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.

Experience Level: Beginner/Youth

Learn how to decorate fall-themed cookies at Fall Cookie Decorating for Kids on Sunday, November 1 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Evergreen Lodge.

Instructor Jennifer Holhubner will demonstrate and walk youth through classic buttercream frosting application and other techniques. Each participant will complete 3 fall-themed cookies.

$40/person*. Register here by Oct 25. All sales are final.

If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate, please email Olivia Bunting at owarren@illinois.edu.

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.

About the instructor

Champaign-Urbana native Jennifer Holhubner taught herself how to decorate cakes when she was 16 years old and took up cookie decorating in 2019.

“Although they intimidated me, I forged on and got better with each order. I still have room to grow as we all do in whatever task we take on,” she said. “But I love to share the aspects of baking and decorating. I can actually now say, I am cookier!”

Jennifer also teaches decorating classes at Parkland College.

Experience Level: Beginner/Youth

Learn how to decorate fall-themed cookies at Fall Cookie Decorating for Kids on Sunday, November 1 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Evergreen Lodge.

Instructor Jennifer Holhubner will demonstrate and walk youth through classic buttercream frosting application and other techniques. Each participant will complete 3 fall-themed cookies.

$40/person*. Register here by Oct 25. All sales are final.

If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate, please email Olivia Bunting at owarren@illinois.edu.

By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.

About the instructor

Champaign-Urbana native Jennifer Holhubner taught herself how to decorate cakes when she was 16 years old and took up cookie decorating in 2019.

“Although they intimidated me, I forged on and got better with each order. I still have room to grow as we all do in whatever task we take on,” she said. “But I love to share the aspects of baking and decorating. I can actually now say, I am cookier!”

Jennifer also teaches decorating classes at Parkland College.

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: 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.

Experience Level: Beginner (Ages 16+; all minors must have a parent/guardian on-site or a signed participant waiver.)  

Assemble your very own wreath adorned with dried flowers at Everlasting Wreath Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Dining Room.  

Instructor Maggie Taylor will demonstrate how to create a wreath using a base of grapevine or willow and everlasting flowers harvested and dried at Delight Flower Farm. These dried wreaths are great to hang or use as a table centerpiece for upcoming holiday gatherings.

$65/person*. Registration closes Nov. 3 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final. 

*Students should bring gardening gloves.