ClassBento Awards: Meet the 2024 Winners (2024)

In this story:

  • Ace Artisan Winner: House of Stööki
  • Bright Beginnings Winner: Habit Haus
  • Local Legend Winner: Get Cooking!
  • Picture Perfect Winner: Tufting London
  • Trendsetter Winner: Neon Naked

We’re excited to unveil the winners of the 2024 ClassBento Awards! After weeks of thoughtful deliberation, our panel of seasoned judges—boasting a combined 54 years of experience in the creative industry—carefully selected an exceptional array of entries to crown as this year's winners and runners-up.

The talent and passion displayed by all our entrants truly amazed them, making the selection process a delightful journey through the vibrant world of creative expression and teaching.

We want to say a special thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to enter our awards. Each participant brought their own flair, and we believe our judges when they say it was a difficult process to select only one winner and runner up for each category!

Now, let’s shine a spotlight on our incredible winners and runners-up, who each have their own unique journeys fuelled by passion and creativity.Their dedication to their craft is truly inspiring, and we hope their stories ignite a special spark within you, just as they did for us.

Ace Artisan Winner: House of Stööki

ClassBento Awards: Meet the 2024 Winners (1)

Nadia from House of Stöökiembodies everything we look for in an Ace Artisan. With over 18 years of experience, a degree in Jewellery & Silversmithing, and additional training in gemstones and diamonds, she’s a powerhouse of creativity and skill. But Stööki isn’t just about creating jaw-dropping jewellery – it's a movement that merges craftsmanship with cultural expression. Launched in 2011, Stööki'sworkshops are rooted in interactive experiences, encouraging participants to create personal, wearable art that reflects their individuality. Her workshops offer more than making jewellery; they’re immersive experiences where participants craft something deeply personal and unique.

Nadia has developed a reputation as a mentor, guiding her students through the creative process with patience and expertise. Whether you think you’re creatively challenged or a natural, she has a knack for helping you surprise yourself with what you can achieve in just one session. Her attention to detail and drive to deliver the best experience for every attendee has made her workshops truly unforgettable. And we’re certain she’s responsible for plenty of budding jewellers starting their own creative journeys!

It means so much to me to win the Ace Artisan award as part of the ClassBento Awards 2024.

Winning the 1st prize has come at the right time because over the last few months and 2024 in particular, this has been the year of Stööki’s expansion. Since the first covid lockdown in 2020, we have been developing the business internally and figuring out how we can navigate our production time more efficiently. Now that we have a plan in sight, the £250 cash prize will go towards paying for a second jewellery bench and a top of the range pendant motor so that we can finish off our attendees' workshop creations two at a time instead of just one!

Ace Artisan Runner Up: Paula Armstrong Ceramics

Paula Armstrong is a ceramicist who lives and breathes creativity. For over 25 years, she’s been shaping, sculpting, and pushing the limits of what’s possible with clay, and her passion for continuous learning shines through in her work. She’s been a driving force in her craft community, empowering students to embrace their creativity (even when they think they don’t have any!). Her technical expertise, combined with a warm and encouraging teaching style, makes every class with Paula a rewarding experience.

Our panel of judges were blown away by her designs and we’re not surprised–did we mention she’s been invited to exhibit at the Florence Biennale next year? Yeah, she’s that good!

I love teaching and it's wonderful to have an award that recognises the teaching side of my work. It's so rewarding to help people find what they need from making in clay be it reconnecting to their creativity, some time to concentrate on themselves, some social time chatting or simply to learn how to make in clay! It's fantastic to receive this award for doing something I love.

I suspect the prize will go towards the cost of some new glazes as they are a weakness of mine....I can never resist a gorgeous new glaze to try!

Bright Beginnings Winner: Habit Haus

ClassBento Awards: Meet the 2024 Winners (2)

Habit Haus, the mastermind behind the quirky Bendy Boy candles, has won the 2024 Bright Beginnings Award for bringing a fun, bold twist to the classic craft of candle-making. These aren’t your average candles – participants bend, twist, and even paint their creations, with Habit Haus infusing a playful, fun vibe into every session. With workshops selling out quickly in their first six months, Habit Haus has turned candle crafting into a vibrant, creative experience that’s anything but ordinary.

Overcoming early challenges, like scaling up to meet demand, Habit Haus now hosts events for big names like Pinterest and Warner Music, all while keeping things fresh with their exciting spin on candle design. Whether it’s for a team building event or a fun hen party, Habit Haus leaves attendees with unforgettable memories and one-of-a-kind candles. With an ability to know exactly what their eager customers are looking for, it's no surprise they've had such an incredible start to their creative business journey!

Being named a Bright Beginner feels amazing! It’s such a huge boost of confidence and a sign that turning Habit Haus into a creative journey was exactly the right call. It's definitely spurred me on to keep growing!

I’ll be using the prize to take our workshops to the next level—new ideas, creative tools, and more unique experiences! It’s all about spreading Habit Haus joy even further and reaching more people. Up next, we’re launching tablescaping workshops for Habit Haus’ 4th birthday in January! It’s going to be all about beautifully styled tables, personaliSed touches, and pushing our creativity even further.

Bright Beginnings Runner Up: Seductive Stitch

Katy Horwood’s Seductive Stitch has made traditional craft, embroidery anything but stuffy, earning her a spot as the runner-up. Her sip and sew workshops blend the art of embroidery with a relaxed, social atmosphere – often paired with a glass of wine—and a cheeky twist. Whether it’s a naughty design or a classic monogram, Katy’s sessions are fun, informal, and perfect for beginners looking to explore their creative side.

With over 50 sold-out workshops since February 2024, Katy’s approach to stitching inspires both new and returning participants to dive into the craft. Her sip and sew classes bring out the best of both worlds – learning a new skill while having a good laugh, something we’re all for here at ClassBento.

I’m so thrilled to be recognised by ClassBento as a Bright Beginner – since launching my business in February I’ve worked hard to bring the joy of crafting to all and make embroidery accessible for everyone with fun and relaxed workshops. Building the business has been lots of work but more importantly lots of fun too! And I’ve met some incredible people along the way so to be recognised means so much.

My workshops include lots of gorgeous materials including threads, fabrics, sequins and beads so I plan to spend my prize money on some extra special crafting treasures for my upcoming Christmas workshops (and maybe a festive treat or two for guests in their goodie bags to take home!)

Local Legend Winner: Get Cooking!

ClassBento Awards: Meet the 2024 Winners (3)

Anne Marie of Get Cooking! has dedicated over a decade to making cooking accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for everyone in her community. Her workshops go far beyond teaching simple recipes – they bring people together and promote socialisation, sustainability, and healthy eating. Whether leading a “Canny Cooking” class for food bank users or running hands-on slow cooker courses, Anne Marie’s commitment to inclusivity shines through.

Her work with local organisations like Barnardo’s, The Gap, and Packmores Community Centre has helped countless individuals – from children learning to cook fresh vegetables to adults mastering basic meals in social settings. Anne Marie’s ability to meet people where they are – whether in their homes or at a community centre – ensures her workshops are welcoming to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The sense of community she fosters is as nourishing as the meals themselves.

One of her proudest achievements is a booklet she created for food bank users, filled with simple recipes using common store cupboard ingredients. Over 8,000 copies have been distributed, empowering people to cook nutritious meals with limited resources. Her passion for helping others discover the joy of cooking, regardless of their circumstances, is at the heart of everything she does. As Anne Marie says, “It’s not just about the recipe.” It’s about making cooking a source of comfort, connection, and creativity for everyone. We wholeheartedly echo our judges' sentiments: Anne Marie truly embodies the essence of a Local Legend! Her passion for cooking and community shines through in everything she does.

I’m honoured to receive this award. For 15 years, I have taught budget cooking skills and shown how to make the most of leftovers for various local organisations in Warwickshire. I love to enthuse others and enable people of all ages to cook well from scratch and be creative with basic ingredients.

I love teaching beginners and those looking to elevate their cooking skills how to prepare ingredients, cook efficiently, and replicate takeaway favourites more healthily.

Next year, I will edit a booklet I created ten years ago to make it more accessible to a broader audience and provide more recorded lessons on basic cooking.

With my prize money, I will put it towards a baking course specialising in Viennoiserie. I love making and teaching pastry and want to take it to another level.

Local Legend Runner Up: The Common Room Workshops

Run by Vicky and Ella, The Common Room Workshops is a South Manchester-based craft hub that emphasises creativity, community, and mental wellbeing –which truly speaks to our hearts, here at ClassBento. Their workshops are accessible to all skill levels and are designed to be inclusive, with a particular focus on supporting new parents through their collaboration with PANDAS Trafford. They also work with schools, local businesses, and mental health organisations to create craft experiences that offer both relaxation and social connection.

From mindful clay-making sessions to eco-friendly after-school clubs, The Common Room makes crafting a therapeutic and joyful experience for all.

We’ve both set up home based studios so we’ll use the money to add some extra touches and so we can encourage even more people to come and get creative with us. We’re so passionate about craft and the positive impact on mental wellbeing and love having regulars come to our classes from our localcommunity.

Picture Perfect Winner: Tufting London

ClassBento Awards: Meet the 2024 Winners (4)

Tufting London has truly redefined the rug-making experience, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere that resonates with creativity and fun. The judges were captivated by their bright, colourful workshop space, highlighted by an eye-catching rainbow yarn wall and seasonal displays showcasing participants' unique creations.

Founded by Chun, the inspiration for Tufting London came when he transformed his four-year-old son’s drawing of a racing car into a delightful tufted rug. This heartwarming experience ignited Chun's passion for handmade rug art and the desire to provide others the opportunity to create their own unique tufted memories. With Chun’s eye for aesthetics, a carefully curated environment was born: featuring custom-built furniture and matching colourful tufting guns, the addition of gentle background music enhances the overall workshop experience. It really is the perfect spot for capturing Instagram-worthy crafty moments! Chun's dedication to crafting a space filled with joy and inspiration shines through, making Tufting London a deserving winner of this year's Picture Perfect award.

I’m so grateful to have won this award. A lot of care, love and attention goes into curating our space and our workshops at Tufting London, and we’re thrilled the judges could see this too! I plan to use the prize to try a new type of workshop on Classbento - watch this space!

Picture Perfect Runner Up: Alternative London

Alternative London has been a pioneer in the urban art scene since 2010, being the U.K.'s first street art tour and workshop provider. The judges were impressed by their creative transformation of an old industrial shell into a unique studio space that perfectly balances functionality and aesthetics.

With a focus on sustainability, they used reclaimed materials to build their workshop, including a mezzanine classroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for an inspiring view of the main studio. Participants enjoy a safe environment equipped with an effective extractor system and non-toxic, water-based spray paints. From a bold logo adorning a white wall to vibrant customer artwork covering nearly every other surface, Alternative London fosters a lively and engaging atmosphere that captures the essence of street art culture.

We're delighted with this award from ClassBento. To be recognised among so many fantastic creative class providers in London is testament to the hard work and dedication of our collective over the years. We can't wait to put our prize money towards a well earned celebratory drink together. We're excited to add some new activities to ClassBento very soon and hopefully take first prize next year!

Trendsetter Winner: Neon Naked

ClassBento Awards: Meet the 2024 Winners (5)

Neon Naked is redefining life drawing in a way that’s both innovative and immersive, earning them the title of this year's Trendsetter. Located in Islington, their classes transform traditional art into a vivid spectacle through the use of UV-reactive body paints and dynamic lighting. This creative approach turns models into glowing canvases, allowing artists to explore new dimensions of colour, texture, and light while encouraging experimentation in their artistic expression.

The judges were particularly impressed with Neon Naked's commitment to inclusivity, welcoming artists of all skill levels in a supportive environment that emphasises self-expression over technical prowess. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with engaging and interactive sessions that incorporate music and themed elements, creates a multi-sensory experience that inspires participants to push their boundaries. The ongoing innovation in materials and techniques ensures that each session offers something fresh, making Neon Naked a true pioneer in the art scene.

I’ve always strived to push boundaries, often stepping into uncharted territory, and this award validates that journey. It’s not just about my work, though; it’s also about the amazing people who’ve helped the class evolve—from the models to the participants. This award highlights our collective creativity and the energy we’ve built together. It’s an honour to be seen in this way. I've never won an award before for my class, and I always felt like it didn’t quite fit into any award category, so being recognised now really means a lot. As for the prize, it’ll likely go toward new lighting—though I’ve got my eye on some fun LED fans! Looking ahead, I’m planning a monthly "Get Naked and Neon" life drawing class, where anyone can join in as a model starting in January.

Trendsetter Runner Up: Simon and Hanna's Foodie Kitchen

Simon and Hanna's Foodie Kitchen is a dynamic husband-and-wife duo making waves in North London’s culinary scene. Since 2008, they've been at the forefront of Asian cooking classes, consistently introducing popular trends to their offerings. They were ahead of the curve with sushi classes back in 2005, long before it became a supermarket staple, and their bubble tea and mochi classes debuted when few people in the UK had even heard of them.

Their creative flair shines through in their seasonal classes, like the recent Halloween-themed session featuring pumpkin bubble tea and festive mochi desserts. Simon and Hanna have an innate ability to tap into emerging culinary trends, ensuring that their classes are always fresh and exciting. With a warm, welcoming approach, they engage participants by not just teaching recipes but also sharing the fascinating stories behind each dish. Their passion for food and innovation truly makes them trendsetters in the kitchen!

To be a Trendsetter, should have very sensitive awareness to predict the marketing trends and potential of the food. We need knowledge and ability to transfer the information into a cooking class. Explain the knowledge and pass the skills to customers from all kinds of background, in order to help them to achieve the result.

We will use the prize to invest in our new Cooking Classes. It would include buying new equipment, facility, dish wares, photo/video shooting, marketing costs etc.

Next on our creative journey, we will create more new exciting cooking classes to teach people make authentic Oriental food. Already new classes for Halloween launched this month. Combing pumpkin with popular bubble tea drinks and mochi desserts. We work on some new classes for Christmas and New Year. Trying to combine traditional British and Chinese festival food together. Hope the new classes give new ideas for our customers to create Christmas Dinner.

ClassBento Awards: Meet the 2024 Winners (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Errol Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 6423

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Errol Quitzon

Birthday: 1993-04-02

Address: 70604 Haley Lane, Port Weldonside, TN 99233-0942

Phone: +9665282866296

Job: Product Retail Agent

Hobby: Computer programming, Horseback riding, Hooping, Dance, Ice skating, Backpacking, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.