7 Johor Bahru (JB) Craft Workshops to Try: Tufting, Pottery & More

Most of us head to Johor Bahru (JB) for food, shopping, or massages, but if you’re looking for something a little different, why not spend a few hours making something with your own two hands? Whether it’s a fluffy tufted rug, a leather cardholder, or even your hand-poured jesmonite creation, these craft workshops in JB offer a refreshing (and surprisingly affordable) way to slow down, get creative, and leave with a handmade souvenir. Perfect for dates, girls’ days out, or even some solo me-time.

Also read: Johor Bahru (JB) Weekend Trip Itinerary for Singaporeans: Things to Do on a 2D1N Trip

1. Tuft your own rug

If you’ve ever scrolled through satisfying tufting videos online, you’ll know exactly why this activity is trending. In JB, tufting studios like Good Times DIY Tufting and Meet Me Workshop let you bring those viral TikToks to life. You’ll get to pick your design, colours, and yarns, and then spend the next few hours learning how to use the tufting gun to create your very own mini rug or wall hanging.

The best part? You don’t need any prior experience, and the instructors will guide you through every step. It’s surprisingly therapeutic, and you’ll leave with a super aesthetic, handmade piece that’s perfect for your home or as a gift.

Studios: Good Times DIY Tufting

Address: L2-48, TOPPEN SHOPPING CENTRETaman Desa, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Price: From ~S$36

2. Pottery workshop

There’s just something calming about getting your hands into a lump of clay. At Good Times DIY Pottery, you’ll get a crash course in wheel throwing or hand-building (and yes, this is also beginner-friendly). The studio provides all the tools, clay, and glazes you’ll need to shape, fire, and decorate your own ceramic bowl, mug, or vase.

Once your creation is complete, the studio handles the firing and glazing process, so you’ll typically return on another day to collect your finished piece. It’s a lovely way to create a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir from your JB trip.

Studio: Good Times DIY Pottery

Address: L2-48, TOPPEN SHOPPING CENTRE Taman Desa, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Price: From ~S$31.89

3. Jesmonite pouring workshop

Move aside, resin. Jesmonite is the new darling of the craft world. This versatile material allows you to create terrazzo-style trays, coasters, and plant pots, with endless combinations of colours and patterns. At Hey Decoupage, you’ll learn how to mix, pigment, pour, and sand your piece to a beautiful finish.

It’s great for anyone who loves aesthetic homeware. Plus, you can fully customise your colours to match your vibe. Expect lots of pretty marbling, satisfying sanding, and very IG-worthy results.

Studio: Hey Decoupage

Address: 54a, Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Price: From ~S$25.99

4. Leather crafting

If you prefer something more functional, this leather workshop lets you craft your own wallet, cardholder, or key holder from scratch. You’ll learn basic leatherworking techniques like cutting, punching holes, stitching, and finishing your product — no prior experience needed.

The end result is a personalised leather good that’s not just pretty, but practical too. Plus, you’ll get to keep using it long after your JB trip is over.

Studio: Hey Decoupage

Address: 54a, Jalan Serampang, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Price: From ~S$26.72

5. Build your own terrarium

Plant parents, this one’s for you. At Horti Plant, you’ll get to design your very own mini glass garden, complete with succulents, pebbles, moss, and tiny figurines. The process is surprisingly relaxing, and you’ll leave with a low-maintenance plant to bring a bit of greenery into your home or workspace.

They will show you the ropes and teach you all you need to know, so don’t worry even if you’ve never owned a plant before!

Studio: Horti Plant

Address: 21, Jalan Ponderosa 2/2, Taman Ponderosa, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Price: From ~S$23.99

6. Art jamming

Sometimes, you want to paint for fun without worrying about technique or outcome. This is where art jamming comes in. At Play at Loft, you’ll be given everything you need: canvas, paints, brushes, and a cosy space to let your creativity flow. Whether you’re going abstract or painting your favourite Pinterest inspo, it’s a relaxing way to spend a few hours.

Studio: Play at Loft

Address: No 35-01, 7/3, Jalan, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia

Price: From ~S$13.69

Also read: Mount Austin Johor Bahru (JB) Itinerary: Best Places to Eat, Shop and Relax

7. Pendulum art

If you want something a little more experimental, try pendulum art at Spinning Lab. This unique painting method uses swinging paint cups to create hypnotic, symmetrical designs on canvas. It’s a super fun option for those who want to create something cool and eye-catching, with gravity doing most of the work.

Studio: Spinning Lab

Address: Mount Austin, 16A, Jalan Austin Heights 7/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Price: From ~S$33.10

Also read: JB Self-Care Day Trip: Hair, Nails, Massage & More for Under S$160

Final thoughts

Instead of rushing through the usual shopping malls and cafes, these craft workshops offer a chance to slow down, focus on the simple act of making, and reconnect with your creative side, even if just for a few hours. You’ll leave JB not just with something to bring home, but with the quiet satisfaction of having made it yourself.