DIY in Shanghai: Ideas for Unleashing Your Creativity

DIY in Shanghai: Ideas for Unleashing Your Creativity
By Andrea Scarlatelli , eChinacities.com

Shanghai is a do-it-yourself kind of city. Whether you come here to start your own business or just start a new life, Shanghai provides plenty of opportunities to do it your way. This ambitious attitude even extends to playtime, where lovers of everything from food, jewelry, art, and general handicrafts can find a DIY haven to call home. Below is a rundown of some of the best places to discover (or rediscover) your creative genius.

Jewelry

1) Yves Lemay JewelryView In Map

This famous jeweler offers classes for those who want to both look and touch. Its general workshop will teach you about selecting the perfect stone for your pieces, general jewelry design, and how to use those adorably cute but oh-so-mystifying jewelry tools. They also offer classes where you can apply everything you’ve just learned to create your own one of a kind piece. Workshop times vary, so contact the store directly to set up an appointment.

Add: 888 Xinzha Lu, near Shimen Er Lu, Shanghai
地址: 上海市新闸路路888号近石门二路
Tel: 021 137 7443 6146
Website: http://www.ylemay.com/

2) SilvermakerView In Map

What this jewelry store lacks in size it makes up for in do-it-yourself attitude. With plenty of funky rings and pendants on display for your inspiration, it is a great place to tap in to your inner fashionista. Select your own stones and settings to create a look that is pretty much immune to copycats.

Add: 2/F, Metro Line 3, Zhongshan Gongyuan Station, near Zhongshan Park
地址: 上海市地铁三号线中山公园站2楼商城5号店近中山公园站
Tel: 021 6216 7084
Opening hours: 08:00-22:00

Handicrafts

1) Animal Factory (branch)View In Map

As a place to make your own stuffed animals, Animal Factory markets itself as a place for kids. Don’t let that deter you, however, as stuffing your own animal can be fun for anyone. They have over forty different types of animals to choose from, and even more choices when it comes to outfits for these adorable critters. Like the popular Build-a-Bear workshops found worldwide, you get to make all the decisions about your stuffed animal, including the stuffing itself. Prices depend on the animal, outfit, and accessories you choose. It’s a great gift idea for the child in your life, although after making one you may just decide to keep it for yourself!

Add: No. 3-15, Lane 210 Taikang Lu, near Sinan Lu, Shanghai
地址: 上海市泰康路210弄3-15号近思南路
Tel: 021 6466 8296

2) Ru-Wa StudioView In Map

Ru-Wa Studio is for those who want a chance to make their own traditional-style Chinese crafts. They have kits for bamboo kites, cloth tigers, rabbit lamps, and other knick-knacks for your home or to give as gifts. It’s a unique glimpse into Chinese tradition and a great way to spend an afternoon.

Add: No. 81, Jing'An Villa, Lane 1025 Nanjing Xi Lu,near Maoming Bei Lu, Shanghai
地址: 上海市南京西路1025弄静安别墅81号近茂名北路
Tel: 021 6218 5859
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 12:00-20:00

3) Idle BeatsView In Map

Managed by Shanghai designer Nini Sun, Idle Beats provides a platform for those interested in screen printing for a variety of purposes, including framed wall art or T-shirts. Sun offers workshops for those who want to learn the screening process or, for those who are already knowledgeable of the craft, the use of her equipment is also available. Call the store for specific workshop times or just drop in to take a look at Sun’s own creations.

Add: Changshu Lu, Lane 100, No. 10 (Bao Li Building) , near Changle Lu, Shanghai
地址: 上海市静安区常熟路100弄10号宝立大厦地下一层)
Tel: 021 139 1867 7786
Opening hours: Sat-Sun, 12:00-18:00

4) Da Hua MaoView In Map

Da Hua Mao offers DIY kits for all sorts of Japanese influenced accessories, such as ornaments or dolls. If you want the do-it-yourself experience with a little more guidance, they also offer private classes for various project options. They have plenty of already assembled items too, for those who need a little inspiration or who simply want to browse.

Add: Rm. B019, Dragon Gate Mall, 168 Fangbang Zhong Lu, near Sanpailou Lu, Shanghai
地址: 上海市方浜中路168号豫龙坊B019室近三牌楼路
Tel: 021 137 6485 1356
Opening hours: 09:00-21:00

Art

1) As U WishView In Map
The perfect place to create gifts for family and friends, As U Wish is a DIY ceramic painting shop that provides all the tools you need except for your creative expertise. From vases to mugs to animal figurines, pick a piece that strikes you and paint it till your heart’s content. Prices vary depending on the size of the piece you choose. This is a great place to gather with a group of friends for a relaxed and fun way to spend a morning.

Add: 1039 Changle Lu, near Changshu Lu, Shanghai
地址: 上海市长乐路1039号近常熟路
Tel: 021 6248 9697
Opening hours: Mon-Thu, 11:00-19:00; Fri-Sun, 10:00-20:00

2) Qian Ying Picture Printing ShopView In Map

While it may look (and act) like an ordinary print shop, Qian Ying Picture Printing Shop also has a station where you can make your own calendars. Simply bring in thirteen photos (one for each month and one for the cover) on your USB memory stick, then simply choose which background design and format you want. It makes a great gift, and is a good introduction to those who are just beginning to dabble in the arts.

Add: 3828 Hongmei Lu, near Yan’an Xi Lu, Shanghai
地址: 上海市虹梅路3828号近延安西路
Tel: 021 6242 8785

Food

1) IchoiceView In Map

For those who prefer to eat their art (and really, who doesn’t?), DIY dessert shops are the way to go. Ichoice is one of the best in town and with a focus on chocolate, and they literally have hundreds of different molds to choose from. Between choosing the shape, type, and flavor of your chocolates, you can easily get lost in this sugary wonderland.

Add: Store 133, 169 Wujiang Lu, near West Nanjing Lu Metro Station, Shanghai
地址: 上海市吴江路169号133商铺靠近南京西路地铁站
Tel: 021 6217 9778

2) Meishi Meifu DIY Cake and Sweets BakeryView In Map

Cakes, pastries, chocolate, oh my! Meishi Meifu offers classes for everything sweet. Courses vary depending on what you’ll be making, with a chocolate class running 150 RMB. Be sure to book in advance, as the limited number of spaces often fills up rather quickly. It’s especially fun to book an entire class just with your friends and spend the day sampling what you’ve baked. This is mainly a weekend hangout for expats, as it is the main time that they offer English-speaking teachers.

Add: 1458 Gumei Lu, Zhong You Jia Yuan, Bldg 2, Room 1401 Near Caobao Lu, Shanghai
地址: 上海市古美路1458号中友嘉园2号1401室(近漕宝路)
Tel: 021 3422 7112
Opening hours: 09:30-21:00

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Keywords: Shanghai handicrafts shops Shanghai diy jewelry Shanghai diy dessert shops shanghai diy art shops

1 Comments

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IdleBeats

Hello, here's IdleBeats / IB Print Club team! Thanks for including us in the listing! :) Just a little reminder that the studio address listed above is wrong. We have moved to a new studio space XiangYang Rd. x JianGuo Rd. We now offer different kinds of screen printing workshops at the studio every week, also host school / team building / private / corporate workshops. For more infos please check our website: https://www.idlebeats.com/ibprintclub/ or email us: ibprintclub@idlebeats.com Thank you! IB Print Club

May 30, 2018 19:53 Report Abuse