Thrifty Connections

Create Your Own Moss Art
2025-09-20 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Thrifty Connections, 158 Lafayette Street, Schenectady, NY, 12305, United States
Saturday September 20. 2025
1:00-3:00pm
$50.00
Bring a touch of nature indoors with a custom-crafted piece of moss art! This fun and relaxing workshop will guide you step-by-step through the process of designing and creating your own framed masterpiece. You’ll learn how to work with different types of preserved moss, dried botanicals, and other natural elements to build a unique, three-dimensional piece of art. The best part? Your creation is completely maintenance-free—no watering or sunlight required. You’ll leave with a finished, ready-to-hang piece that brings a sense of calm and beauty to any space.
All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and suitable for individuals 16+.

Button Birds- Tufted Titmouse
2025-09-19 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
Friday September 19, 2025
6:00pm-8:00pm
$35.00
Join us for a relaxing, nature-inspired crafting session where we’ll create charming button art birds using upcycled materials, with a special focus on the Tufted Titmouse—a small songbird known for its gentle spirit and curious nature.
In this class, you’ll use a mix of buttons and other salvaged treasures to form a delightful bird silhouette on a sturdy backing. Each piece is uniquely your own—no two birds will look the same, and that’s part of the beauty. We’ll guide you through basic composition and layering, but the real emphasis is on slowing down, enjoying the process, and making space for calm creativity.
As we craft, we’ll reflect on the symbolism of the Tufted Titmouse, a bird often associated with curiosity, quiet confidence, and presence. With its bright eyes and signature crest, the titmouse reminds us to stay open to joy in everyday moments and to sing our own song—no matter how small.
Note: Because we work with salvaged materials, final projects may differ slightly from calendar examples, adding to the uniqueness of each creation.

Love Packs: Community Service Project
2025-09-19 13:00 - 14:30 UTC
Friday, September 19, 2025
1:00pm-2:30pm
FREE – Simply bring something to contribute to the groups love packs.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation in the car or walking the streets where you were empty-handed and wished you had something more than a smile or cash to offer someone in need? Attendees will come together and join resources to create love packs filled with healthy snacks & drinks, handwarmers, a fun treat, and create handwritten notes of encouragement. You will leave with love packs and a challenge to intentionally seek out or to remain open to opportunities to disperse love packs to anyone in need.
All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and suitable for individuals 16+.

A Relaxing Altered Deck of Cards Experience Contemplative
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Thursday September 18, 2025
12:00pm-1:00pm
$10.00 Take your lunch break with us to unwind, slow down, and tap into your creative intuition in this peaceful workshop.Transform ordinary playing cards into beautiful, personal works of art—each one a small canvas for self-expression, reflection, and calm. Using simple mixed media techniques—such as collage, paint, and stamping—you’ll alter cards into a soothing series of mini art pieces. No artistic experience needed—just bring a curious heart and a willingness to relax and create. This will be a repeating bi-weekly class so you have the option to build your deck throughout the year. You can expect to complete at least 2 cards per class.

All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and are suitable for individuals ages 16+
Contemplative classes are intentionally crafted with the ambience in mind. Some classes may either begin or end with a guided meditation or a short guided breath work exercise and will be an opportunity to quiet the mind & body and allow the creative process to reconnect you to yourself. A great opportunity to be amongst others while remaining within yourself. Connecting in quietness!

Button Birds- Tufted Titmouse Contemplative
2025-09-17 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Wednesday September17, 2025
10:00am-12:00pm
$35.00
Join us for a relaxing, nature-inspired crafting session where we’ll create charming button art birds using upcycled materials, with a special focus on the Tufted Titmouse—a small songbird known for its gentle spirit and curious nature.
In this class, you’ll use a mix of buttons and other salvaged treasures to form a delightful bird silhouette on a sturdy backing. Each piece is uniquely your own—no two birds will look the same, and that’s part of the beauty. We’ll guide you through basic composition and layering, but the real emphasis is on slowing down, enjoying the process, and making space for calm creativity.
As we craft, we’ll reflect on the symbolism of the Tufted Titmouse, a bird often associated with curiosity, quiet confidence, and presence. With its bright eyes and signature crest, the titmouse reminds us to stay open to joy in everyday moments and to sing our own song—no matter how small.
Note: Because we work with salvaged materials, final projects may differ slightly from calendar examples, adding to the uniqueness of each creation.

Craft a Keepsake: The DIY Bookfold Bouquet
2025-09-13 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
Saturday September 13, 2025
1:00pm-3:00pm
$35.00
Calling all book lovers & creative crafters! Transform a beloved book into a stunning floral centerpiece. In this unique workshop, you’ll learn the art of book folding to create a beautiful, vase-like sculpture, then craft a complementary faux floral arrangement to display inside. By the end of the class, you’ll not only have a beautiful, finished piece to take home, but also the skills to continue exploring this creative and meditative craft.
All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and suitable for individuals 16+.

Sunflower Embroidery Earrings
2025-09-13 10:00 - 12:00 UTC
Saturday September 13, 2025
10:00am-12:00pm
$35.00
Tiny Stitching, Big Impact
Join us for a delicate and rewarding workshop where we’ll create miniature sunflower embroidery pieces and turn them into wearable earrings. Using basic embroidery techniques and a warm fall-inspired palette, you’ll stitch charming sunflowers onto tiny fabric circles—perfect for handmade jewelry.
This is fine, detailed work, so patience and hand dexterity are essential. We’ll guide you step-by-step, but be prepared to slow down, focus, and embrace the tiny scale of this beautiful craft.
All materials are provided, and you’ll leave with a finished pair of sunflower earrings—or as much progress as time allows. A lovely project for those who enjoy stitching, nature-inspired designs, and thoughtful handiwork.

All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and are suitable for individuals ages 16+

Documentary & Discussion: Mikayla’s Voice- A Letter to the World
2025-09-12 18:00 - 20:00 UTC
Friday September 12, 2025
6:00pm-8:00pm
$12.00
Journey into the word of a brilliant & beautiful non-verbal teen with a rare form of autism and learn how she unlocks a joyous world of self-expression. Mikayla will be our wise teacher for the evening and together we will discuss our shared experiences through topics of silence, listening, connection to self & others. Individually we will each extract a message from the movie that resonated and/or offered inspiration and share these special gifts with one another and discuss ways to incorporate them into our daily lives.
Popcorn & Natural Infused Waters offered during the viewing. Documentary running time 23 minutes.
All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and suitable for individuals 16+.

Upcycled Fall Acorn Set
2025-09-12 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
Friday September 12, 2025
1:00pm-3:00pm
$20.00
(Plastic Easter Eggs + Scrap Fabric)
In this seasonal class, we’ll give forgotten plastic Easter eggs a second life—transforming them into charming fall acorns using scrap fabric, twine, and creativity. It’s a fun and festive way to welcome autumn while embracing the values of upcycling and thoughtful making.
This project does require the use of a hot glue gun, and while it’s not as meditative as some of our other crafts, it’s a great opportunity to practice mindfulness through slowing down and staying present with each careful step.
You’ll leave with as many finished acorns as you can complete during the session, perfect for filling a bowl, decorating a mantle, or sharing as a handmade gift.
All materials provided.

All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and are suitable for individuals ages 16+

Bird-Themed Magnet Gift Set
2025-09-11 18:15 - 20:00 UTC
Thursday September 11, 2025
6:15pm-8:00pm
$20.00
Calling all bird lovers!!! Join us to create your own Bird-Themed Magnet Gift Set! In this beginner-friendly workshop we’ll transform everyday crafting tins into charming gift boxes. We’ll provide all the tools and materials you need to design and assemble a beautiful collection of bird themed magnets, all nestled in their own personalized gift tin. You’ll get hands-on experience with various crafting techniques and leave with a finished, ready-to-go gift set that’s perfect for a housewarming, a birthday, or just to brighten someone’s day (including your own!).

*All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and suitable for individuals 16+

Junk Journaling Contemplative
2025-09-11 14:00 - 15:30 UTC
Thursday September 11, 2025
2:00pm-3:30pm
$15.00
Discover the joy of junk journaling—a creative, low-pressure way to turn scraps, memories, and everyday materials into something beautiful and meaningful. Using old book pages, fabric bits, envelopes, tags, found paper, and other donated or salvaged materials, you’ll build a one-of-a-kind journal that’s entirely your own.
You are invited to attend as many of these bi-weekly class as you’d like to build a complete journal through out the year or as few as you’d like to learn the basics and complete on your own time. Come as you are—no experience necessary. Each session will offer new prompts, techniques, and inspiration, but you’re always welcome to work at your own pace.
All materials provided, or bring your own stash to personalize your pages.

All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and are suitable for individuals ages 16+
Contemplative classes are intentionally crafted with the ambience in mind. Some classes may either begin or end with a guided meditation or a short guided breath work exercise and will be an opportunity to quiet the mind & body and allow the creative process to reconnect you to yourself. A great opportunity to be amongst others while remaining within yourself. Connecting in quietness!

Crafting a Book Lovers Gift Set CONTEMPLATIVE
2025-09-11 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Thursday September 11, 2025
12:00pm-1:00pm
$10.00
Give the perfect gift to a fellow bookworm—or to yourself! First, you’ll design a personalized gift bag with fun book-inspired quotes, then create a beautiful mixed media bookmark to match. Once your creations are complete, you’ll have a chance to browse our curated book nook to find the perfect new book to take home in your new bag. You’ll leave with your personalized gift bag, bookmark, and the perfect book to get lost in. It’s a creative and relaxing experience that celebrates the love of reading from start to finish.
*All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and are suitable for individuals ages16+.
* Contemplative Classes are intentionally crafted with the ambience in mind.
CONTEMPLATIVE CLASSES= Quiet & Meditative class environment. Some classes may either begin or end with a guided meditation or a short guided breath work exercise and will be an opportunity to quiet the mind & body and allow the creative process to reconnect you to yourself. A great opportunity to be amongst others while remaining within yourself. Connecting in quietness!

Farmhouse Sunflowers
2025-09-06 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
Saturday September 6, 2025
1:00pm- 3:00pm
$20.00. Free to celebrate our grand opening! Limit one free class per person during week
Bring a little rustic charm into your day as we craft farmhouse-style sunflowers using repurposed canning rings and scrap fabric. In this cozy, hands-on class, you’ll turn humble, everyday materials into cheerful, textured blooms perfect for home décor or gift giving.
We’ll guide you step-by-step through the process—no experience needed, just a love of making and a curiosity for upcycling. All materials are provided, using mostly salvaged supplies.
Come relax, create, and leave with 2 sunflowers that are as unique as you are.

All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and are suitable for individuals ages 16+

Upcycled Sunflower Domino Necklace Workshop CONTEMPLATIVE
2025-09-06 10:00 - 11:30 UTC
Saturday September 6, 2025
10:00am-11:30am
$25.00 FREE to celebrate our grand opening!
Transform a simple domino tile into a wearable work of art! In this fun and creative mixed-media workshop, you’ll learn how to craft a beautiful, sunflower-themed necklace using upcycled dominoes. We’ll guide you through painting, embellishing, and sealing your pendant to create a durable and vibrant piece. As a special touch, you’ll also design a personalized affirmation card that doubles as a unique way to display your new necklace. Perfect for all skill levels, this class is a great way to express your creativity and leave with a one-of-a-kind accessory and a card to inspire you every day.
*All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and are suitable for individuals ages16+.
* Contemplative Classes are intentionally crafted with the ambience in mind.
CONTEMPLATIVE CLASSES= Quiet & Meditative class environment. Some classes may either begin or end with a guided meditation or a short guided breath work exercise and will be an opportunity to quiet the mind & body and allow the creative process to reconnect you to yourself. A great opportunity to be amongst others while remaining within yourself. Connecting in quietness!

Learn to play Wingspan
2025-09-05 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Friday September 5, 2025
6:00pm-8:00pm
$10.00 Free to celebrate our grand opening! Limit one free class per person during week
Come learn how to play Wingspan, a beautifully illustrated and strategic board game where players compete to attract birds to their wildlife preserves. It’s a challenging but rewarding game perfect for deep thinkers and board game enthusiasts.
We’ll take our time learning the rules together in a low-pressure, supportive setting. Whether you’re completely new or want a refresher, this class is all about fun, connection, and thoughtful gameplay.

All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and are suitable for individuals ages 16+

Create Your Calm: Mindful Botanical Framed Art
2025-09-05 13:00 - 14:00 UTC
Friday September 5, 2025
1:00-2:00pm
$15.00 FREE to celebrate our grand opening!
Find a moment of peace and creative expression in this relaxing workshop. This class is more than just coloring—it’s a guided journey into mindfulness. We’ll use detailed botanical illustrations to help you focus, relax, and quiet your mind. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and with a finished, ready-to-hang piece of décor displayed in a vintage frame that also serves as a reminder of your peaceful practice. Perfect for a personal treat or a thoughtful handmade gift.
*All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and are suitable for individuals ages16+.

Upcycle Tin Cans with Sunflower Decoupage
2025-09-04 18:00 - 19:30 UTC
Thursday September 4, 2025
6:00pm- 7:30pm
$15.00 Free to celebrate our grand opening! Limit one free class per person during week
Turn everyday tin cans into charming, functional pieces in this relaxing upcycled craft class. Using decoupage techniques and a mix of napkins, fabric scraps, and found materials, you’ll transform plain cans into beautiful containers—perfect for pens, plants, or anything that needs a little creative flair.
All materials provided. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and enjoy the process!

Wildflower Mandala Mindful Coloring CONTEMPLATIVE CLASS
2025-09-04 14:00 - 15:15 UTC
Thursday September 4, 2025
2:00pm-3:15pm
$10.00 FREE to celebrate our grand opening!
Step away from the hustle and reconnect with your creative side. This class is designed to be a peaceful, meditative experience. You’ll be working with a beautiful & unique floral mandala created by the talented Kim Hossler. You’ll be encouraged to focus on the textures, colors, and patterns and you slowly complete your print. This isn’t just a coloring class—it’s a chance to practice mindfulness, slow down, and enjoy a quiet, creative moment. By the end of the session, you’ll have a completed piece of art and reconnected with the quiet place within.
*All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and are suitable for individuals ages16+.
* Contemplative Classes are intentionally crafted with the ambience in mind.
CONTEMPLATIVE CLASSES= Quiet & Meditative class environment. Some classes may either begin or end with a guided meditation or a short guided breath work exercise and will be an opportunity to quiet the mind & body and allow the creative process to reconnect you to yourself. A great opportunity to be amongst others while remaining within yourself. Connecting in quietness!

A Relaxing Altered Deck of Cards Experience Contemplative
2025-09-04 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Thursday September 4, 2025
12:00pm-1:00pm
$10.00 Free to celebrate our grand opening! Limit one free class per person during week
Take your lunch break with us to unwind, slow down, and tap into your creative intuition in this peaceful workshop.Transform ordinary playing cards into beautiful, personal works of art—each one a small canvas for self-expression, reflection, and calm. Using simple mixed media techniques—such as collage, paint, and stamping—you’ll alter cards into a soothing series of mini art pieces. No artistic experience needed—just bring a curious heart and a willingness to relax and create. This will be a repeating bi-weekly class so you have the option to build your deck throughout the year. You can expect to complete about 2 cards per class.

All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and are suitable for individuals ages 16+
Contemplative classes are intentionally crafted with the ambience in mind. Some classes may either begin or end with a guided meditation or a short guided breath work exercise and will be an opportunity to quiet the mind & body and allow the creative process to reconnect you to yourself. A great opportunity to be amongst others while remaining within yourself. Connecting in quietness!

Sunflower Themed Magnet Gift Set
2025-09-03 10:00 - 11:45 UTC
Wednesday September 3, 2025
10:00am-11:45am
$20.00 FREE to celebrate our grand opening! Limit one free class per person during opening week.
Join us to create your own Sunflower-Themed Magnet Gift Set! In this fun, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to transform a simple upcycled crafting tin into a beautiful, personalized gift set. We’ll use a variety of materials and techniques to craft a set of unique sunflower-themed magnets. You’ll leave with a completed, ready-to-gift creation—perfect for a loved one or to keep for yourself. No experience is necessary!
*All classes at Thrifty Connections are intended for adults and are suitable for individuals ages 16+.
