Tuft & Taiyaki is a workshop held inside Helado Taiyaki. This workshop is a spin on paint and sip classes (artists provide step-by-step instructions to reproduce a pre-selected work of art while they drink wine or other beverages), I'll instead do tufting and get taiyaki. The tufting workshop is a 3 hour creative class that teaches attendees the skills needed to create their own tufted projects. All materials and equipment were provided, making it an all-inclusive experience for anyone looking to learn the art of tufting.
I've been to RI's first and only taiyaki shop many times prior and is a really cozy and delightful ice cream shop. It was announced Helado Taiyaki's last day in Rhode Island is 09/15/24 so I knew August would be my last opportunity to take a Weekend Tufting Workshop. I registered on their website for Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 11:00AM. The total was $90.95 which includes tax.
Three days prior to the workshop, I received an email from Linette Lopez Torres recommending 5 designs for beginners. If a participant has a specific design in mind or would like freehand a design, they could respond back and she will take a look and see if it can be completed within the workshop time frame. Also if there is any specific colors that the participant would like to use, you can just let them know. I chose a flower and changed the colors and added a smiley face in the middle.
On the day of the workshop, doors opened exactly at 11:00AM and our 5 work stations were set up. I first signed a waiver and then learned how to use the tufting gun, threading yarn, and tried a few lines before starting on my design. It took me a little while to get the hang of things, but then it was really fun and I was tufting along. The 3 hours passed by so quickly and I really am interested in tufting again. Once I completed my rug, I chose to pay an additional $25 for them to provide some finishing touches (they'll glue, apply backing fabric, and trim rug to give it a professional finish.) I'll get a text message when the rug is ready to be picked up. It was a truly personalized and intimate experience. The instructors were always available for assistance and were very patient. The workshop was really memorable.
At the end of the workshop, I had the opportunity to get a taiyaki. I chose the xstrawdinary taiyaki that has vanilla soft-serve, strawberry jam drizzle, condensed milk drizzle, and custard filled taiyaki. It was so yummy.
About 2 weeks after the class, I contacted Helado Taiyaki to inquire about my finished rug and they responded 15 minutes later saying it was ready. I came back on a Sunday afternoon to pick up my finished rug. It came out beautifully and I'm so happy with it considering it's my first time tufting. I also got the ube ice cream and it was delicious.
I am so sad that Helado Taiyaki is closing on 09/15/24 and I will really miss their taiyaki. read more