Spend two hours in a friendly studio in New Bern learning the lace-and-tape technique to make outdoor-ready patriotic lanterns. This hands-on workshop emphasizes durable finishes, reusable materials, and a practical keepsake you’ll actually use at home.
Spend two hours in a friendly studio in New Bern learning the lace-and-tape technique to make outdoor-ready patriotic lanterns. This hands-on workshop emphasizes durable finishes, reusable materials, and a practical keepsake you’ll actually use at home.
Book with The Accidental Artist
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Accidental Artist · New Bern, North Carolina
On a bright afternoon in New Bern, North Carolina, the Patriotic Lantern Jar Technique Class offers a hands-on craft session that teaches a lace-and-tape method for transforming ordinary glass jars into weather-ready lanterns. Located in the heart of the town, the workshop is compact, well-lit, and stocked with mason jars, strips of lace, painter’s tape, brushes, and a curated selection of outdoor-grade paints and sealants. Instructors lead small groups through surface preparation, layered masking, paint application, and safe heat-setting or sealing so finished pieces resist sun and rain. The key features are deceptively simple: glass forms, textile lace for crisp negative-space patterning, painter’s tape to control lines, and finishes formulated for exterior use. Students practice techniques that range from subtle faded washes evocative of weathered paint to high-contrast stars and stripe motifs tuned for patriotic displays. The hands-on pace is forgiving; the instructor demonstrates a repeatable workflow that reduces mistakes and teaches how different adhesives affect paint edges and how heat or sealant choices alter durability. Why this class stands out in New Bern’s local scene is practical: it teaches outcomes you can use. Instead of a decorative session that produces fragile keepsakes, the focus here is on lanterns that work outdoors—line a riverside boardwalk, mark a backyard path, or add glow to an evening market table. The workshop also encourages reuse: students bring cleaned jars or use provided recycled vessels, and instructors suggest low-waste alternatives for packaging and gifting. Sessions typically run two hours and are suitable for adults and teens with fine-motor skills; no prior glasswork experience is required. Materials are supplied and participants leave with at least one finished lantern plus notes on care—how to reapply sealant, clean glass without scuffing painted areas, and winter storage tips when frost can stress glued trims. The social element is strong: expect friendly conversation, method demonstrations, and chances to trade design ideas with neighbors or visitors. Practical visitors tips: book early for weekend slots, arrive with pre-washed jars, and wear a shirt you don’t mind getting paint on. For travelers, this class pairs well with a stroll along New Bern’s waterfront, an afternoon at local galleries, or a casual dinner near the river. Whether you want a patriotic porch display, a thoughtful handmade gift, or simply a compact creative break between outdoor activities, this Technique Class offers a memorable, useful takeaway and a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours in New Bern. Booking is handled online; follow the provided referral link for dates and availability. The class focuses on durable finishes and repeatable skills, so you leave with a lantern meant to be used. Instructors welcome beginners and offer one-on-one guidance during each session. Bring a friend today.
No prior glasswork or painting experience is required; instructors guide every step and offer individual help.
Yes—clean, label-free glass jars are encouraged and speed up setup and adhesion.
Basic materials are supplied, but bringing your own jars and a protective apron is recommended.
The class uses outdoor-grade paints and sealants; with proper sealing and care, lanterns can withstand sun and light rain.
Yes—teens with fine-motor coordination can participate; minors may need adult supervision depending on policy.
Book online via the referral link; cancellation and refund policies are shown at checkout on the booking page.
The Accidental Artist is a hands-on ceramics and pottery studio located in New Bern, North Carolina. The studio offers a rotating schedule of guided classes and creative experiences including clay lantern building, textured fish plaques, vegetable stamping, pottery painting, a New Bern skyline sushi server workshop, pop‑tart light switch covers, and seasonal projects like a hot dog penguin craft. Classes range from one-night workshops to multi-step projects that include glazing and firing; completed pieces are available for pickup after kiln firing. The Accidental Artist also provides curated birthday party packages, field trip experiences for schools and groups, and special event packages for private gatherings. Friendly instructors guide participants through step-by-step techniques for forming, decorating, and glazing in a relaxed, beginner-friendly environment. The studio accommodates families, children, adults, and small groups seeking memorable, maker-focused activities in a welcoming setting. Safety, clear instruction, and quality materials are emphasized; all clay is kiln-fired and professionally glazed. Located in downtown New Bern, the studio connects local inspiration with practical craft instruction and keeps class sizes comfortable to preserve individual attention. Reservations are recommended for scheduled classes and party bookings due to limited seats. Gift certificates and walk-in pottery painting options may be available seasonally.
Book with The Accidental Artist