Koossy Leiden: creative workshops for beginners and makers

Creativity without performance pressure

Koossy is a small creative studio on Korevaarstraat founded by illustrator Lizzy Pikaar. It focuses on enjoyment, making together and trying something unfamiliar. The name honours her grandfather Koos, a Leiden maker and entrepreneur. The format is deliberately different from a formal art school: beginners need no prior skill, while experienced makers can use the materials in their own way.

Workshop programme

The programme changes. Examples include making bag charms and keychains, upcycling a T-shirt or top, decorating a painting with glitter and 3D materials, and the Junk Journal Club. Most workshops last around two and a half hours. Materials are prepared and many creations can be taken home immediately, except work that needs drying or finishing.

Bag charms, upcycling and glitter

At the time of checking, the bag-charm workshop costs €38 including beads, cord, stainless-steel charms and other supplies. The upcycling workshop costs €45; participants bring a suitable garment and use patches, glue, buttons, fabric and decorations. The glitter painting workshop costs €30 including canvas and materials. These prices include guidance, an equipped workspace, extensive supplies, snacks and soft drinks.

Junk Journal Club

The most approachable recurring option is the Junk Journal Club. A single session costs €22.50. A four-session membership costs €90 and is advertised with four goodie bags. During roughly two and a half hours, visitors combine paper, tape, photographs, stickers and other material. Personal stationery can be brought and sometimes exchanged with other participants.

Who will enjoy it?

Koossy suits groups of friends, creative dates, solo visitors who want to meet people, hen parties and small teams. It is especially suitable for people who do not consider themselves artistic because perfection is not the objective. Experienced artists may value the social and experimental aspect more than formal technical teaching unless a workshop specifically promises advanced tuition.

Booking and conditions

Koossy is not a daily walk-in shop or open studio. Visitors book a specific workshop date through the ticket platform or arrange a private session. According to the terms, cancellation or rescheduling is normally possible at least 48 hours in advance; later cancellations generally receive no refund. If Koossy cancels because of low participation or unforeseen circumstances, an alternative date or refund is offered.

What is included?

Public workshop descriptions generally include unlimited snacks, soft drinks and generous materials. Read the individual ticket carefully: an upcycling session requires your own garment and a goodie bag may be optional. Communicate allergies and dietary needs in advance. Payment normally uses iDEAL or card; cash requires prior arrangement by email.

Location

Korevaarstraat is on the southern edge of the centre, close to Garenmarkt and shopping streets. Garenmarkt parking is the easiest car option. Leiden Centraal is roughly an eighteen-minute walk. Ring the bell on arrival. Since workshops start at fixed times, allow a small buffer.

Our verdict

Koossy stands out through its personal format, clear beginner friendliness and generous inclusion of materials and refreshments. The limited walk-in possibility and changing schedule make it unsuitable for a spontaneous tourist visit. Stable public review data is also limited. For visitors who deliberately reserve a creative evening, it is an original and welcoming addition to Leiden. Final score: 8.6/10.