org (2) neram.com.au (3) digitalcommons.unl.edu ...
Let Your Creativity Bloom at a Flower Arranging Class in Melbourne
By Tiffany Fung
Discover your creative side at a flower arranging class in Melbourne. Unleash your inner florist and create beautiful arrangements with ease andDiscover your creative side at a flower arranging class in Melbourne. Unleash your inner florist and create beautiful arrangements with ease and confidence. ...
Discover Your Next Hobby at a Woodwork Course in Melbourne
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for a new 2023 hobby? Try our woodworking classes in Melbourne, where you can pick up handy DIY skills and craft your own furniture.
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