Experience Level: Beginner

Learn how to grow herbs in the Central Illinois climate, pot herbs in a container, and then taste how they are used in a meal at Cooking with Herbs on Saturday, Sept 12 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m in the Herb Garden and Evergreen Lodge.

Join Kay Karnes and Piatt County Master Gardeners in the Herb Garden to begin this workshop, where you will receive a tour of the garden, which is certified by the Illinois Herb Association.

Then, adjourn to the classroom in Evergreen Lodge to learn how to grow herbs and plant a container of herbs that do well in Central Illinois.  Finally, a buffet lunch prepared by Leah Bodine of the Greenhouse Cafè will be provided along with cooking tips to use herbs and spices in various recipes.

$50/person.Registration closes Sept. 5 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

Experience Level: Beginner

Learn the basics of working with a loom at Beginning Weaving I (Morning) on Saturdays, Sept. 12 through Oct. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium.

This 5-week class led by Sharon Bowles will encompass all aspects of beginner weaving as students create a table runner.  Students will become familiar with weaving terminology, parts of the loom, figuring the weaving pattern for the width of the loom and project, measuring out the warp, beaming the warp back to front, threading heddles, threading the reed, tying on the warp, and winding bobbins.

$250/person*. Registration will close Sept. 7 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*Students should bring a 4-shaft loom if they have one. All other supplies will be provided, including a loom if needed.

Experience Level: Beginner

Learn the basics of working with a loom at Beginning Weaving I (Afternoon) on Saturdays, Sept. 12 through Oct. 10 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium.

This 5-week class led by Sharon Bowles will encompass all aspects of beginner weaving as students create a table runner. Students will become familiar with weaving terminology, parts of the loom, figuring the weaving pattern for the width of the loom and project, measuring out the warp, beaming the warp back to front, threading heddles, threading the reed, tying on the warp, and winding bobbins.

$250/person*. Registration will close Sept. 7 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

*Students should bring a 4-shaft loom if they have one. All other supplies will be provided, including a loom if needed.

Experience Level: Beginner (ages 16+)

Learn a new instrument at Learn Guitar: Get Started the Right Way on Tuesdays, Sept. 15 through Nov. 17 from 6-7 p.m. in the Studio.  

Leading this course is musician Rex Parvin, who has a very specific approach to teaching guitar based on having an understanding of how music works and how that understanding applies specifically to the guitar. It is essentially a 3-step process: 

— Learn the notes on the guitar
— Learn how those notes go together to form chords.
— Apply and combine steps 1 and 2 to form chords and play songs, developing your own style and creative expression. 

$200/person*. Registration will close Sept. 11 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final. 

*Students should bring their own guitar.  

Experience Level: Beginner

Not sure what tools to buy to tackle simple repairs around the home? Learn the basics at Fix it! Home Repair Kit on Friday, Sept. 18 from 2-4 p.m. in The Studio. 

Instructor Lou Ann Koebel will cover what essential hand and power tools to purchase in this hands-on class. Students will learn how to safely use tools for several common jobs around the house.  

 $55/person*. Registration will close on Sept. 15 or when capacity is reached.  All sales are final.  

 *Students should bring a pair of safety glasses

Experience Level: Beginner (Ages 13+; all minors must have a parent/guardian on-site.)

Learn step-by-step instructions for creating a beautiful, wearable flower crown using fresh, in-season blooms at a Flower Crown Workshop on Saturday, September 19 from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Studio.

Rachel Wooters will guide students through the process of selecting, layering, and securing flowers to build a balanced and lasting floral design. This hands-on workshop is relaxed and beginner-friendly, with plenty of room for creativity and personal style. Students will leave with a finished flower crown and the skills to continue creating at home!

Perfect for Homecoming weekend, this workshop is a lovely opportunity to create your own floral headpiece and enjoy a creative experience with friends while capturing beautiful seasonal photos together.

$90/person. Registration closes on September 12 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.

Entry Level: Beginner

Create a unique decorative scarf, winter neck wrap, or modern necklace at Knitting Without Needles: French Tube Scarf on Sunday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in The Studio. 

Instructor Billie Theide will teach students how to knit in the round without juggling single or double pointed knitting needles as they design and knit a colorful, striped, tubular scarf. Students will learn how to make looms from readily available materials, as well learn about commercially available looms. 

All students will receive a tool kit to continue knitting at home.

$95/person*. Registration closes Sept. 13 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.  

*Students should bring the following: 
--pencil 
--pair of embroidery scissors 
--2 or more skeins (any colorway) of locally available yarn:     
     --Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton or     
     --Loops & Threads Twist Love Cotton OR     
     --Lion Brand Made with Love The Cottony One OR     
     --Yarn Bee Fundamental Cotton OR     
     --I Love this Cotton Crafter’s Secret Cotton 

The following things are optional; bring them if you have them: 
--colored pencil set --bits of left over yarn in any fiber and weight 
--partial skeins of left over yarn in any fiber and weight 
--left over fabric scraps (linen, cotton gauze, cottons, and polyester with no right sides) 

All skill levels 

Learn how to color, shape, and assemble paper petals in Paper Flower Art: Marigolds on Sunday, Sept. 20 from 2-5 p.m. in the Library.  

Instructor Cathy Peters will introduce students to the world of paper flower art as they learn how to create 3 unique marigolds. This fun and relaxing class will teach you skills to continue crafting at home!

$50/person. Registration closes on Sept. 17 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.