Get Crafty With Fun Ways to Support Your Community

Looking for a creative way to support your local community? Get crafty and shop nearby. 

Michigan Retailers Association launched the Buy Nearby in 2013, encouraging shoppers to keep their dollars local, and what better way than by exploring hands-on experiences offered by local businesses?

Take a Class and Gain New Skills

Taking a class at a locally-owned shop or studio not only helps you develop a new skill but also strengthens the businesses that make your community unique. Many art studios offer painting workshops where you can create your own masterpiece while supporting local artists and instructors. Cooking classes hosted by neighborhood bakeries, cafés, or culinary schools allow you to sharpen your skills while helping small businesses thrive.

Jewelry-making classes are another fun way to shop local. Many local boutiques and craft stores offer workshops where you can design and create your own accessories while supporting Michigan artisans. If you’re interested in hands-on projects, consider a pottery or sewing class. Many independent craft stores offer beginner-friendly sessions that help you learn while contributing to the local economy.

Class Ideas to Try: 

• Painting
• Pottery
• Stained Glass
• Jewelry Making
• Photography
• Woodworking
• Gardening
• Sewing
• Cooking
• Baking

By choosing experiences like these, you’re doing more than just learning something new, you’re investing in your community. When you support local businesses, you help them grow, create jobs, and keep Michigan’s economy strong. So, grab a friend and get creative the Buy Nearby way.