Oohing and ahhing over all the 3D printed goodies you’re seeing on our site? Or adding lots of crazy laser cut acrylic pieces of jewelry to your “must figure out how to make” list? Perhaps you’ve got a weakness for puff pastry and just have to learn how to make it yourself? Or maybe you finally want to figure out how to create your own jewelry, from fixing that sparkly pair of J. Crew earrings to making your very own statement necklace?
Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got a class for you… right here in our Brit + Co SF! And guess what? Classes start… today! It’s time to get on it.
In case you haven’t heard, Brit + Co SF is a brand new retail experience that combines making and shopping under one roof. Every few weeks, the theme of the DIY projects, the decor, and the shoppable products change. In December, everything was ho-ho-ho crazy as we celebrated the holiday season. This time, it’s all about “Winter Love” and we’ve got so much snow that you’d think the Polar Vortex was back in town. Read more about what’s happening in the Brit + Co SF this season right here. Now, let’s get schooled! ;)
The best part about all of these classes is that no prior experience or knowledge is necessary, so they’re great for budding DIY-ers and seasoned makers alike. Here’s what’s on deck for Winter 2014:
Laser Cutting 101: Want to know the secret to creating your own beautifully carved wooden objects? Laser cutting, of course! Don’t worry it’s not nearly as difficult as it sounds. In just 60 minutes, Brit will teach you to use a laser cutter, AND you’ll walk away with customized cork coasters and etched Moleskine notebooks. How sweet is that? Each two-hour workshop is $50 and includes all the supplies you’ll need.
Always wanted to try your hand at 3D printing? Now’s your chance! Join us for 3D Printing 101. Taught by the Co-Founders of
, Nick Kloski and Liza Wallach have developed the standard in 3D Printing education. A two-hour workshop that teaches all the basics of using a Makerbot Replicator 2. In this class you’ll learn: the best places to discover 3D designs; how to customize designs that you find; and how to print your favorite designs using PLA plastic. You’ll leave the workshop with your very own 3D printed Valentine’s gift. Each two-hour workshop is $50 and includes all the supplies you need to design and print.
3D Printing 101 Schedule:
– Tuesday, January 28th, 6-8pm (sign up here)
– Tuesday, February 4, 6-8pm (sign up here)
– Monday, February 17, 6-8pm (sign up here)
Quick Puff Pastry by Richard Festen: Equal parts butter and flour, quick puff pastry is the most luxurious dough in the kitchen. Each student will create their own batch of quick puff pastry to take home, learning how to incorporate butter and repeatedly fold the dough to make thousands of butter layers, as well as create a rustic French apple tart with a shiny glaze and light and airy cinnamon sugar crusted palmier cookies. We’ll have time to sample these freshly baked pastries in class and Richard will be available to answer all your baking related questions. This is beautiful food that will be the perfect ending to your next dinner party. Each two-hour workshop is $85 and includes all the supplies you’ll need.
Puff Pastry Schedule:
Puff Pastry Schedule:
– Thursday, February 6th, 6:30-8:30pm (sign up here)
Make Your Own Statement Necklace: You know there’s a jewelry artist inside of you. In our class on jewelry-making, we’ll take you from amateur to artist. You’ll learn the basics of jewelry making tools and supplies, experiment with common repair techniques, and, by the end of the class, leave sporting your very own statement necklace. Each two-hour workshop is $75 and includes everything you need to make your own statement necklace.
Your relationship with your finances is one of the most important relationships you'll ever have, and you can't avoid it. That said, for many of us, the pandemic only added to our financial stress. If you find yourself feeling frazzled, just remember that financial insecurity isn't a net-worth issue — it's a mindset issue. And, we happen to have plenty of advice on how to turn your money mindset around so you can take charge of your funds once and for all.
To start, feeling secure begins with a strong foundation, and there's no better time than now to get started stacking the bricks. It's easy to get swept up in the January "new year, new me" mentality, but really? Any time is the right time to get yourself in order. You don't need to wait for a new year, a new moon, the right moment, or a sign from above. You don't even have to start on the first day of the month — you just need to start.
Introducing NerdWallet: A Safe and Reliable Money App
To help with that, we've put together a list of the just-right-for-you ways that NerdWallet can help you monitor your financial outlook. Haven't heard of them yet? NerdWallet is a personal finance company that helps consumers make smarter financial decisions. Their website and app let you compare different financial products, find articles and tools to make financial decisions with confidence, and keep tabs on your finances (hey there, credit score, I see you!) all in one place. Plus, NerdWallet has over 75,000 glowing reviews in the App Store (and a 4.8 star rating) if you want to read up on any more testimonials.
Tim Chen, NerdWallet's CEO and co-founder, started this financial journey in 2009 after his sister needed help finding a credit card. Even with an economics degree and a Wall Street background, it took awhile for Tim to find the right recommendation (so don't feel too bad when it takes you a while, too). Their mission is to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions.
So it's safe to say that NerdWallet is a pretty good sherpa for your journey, too.
Get the most from your money
Did you know that the money you park in a savings account can lose value? Harsh, but true. If your money isn't earning interest that's on pace with inflation it will actually be worth less to you in the future. And if the bank charges fees? Forget about it. Make sure you're earning the interest you deserve and come out on top. NerdWallet has researched dozens of financial institutions to help consumers find the best options. The hard work has already been done for you, so you can just select the account that works best for you and your nest egg.
Keep an eye on everything, securely
Once everything is set up, tracking and managing your finances is what will keep the money machine running smoothly. You can create an account either through the site or the app and link your bank accounts, then keep tabs on all your finances in one place. Get a clear picture of your saving and spending, get insights into how to master your money, and even build your credit score all in one place.
Get extra credit points
Do you have the best credit card for your lifestyle? Some cards give cash back on every purchase, ones with travel perks, and ones that charge way less interest than you're paying now. NerdWallet takes the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card with simple side-by-side comparisons of different credit cards so that you feel confident choosing the right one. Whatever you want to do, NerdWallet can help you find the best credit card to get it done.
Know your options for settling down
Mortgage rates are pretty low and it looks like they're going to stay that way for awhile, so buying a home might be the move sooner than you think. But there's so much more to a mortgage than just the interest rate! To help you choose a mortgage lender, NerdWallet has in-depth reviews on multiple lenders in a mixture of categories so you get the home loan with the mortgage rate, term, and fees that's right for you.
Settle an old score
NerdWallet helps you monitor your credit score for free and helps you see how little things (like raising the limit on your credit card or paying your bills on time) can increase your score. NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your VantageScore® 3.0, based on information in your TransUnion® credit report. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly. But that's not even close to all:
- They provide you with tips from experts on how you could build or optimize your credit score
- You'll get a detailed look at your credit score and all the factors that go into it—your payment history, credit utilization, the age and type of accounts, balances, and any recent inquiries
- The credit simulator tool gives you an idea of how your credit score would change if you applied for a new credit card, closed your oldest credit card, or got a new auto loan
- You also get free, unlimited access to your credit report
When it comes to managing your money, safe and reliable is where it's at. Establishing a healthy relationship with your finances begins when you take control and practice habits that build wealth. Signing up just takes a few minutes. Set your intentions to build a solid financial foundation, it will only strengthen your relationship with your finances. And don't be afraid to get a little nerdy while you're at it.
Photo via Shutterstock