The only rule in Maker’s Studio is to be creative. With no graded assignments, students explore their curiosity without being confined to a traditional classroom structure.

Maker’s Studio is a semester-long elective open to all grades, offering five credits but not fulfilling A-G Fine Arts requirement for admission to UCs and CSUs. With no prerequisites or set curriculum, teacher Brooke Leys guides students through mini lessons that highlight different types of art, including jewelry wire work, embroidery, refurbishing and reupholstering furniture.

“I ask them all what they’re most interested in doing,” Leys said. “If I have 10 kids who want to learn how to embroider, I’ll show them the supplies and tools they need, give them some basic instruction and help them troubleshoot.”

Students can self-direct any art project of their choice, varying from crocheting ivy plants to sewing jeans.

All supplies are provided, so students don’t have to worry about spending extra money outside of class.

“It makes me think about what I want to work on and what I can do,” senior Ginee Hong said. “Each class, Mrs. Leys mentions something brand new that I didn’t know was an option because there’s just so many things that can come out of this class.”

Grades are based on how well students treat their workspace and contribute to the class community. They are free to work alone or socialize, as long as they stay focused on their project. Through this relaxed curriculum, Leys hopes to provide a comfortable space for students to experiment freely.

“Kids are so scared to make mistakes, so I think this class really facilitates a culture to just do it, and if it sucks, that’s OK,” Leys said. “Maybe it takes 10 tries before you get something you’d be willing to give to somebody or put up on a wall, but you’d learn all of these things along the way.”

Students interested in joining Maker’s Studio can add the class for either semester by talking to their counselor.