It’s been weeks of self quarantine now and after all the organizing, cleaning, and yard work is done, you’re probably looking for at home activities that will take your mind off the outside world (and perhaps give you a sense of calm).
We’ve put together a handful of things that will not only keep the whole family entertained, but support local artisans and business owners around Austin.
At Home Activities That Support Local Austin Businesses
Austin Couch Potato – Sew at Home Volunteering
Austin’s Couch Potato has stopped all furniture production at their three locations and shifted their focus to giving back to the those on the front line of COVID-19. Using fabric they have for pillow-casing shells, the ACP team has started cutting and sewing masks. Over the weekend, they were able to crank out hundreds with Austin Disaster Relief Network to get the supplies to those in need. With a goal of 3,500 masks a day, ACP could use your help! If you have access to a functional sewing machine with thread, sign up here to volunteer and pickup your At Home Sewing Mask Kit. The goal is for each volunteer to sew 50 masks at home, and ACP will arrange for a pickup and sanitation once complete.
Antonelli’s Cheese Shop – Live Cheese Tastings
4220 Duval Street
If you have not had Antonelli’s cheese yet, now is absolutely the time. While it’s not scientifically proven or backed, cheese will lift spirits and generally make you feel awesome. Antonelli’s Facebook Live Cheese Tastings are designed to enjoy the fun of their normal cheese classes, but from the comfort of your home. First, get your cheese for the class delivered to your door or pickup curbside at their cheese shop in North Austin. Then, tune in during the scheduled class time on Facebook . It’s that easy! Classes are about an hour and wine or bubbles is encouraged. Choose from class topics like Jam & Cheese, A Celebration of French Cheese, or Behind the Scenes at Your Favorite Cheese Producers.
Atown – Coloring Books
5502 Burnet Road
Atown opened its doors in North Austin and focuses on selling local, hand-selected, unique goods. It’s Austin-themed and definitely keeps things weird. If you’re in need of an eclectic coloring book, Atown as you covered. Shop their collection of Becca Borrelli illustrated coloring books online for curbside pickup. Color Austin landmarks, musicians, and more.
Bead It – Jewelry Making Kits
Austinite, Ashley, opened up Bead It in 2002 in an old home from the 1930’s. She teaches classes, host parties, fix and restore broken jewlery, create custom pieces, and are an overall unique bead store. While Ashley has closed the doors of her shop, she’s selling kits online that ship directly to you. Each kit comes with everything you need to create your next accessories — beads, string, glue, wire, etc. Once you’ve received your kit, hop onto Bead It’s website for instructions.
Brush Strokes Pottery – Painting at Home
Specializing as a completely mobile paint your own pottery studio, owner Courtney has started offering FREE online coloring workshops for kids. She’ll guide your kids step by step using art supplies you have at home to create a beautiful watercolor design. All workshops have a Zoom meeting login that will be emailed to you, including the artwork and instructions on how to download. Or, if you and your family want to paint your own pottery at home, Brush Strokes Pottery has DIY Paint Your Own Pottery To Go Kits available online. Choose from paint or makers to go with your canvas, tile, or animal figurines. All kits will be mailed straight to your home!
CRAFT – Virtual Workshops
This is Austin’s creative hub for all things DIY crafting, workshops, and events. When owner Eli Winkelman opened CRAFT’s doors in 2013, she wants a place where anyone could make a mess and create something amazing, with a little guidance, of course. Since all of CRAFT’s workshops are hosting in their studio, they’ve switched to virtual workshops. Some workshops are free, some require registering to limit the class size. To register for a class, like this week’s DIY Screenprinting at Home, you reserve your spot, pay, and the folks at CRAFT will get everything to your doorstep so you can follow along and print successfully! After social distancing is done, you can return the supplies to the studio for a crafting credit. For the free classes, there’s a suggested donation and no reservation needed. Classes are live streamed via Instagram. Classes are not recommended for children.
Hayley’s Cakes and Cookies – Cookie Decorating Kits
This bakery designs adorable cookies and makes sweet treats for any occasion since 2013. Hayley has 2 locations in Austin and can put just about any artwork on a cookie — Check out their Instagram for addicting decorating videos. Right now on their website, you can purchase a cookie decorating kit that includes pre-made cookies, icing bags, and sprinkles. Delivery is free for the Austin-area and will arrive the following day. If you’re ordering cookies, you might as well add a couple other confectionary treats to the order as well, like fresh bread, cheesecake bars, or cinnamon rolls. Your kids can decorate cookies while you munch on delicious treats.
Toast + Timber – Virtual Workshops and DIY Kits
3200 Greenlawn Boulevard, Round Rock
This DIY creative workshop is a paint and sip style studio that features guided classes to sand, stain, and paint fun and unique projects out of wood. The 2 sister-in-laws started the idea in their garage in 2018 and decided to open up a brick and mortar in Round Rock. Working with local breweries and distilleries in Austin, they host classes while you sip on a local brew or cocktail. Now, the DIY queens are offering at-home workshop kits for pickup or delivery. Simply choose your project, book your online class and order your DIY kit, then watch the guided tutorial! All workshop links are emailed to you and tools are included (except your super basic home tools). There’s tons of different themes to choose from like holidays, inspirational, animals lovers, and an entire section just for kids and crafting!
Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery – Cookie Decorating Kits
411 East 43rd Street
Take home a summer themed cookie decorating kit for the entire family from Quack’s! This Austin bakery is keeping their north location open for to go orders and curbside pickup. Each cookie kit includes undecorated shortbread cookies, icing bags, sprinkles, and chocolate chips. Orders can be placed over the phone or picked up at the bakery. Pro tip: pickup a kit after 6:30 p.m. That’s when all of their delicious breakfast pastries are buy one get one.
Looking for more at home activities? Check out This Massive List Of Indoor Fun Is All You Need To Entertain Your Family.
