February has a way of convincing us that we need to celebrate love at candlelit bars with champagne flutes and expensive meals. But in the Month of Love, there’s space to celebrate connection in a more creative way. This year, romance can look like spending time in art studios, cozy workshops, and community spaces where making something meaningful takes the lead. These are experiences you can enjoy solo as an act of self-love, share with your best friends, or turn into a thoughtful date with someone special.
Anthony Luciano
I love bags—if I had to splurge on one accessory, it’s always going to be a purse. It fits everything I need and makes such a statement. That’s why I was so excited to try Anthony Luciano’s Sip & Stitch workshop—it’s a creative, hands-on way to make a bag that’s truly your own. While they have special Valentine’s Day classes on February 13 & 14, these workshops are fun anytime of the year, and there’s always something new to try—like the recently added bag charm workshop. Each class is interactive, personal, and way more memorable than a typical night out.
What makes it even more special is the craftsmanship behind Anthony Luciano’s handbags. Every bag is handmade in New York City’s Garment District with high-quality leather and hardware. Like an true artist, Luciano includes a signature stitched-in pocket penny in every bag—a n Italian tradition that brings prosperity and good fortune. Knowing the care and history behind my bag made the experience even more exciting. I left with a creation that’s completely mine—and as a bag lover, I can honestly say it’s one of the most fun, unique ways to celebrate creativity in NYC.
Wick and Pour Make-Your-Own Candle Lab
Wick and Pour is the original candle-making lab in New York City, a family-owned studio that cherishes the tradition of handcrafted candles passed down through generations. Their mission is to create memorable, hands-on experiences in a welcoming, inclusive space where you can unleash your creativity, learn new skills, and connect with friends, loved ones, or coworkers.
We had such a great time at the studio—it’s perfect for a girls’ night, a double date, or a private party, with plenty of space to rent out the whole place if you want to gather all your friends. Candle-making is truly hands-on (and yes, it can get hot!), but the staff is so helpful every step of the way. There are so many fun touches, from choosing your vessel and candle color to adding glitter, dried flowers, or other decorations. The studio is gorgeous, making it perfect for photos, and the result is a unique candle that’s completely your own. I went with a Santal-inspired scent and picked a beautiful vessel, creating a candle that feels personal and ready to enjoy every day.
Create a Custom Fragrance at Olfactory NYC
Creating a custom scent at Olfactory NYC is a guided, hands-on experience that feels both fun and approachable. Whether you’re in-store with a Scent-ologist or customizing from home, the process begins with selecting one of nine core fragrances crafted by the renowned perfumers behind Le Labo’s Santal 33, Calvin Klein’s CK One, and Tom Ford’s Tuscan Leather. I did this in-store, and the entire experience was incredibly easy—staff guide you through each step, offering thoughtful suggestions as you explore and refine your scent around the studio. I gravitated toward a warm, sandalwood-forward base and built from there until it felt grounded and wearable. Once everything clicked, I named my fragrance Woodland and chose a custom label to match. Seeing it blended fresh and knowing it was created just for me made the experience feel personal in the best way. You also to get to choose the color scheme for your bottle so it is 100% you.
