Hot Hobbies and Where to Find Them
Numerous studies extol the benefits of having a hobby. Did you know that having a hobby can not only boost your mental wellbeing and improve your cognitive function, thereby decreasing the risk of dementia, but can also boost your endocrine, immune, and nervous systems, which can reduce the risk of chronic disease? On this part of the original article, we highlight places in Fort Worth where you can learn a new hobby. Next week, we feature stories of some members of the Tanglewood Moms Facebook group and their hobbies.

Fuzz Lab
9543 Sage Meadow Trail
If you are itching to pick up an artistic hobby but don’t know which one, why not try out several? Fuzz Lab, a Texas-based company, offers classes in rug tufting, painting, clay work, and beading. You can even create your own design for a rug to tuft! Fuzz Lab is a great place for a date night, a girls’ night out, or some team building. Or, if you’re out and about and feeling crafty, you can walk on in and start creating. No matter which craft you choose, you get to take home something YOU made.
Lake Worth Sailing Club
8900 Sunrise Point Court
There’s nothing like spending a day out on the water. However, not everyone loves the noise of a motored craft. And besides, fuel is EXPENSIVE these days! If you want to learn to sail or are already experienced and want to find a community of like-minded people, head out to Lake Worth and the Lake Worth Sailing Club (LWSC). Since 1935, the LWSC has met to sail, race, and just have fun together. If you’re not a sailor but love being on the water, that’s just fine. The LWSC is always looking for enthusiastic crew members!
JuJu Knits
552 Lipscomb Street
Fiber crafts like knitting and crocheting have become HOT. No longer confined to sweet grandmothers in rocking chairs, fiber crafts are for everyone, everywhere. Julie “JuJu” Fairley knows this. Her shop, JuJu Knits, is the center of a fiber community that just keeps growing. Sign up for a class, join a sip ‘n stitch session at WineHaus, or find that perfect yarn for your next project. (JuJu Knits is not responsible for any yarn addictions that might form.) JuJu Knits also does charity drives, collecting for nonprofits around Fort Worth. So get out and get knitting (or crocheting, or weaving, or…)
Editor’s Note: After almost seven years, Julie decided to close JuJu Knits. This happened after this issue went to press, and JuJu Knits will be sorely missed by the fiber community.
The Guitar Studio
4455 Camp Bowie Boulevard
Founded in 1983 by the late J. Michael Dailey, a renowned classical guitarist who wanted to share his love of the art form, The Guitar Studio is THE place to go if you want to learn the guitar. Whether you prefer classical, rock, country, blues, or jazz, you can take classes or private lessons from professional musicians with years of performing and teaching experience. If you like performing and want to play with a group of fellow enthusiasts, no matter your level of playing experience, consider joining The Guitar Studio Community Ensemble and enjoy biweekly rehearsals and a community of fellow enthusiasts.
Divine Touch Crafts
112 Northwest 24th Street
Awaken your inner crafter at Divine Touch Crafts. You can learn how to make candles and jewelry, paint, embroider, tattoo (yes, you read that correctly!), and more. Take part in workshops like Tacos and Tattoos or Cafecito and Crafts, book a private class or workshop for you and your friends and/or coworkers, or stop by to take part in a Bible study group. Located in the Historic Stockyards, Divine Touch Crafts has a community of crafters and is waiting for you.
DNA Chess Club
Meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 at the Panera Bread on South Hulen
Did you love The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix? Do you want to learn how to play chess but are intimidated? Chess improves cognitive function and analytical ability, and who couldn’t use a little boost to cognitive function? If you’re ready to learn how to play chess, consider joining the DNA Chess Club at one of their weekly meetings held at the Panera Bread on South Hulen. They offer lessons, either online or in person, too. Sure, they are a nationally recognized club, but no matter your skill level or years playing, DNA welcomes you.
Cowtown Twenty-Five
5701 Birchman Avenue
You don’t have to know how to paint or draw to be an artist! Cowtown Twenty-Five offers classes and DIY kits that will turn you into an artist, guaranteed. Learn how to make beautiful crushed glass and resin suncatchers with your girlfriends or coworkers in a private workshop, take your sweetie on a creative date, or sign up for a class and make new friends! (These suncatchers make great gifts, so why not sign up for a couple of classes?)
North Texas Trail Runners
Meets at various locations around the Metroplex
There are all sorts of running clubs in the area. Some emphasize race training, while others are just a group of people who like to run while they socialize. Some only run far enough to get to the nearest bar or restaurant. If, however, you are tired of running on pavement, read on. North Texas Trail Runners are a group of runners who like to get off the beaten path, quite literally, and explore the trails in parks and nature preserves around North Texas. So get outside and take the road less… run. It will make all the difference. (With apologies to Robert Frost.)
Gold Blade Fencing Center
500 Kimball Avenue, Southlake
Sure, it’s in Southlake, but fencing is COOL. (Okay, so I might have fenced when I was a kid, and I might be a bit biased. Maybe. Probably.) If you’ve always dreamed of learning how to fence, Gold Blade Fencing Center (GBFC) is the place to start. They offer classes for everyone, regardless of age, that will start you on the road to becoming a fencer. Once you have completed a class, you can join the club and hone your skills. One of my teachers described fencing as “physical chess,” and if you’re ready for a hobby that will challenge your brain and your body, fencing might be for you.
Tarrant County Master Gardener Association
1801 Circle Drive
I hate to tell you this, but gardening is more than just plunking a plant in the ground, watering it, and hoping it grows. Whether you’re a green thumb or you tend to kill everything you plant, the Tarrant County Master Gardener Association (TCMGA) is here for you. Want to learn all about annuals? Itching to learn about beneficial insects? Pining to plant perennials? TCMGA is ready to share its years of expertise with you. TCMGA offers classes and workshops for all gardeners, and if you’re ready to dig in (see what I did there?), they will support you as you become a Master Gardener through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Gardener Program. Oh, and TCMGA is always looking for volunteers for their beautiful demonstration garden!


