“Let’s go cafe-hopping in JB!” Sorry, but we might have to ghost you. We love a good croffle as much as the next person, but there’s only so much caffeine and sugar our bodies can take.
If you’re anything like us and want to actually do something different on your next trip, sign up for a craft workshop in JB instead. It’s a fun way to get those creative juices flowing, and you’ll also get to bring home a keepsake that doesn’t vanish in 3 bites.
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Cutting glass sounds dangerous, but at c.candleculture, you’ll still get that dreamy stained glass look without having to wield any sharp tools. Instead, you’ll piece together colourful pre-cut glass bits using stencils with adorable designs to guide you.
Pick from 4 DIY items – a doorbell decoration, suncatcher, table clock, or wall mirror. Smaller pieces like the doorbell decor and suncatcher go for RM150 (~S$45.32), while the clock and mirror are priced at RM190 (~S$57.40). The latter will take slightly longer to finish, with workshops running up to 3 hours. But the time and effort put in are totally worth it for a unique home decor piece you made yourself.
c.candleculture also runs workshops for candle-making, DIY perfume, and even Moru dolls.
Drop a message on c.candleculture’s Instagram to book your spot.
You’ve heard of Build-A-Bear, now meet her cuter, more fashionable cousin from Korea – the Moru doll. This adorable, furry handmade doll is known for its customisable outfits and accessories, which you’ll get to play around with at this hands-on workshop by Work in Progress Studio.
For RM88 (~S$26.59), you’ll get a doll plus 10 tokens to exchange for mix-and-match accessories like headbands and hair clips. You even get to choose your doll’s eyes, nose, and clothes, so no 2 dolls will ever be the same.
Image credit: @workinprogress.studio via Instagram
The whole workshop takes about 1.5 hours, and it’s located in Eco Palladium – a mini playground in itself with a head spa, photo booth, and even an escape room nearby. You could easily make this part of your JB itinerary.
Book the Moru doll bag charm workshop.
You’ll get to create your very own rug with an actual tufting gun at Tufting Nuts, located in the Mount Austin area. No problem even if you’ve got no experience – start by sketching your design on monk’s cloth, then picking out your fave yarn colours before your arm workout.
The workshop gives you 3 hours to complete your piece, but time will surely fly when you’re in your creative zone.
A 50cm x 50cm rug is originally priced at RM269 (~S$81.27) but use the promo code <TUFTWITHYOU> to enjoy it at just RM199 (~S$60.12) – as long as you’re booking with at least 1 other person.
Note that you won’t be able to bring your rug home straight away. The staff needs time to shave it down and add a backing, so you’ll get to collect it in 3 to 4 weeks – pretty much an excuse to plan another JB trip, TBH.
Book the rug tufting workshop.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just want to twin with your bestie, this DIY sterling silver ring workshop by Chuno Studio is as wholesome as it gets. You’ll get to craft your own rings from scratch, with full guidance provided, so no worries even if it’s your first time handling tools.
The 2-hour session is priced at RM169 (~S$51.06) for 1 pax or RM299 (~S$90.33) for 2 pax, and you’ll even get to engrave your rings with names or dates. There’s also a little sentimental twist: write a letter to yourself or a loved one, which can only be opened 1 year later.
And to top it off, you’ll get a free Polaroid photo to remember the moment.
Drop a message on Chuno Studio’s Instagram to book your spot.
Here’s a last-minute activity to squeeze in before heading back to SG: pressed flower workshop by Senso Art Gallery Cafe, which is located just a 5-minute drive from the JB checkpoint.
Turn delicate blooms into keychains, coasters, phone cases, and more, all while chilling in a cafe with a drink in hand. Workshops are priced at RM30 to RM70 (~S$9.06-S$21.15) depending on what you choose to make, and each session takes just 20 to 30 minutes. Quick enough not to miss your bus, but still meaningful enough to bring home a handmade souvenir.
This is the perfect low-effort, high-reward way to end your JB trip.
Book the pressed flower workshop.
Don’t have a green thumb but want to try your hand at keeping a plant alive? Naug Just Plants’ terrarium workshop is a great place to start. You’ll get to build your own miniature garden using soil, stones, moss, and little succulents that don’t require major upkeep. This means you’ll only have to water it every few weeks, and there’s no plant-parent guilt involved.
Workshops start from RM75 (~S$22.68) for a 12.5cm x 6.5cm terrarium, and take about 30 to 60 minutes. It’s beginner-friendly and even kids as young as 4 can join in.
The workshop is held at 2 locations: one at Jalan Tan Hiok Nee near the checkpoint and another at Southkey, close to the Mid Valley Southkey mall.
Book the terrarium workshop.
Now that we’ve got adult money, we can finally live out our childhood dreams at this DIY plush toy workshop by Fun Factory Toys Shop. Or bring along an actual child if you need an excuse.
Each plushie starts from RM58 (~S$17.54), and you’ll get to stuff it to your ideal level of squishiness – ultra soft or firm and huggable, you decide. You can even deck it out in clothes starting from RM39 (~S$11.80), and throw in accessories like a heartbeat or voice recording to make it extra special.
Walk-ins are welcome, so head down for some parent-child bonding.
Spinning Lab’s pendulum art jamming workshop puts a literal spin on the usual painting sesh – you’ll be using a swinging paint-filled pendulum to create swirly, abstract designs on canvas without any art skills required.
It’s as therapeutic as it sounds: release the pendulum from different angles, watch it glide across the canvas, and let gravity do the work. For RM109/pax (~S$32.97), you’ll get an A3 canvas, 5 bottles of coloured paint, and access to everything you need, including aprons, brushes, pendulums, and more.
Gather your friends for this too – go in a group of 4 and it’s RM349 (~S$105.55) in total, which works out to just RM87/pax (~S$26.31). Choose to come back another day to collect your artwork, or opt for delivery to Singapore from RM60 (~S$18.15).
Book the pendulum art jamming workshop.
At this cake decorating workshop by Eggciting Cake, you’ll get to design your own custom cake without the stress of baking. All you need to do is choose your flavour, then go wild with buttercream.
Prices start from RM49 (~S$14.82) for a 4-inch cake, and you can pick your sponge base from original, chocolate, or matcha flavours. Buttercream and basic tools will be provided, and the staff will guide you through the essentials like piping and smoothing out the cream.
Add on fillings like oolong tea, grape, or Oreo from just RM5 (~S$1.51) per layer if you’d like.
Image credit: v l via Google Maps
Or, level up your skills by opting for a decorating class where there are 2 tiers: a free tier and a paid tier. For instance, add on RM80 (~S$24.20) to learn how to create a vintage cake design with 1-on-1 mentorship from an instructor.
Drop a message on Eggciting Cake’s Instagram to book your spot.
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at leathercraft without committing to a full wallet or belt, this hands-on leather workshop by Hey Découpage! is a good place to start. You’ll learn how to craft your own leather goods, such as 2 cable ties at S$28.99 or a coin pouch at S$42.45 that’s both practical and handmade by you.
Image credit: @heydecoupage via Instagram
The workshop is fully guided, so even if you’ve never touched a leather tool in your life, the instructor will walk you through everything step by step. All materials and tools are also provided, and you’ll get to bring home your finished piece at the end of the session.
Set aside about 2 hours if you’re planning on making the coin pouch.
Book the leather goods workshop.
Image credit: @muzz_my via Instagram
Painting on canvas is fun, but painting on toast is definitely an art form we’d love to get behind, especially when you can eat your masterpiece after. You’ll get to do all these at Slow Day Cafe, a cafe known for its matcha drinks and desserts.
For just S$13.65, you’ll be given a fluffy slice of in-house toast, up to 8 coloured creams, and tools like a butter knife and mixing plate to bring your vision to life. A complimentary coffee or tea is also included.
Book the toast painting workshop.
This pottery workshop by Good Times DIY at Toppen Shopping Centre lets you get behind the pottery wheel and craft your own cups, bowls, or plates, even with no experience.
The 1-hour session costs S$42.45 – you’ll make 2 pieces, which will be glazed with a classic transparent finish to show off that raw, earthy clay. Go for the 3-piece option at S$59.09 and you’ll get to choose your glaze colour.
Image credit: Klook
Heads up: your pottery babies will need 2 to 3 months to be glazed and fired, but you’ll get notified via SMS or email when they’re ready for collection. A whole quarter of a year is a great reason to plan another trip to JB, and maybe even try out another activity from this list while you’re at it.
Book the pottery workshop.
Instead of just filling your car boot or overnight bag with snacks, sign up for workshops in JB and leave with something you actually made. We’re confident it’s way more meaningful and guaranteed to last longer than a croffle.
More fun things to do across the Causeway:
Cover image adapted from: @muzz_my, @heydecoupage & @big_lei123 via Instagram
A portion of this content may contain referral links where The Smart Local may collect a commission. Our opinions remain our own.
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