Experience Level: Beginner

Come experience this fascinating textile art in action at Beginning Bobbin Lace on Tuesdays, Oct. 27 through Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio.

Instructor Robin Bagwell will show students what to expect in bobbin lacemaking! Learn the basic movements of cross and twist to form beautiful lace from hanging bobbins wound with thread. Think “Connect the Dots” as stitches are made and pinned to the dots on a card stock pattern.

$115/person*. Registration will close Oct. 13 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*All materials will be provided. If you have bobbinlace supplies, feel free to bring them. 

Experience Level: Beginner (All ages; parents/guardians are not required to register with their children, but all minors must have a parent/guardian on-site and they are encouraged to be present for those 13 and younger.)

Create a unique piece of art out of locally sourced alpaca fiber at Needlefelt Goldfinch on Thursday, October 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Studio.

Stephanie Block of Sundrop Alpacas will walk students through the needlefelting process to make a goldfinch, which can be customized to make them look authentic, whimsical or anything in between. The class is perfect for those wanting to learn a new art form.

Take advantage of a fun opportunity to bring a friend or family member for a $10 add-on fee as you work together on a single project kit!

$65/person* + $10/person for add-on (limit one). Register here. Registration will close Oct 22 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*A $15 discount is available during registration for those who bring their own needlefelting tools.

All Skill Levels (Ages 15+; parents/guardians are not required to register with their children, but all minors must have a parent/guardian on-site.)  

Make your own delicious, flaky creations at Whole Grain Pie Dough Workshop on Sunday, Nov.1 from 2-5 p.m. in the Mansion Kitchen.  

Instructor Hannah Fink will share how to make a flaky, buttery pie crust using locally grown wheat from Janie’s Mill. Students will make pie dough to take home, working with whole grains for a flavorful and nutritious bite. In addition, students will work with pre-made dough to showcase several ways to build sweet and savory treats, utilizing local and seasonal produce. Best of all, students will snack and enjoy each other’s company!

$85/person*. Registration closes Oct. 18 or when the capacity is reached. All sales are final.  

*Students should wear clothes suitable for getting flour on. Students should bring a rolling pie and their favorite pie recipe to share.  

Experience Level: Beginner (ages 18+) 

Learn what stories your teacup has to tell at Mystic Mondays: Intro to Reading Tea Leaves on Monday, Nov. 2 from 6-8 p.m. in the Mansion Library.

Who remembers their granny reading the tea leaves after a heartfelt conversation? Instructor Charlie Rainbow Wolf will teach students how to recognize shapes in the tea leaves and interpret what those shapes mean when it comes to understanding the issues that life tends to throw at us now and again. By the end of this lively, hands-on class, students will have a basic understanding of reading tea leaves for themselves and others.

$65/person*. Registration closes Oct. 30 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*Students should bring their own cup and saucer; the cup should have angled rather than straight sides, so that the tea leaves have a place to settle. Tea will be provided – please email owarren@illinois.edu with any allergies

Experience Level: Beginner  

Are you looking for a unique and experimental experience?  Join us for Thread Bowls on Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 12-4 p.m. in the Dining Room.  

Instructor Billie Theide will explore color theory and design as students create a beautiful decorative thread bowl that can resemble glass. Using a special fabric base, sewing thread, yarn, fabric scraps, and dimensional embellishments, everyday materials will be transformed into a richly textured, functional work of art. Students should bring their imagination, plus the supplies listed below.* 

$100/person*. Registration closes Oct. 28 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.  

*Students should bring the following: 
-one 12” ruler 
-two blue or black ink pens 
-one pair of scissors 
-one roll of paper towels 
-sewing machine (optional) 
-a few sewing needles 
-blow dryer (optional) 
-and a monochromatic collection of: 
     - spools of left over sewing thread 
     - bits of left over yarn in any fiber 
     - partial skeins of left over embroidery floss 
     - left over crochet thread 
     - left over fabric scraps 

Experience Level: Beginner

Bring new life to an old lamp at Fix It! Basic Lamp Re-Wiring on Wednesday, November 4 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in The Studio.

Instructor Lou Ann Koebel will lead students through changing out the plug, adding a switch and/or replacing wiring in lamps. This hands-on course will cover basic electrical wiring.

$65/person*. Registration will close Nov. 1 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

* Students should bring:
— A lamp to work on
— Wire cutter & stripper
— Black electrical tape and small retractable measuring tape (optional)

Experience Level: All Levels (Ages 15+; parents/guardians are not required to register with their children, but all minors must have a parent/guardian on-site.) 

Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season by painting a beautiful Christmas ornament in Holiday Radiance: Watercolor Workshop on Friday, Nov. 6 from 6-9 p.m. in The Studio. 

In this relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop, students will explore watercolor techniques while adding touches of metallic watercolor and acrylic marker details to create a painting that sparkles with holiday charm.  

The ornament design will be lightly pre-drawn, allowing everyone to focus on enjoying the painting process rather than worrying about drawing. Students are encouraged to make the piece their own by experimenting with different ornament colors, ribbon choices, and creative details. By the end of class, you'll leave with a festive watercolor ready to frame, display, or gift for the holidays. All supplies are provided, and no previous watercolor experience is necessary. 

$115/person*. Registration will close Oct. 31 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final. 

*All supplies will be provided 

Experience Level: Intermediate

Create your own beautiful paper amaryllis that will last years at Paper Flower Art: Amaryllis on Sunday, November 8 from 1-5 p.m. in the Studio.

In this intermediate-level class, led by Cathy Peters, you’ll discover the unique qualities of crepe paper and learn step-by-step techniques for cutting, shaping, and assembling realistic petals to create a lifelike amaryllis, perfect for holiday decorating or gifting. Your stunning potted amaryllis will last for years!

Students should be comfortable using basic crafting tools to create fine details, including scissors and precision-detail glue.

$85/person. Registration closes October 29 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.