Brooklyn Brainery Sign Up Information

Happy 2020! Have a safe and fun night!

Coming Up Soon

Thursday Preserving the Seasons: Pressed Flowers - learn to press flowers quickly and create a custom botanical print
Saturday Creating a New Money Mindset - strategies for improving your personal finances to have money for the things in life that matter most to them
January 5 Build Your Journaling Practice - explore different methods of journal writing and drawing to find the best practice to fit what you need
starts January 6 American Sign Language: Level 1 - a four-week introduction to the language
January 6 The Pope DOES Wear a Funny Hat - learn the history behind well-known symbols in western Medieval and Renaissance art
January 6 Brand Strategy Bootcamp - dig in with four hands-on exercises to help set your business up for success
January 7 WTF is Agile and Scrum? - trace Agile’s origins in software development and its growing influence in other fields, such as marketing and advertising
January 7 Block Printing on Textiles - learn to carve and print repeated designs on fabric
starts January 8 Three-Week Creative Wellness Series: Paper Marbling, Bookbinding + Journaling - use art and mindfulness practices to help you become more focused and centered
January 9 Legal Literacy 101: Courts - get an overview of the court systems in the United States, including what kinds of cases go to what kinds of courts, and how a case can end up at the United States Supreme Court
January 10 Project Management 101 - explore everything from project planning, project management methodologies (Agile and Waterfall), to the “soft skills” needed to successfully facilitate a project

New This Week

January 11 Intro to Embroidery: Making a Sampler - learn eight essential stitches while making a decorative sampler
January 12 + February 4 Vision Board Embroidery - vision boards are a tried and true way to kickstart your goals but how about learning a new skill while doing so?
January 18 Beginning Knitting: Knits and Purls - cast on, bind off, knit + purl
January 23 The Banana on the Wall - an examination of art and controversy
January 25 Embroidery 2: Textures - add texture and dimension to your work with new stitches that cover lots of ground
January 26 Miso Making - learn the basic science behind making miso, why it is good for you and how to make it yourself
February 5 The History of Chocolate - explore the history of chocolate from its roots as an ancient Meso-American beverage to its current world-championship status
February 9 Glass Etching - design a stencil of your choice and etch it on a pair of wine glasses

Almost Sold Out

January 21 Macrame Wall Hangings - master simple macrame knots while creating your own custom wall hanging
starts January 24 Let's Make Croissant-Doughnuts! - learn a multitude of cooking skills while whipping up a delicious treat
January 26 Intro to Food Writing - expand your vocabulary and tighten your writing to make your pieces come alive
January 27 Improv for Professionals - step up your communication skills, even if you're not planning on stepping on a stage
February 10 Vegan Chinese Cooking - learn easy cooking techniques for creating delicious plant-based Chinese meals

Endangered Eating Lecture Series

get a semi-secret preview of Sarah Lohman’s upcoming food history book!

January 30 Coachella Valley Dates
January 30 Hawai’in Sugar Cane
February 6 Salish Sea Reefnet Fishing
February 6 Navajo Churro Sheep

Also Coming Up

January 12 Faux Aging Techniques for Artwork - creating a crackled paint finish on a budget, methods for creating rust, and general techniques for weathering your surface in a believable way
January 13 How to Buy an Engagement Ring (or any other kind of ring) - from historic styles to terminology, trends and more
January 16 Ecomusic and the Sounds of Climate Change - how music and sound studies can change the way we think about our environment and be used as a tool for advocacy
January 18 Classic Charcoal Drawing: Faces - capture emotive faces with simple techniques and skills
January 20 How to Write a Cookbook Proposal - the ins and outs of creating a killer cookbook proposal for traditional publishers
January 22 Usage Tips for Writers - myths, mistakes, and little-known rules
January 23 The Archaeology of Cats and Dogs - how did cats and dogs evolve from wild predators into pampered pets?
January 26 Writing Recipes - dive into recipe composition, including the introduction, formatting, weights and measurements, common writing mistakes, the importance of descriptive language, and the process of recipe testing
January 28 Fundamentals of Astrology - signs, planets, houses and aspects as well what these things signify in our lives
January 29 Writing Great Dialogue - everyone knows dialogue can make or break a story, but how do you write good dialogue?
January 29 Itajime Shibori Techniques - explore shibori dyeing with a focus on Itajime techniques, using folding and blocks to create tradition Japanese fabric patterns
February 2 Let's Make Cream Puffs - pastry cream, choux pastry, and more!
February 2 Tapestry Weaving for Beginners - dress the loom, start the weaving, add a pattern or two, and tie it off

Dry January: Alcohol-Free Drinks and the Temperance Movement on Jan 29 at Caveat

To celebrate the end of Dry January, MSG is covering the dream of an alcohol-free world! Grab your tickets and learn more here.

If a month without alcohol is hard, try 13 years! Sarah will delve into the history of the Temperance Movement, and its culmination in Prohibition. The butt of many a joke, was the Temperance Movement deserving of ridicule? Did Prohibition actually work? You'll find out when Sarah tells all!

Soma will explore the constantly-expanding world of 0% beers and alcohol-free wines and spirits. How do you craft a liquor without the kick, or a beer without the booze? He'll cover the science that makes them flourish (or fail!), and provide the taste test tips to make sure you're picking the best of the bunch.

Tix available here!

Check Out Our Adoptable Cats!

The Brainery has a small cat rescue we run as a side project: Cat Republic! We spay and neuter street cats (no more sad, homeless kittens!), and take the friendly ones in to socialize and get adopted to nice warm homes.

Right now, we have a ton of adoptable cats, like Spelt, pictured here, and you can check them all out on our Petfinder page if you'd like some cuteness on your computer screen. Donations for their care are also greatly appreciated!

Happy holidays! If you're still on the hunt for holiday gifts, Brainery gift certificates are great for all your last-minute needs! They can be emailed over immediately or on the date of your choosing, never expire, and are available in a wide range of denominations. Grab one here!

Coming Up Soon

Friday Overcoming Scarcity Mindset - how to create healthy habits for nurturing your creative practice and working from a place of 'abundance' vs. 'lack' Prospect Heights
Saturday Introduction to Embroidery: Tote Bags - embroider your own monogrammed tote Park Slope
Saturday Recovering Your Creativity - identify and reflect on creative blocks and gain tools for working through these obstacles in a sustainable way Prospect Heights
December 22 Shibori: Block and Bind Dye Techniques with Indigo - learn the traditional art of shibori dyeing with natural indigo dye Prospect Heights
December 22 Build Your Journaling Practice - explore different methods of journal writing and drawing to find the best practice to fit what you need Park Slope
December 23 Embroidery in 90 Minutes: Mini Floral Monogram - learn useful stitches to create a quick gift Park Slope
December 23 Glass Etching - design a stencil of your choice and etch it on a pair of wine glasses Prospect Heights
Dec 30 + Jan 2 Improv For Essential Workplace Conversations - how to give feedback, pushback and follow-up Prospect Heights
January 4 Classic Charcoal Drawing: Anatomy - improve your technique with tips from the Old Masters Prospect Heights
January 4 Creating a New Money Mindset - learn strategies for improving your personal finances to have money for the things in life that matter most to them Prospect Heights

New This Week

January 6 Brand Strategy Bootcamp - dig in with four hands-on exercises to help set your business up for success Park Slope
January 10 Project Management 101 - explore everything from project planning, project management methodologies (Agile and Waterfall), to the “soft skills” needed to successfully facilitate a project Park Slope
January 12 Tarot Card Basics - unpack the mysteries and intuitive insights available through Tarot Park Slope
January 20 How to Write a Cookbook Proposal - the ins and outs of creating a killer cookbook proposal for traditional publishers Park Slope
January 21 Macrame Wall Hangings - master simple macrame knots while creating your own custom wall hanging Prospect Heights
January 22 Usage Tips for Writers - myths, mistakes, and little-known rules Prospect Heights
January 23 The Archaeology of Cats and Dogs - how did cats and dogs evolve from wild predators into pampered pets? Prospect Heights
starts January 24 Let's Make Croissant-Doughnuts! - learn a multitude of cooking skills while whipping up a delicious treat Prospect Heights
January 27 Improv for Professionals - step up your communication skills, even if you're not planning on stepping on a stage Park Slope
January 28 Fundamentals of Astrology - explore signs, planets, houses and aspects Prospect Heights
January 29 Writing Great Dialogue - everyone knows dialogue can make or break a story, but how do you write good dialogue? Park Slope
February 2 Tapestry Weaving for Beginners - dress the loom, start the weaving, add a pattern or two, and tie it off Park Slope
February 2 Let's Make Cream Puffs - conquer your fears of choux pastry Prospect Heights
February 5 The History of Chocolate - explore the history of chocolate from its roots as an ancient Meso-American beverage to its current world-championship status Prospect Heights

Almost Sold Out

starts January 6 American Sign Language: Level 1 - a four-week introduction to the language Prospect Heights
January 11 Introduction to Sushi-Making - construct five different rolls (and eat your creations!) Prospect Heights
starts Jan 14 Photography 101 - the knowledge behind serious picture-taking Park Slope
January 16 Presentation Skills - give more confident presentations Park Slope

Lectures & History Talks

January 6 The Pope DOES Wear a Funny Hat: Symbolism in Medieval and Renaissance Art - learn the history behind well-known symbols in western Medieval and Renaissance art Prospect Heights
January 9 Legal Literacy 101: Courts - get an overview of the court systems in the United States, including what kinds of cases go to what kinds of courts, and how a case can end up at the United States Supreme Court Prospect Heights
January 13 How to Buy an Engagement Ring (or any other kind of ring) - from historic styles to terminology, trends and more Park Slope
January 16 Ecomusic and the Sounds of Climate Change - how music and sound studies can change the way we think about our environment and be used as a tool for advocacy Prospect Heights

Endangered Eating Lectures

Join us for a semi-secret preview of Sarah Lohman’s upcoming food history book
January 30 Endangered Eating: Coachella Valley Dates
January 30 Endangered Eating: Hawai’in Sugar Cane
February 6 Endangered Eating: Navajo Churro Sheep
February 6 Endangered Eating: Salish Sea Reefnet Fishing

Artsy & Crafty

January 7 Block Printing on Textiles - learn to carve and print repeated designs on fabric Park Slope
starts January 8 Three-Week Creative Wellness Series: Paper Marbling, Bookbinding + Journaling - use art and mindfulness practices to help you become more focused and centered Park Slope
January 9 + 23 Intro to Watercolor - learn techniques, materials, and how to set up a composition Park Slope
January 12 Faux Aging Techniques for Artwork - learn to crackle paint, create "rust" and weather your surface in a believable way Prospect Heights
January 18 Classic Charcoal Drawing: Faces - capture emotive faces with simple techniques and skills Prospect Heights

Work & Life Skills

January 7 WTF is Agile and Scrum? - trace Agile’s origins in software development and its growing influence in other fields, such as marketing and advertising Prospect Heights
January 14 Become a Better Proofreader - different strategies for finding errors in writing before they wind up in print Prospect Heights
January 20 Buying Your First Home in NYC - from open houses to the closing table Prospect Heights
January 26 Writing Recipes - dive into recipe composition Park Slope
January 26 Intro to Food Writing - expand your vocabulary and tighten your writing to make your pieces come alive, along with the more practical aspects of writing Park Slope

Cats, cats, and more cats

The Brainery has a small cat rescue we run as a side project: Cat Republic! We spay and neuter street cats (no more sad, homeless kittens!), and take the friendly ones in to socialize and get adopted to nice warm homes.

Since it's the end of the year, I thiiiink we're socially obligated to channel our inner street cat and beg a little for donations. Adoption fees only cover a small percentage of the cost of getting a cat a home, so we rely on donations from cat-loving folks to keep things going. We've also a registered 501c3 non-profit, so any donation is tax-deductible, and if your employer kindly does matching gifts we'll be eligible!

Donate today!

If you prefer your presents gift-wrapped, we also have an Amazon wishlist.

And now, the cats!

Right now we're hosting four younger cats/kittens and three adult cats! The youngest ones aren't ready for adoption yet, but let's see the roster:

SPELT is a super-friendly 3-year-old lady with a goofy ear who has probably tripled her weight since she's gotten off of the streets. She loves playing and is an ultra-sized kitten, both in appearance and attitude! See Spelt's Petfinder profile

PARTYMIX is Spelt's same-aged housemate and complete opposite: a lazy layabout who politely waits for meals but somehow never packs on the pounds. His hilariously serious face is a great match for his total sweetheart personality. See Partymix's Petfinder profile

TEDDY is a giant tomcat who is as friendly as his teddy-bear namesake (even if this picture looks like he's very disappointed in us). See Teddy's Petfinder profile

KIRBY is a handsome teen we rescued from a broken window in an abandoned basement. He can be wary of strangers but love love loves other cats - if your cat is looking for a playmate, Kirby's your guy! See Kirby's Petfinder profile

The babies of the bunch: TEFF and AMARANTH are probably Spelt's kids! They're still being socialized, but eventually they'll be ready for adoption. FOX is the newest of the crew, a little kitten rescued from under a truck-bed last week. Wish him luck at the vet!

All Cat Republic cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and vetted, and most are also microchipped. If you aren't ready for a full-time cat commitment, we also love fosters! All of the joys of a cat at home, but just on a temporary basis. Check out our foster application here.

See more photos on our Instagram page (although we probably make most of our posts as stories!), and if you're fallen in love but just can't take a cat, you can always support them like worried parents with kids in college.

On January 29, head to Caveat in Manhattan for this month's installment of the MSG lecture series. In honor of dry January, Sarah and Soma will be tackling temperance and the world of alcohol-free drinks. Learn more and get your tickets here.

Coming Up Soon

Thursday Ecomusic and the Sounds of Climate Change - how music and sound studies can change the way we think about our environment and be used as a tool for advocacy
Thursday The Pope DOES Wear a Funny Hat - learn the history behind well-known symbols in western Medieval and Renaissance art
Friday Adoptable Cat Meet & Greet with Cat Republic - come meet some cute kitties who need homes
January 22 Usage Tips for Writers - myths, mistakes, and little-known rules
January 23 The Archaeology of Cats and Dogs - how did cats and dogs evolve from wild predators into pampered pets?
January 23 The Banana on the Wall - an examination of art and controversy
January 24 Let's Make Croissant-Doughnuts! - learn a multitude of cooking skills while whipping up a delicious treat
January 26 Writing Recipes - dive into recipe composition, including the introduction, formatting, weights and measurements, common writing mistakes, the importance of descriptive language, and the process of recipe testing

New This Week

February 1 + 15 Intro to DSLR and Mirrorless Photography - how DSLRs work + photography basics
February 9 Faux Aging Techniques - create a crackled paint finish on a budget, methods for creating rust, and general techniques for weathering your surface in a believable way
February 11 How to Run a Great Meeting - a toolkit of ways to make every meeting run better and with less stress
February 12 Start at the Beginning: Finding Your Way into Your Next Story - learn how to employ setting, character, plot, and theme in a way that not only grounds the narrative, but also propels it forward
February 17 The History of Scotch Whisky - how scotch became the world's most popular spirit
February 18 How to Write a Cookbook Proposal - the ins and outs of creating a killer cookbook proposal for traditional publishers
February 18 Macrame Wall Hangings - master simple macrame knots while creating your own custom wall hanging
February 19 Medicine Making 101: Tinctures - learn to make alcohol-based medicine with dried and fresh herbs, using folk and professional methods
February 20 The African Burial Ground: Black Archaeology in Early NYC - learn about fascinating events of NYC’s early history that are reflected in the African Burial Ground
February 23 Intro to Fermentation: Kimchi - learn the science behind making kimchi, why it’s good for you, and how to make it yourself
February 24 Naturally-Dyed Handmade Pasta - make your own pasta and liven it up with natural dyes
February 25 The American Coffeehouse - explore the origins of coffee and coffee houses as a shared communal space
February 25 Buying Your First Home in NYC - from open houses to the closing table
February 26 Shibori: Block and Bind Dye Techniques with Indigo - learn the traditional art of shibori dyeing with natural indigo dye
February 28 Project Management 101 - explore everything from project planning, project management methodologies (Agile and Waterfall), to the “soft skills” needed to successfully facilitate a project
February 21 + March 10 Wontons & Dumplings - folds, fillings, and how to cook off your creations
February 27 The History of Gin - from its start as a medicinal cure-all to today
March 7 Introduction to Sushi-Making - construct five different rolls (and eat your creations!)

Almost Sold Out

January 25 Embroidery 2: Textures - add texture and dimension to your work with large
January 29 Writing Great Dialogue - everyone knows dialogue can make or break a story, but how do you write good dialogue?
February 4 Woodburning Techniques - craft a custom wood cutting board using the art of pyrography
February 4 Storytelling for Professionals - learn the basics of good storytelling, with an emphasis on telling stories in a confident and engaging manner
February 13 Cooking with What You Have - learn to cook improvisationally and waste less
February 15 Beautiful Barks and Evergreens - embrace tree identification using bark, tree form, and other dangly bits as clues
February 15 Couples & Money - deal with delicate money matters without wreaking havoc on your love life

Lectures & History Talks

February 5 Akhenaten: Egypt's Renegade Pharaoh - meet the unique pharaoh and his large and fascinating family, including the best-documented women in all of Egyptian history
February 5 The History of Chocolate - explore the history of chocolate from its roots as an ancient Meso-American beverage to its current world-championship status
February 13 Tea Across Time - how tea is grown and processed, the history of its global spread, and where it comes from today

Endangered Eating Lecture Series
get a semi-secret preview of Sarah Lohman’s upcoming food history book

January 30 Coachella Valley Dates
January 30 Hawai’in Sugar Cane
February 6 Salish Sea Reefnet Fishing
February 6 Navajo Churro Sheep

Work Skills

February 3 Brand Strategy Bootcamp - dig in with four hands-on exercises to help set your business up for success
February 10 UnHumble: How to Stop Playing Small and Be a Badass - feel more confident and get ready for your next big adventure through improv-based activities
February 24 Networking and Small Talk: Find Your Voice - work on your personal and professional pitch, practice reading and assessing networking and small talk situations, and zero in on active listening and impromptu speaking skills

Life Skills

January 31 The New Essex Market Food Tour - learn about history of New York’s public markets then dive in to explore the food and vendors that represent the Lower East Side’s diverse community new
February 3 Herbs for the Winter Blues - learn which herbs and foods can bring more sunshine into your world and keep you buoyant and enlivened when the temperatures dip and the skies are gray new
February 8 Nature, Design, and How You Can Save the World - learn more about nature's designs and apply them yourself to solve a design challenge new
February 16 Painting, Sculpting, and Designing with Bioluminescence - explore the world of BioArt
February 16 Moisturizer and Lip Balm Workshop - whip up your own homemade body products with simple ingredients

Artsy & Crafty

February 5 Block Printing on Textiles - learn to carve and print repeated designs on fabric
February 7 Bookbinding: Gratitude Journals and Meditation - explore gratitude meditation, the how-to's of bookbinding, and the benefits of a daily writing practice
February 9 Build Your Journaling Practice - explore different methods of journal writing and drawing to find the best practice to fit what you need
February 9 Glass Etching - design a stencil of your choice and etch it on a pair of wine glasses
February 11 Marbled Cards - create your own set of cards while learning the meditative art of marbling

Adoptable Cat Meet & Greet on Friday, Jan 17th

Our tiny cat rescue, Cat Republic, is currently swimming in adoptable cats and so we're hosting a meet & greet for the crew. Come on by the Prospect Heights Brainery (190 Underhill Ave) on Friday evening, January 17 from 6:30-9pm to have a drink and meet some furry friends and learn more about adopting!

RSVP is not required but helpful so we can get a sense of numbers. The event is free but donations to Cat Republic will be gratefully accepted too!

Don't forget to get your tickets for next week's Masters of Social Gastronomy lecture! This month, Sarah and Soma will be tackling temperance and the world of alcohol-free drinks, including a tasting of Brooklyn Brewery's new NA beer. Learn more and get tickets here.

Coming Up Soon

Thursday The Archaeology of Cats and Dogs - how did cats and dogs evolve from wild predators into pampered pets?
Thursday The Banana on the Wall - an examination of art and controversy
Jan 30 get a semi-secret preview of Sarah Lohman’s upcoming food history book with two talks: Coachella Valley Dates and Endangered Eating: Hawai’in Sugar Cane
January 31 The New Essex Market Food Tour - learn about history of New York’s public markets then dive in to explore the food and vendors that represent the Lower East Side’s diverse community
February 1 Intro to DSLR and Mirrorless Photography - how DSLRs work + photography basics
February 3 Herbs for the Winter Blues - learn which herbs and foods can bring more sunshine into your world and keep you buoyant and enlivened when the temperatures dip and the skies are gray
February 3 Brand Strategy Bootcamp - dig in with four hands-on exercises to help set your business up for success

New This Week

February 8 + more Tarot Card Basics - unpack the mysteries and intuitive insights available through Tarot
February 8+ 15 Intro to Crochet - learn the foundations of crochet, from stitches to pattern reading
February 12 Start at the Beginning: Finding Your Way into Your Next Story - learn how to employ setting, character, plot, and theme in a way that not only grounds the narrative, but also propels it forward
February 15 Find Your Funny: A Crash Course on Improv Comedy - establish confidence, command the stage and find your funny through supportive, fun and educational improv exercises
February 19 Mixed Media: Watercolor & Collage - explore experimental watercolor techniques and intuitive collage
February 22 Classic Charcoal Drawing for Beginners - tips from the Old Masters will have you drawing like a pro
February 23 Advanced Asteroids - learn about ten of the culturally significant asteroids in astrology
starts February 25 Photography 101 - get the knowledge behind serious picture-taking
February 25 Buying Your First Home in NYC - prepping for your hunt, using the best resources to search for the perfect home, and what to do once you’ve found it
March 21 The Art of Bonsai - learn the artistic, philosophical, horticultural, and technical process of designing, planting, and maintaining your very own bonsai
starts March 4 4-Week Fiction Workshop: The Power of Revision - workshop your short story or novel excerpt in this in-depth course
March 5 Intro to Watercolor - techniques, materials, and how to set up a composition
March 7 Introduction to Sushi-Making - construct five different rolls (and eat your creations!)
March 10 Wontons & Dumplings - folds, fillings, and how to cook off your creations

Almost Sold Out

February 5 Block Printing on Textiles - carve and print repeated designs on fabric
February 8 Nature, Design, and How You Can Save the World - learn about nature's designs and apply them yourself to solve a design challenge
February 9 Glass Etching - design a stencil of your choice and etch it on a pair of wine glasses
February 10 UnHumble: How to Stop Playing Small and Be a Badass - feel more confident and get ready for your next big adventure through improv-based activities
February 16 Painting, Sculpting, and Designing with Bioluminescence - explore the wild world of BioArt
February 18 Macrame Wall Hangings - master simple macrame knots while creating your own custom wall hanging
February 24 Networking and Small Talk: Find Your Voice - work on your personal and professional pitch, practice reading and assessing networking and small talk situations, and zero in on active listening and impromptu speaking skills
February 24 Naturally-Dyed Handmade Pasta - make pasta and explore the world of natural food dyes

Crafty + Hands On

February 7 Bookbinding: Gratitude Journals and Meditation - explore gratitude meditation, the how-to's of bookbinding, and the benefits of a daily writing practice
February 9 Faux Aging Techniques - crackled paint on a budget, methods for creating rust, and general techniques for weathering your surface in a believable way
February 9 Build Your Journaling Practice - explore different methods of journal writing and drawing to find the best practice to fit what you need
February 11 Marbled Cards - create your own set of cards while learning the meditative art of marbling
February 16 Moisturizer and Lip Balm Workshop - whip up your own homemade body products with simple ingredients

Work & Life Skills

February 11 How to Run a Great Meeting - a toolkit of ways to make every meeting run better and with less stress
February 15 Beautiful Barks and Evergreens - embrace tree identification using bark, tree form, and other dangly bits as clues
February 18 How to Write a Cookbook Proposal - the ins and outs of creating a killer cookbook proposal for traditional publishers
February 19 Medicine Making 101: Tinctures - learn how to make alcohol-based medicine with dried and fresh herbs, using folk and professional methods
February 23 Intro to Fermentation: Kimchi - learn the basic science behind making kimchi, why it’s good for you, and we’ll teach you how to make it yourself
February 28 Project Management 101 - explore everything from project planning, project management methodologies (Agile and Waterfall), to the “soft skills” needed to successfully facilitate a project

Lectures & History Talks

February 5 Akhenaten: Egypt's Renegade Pharaoh - meet the unique pharaoh and his large and fascinating family, including the best-documented women in all of Egyptian history
February 5 The History of Chocolate - explore the history of chocolate from its roots as an ancient Meso-American beverage to its current world-championship status
February 6 Endangered Eating: Salish Sea Reefnet Fishing - learn about the an ancient, indigenous fishing technique
February 6 Endangered Eating: Navajo Churro Sheep - explore the history of this animal and its importance in Diné/Navajo culture
February 13 Tea Across Time - how tea is grown and processed, the history of its global spread, and where it comes from today
February 17 The History of Scotch Whisky - how scotch became the world's most popular spirit
February 20 The African Burial Ground: Black Archaeology in Early NYC - learn about fascinating events of NYC’s early history that are reflected in the African Burial Ground
February 25 The American Coffeehouse - explore the origins of coffee and coffee houses as a shared communal space
February 27 The History of Gin - from its start as a medicinal cure-all to today

Gift Certificates

You can always grab a Brainery gift certificate on our site!

This warm weather has me dreaming of spring and garden planning up a storm. If you need some inspiration for your own space (or even if you just want to dream!), I absolutely love this kitchen garden planner from Gardener's Supply.

Coming Up Soon

Tonight The History of Chocolate - the history of chocolate from its roots as an ancient Meso-American beverage to its current world-championship status
Tonight Akhenaten: Egypt's Renegade Pharaoh - meet the unique pharaoh and his large and fascinating family, including the best-documented women in all of Egyptian history
Thursday Endangered Eating: Navajo Churro Sheep - explore the history of this animal and its importance in Diné/Navajo culture
Thursday Endangered Eating: Salish Sea Reefnet Fishing - learn about the an ancient, indigenous fishing technique
February 9 Build Your Journaling Practice - explore different methods of journal writing and drawing to find the best practice to fit what you need
February 9 Faux Aging Techniques - creating a crackled paint finish on a budget, methods for creating rust, and general techniques for weathering your surface in a believable way
February 11 Marbled Cards - create your own set of cards while learning the meditative art of marbling

New This Week

February 11 History's Most Notorious Female Killers - from Countess Bathory to Belle Gunness
February 27 + March 12 Woodburning Techniques - craft a custom wood cutting board using the art of pyrography
February 27 The History of Art Crime - from famous cases like the Isabella Stewart Gardner theft and the story of the Ghent Altarpiece recovery, to current issues with the black market
March 2 Brand Strategy Bootcamp - dig in with four hands-on exercises to help set your business up for success
March 3 Herbal Salves And Creams For Cold Weather Skincare - learn which herbs can give you a winter glow and leave you feeling replenished and ready for the elements
March 4 Itajime Shibori Techniques - explore shibori dyeing with a focus on Itajime techniques, using folding and blocks to create tradition Japanese fabric patterns
March 8 Find Your Funny: A Crash Course on Improv Comedy - establish confidence, command the stage and find your funny through supportive, fun and educational improv exercises
March 15 Hardcover Bookbinding: Coptic Stitch - take your bookbinding practice to the next level
March 16 Glass Etching - design a stencil of your choice and etch it on a pair of wine glasses
March 23 Myth and Mystery in "Harry Potter" - learn the history behind the creatures, potions and spells from Harry Potter when we dive into manuscripts and paintings ranging over 2,000 years
March 24 Intro to Food Writing - expand your vocabulary and tighten your writing to make your pieces come alive, along with the more practical aspects of writing
starts March 30 Speak Up: Three Week Presentation Skills - get the tools to take your words to the stage with clarity, energy, and poise
March 31 Medicine Making 101: Herbal Vinegars and Syrups - see how you can incorporate botanical remedies into your daily life using a traditional approach

Almost Sold Out

February 13 Tea Across Time - how tea is grown and processed, the history of its global spread, and where it comes from today
February 15 Find Your Funny: A Crash Course on Improv Comedy - establish confidence, command the stage and find your funny through supportive, fun and educational improv exercises
February 16 Painting, Sculpting, and Designing with Bioluminescence - explore the world of BioArt
February 18 How to Write a Cookbook Proposal - the ins and outs of creating a killer cookbook proposal for traditional publishers
February 24 Naturally-Dyed Handmade Pasta - pasta with a colorful twist
February 28 Project Management 101 - explore everything from project planning, project management methodologies (Agile and Waterfall), to the “soft skills” needed to successfully facilitate a project
March 17 Improv For Essential Workplace Conversations - how to give feedback, pushback and follow-up

History & Lectures

February 17 The History of Scotch Whisky - how scotch became the world's most popular spirit
February 20 The African Burial Ground: Black Archaeology in Early NYC - learn about fascinating events of NYC’s early history that are reflected in the African Burial Ground
February 23 Advanced Asteroids - learn about ten of the culturally significant asteroids in astrology
February 25 The American Coffeehouse - explore the origins of coffee and coffee houses as a shared communal space
February 27 The History of Gin - from its start as a medicinal cure-all to today
March 22 Progressions and Transits - explore Progressions – the unfolding of a chart as we age, and Transits – the events of day-to-day, and how these astrological systems impact us
March 25 A History of Royal Scotland - the story of Scotland’s monarchs and their colorful and often bloody role in shaping Scotland and Britain

Artsy & Crafty

February 19 Mixed Media: Watercolor & Collage - learn experimental watercolor techniques and explore intuitive collage making
starts February 25 Photography 101 - get the knowledge behind serious picture-taking
March 8 Classic Charcoal Drawing: Anatomy - improve your technique with tips from the Old Masters
March 12 Classic Charcoal Drawing for Beginners - tips from the Old Masters will have you drawing like a pro
starts March 14 Portrait Photography Essentials - amp up your portraiture skills in this streamlined, four-session course
March 19 Classic Charcoal Drawing: Faces - capture emotive faces with simple techniques and skills
March 19 Intro to Watercolor - learn techniques, materials, and how to set up a composition
March 23 Paper Marbling Basics - explore a variety of techniques for creating your own marbled designs and how to continue exploring this process at home

Foodish

February 29 Advanced Fermentation: Koji - how to make koji, how to create your own incubator, as well as covering other koji-based ferments from amazake to pasta and more
March 7 Introduction to Sushi-Making - construct five different rolls (and eat your creations!)
March 24 An Introduction to Sichuan Cuisine - complex flavors that are easy to recreate at home

Work & Life Skills

March 2 Leading from Where You Are: Women in Leadership Roles - connect with communication and explore other aspects of leadership
starts March 4 4-Week Fiction Workshop: The Power of Revision - workshop your short story or novel excerpt in this in-depth course
March 5 UnHumble: How to Stop Playing Small and Be a Badass - feel more confident and get ready for your next big adventure through improv-based activities

Tonight, head to Caveat in Manhattan and catch this month's MSG lecture all about the Temperance Movement and non-alcoholic booze, including a sample of Brooklyn Brewery's new non-alcoholic brew. Ticket prices go up at the door, so be sure to grab yours in advance!

Coming Up Soon

Thursday Endangered Eating: Coachella Valley Dates - today the area is better known for an epic music festival, but in the 19th century it was an agricultural paradise made to mimic the Middle East Prospect Heights
February 3 Brand Strategy Bootcamp - dig in with four hands-on exercises to help set your business up for success Park Slope
February 4 Intro to Food Writing - expand your vocabulary and tighten your writing to make your pieces come alive, along with the more practical aspects of writing Prospect Heights
February 5 Akhenaten: Egypt's Renegade Pharaoh - meet the unique pharaoh and his large and fascinating family, including the best-documented women in all of Egyptian history Prospect Heights
February 5 The History of Chocolate - explore the history of chocolate from its roots as an ancient Meso-American beverage to its current world-championship status Prospect Heights
February 6 Endangered Eating: Salish Sea Reefnet Fishing - learn about the an ancient, indigenous fishing technique of “reefnet fishing” Prospect Heights
February 6 Endangered Eating: Navajo Churro Sheep - explore the history of this animal and its importance in Diné/Navajo culture Prospect Heights

New This Week

February 4 Intro to Food Writing - expand your vocabulary and tighten your writing to make your pieces come alive, along with the more practical aspects of writing Prospect Heights
February 22 Cross-stitch for Beginners - read a chart and to space, stitch, and finish your work Park Slope
February 23 Advanced Asteroids - learn about ten of the culturally significant asteroids in astrology Prospect Heights
starts February 25 Photography 101 - get the knowledge behind serious picture-taking Park Slope
February 29 Advanced Fermentation: Koji - how to make koji, how to create your own incubator, as well as covering other koji-based ferments from amazake to pasta and more Prospect Heights
March 4 Itajime Shibori Techniques - explore shibori dyeing with a focus on Itajime techniques, using folding and blocks to create tradition Japanese fabric patterns Prospect Heights
March 7 + 9 Growing Plants Indoors With Science and Magic - the secret to keeping your houseplants green and happy is understanding the science behind their growth and sustenance, and learning to recognize the tell-tale signals that let you know what your plants crave Park Slope
starts March 14 Portrait Photography Essentials - amp up your portraiture skills in this streamlined, four-session course Park Slope
March 17 Improv For Essential Workplace Conversations - how to give feedback, pushback, and follow-up Park Slope
March 18 Tarot Card Basics - explore the story of the Fool, the 4 elements, layouts + more Prospect Heights
March 19 Intro to Watercolor - techniques, materials, and how to set up a composition Park Slope
March 22 Progressions and Transits - explore Progressions – the unfolding of a chart as we age, and Transits – the events of day-to-day, and how these astrological systems impact us Prospect Heights
March 25 A History of Royal Scotland - the story of Scotland’s monarchs and their colorful and often bloody role in shaping Scotland and Britain Prospect Heights

Almost Sold Out

February 8 Nature, Design, and How You Can Save the World - learn more about nature's designs and apply them yourself to solve a design challenge Prospect Heights
February 11 How to Run a Great Meeting - a toolkit of ways to make every meeting run better and with less stress Prospect Heights
February 12 Start at the Beginning: Finding Your Way into Your Next Story - employ setting, character, plot, and theme in a way that not only grounds the narrative, but also propels it forward Park Slope
February 15 Find Your Funny: A Crash Course on Improv Comedy - establish confidence, command the stage and find your funny through supportive, fun and educational improv exercises Prospect Heights
February 16 Painting, Sculpting, and Designing with Bioluminescence - explore the world of BioArt Prospect Heights
February 19 Medicine Making 101: Tinctures - learn how to make alcohol-based medicine with dried and fresh herbs, using folk and professional methods Prospect Heights
February 24 Networking and Small Talk: Find Your Voice - work on your personal and professional pitch, practice reading and assessing networking and small talk situations, and zero in on active listening and impromptu speaking skills Park Slope
February 24 Naturally-Dyed Handmade Pasta - learn to make pasta by hand and dye it naturally Prospect Heights
February 28 Project Management 101 - explore everything from project planning, project management methodologies (Agile and Waterfall), to the “soft skills” needed to successfully facilitate a project Park Slope
starts March 4 4-Week Fiction Workshop: The Power of Revision - workshop your short story or novel excerpt in this in-depth course Park Slope

History and Lectures

all in Prospect Heights

February 17 The History of Scotch Whisky - how scotch became the world's most popular spirit
February 20 The African Burial Ground: Black Archaeology in Early NYC - learn about fascinating events of NYC’s early history that are reflected in the African Burial Ground
February 25 The American Coffeehouse - explore the origins of coffee and coffee houses as a shared communal space
February 27 The History of Gin - from its start as a medicinal cure-all to today

Also Coming Up

February 9 Faux Aging Techniques - create a crackled paint finish on a budget, along with rust and other general techniques for weathering your surface in a believable way Prospect Heights
February 9 Build Your Journaling Practice - explore different methods of journal writing and drawing to find the best practice to fit what you need Park Slope
February 11 Marbled Cards - create your own set of cards while learning the meditative art of marbling Park Slope
February 15 Intro to DSLR and Mirrorless Photography - how DSLRs work + photography basics Park Slope
February 18 How to Write a Cookbook Proposal - the ins and outs of creating a killer cookbook proposal for traditional publishers Park Slope
February 19 Mixed Media: Watercolor & Collage - explore experimental watercolor techniques and apply them to collage making Park Slope
March 7 Introduction to Sushi-Making - construct five different rolls (and eat your creations!) Prospect Heights

February 12 is a legal holiday in a handful of states, including New York, celebrating Lincoln's Birthday. And while you probably still have to go to work this morning, you can thank Julian Francis, who single-handedly started celebrating Lincoln's birthday in 1873 in Buffalo, for not having to move your car for street cleaning today.

Need a gift for Valentine's Day? Grab a gift certificate here!

Coming Up Soon

Saturday Beautiful Barks and Evergreens - embrace tree identification using bark, tree form, and other dangly bits as clues
February 17 The History of Scotch Whisky - how scotch became the world's most popular spirit
February 20 The African Burial Ground: Black Archaeology in Early NYC - learn about fascinating events of NYC’s early history that are reflected in the African Burial Ground
February 23 Build Your Journaling Practice - explore different methods of journal writing and drawing to find the best practice to fit what you need
February 23 Advanced Asteroids - learn about ten of the culturally significant asteroids in astrology
February 24 Naturally-Dyed Handmade Pasta - homemade pasta with a colorful twist
February 25 The American Coffeehouse - explore the origins of coffee and coffee houses as a shared communal space
starts February 25 Photography 101 - get the knowledge behind serious picture-taking

New This Week

March 1 Low-light Food Photography - improve your food shots in tricky lighting situations
March 9 "The Language of Whisky" Reading– A New Perspective - have you ever stopped to think what the actual names of those whiskies mean and where they come from?
March 13 Alternative Photography: Cyanotype for Beginners - create beautiful blue-hued photograms with very little muss and fuss
starts March 14 Intro to Crochet - learn the foundations of crochet, from stitches to pattern reading
March 15 Quick Pickles - get started in all things pickled!
March 16 How to Write a Cookbook Proposal - the ins and outs of creating a killer cookbook proposal for traditional publishers
March 23 Paper Marbling Basics - explore a variety of techniques for creating your own marbled designs and how to continue exploring this process at home
March 26 get a semi-secret preview of Sarah Lohman’s upcoming food history book with Endangered Eating: Manoomin (Wild Rice) and Endangered Eating: Cider Apples
March 27 +29 The New Essex Market Food Tour - learn about history of New York’s public markets then dive in to explore the food and vendors that represent the Lower East Side’s diverse community
March 28 Food Styling for Photography - tips + tricks to make your food look amazing on camera
March 28 Smart Phone Food Photography - tools and techniques to take the best photos possible without a lot of gear
March 29 Miso Making - learn the basic science behind making miso, why it is good for you and how to make it yourself
starts April 1 Three-Week Creative Wellness Series: Paper Marbling, Bookbinding + Journaling - use art and mindfulness practices to help you become more focused and centered

Almost Sold Out

February 29 Advanced Fermentation: Koji - how to make koji, how to create your own incubator, as well as covering other koji-based ferments from amazake to pasta and more
starts March 4 4-Week Fiction Workshop: The Power of Revision - workshop your short story or novel excerpt in this in-depth course
March 7 Introduction to Sushi-Making - construct five different rolls (and eat your creations!)

Artsy & Crafty

February 27 Woodburning Techniques - craft a custom wood cutting board using the art of pyrography
March 4 Itajime Shibori Techniques - explore shibori dyeing with a focus on Itajime techniques, using folding and blocks to create traditional Japanese fabric patterns
March 12 Classic Charcoal Drawing for Beginners - tips from the Old Masters will have you drawing like a pro
March 16 Glass Etching - design a stencil of your choice and etch it on a pair of wine glasses
March 19 Classic Charcoal Drawing: Faces - capture emotive faces with simple techniques and skills

History & Lectures

February 27 The History of Art Crime - from famous cases like the Isabella Stewart Gardner theft and the story of the Ghent Altarpiece recovery, to current issues with the black market
February 27 The History of Gin - from its start as a medicinal cure-all to today
March 22 Progressions and Transits - explore Progressions – the unfolding of a chart as we age, and Transits – the events of day-to-day, and how these astrological systems impact us
March 23 Myth and Mystery in "Harry Potter" - learn the history behind the creatures, potions and spells from Harry Potter when we dive into manuscripts and paintings ranging over 2,000 years
March 25 A History of Royal Scotland - the story of Scotland’s monarchs and their colorful and often bloody role in shaping Scotland and Britain

Work & Life Skills

March 2 Leading from Where You Are: Women in Leadership Roles - connect with communication and explore other aspects of leadership
March 2 Brand Strategy Bootcamp - dig in with four hands-on exercises to help set your business up for success
March 3 Herbal Salves And Creams For Cold Weather Skincare - learn which herbs can give you a winter glow and leave you feeling replenished and ready for the elements
March 5 UnHumble: How to Stop Playing Small and Be a Badass - feel more confident and get ready for your next big adventure through improv-based activities
March 8 Find Your Funny: A Crash Course on Improv Comedy - establish confidence, command the stage and find your funny through supportive, fun and educational improv exercises
starts March 14 Portrait Photography Essentials - amp up your portraiture skills in this streamlined, four-session course
March 24 Intro to Food Writing - expand your vocabulary and tighten your writing to make your pieces come alive, along with the more practical aspects of writing
March 30 Writing Recipes - dive into recipe composition, from the intro to formatting and more, along with the process of recipe testing
starts March 30 Speak Up: Three Week Presentation Skills - get the tools to take your words to the stage with clarity, energy, and poise
March 31 Medicine Making 101: Herbal Vinegars and Syrups - see how you can incorporate botanical remedies into your daily life using a traditional approach

On January 29, make plans to head to Caveat in Manhattan for our monthly food lecture series, Masters of Social Gastronomy. This month, Sarah and Soma will be tackling temperance and the world of alochol-free drinks. Learn more and get your tickets here.

Coming Up Soon

Tonight Block Printing on Textiles - learn to carve and print repeated designs on fabric
Tonight WTF is Agile and Scrum? - trace Agile’s origins in software development and its growing influence in other fields, such as marketing and advertising
Thursday Legal Literacy 101: Courts - get an overview of the court systems in the United States, including what kinds of cases go to what kinds of courts, and how a case can end up at the United States Supreme Court
this Friday Project Management 101 - explore everything from project planning, project management methodologies (Agile and Waterfall), to the “soft skills” needed to successfully facilitate a project
January 12 Vision Board Embroidery - learn a new skill while planning for your year
January 13 How to Buy an Engagement Ring (or any other kind of ring) - from historic styles to terminology, trends and more

New This Week

January 19 Presentation Skills - tip and tricks to give more confident presentations
January 31 The New Essex Market Food Tour - learn about history of New York’s public markets then dive in to explore the food and vendors that represent the Lower East Side’s diverse community
February 2 Improv For Essential Workplace Conversations - how to give feedback, pushback and follow-up
February 3 Brand Strategy Bootcamp - dig in with four hands-on exercises to help set your business up for success
February 3 Herbs for the Winter Blues - learn which herbs and foods can bring more sunshine into your world and keep you buoyant and enlivened when the temperatures dip and the skies are gray
February 4 Storytelling for Professionals - learn the basics of good storytelling, with an emphasis on telling stories in a confident and engaging manner
February 4 Woodburning Techniques - craft a custom wood cutting board using the art of pyrography
February 5 Akhenaten: Egypt's Renegade Pharaoh - meet the unique pharaoh and his large and fascinating family, including the best-documented women in all of Egyptian history
February 5 Block Printing on Textiles - learn to carve and print repeated designs on fabric
February 7 Bookbinding: Gratitude Journals and Meditation - explore gratitude meditation, the how-to's of bookbinding, and the benefits of a daily writing practice
February 8 Nature, Design, and How You Can Save the World - learn more about nature's designs and apply them yourself to solve a design challenge
February 9 + February 23 Build Your Journaling Practice - explore different methods of journal writing to find the best practice to fit what you need
February 11 How to Run a Great Meeting - a toolkit of ways to make every meeting run better and with less stress
February 11 Marbled Cards - create your own set of cards while learning the meditative art of marbling
February 10 UnHumble: How to Stop Playing Small and Be a Badass - feel more confident and get ready for your next big adventure through improv-based activities
February 13 Tea Across Time - how tea is grown and processed, the history of its global spread, and where it comes from today
February 13 Cooking with What You Have - learn to cook improvisationally and waste less
February 15 Beautiful Barks and Evergreens - embrace tree identification using bark, tree form, and other dangly bits as clues
February 15 Couples & Money - deal with delicate money matters without wreaking havoc on your love life
February 16 Moisturizer and Lip Balm Workshop - whip up your own homemade body products with simple ingredients
February 16 Painting, Sculpting, and Designing with Bioluminescence - explore the wild world of bioart
February 17 Buying Your First Home in NYC - from open houses to the closing table
February 21 Wontons & Dumplings - folds, fillings, and how to cook off your creations
February 24 Networking and Small Talk: Find Your Voice - work on your personal and professional pitch, practice reading and assessing networking and small talk situations, and zero in on active listening and impromptu speaking skills

Almost Sold Out

January 26 Miso Making - learn the basic science behind making miso, why it is good for you and how to make it yourself
January 28 Fundamentals of Astrology - signs, planets, houses and aspects as well as look at the patterns and cycles these things signify in our lives
January 29 Itajime Shibori Techniques - explore shibori dyeing with a focus on Itajime techniques, using folding and blocks to create tradition Japanese fabric patterns
January 29 Writing Great Dialogue - everyone knows dialogue can make or break a story, but how do you write good dialogue?
February 2 Let's Make Cream Puffs - learn the secrets of choux pastry, pastry cream, and more!
February 12 An Introduction to Sichuan Cuisine - complex flavors that are easy to recreate at home

Arsty & Crafty

January 25 Embroidery 2: Textures - add texture and dimension to your work with large
February 6 + 20 Intro to Watercolor - learn techniques, materials, and how to set up a composition
February 9 Glass Etching - design a stencil of your choice and etch it on a pair of wine glasses

Work & Life Skills

January 20 How to Write a Cookbook Proposal - the ins and outs of creating a killer cookbook proposal for traditional publishers
January 22 Usage Tips for Writers - myths, mistakes, and little-known rules
January 26 Writing Recipes - dive into recipe composition, including the introduction, formatting, weights and measurements, common writing mistakes, the importance of descriptive language, and the process of recipe testing

Lectures & History

January 16 Ecomusic and the Sounds of Climate Change - how music and sound studies can change the way we think about our environment and be used as a tool for advocacy
January 16 The Pope DOES Wear a Funny Hat: Symbolism in Medieval and Renaissance Art - learn the history behind well-known symbols in western Medieval and Renaissance art
January 23 The Banana on the Wall - an examination of art and controversy
January 23 The Archaeology of Cats and Dogs - how did cats and dogs evolve from wild predators into pampered pets?
February 5 The History of Chocolate - explore the history of chocolate from its roots as an ancient Meso-American beverage to its current world-championship status

Endangered Eating Lecture Series
get a semi-secret preview of Sarah Lohman’s upcoming food history book

January 30 Coachella Valley Dates
January 30 Hawai’in Sugar Cane
February 6 Salish Sea Reefnet Fishing
February 6 Navajo Churro Sheep

Check Out Our Adoptable Cats!

The Brainery has a small cat rescue we run as a side project: Cat Republic! We spay and neuter street cats (no more sad, homeless kittens!), and take the friendly ones in to socialize and get adopted to nice warm homes.

Right now, we have a ton of adoptable cats and you can check them all out on our Petfinder page if you'd like some cuteness on your computer screen. Donations for their care are also greatly appreciated!

Today in 1910, Typhoid Mary was released from her (first) solitary confinement on North Brother Island. She promised never to work as a cook again, but as you probably know, she didn't exactly keep her promise and ended up sickening at least another 25 people during her rogue years.

Coming Up Soon

Thursday The African Burial Ground: Black Archaeology in Early NYC - learn about fascinating events of NYC’s early history that are reflected in the African Burial Ground Prospect Heights
February 23 Intro to Fermentation: Kimchi - the basic science behind making kimchi, why it’s good for you, and how to make it yourself Prospect Heights
February 23 Fundamentals of Astrology - signs, planets, houses and aspects as well as look at the patterns and cycles these things signify in our lives Prospect Heights
February 25 The American Coffeehouse - explore the origins of coffee and coffee houses as a shared communal space Prospect Heights
February 27 Woodburning Techniques - craft a custom wood cutting board using the art of pyrography Park Slope
February 27 The History of Gin - from its start as a medicinal cure-all to today Prospect Heights
February 27 The History of Art Crime - from famous cases like the Isabella Stewart Gardner theft and the story of the Ghent Altarpiece recovery, to current issues with the black market Prospect Heights
February 29 Advanced Fermentation: Koji - how to make koji, how to create your own incubator, as well as covering other koji-based ferments from amazake to pasta and more Prospect Heights
March 1 Low-light Food Photography - improve your food shots in tricky lighting situations Park Slope
March 2 Leading from Where You Are: Women in Leadership Roles - connect with communication and explore other aspects of leadership Prospect Heights
March 2 Brand Strategy Bootcamp - dig in with four hands-on exercises to help set your business up for success Park Slope

New This Week

March 6 Project Management 101 - explore everything from project planning, project management methodologies (Agile and Waterfall), to the “soft skills” needed to successfully facilitate a project Park Slope
March 9 True Crime in NYC at the Turn of the 20th Century - learn about the unsolved murders, mob assassinations and daring heists that colored the front pages of every newspaper Prospect Heights
March 11 Tarot Card Basics - explore the story of the Fool, the 4 elements, layouts + more Prospect Heights
March 17 Vegan Chinese Cooking - learn easy cooking techniques for creating delicious plant-based Chinese meals Prospect Heights
March 23 Buying Your First Home in NYC - prepping for your hunt, using the best resources to search for the perfect home, and what to do once you’ve found it Prospect Heights
March 29 Visible Mending: Sashiko and Woven Patches - create a sampler of Sashiko-style mending Park Slope
March 31 Buying Your First Home in NYC - from open houses to the closing table Park Slope
April 1 Fake Archaeology: An April Fool’s Exploration of Aliens, Atlantis, and Freaky Artifacts - we'll investigate the world’s biggest archaeological mysteries Prospect Heights
starts April 1 Three-Week Creative Wellness Series: Paper Marbling, Bookbinding + Journaling - use art and mindfulness practices to help you become more focused and centered Park Slope
April 2 Intro to Watercolor - learn techniques, materials, and how to set up a composition Park Slope
April 4 Intro to Dim Sum - Dim sum is as much an art form as it is a meal Prospect Heights
April 5 Block Printing on Textiles - learn to carve and print repeated designs on fabric Park Slope
April 9 Shibori: Block and Bind Dye Techniques with Indigo - learn the traditional art of shibori dyeing with natural indigo dye Prospect Heights
April 9 Narrative Voice: The Power of Point of View in Your Fiction - explore the pros and cons of first-, second-, and third-person narration, the power of perspective, and how to find a truly unique, original voice for your next story Park Slope

Almost Sold Out

March 4 Itajime Shibori Techniques - explore shibori dyeing with a focus on Itajime techniques, using folding and blocks to create tradition Japanese fabric patterns Prospect Heights
starts March 4 4-Week Fiction Workshop: The Power of Revision - workshop your short story or novel excerpt in this in-depth course Park Slope
March 10 Wontons & Dumplings - folds, fillings, and how to cook off your creations Prospect Heights
starts March 14 Portrait Photography Essentials - amp up your portraiture skills in this streamlined, four-session course Park Slope
March 15 Quick Pickles - get started in all thing pickles! Prospect Heights
March 15 Hardcover Bookbinding: Coptic Stitch - take your bookbinding skills up a notch with the beautiful coptic stitch Park Slope
March 29 The New Essex Market Food Tour - learn about history of New York’s public markets then dive in to explore the food and vendors that represent the Lower East Side’s diverse community

History and Lectures

March 9 "The Language of Whisky" Reading– A New Perspective - have you ever stopped to think what the actual names of some of your favorite Scottish whiskies mean and where they come from? Prospect Heights
March 22 Progressions and Transits - explore Progressions – the unfolding of a chart as we age, and Transits – the events of day-to-day, and how these astrological systems impact us Prospect Heights
March 23 Myth and Mystery in "Harry Potter" - learn the history behind the creatures, potions and spells from Harry Potter when we dive into manuscripts and paintings ranging over 2,000 years Prospect Heights
March 25 A History of Royal Scotland - the story of Scotland’s monarchs and their colorful and often bloody role in shaping Scotland and Britain Prospect Heights
March 26 Endangered Eating: Manoomin (Wild Rice) and Endangered Eating: Cider Apples - get a semi-secret preview of Sarah Lohman's new book, Engangered Eating. Prospect Heights

Artsy & Crafty

March 12 Classic Charcoal Drawing for Beginners - tips from the Old Masters will have you drawing like a pro Prospect Heights
March 13 + 22 Alternative Photography: Cyanotype for Beginners - create magical blue-hued photograms with very little muss and fuss Park Slope
March 16 Glass Etching - design a stencil of your choice and etch it on a pair of wine glasses Prospect Heights
March 19 Classic Charcoal Drawing: Faces - capture emotive faces with simple techniques and skills Prospect Heights
March 20 Marbled Stationery - create your own set of cards while learning the meditative art of marbling Park Slope
March 23 Paper Marbling Basics - explore a variety of techniques for creating your own marbled designs and how to continue exploring this process at home Park Slope

Work & Life Skills

March 8 Find Your Funny: A Crash Course on Improv Comedy - establish confidence, command the stage and find your funny through supportive, fun and educational improv exercises Park Slope
March 16 How to Write a Cookbook Proposal - the ins and outs of creating a killer cookbook proposal for traditional publishers Park Slope
March 24 Intro to Food Writing - expand your vocabulary and tighten your writing to make your pieces come alive, along with the more practical aspects of writing Park Slope
March 24 An Introduction to Sichuan Cuisine - complex flavors that are easy to recreate at home Prospect Heights
March 26 Build Your Journaling Practice - explore different methods of journal writing and drawing to find the best practice to fit what you need Park Slope
March 28 Smart Phone Food Photography - tools + techniques to take the best photos possible Prospect Heights
March 28 Food Styling for Photography - tips + tricks to make your food look amazing on camera Prospect Heights
March 29 Miso Making - learn the basic science behind making miso, why it is good for you and how to make it yourself Prospect Heights
starts March 30 Speak Up: Three Week Presentation Skills - take your words to the stage with clarity, energy, and poise Prospect Heights
March 30 Writing Recipes - dive into recipe composition, including the introduction, common writing mistakes, the importance of descriptive language, and the process of recipe testing Park Slope
March 31 Medicine Making 101: Herbal Vinegars and Syrups - see how you can incorporate botanical remedies into your daily life using a traditional approach Prospect Heights

Hey everyone! In light of the news about coronavirus, I just wanted to remind you all to take care of yourselves first when if comes to attending classes. If you need to cancel your attendance less than seven days out because of illness/being high risk/or needing to self-isolate, just shoot me an email at jen@brooklynbrainery.com as soon as you can, and I''ll issue a credit. I''ll update this blog post if things change, and you can always check there for updates.

Coming Up Soon

Friday Alternative Photography: Cyanotype for Beginners - create beautiful blue-hued photograms with very little muss and fuss
Saturday Presentation Skills - tools to be a more confident public speaker
Saturday How To Start A Small Business: The Nitty-Gritty Basics - from legal structure to permits and bookkeeping
March 16 How to Write a Cookbook Proposal - the ins and outs of creating a killer cookbook proposal for traditional publishers
March 16 Glass Etching - design a stencil of your choice and etch it on a pair of wine glasses
March 19 Intro to Watercolor - learn techniques, materials, and how to set up a composition
March 20 Marbled Stationery - create your own set of cards while learning the meditative art of marbling
March 21 Find Your Funny: A Crash Course on Improv Comedy - establish confidence, command the stage and find your funny through supportive, fun and educational improv exercises taught at UCB, iO, The Second City and more leading schools of comedy
March 22 UnHumble: How to Stop Playing Small and Be a Badass - feel more confident and get ready for your next big adventure through improv-based activities
March 22 Alternative Photography: Cyanotype for Beginners - create beautiful blue-hued photograms with very little muss and fuss

New This Week

March 22 Fundamentals of Astrology - signs, planets, houses and aspects as well as look at the patterns and cycles these things signify in our lives
March 25 Stay Calm and Wash Your Hands: How to Survive Coronavirus - learn everything you ever wanted to know about how viruses spread, how your body handles infections and more
April 5 Naturally-Dyed Eggs - welcome spring and learn to use natural food dyes
April 6 Low-light Food Photography - improve your food shots in tricky lighting situations
April 18 Murder at the Seaport Walking Tour - explore the historic Seaport District and see why it was once known as the "Wickedest Ward"
April 19 Mycelium: BioArt Course - learn how to grow and form mycelium, the web-like root of fungus organisms
April 19 Soap Making Workshop - whip up your own bar soap and feel like a magician
April 20 WTF is Agile and Scrum? - trace Agile's origins in software development and its growing influence in other fields, such as marketing and advertising
April 21 An Introduction to Sichuan Cuisine - complex flavors that are easy to recreate at home
April 25 New Amsterdam Walking Tour - discover the lives of those living in the scrappy Dutch colony of New Amsterdam, long before New York was New York
April 26 Fermented Condiments - make your own delicious, probiotic-rich condiments
April 27 From Napster to Netflix: A History of Media from 1999 to Today - explore the massive transformation in how we create and consume media
April 28 Tapestry Weaving for Beginners - dress the loom, start the weaving, add a pattern or two, and tie it off

Almost Sold Out

March 23 Paper Marbling Basics - explore a variety of techniques for creating your own marbled designs and how to continue exploring this process at home
March 26 Build Your Journaling Practice - explore different methods of journal writing and drawing to find the best practice to fit what you need
March 29 The New Essex Market Food Tour - learn about history of New York's public markets then dive in to explore the food and vendors that represent the Lower East Side's diverse community
starts March 30 Speak Up: Three Week Presentation Skills - get the tools to take your words to the stage with clarity, energy, and poise
March 30 Writing Recipes - dive into recipe composition, including the introduction, formatting, weights and measurements, common writing mistakes, the importance of descriptive language, and the process of recipe testing
March 31 Buying Your First Home in NYC - from open houses to the closing table
April 1 Fake Archaeology: An April Fool's Exploration of Aliens, Atlantis, and Freaky Artifacts - investigate the world's biggest archaeological mysteries, debunk a bunch of YouTube videos, and learn about the actual research of scientists seeking to uncover the truth about human history
April 4 Intro to Dim Sum - Dim sum is as much an art form as it is a meal
April 9 Shibori: Block and Bind Dye Techniques with Indigo - learn the traditional art of shibori dyeing with natural indigo dye
April 25 The Art of Bonsai - learn the artistic, philosophical, horticultural, and technical process of designing, planting, and maintaining your very own bonsai

History Talks and Lectures

March 22 5 Common Investor Mistakes - why you make them, how these actions cause you to lose money and simple practices investors like you can adopt to achieve better investment returns
March 23 Buying Your First Home in NYC - prepping for your hunt, using the best resources to search for the perfect home, and what to do once you've found it
March 25 A History of Royal Scotland - the story of Scotland's monarchs and their colorful and often bloody role in shaping Scotland and Britain
March 26 Endangered Eating: Cider Apples - explore the historical characters that brought good cider to America and the contemporary cider makers who hope to preserve endangered apples by reviving historical ciders
March 26 Endangered Eating: Manoomin (Wild Rice) - explore the history, harvest, and future of this important Indigenous food
March 29 Improv For Essential Workplace Conversations - how to give feedback, pushback and follow-up
April 1 Do What You Love: How To Start A Holistic Side Hustle - learn how to effectively monetize a project if you have a great idea but don''t know quite where to start
April 2 Legal Literacy 101: Courts - get an overview of the court systems in the United States, including what kinds of cases go to what kinds of courts, and how a case can end up at the United States Supreme Court
April 3 Project Management 101 - explore everything from project planning, project management methodologies (Agile and Waterfall), to the "soft skills" needed to successfully facilitate a project
April 14 The History of Gin - from its start as a medicinal cure-all to today

Artsy & Crafty

starts April 1 Three-Week Creative Wellness Series: Paper Marbling, Bookbinding + Journaling - use art and mindfulness practices to help you become more focused and centered
April 5 Classic Charcoal Drawing for Beginners - tips from the Old Masters will have you drawing like a pro
starts April 14 Photography 101 - get the knowledge behind serious picture-taking
April 18 Classic Charcoal Drawing: Anatomy - improve your technique with tips from the Old Masters
April 18 Intro to DSLR and Mirrorless Photography - how DSLRs work + photography basics
April 26 Pewter Casting Workshop - turn your kitchen into a foundry

Work & Life Skills

April 4 Improv for Communication - step up your communication skills, even if you''re not planning on stepping on a stage
April 7 Brand Strategy Bootcamp - dig in with four hands-on exercises to help set your business up for success
April 9 Narrative Voice: The Power of Point of View in Your Fiction - explore the pros and cons of first-, second-, and third-person narration, the power of perspective, and how to find a truly unique, original voice for your next story
April 11 How To Start A Small Business: Creating a Lean Business Plan - explore the components of a strong business plan, strategies for reaching your target customers, and developing a break-even analysis
April 15 Spring Detox with Plant Medicine - discover how herbs such as cleavers, burdock, dandelion, mugwort, plus more have been used to by herbalists to dispel the digestive cobwebs of Winter
April 16 Dairy and Non-Dairy Ferments - learn to make a variety of interesting fermented drinks
April 17 Wontons & Dumplings - folds, fillings, and how to cook off your creations
April 22 How to Meditate: An Introduction to Mindfulness - how to relax your mind, sharpen your concentration, increase calmness and clarity, and induce sustainable, conscious happiness.
April 25 Quick Pickles - get started in all thing pickles

Get Outdoors

April 7 Poet-trees - identify a few trees and search for the poems hidden in the furrows of bark and in the slenderest of branches
April 10 Wild Medicine Walk - meet the native plants that herbalists have traditionally used for medicine
April 11 Tree Identification for Beginners - learn a London plane from a linden

The Masters of Social Gastronomy Talk Spring Break - March 25

The next Masters of Social Gastronomy lecture will be coming your way on Wednesday, March 25 at Caveat in NYC. Sarah and Soma will be taking you on a virtual spring break and exploring the history of buffets + IPAs. Get your tickets!.