November 1, 2026 · Things to Do

Creative Things to Do in Miami: Mahjong, Craft Workshops & Hand Lettering (Part 7)

Creative Things to Do in Miami: Mahjong, Craft Workshops & Hand Lettering (Part 7)

Looking for creative things to do in Miami that don't revolve around brunch or bottomless anything? Here are three local favorites from my sister, a Coral Gables graphic designer and hand lettering artist: Hong Kong style mahjong with 888 Mahjong Social, hands-on craft workshops with Crafts and Drafts Miami, and her own hand lettering workshops. This is Part 7 of my Miami Locals Series, where locals share three things to do that aren't eating or drinking. And this one is a little extra special to me, because I got to film it with family.

Meet This Episode's Local: Andrea Mendez of Vintage Unicorn Design

My sister Andrea Mendez is the designer, illustrator, and hand lettering artist behind @vintageunicorndesign. She has more than 20 years of experience, and she has spent them right here in Coral Gables. So it's no surprise that all three of her picks involve making something with your hands.

We sat down over tapas at CalaMillor (yes, the irony of filming a "not eating or drinking" episode at a tapas spot is not lost on me) and I asked her for her top non-dining picks. Every one of them is something you can do with friends, a date, or a sibling, and none of them needs any experience.

1. Learn Hong Kong Style Mahjong with 888 Mahjong Social

Mahjong is having a serious moment in South Florida, but most of the classes you'll find around Miami teach American mahjong, the version played with a yearly card and jokers. 888 Mahjong Social is different. They teach and play Chinese mahjong, Hong Kong style, and they describe their approach as beginner-friendly while staying true to tradition.

Andrea's first point was that it's very beginner-friendly, and that matches what the group says about itself: instructors are at their events to walk newcomers through the tiles, the turns, and how a winning hand comes together. Experienced players are welcome too, so you get a nice mix of first-timers and people who grew up playing with their grandparents.

Where to play

  • FUKU on Miracle Mile: Andrea and I play at the 888 Mahjong Social events at FUKU (135 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables) about once a month. A past FUKU event gave registered players 20% off food and drinks, so check the listing for each event's perks.
  • Pop-ups around town: The group has also hosted games with other Miami organizers, including a Hong Kong mahjong game night at the Vizcaya Village night market.

How to join

Events are posted on the 888 Mahjong Social Eventbrite page and their Instagram. Dates and prices change from event to event, so follow them and grab a spot when the next game drops.

Who it's for: Game night lovers, anyone curious about mahjong who felt intimidated by the American card, and families looking for something multigenerational.

Local tip: Bring a friend so you can learn as a team, and do the beginner walkthrough even if you've played a different style before. The rules are not the same.

2. Make Something at a Crafts and Drafts Miami Workshop

Crafts and Drafts Miami runs fun, interactive craft workshops around the city. Andrea's favorites are the ones that end with something you actually want to keep: carnivorous plant terrariums, pumpkin decorating in the fall, and painting nights.

I tried the carnivorous plant terrarium workshop myself, and it is exactly as delightful as it sounds. You build a little bog garden of plants that eat bugs, go at your own pace, and walk out with a living conversation piece. I wrote up the whole experience in my carnivorous terrarium workshop in Miami post, including where the session I went to took place.

How to book

Workshops rotate by season, so check craftsanddraftsmiami.com and their Instagram for the current lineup, locations, and tickets.

Who it's for: Friend groups, date nights, plant people, and anyone who says "I'm not crafty" (you are, I promise).

Local tip: Seasonal workshops like pumpkin decorating fill up quickly, so book as soon as you see one you like.

3. Take a Hand Lettering Workshop with Vintage Unicorn Design

Andrea's third pick is, of course, her own. She teaches hand lettering workshops for complete beginners, and I'm biased, but her classes are the kind where wobbly first letters still feel like a win. I took her watercolor class and shared everything in my brush lettering workshop in Miami recap.

Her next workshop is perfect for this time of year: Letter Your Thanksgiving Table, a brush lettering place card workshop at Arte y Pasión Cafe in Coral Gables. You learn the basics of brush lettering, from brush pressure to forming letters, then letter fall-inspired place cards for your own Thanksgiving table, with simple flourishes like leaves and wheat.

  • When: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Where: Arte y Pasión Cafe, 205 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
  • Price: $75 general admission, or $65 early bird while it lasts
  • Included: brush pens, practice paper, lettering guide worksheets to keep, and fall place card stock. No experience needed.
  • Tickets: book here. Tickets are non-refundable.

Tip: bring a list of your guests' names so you can make your place cards right in class. Follow @vintageunicorndesign for future workshops.

Who it's for: Holiday hosts, planner and journal lovers, anyone who wants a calming, screen-free hobby, and people who want handmade gifts that look store-bought.

Local tip: Come to her class with a short list of the names or words you want to letter.

More Creative (and Sober) Things to Do in Miami

If you love this list, the rest of the Miami Locals Series has plenty more ideas:

FAQ

What are some creative things to do in Miami?

Try a hands-on workshop like terrarium building, painting, or hand lettering, or learn a new game like Hong Kong style mahjong. Groups like Crafts and Drafts Miami, 888 Mahjong Social, and Vintage Unicorn Design host beginner-friendly events across Miami and Coral Gables.

Where can I play mahjong in Miami as a beginner?

888 Mahjong Social hosts beginner-friendly Hong Kong style mahjong events with instructors on hand, including games at FUKU on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. Many other Miami groups teach American mahjong, so check which style a class covers before you book.

What is the difference between Hong Kong and American mahjong?

American mahjong uses jokers and a card of winning hands that changes every year. Hong Kong style is a traditional Chinese version played without the card, so the focus is on building classic hand patterns.

Are there hand lettering workshops in Miami for beginners?

Yes. Andrea Mendez of Vintage Unicorn Design teaches beginner hand lettering and brush lettering workshops in and around Coral Gables. Her next one is a Thanksgiving place card workshop on November 14 at Arte y Pasión Cafe in Coral Gables (tickets here), and you can follow @vintageunicorndesign on Instagram for upcoming dates.

Save This for Your Next Free Weekend

Thank you to my sister Andrea for being part of the Miami Locals Series. Save this post for your next free weekend, and follow @coralgableslove on Instagram for more local Miami features. What's your favorite thing to do in Miami that isn't eating or drinking? Tell me in the comments so I can try it next.