Creating a masterwork of art can be like wandering through a maze: after a lengthy period of reflection and contemplation, you’ll still probably starve. Appreciate the figurative risks and transcendent joys of artistic creativity with today’s Groupon: for $30, you get an ikebana vessel-making class (a $65 value) at Blossom Hill Crafts in Los Gatos. Check out January class dates and times in the sidebar to the right. Additional classes will be made available to meet demand.

Founded in 1970, in the garage of owner Joanne Brice's home, Blossom Hill Crafts is a superior ceramic studio equipped with nearly twenty pottery wheels, four kilns, and a new spray booth. Try your hand at the art of pottery by creating and painting your own original ikebana vessel, a traditional vase used in the Japanese art of flower arrangement and stem concealment. During the workshop, led by instructor Thomas Arakawa, participants learn the characteristics of a solid ikebana vessel, basic hand techniques, and explore ceramic surface design. All materials necessary to complete the vase are included as well as a bonus one-month studio membership ($80 value, current students not included) on a first-come, first-served basis.