Introduction to Blacksmithing

Kim Stahl

This course introduces the fundamental principles of Blacksmithing materials, tools, and techniques.

Making a Cheese Knife

Kim Stahl

In this one-day workshop participants will make a simple cheese service knife or letter opener.

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Making Hooks and Wall Hangers

Kim Stahl

This is a one-day workshop where participants will have the opportunity to make various hooks and wall hangers using the blacksmithing facility.

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Ceramic Restoration

Dan Barnett

Learn some ceramic repair techniques that can restore a piece.

Sustainable Woodfire

Dan Barnett

Experience atmospheric wood-fire with Dan Barnett at his Watermark Studios in Worden, IL.

Learn to Luster

Mary Rhein

This workshop teaches you the basics and safety of how to add metallic accents to your ceramics.

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Soda Glazing in the Kiln

Dan Barnett

Experience atmospheric firing and see the clay surface interact with soda ash!

Surface Design & Color Theory

Bev Aroh

In a decorative rut? Add fresh, new techniques to your design tool box!

Slab Built Dinnerware

Bev Aroh

Learn to use soft slab, hard slab, and templates to create functional dinnerware!

Making a Votive Holder

Michele Reichlin

Learn to hand-build a holder of your own design for votive or taper candles

Making a Garlic Keeper

Michele Reichlin

Store your garlic in style! Hand-build your own garlic keeper using soft and firm ceramic slab construction.

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Making a Butter Bell

Dan Barnett

Tired of scrapping a half frozen stick of butter just to tear holes in your morning toast? Try the Butter Bell!

Handbuilding 1

Pam Stanley

Learn basic hand-building techniques such as coil, slab, and pinching methods to explore tableware forms and sculptural ideas.

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Handbuilding 2

Michele Reichlin

Develop your hand-building skills while working on projects of your own choosing.

Wheel 1

Multiple Teachers

Learn how to throw pots on a wheel. This wheel-throwing course focuses on skill development and form.

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Wheel 2

Mary Henderson | Tom Wiggins

If you have experience on the wheel, this class focuses on refining your technique and developing a personal aesthetic.

Wheel 2: Jars

Pam Stanley

In this class you will learn how to throw various types of jars and lids.

Wheel 2: Mugs

Pam Stanley

Take mug making to the next level by learning to refine your current mugs.

Closed

Wheel 2: Bowls

Pam Stanley

Explore different shapes and sizes of bowls, including individual bowls, decorative bowls, serving bowls, and pedestal bowls.

Wheel 2: Sculptural Form and Function

Tom Wiggins

This will be an examination of the relationships between elements of functional ware, and how those parts contribute to the whole.

Wheel 2: Shape Shifting

Bev Aroh

Learn how to use the potter's wheel as a tool to create forms that can be combined with hand-building techniques.

Plaster Molds for the Ceramic Process

Mary Rhein

This specialized workshop focuses on the uses and practicalities of molds and plaster in the ceramic process.

Member Studio: Clay

*Must be a Craft Alliance Member to register.*

This extra studio time is available by appointment only to Craft Alliance members.

Alternative Materials

Sarah Walters

Explore creating wearable works through the use of nontraditional jewelry materials.

Alternative Stone Settings

Meri Ellen Brooks Taylor

Explore a variety of methods and constructions which can be used to securely set either traditionally shaped or unusually shaped stones and artifacts.

Broom Straw Casting

Peg Fetter

You never know what you will get with this exciting ancient form of casting!

Casting 1

Robert Thomas Mullen

Learn how to create models to cast into metal with the centrifugal casting machine.

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Casting 2

Kelly Draper

This class is for intermediate to advanced students who wish to expand and refine their knowledge of centrifugal casting techniques.

Craft After Hours: Making a Cocktail Spoon

Lauren Nall

Introduction to cold forging, a process by which metal is shaped through a series of direct hammer blows forcing the metal to take a desired form.

Craft After Hours: Making a Cuff Bracelet

Lauren Nall

Explore adding texture to a copper surface using stamps and hammered patterns followed by shaping the metal into customized cuff bracelets.

Craft After Hours: Making a Ring Dish

Lauren Nall

An introduction to forming a shallow dish with a decorated edge by hand while enjoying complimentary refreshments.

Closed

Enamel Imagery

Kelly Draper

Bring imagery and color to your metalwork! Learn to apply vitreous enamel to copper and fire it in a kiln

Fire It Up!

Lauren Nall

An introduction to controlled heating techniques with a torch.

Fold Forming

Peg Fetter

Talk about instant gratification! Make beautiful leaves and pods that are perfect as pendants or as additions to your designs.

Hammer Time!

Lauren Nall

This class will be an introduction to the fundamentals of the raising process.

Introduction to Damascene

Paulette Myers

Learn the exciting Korean process of Damascene also known as Poamock Ssanggum and Jjoeum Ipsa.

Coming this Fall

Making a Loop-in-Loop Chain

Lauren Nall

An introduction to Etruscan style chain making with .999 fine silver wire.

Making Findings

Sarah Walters

Students will learn to create a variety of findings including bails, jumps rings, as well as use torches to solder.

Making Plant Markers

Sarah Walters

Customize your garden beds or plant pots making your own set of copper plant markers.

Metalsmithing 1

Multiple Teachers

This class is designed for students with little or no prior metalworking experience.

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Metalsmithing 2

Meri Ellen Brooks Taylor | Peg Fetter

This class is designed for the beginning metalsmith who has completed at least one class and will commit to additional practice in the basic skills necessary to the craft before continuing on to more advanced classes.

Metalsmithing 3

Cindy Howenstien

In this class, students will continue refining and practicing their skills, while also learning new techniques that can expand design possibilities.

Metalsmithing 4

Mike Gleason | Tom McCarthy

In this advanced class, students will receive individualized attention as they work on self-directed projects of their own choosing, whether jewelry or small objects.

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Recycling Silver Scrap

Sarah Burack

Do you have old scraps of silver or single earrings with a lost partner sitting around? Turn it into earrings or a bangle in this workshop!

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Reticulation, Perforation & Keumboo

Paulette Myers

This advanced workshop will focus on how to achieve “delicate” to “greater dimensional” reticulation patterning of silver reticulation.

Solder Inlay

Peg Fetter

Add some unexpected zing to your designs with a twist! This technique takes mixed metals to a whole new level and will push your boundaries with your designs.

Stone Setting

Kate Snyder

This in-depth class includes stone setting tips and techniques that every stone setter should know.

Swivel Locket

Kelly Draper

Create a locket for a cherished photo or keepsake using the hydraulic press.

Closed

Member Studio: Metals

*Must be a Craft Alliance Member to register.*

This extra studio time is available by appointment only to Craft Alliance members.

Beginning Woodworking

Christian Xandersmith

Learn the fundamentals, safety, and techniques used in the Wood Studio by making projects.

Introduction to Woodworking

Tom Wiggins

This is an introduction to the tools, machines, and foundational methods of woodworking.

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Intermediate Woodworking

Christian Xandersmith

Continue to grow your wood working knowledge through the completion of a dovetail stool.

Introduction to Woodturning

Jeff Hornung

This course is an introduction to woodturning on student lathes.

Wooden Boxes

Tom Wiggins

An introduction to the design and manufacturing techniques necessary to making small boxes.

Making Cutting Boards

Jeff Hornung

Learn how to create a series of beautiful cutting boards by laminating, cutting and manipulating different hardwoods.

Introduction to Bowl Turning

Jeff Hornung

Take your wood turning skills even further! Explore design, wood selection and how to maintain consistent wall thickness, as well as natural edge and footed bowls.

Member Studio: Wood

*Must be a Craft Alliance Member to register.*

This extra studio time is available by appointment only to Craft Alliance members.

4 Scarves in 4 Weeks

Cathy McBride

Learn indigo dyeing methods by creating four beautiful scarves.

Arashi Shibori Dyeing

Cathy McBride

Arashi "storm" is the name the Japanese have given patterns that are created by wrapping cloth around a pole, compressing it into folds and dying it.

Closed

Craft After Hours: Marbled Silk Scarves

Zoë Finkelstein

In this Craft After Hours, add some color to your day to day with a marbled scarf.

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Devore Fabrics: Fiber Etching Techniques

Grant Benoit

Explore the surface design technique of devoré. Using an etchant on a mixed fiber fabric the chemical burns away the natural fibers creating translucent designs and patterns.

Dyeing Silk with Nature-Based Materials

Erin Luna

Learn how to make color with completely natural materials.

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Felt and Stitch

Cathy McBride

Create a unique felt painting with a canvas of fleece and colorful threads.

Floor Loom Weaving

Denise Mandel

Discover the magic of weaving on a four-harness floor loom for 6 weeks!

Go Big and Beautiful

Cathy McBride

This wearable workshop will demonstrate different Shibori stitching techniques to pattern a silk scarf.

Closed

Introduction to Embroidery

Carlene Fullerton

Review basic stitches and then advance weekly with new stitches.

Introduction to Garment Sewing

Allison Thien

In this course students will learn the basics of garment sewing by working through a basic garment sewing pattern together.

Introduction to Hand Sewing

Zoë Finkelstein

Learn a number of basic sewing stitches, and make your own hand-sewn creations!

Introduction to Knitting

Allison Thien

Knitting is a craft built on just a few simple stitches and once you understand them the options are endless.

Making a Quilters Tote

Laura Klaus

For this basket, the handles are woven as part of the basket making them nearly impossible to pull out!

Closed

Making a Traveling Carryall

Laura Klaus

Perfect for carrying all your odds and ends. This basket features leather handles attached after the basket is completed

Closed

Making Period Costume Accessories

Michele Siler

Accessories make the outfit especially when costuming plays and creating reenactment garb.

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Marbled Egg Family Workshop

Grant Benoit

In this family friendly workshop, learn fun marbling techniques on paper and papier mache eggs.

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Marbling Fabric

Zoë Finkelstein

Make your own fabric creation from start to finish!

Natural Dyeing

Erin Luna

Learn how to dye textiles with plant based dyes.

Quilting: Make It Modern

Melissa Eagan

Learn how to transform traditional quilt blocks into modern variations, using themes such as improv, scale, and negative space.

Rust, Tea and Stitch

Cathy McBride

It's a new world of dying, using rust and Tea.

Sashiko Stitching and Boro

Cathy McBride

Sashiko and Boro Stitching both originated out of necessity by the poor people in Northern Japan.

Closed

Sculptural Shibori

Cathy McBride

A fun class for a piece to wear or display as a sculpture.

Sewing Unusual Materials

Michele Siler

Take your costuming up a level with the use of a variety of materials that can add texture, structure and stretch to your creations.

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Making a Blanket Basket

Laura Klaus

Learn to make a tote to carry everything you need for a picnic or outing.

Darning and Mending

Learn to repair your ripped jeans and hole-y shirts with Alexis Giger of Little Cliff, a St. Louis-based mending and clothing repair studio.

Closed

Advanced Sweater Mending

Learn how to mend your favorite sweaters with Alexis Giger of Little Cliff, a St. Louis-based mending and clothing repair studio.

Member Studio: Fibers

*Must be a Craft Alliance Member to register.*

This extra studio time is available by appointment only to Craft Alliance members.

3D Papermaking

Suzanne Oberholtzer

Take your handmade paper beyond the flat sheet.

Beginning Papermaking

Suzanne Oberholtzer

Learn basic techniques for making handmade paper sheets with natural plant fiber pulp (abaca).

Bookmaking with Print Media

Brian Lathan

Learn how to use bookbinding tools and materials to make multiple book structures.

Collographs

Erin Johnston

The collograph is a process that involves both relief and intaglio style printing.

Coptic Journals

Grant Benoit

Participants will be able to learn bookbinding basics to create their own hardcover coptic book covered in decorative papers.

Craft After Hours: Decorative Paper and Books

Zoë Finkelstein

In this two part class learn how to make decorative papers to create your own handbound journal.

Craft After Hours: Marbled Festive Decorations

Zoë Finkelstein

Make festive décor for a celebration or decorations for everyday life in this Craft After Hours.

Craft After Hours: Secret Love Letters: Watermarks and Handmade Stationary

Grant Benoit

In this Craft After Hours, learn paper making basics and watermark techniques to send a secret message to a Valentine crush or your frenemy while enjoying refreshments.

Closed

Drawing 1

Stephen Da Lay

The focus of this class is to develop visual accuracy, basic drawing skills, and to become acquainted with the use of a variety of drawing tools and surfaces.

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Drawing 2

Stephen Da Lay

After exploring Drawing 1 with us, discover your personal style by taking a further dive into perspective, form, lighting, value, and composition.

Drawing for Printmaking

Erin Johnston

Combining Drawing and Printmaking, this course presents the drawing fundamentals necessary to produce quality prints.

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Intro to Linocut Printmaking: More than Black and White

Cullen Curtis

This is an intermediate class intended to show beginning printmakers deeper levels to the medium.

Introduction to Acrylic Painting

Cathy McBride

In this class, students will explore the basic fundamentals of acrylic paint and color mixing.

Introduction to Bookbinding

Abby Bennett

In this class, you will be introduced to basic bookbinding tools and materials.

Introduction to Etching

Kristen McMillion

In this class you will learn the basics of the intaglio etching process.

Introduction to Printmaking

Grant Benoit

Introduction to Printmaking is a sampler class that orients beginning level printmakers in printmaking techniques and the printmaking studio.

Introduction to Relief Printmaking

Libby Scobee

In this class, we will cover carving and printing with both wood and linoleum, by hand and with the press.

Introduction to Screenprinting

Brian Lathan

Explore silkscreen through drawing fluid and stencils. The class will introduce monoprint, drawn resist, contact stencils, paper stencils, sun exposure and complimentary techniques.

Mokulito Printmaking

Stephen Da Lay

The Mokulito class objective is to help participants to learn printmaking skills to produce artwork.

Multiple Block Relief Printmaking

Libby Scobee

In this class, we will dig in to creating prints with multiple layers and colors through relief.

Multiple Color Printmaking

Grant Benoit

This course is an introduction to multiple color printmaking and will introduce the tools, equipment, and materials to bring your ideas into color.

Painterly Prints

Grant Benoit

Explore monoprint and monotype techniques, stencils, paper plate lithography, and ideas for surface embellishment once your prints are dry.

Paper + Print

Grant Benoit

Torn between exploring printmaking or papermaking? In this dual course, students will split their time learning papermaking and printmaking techniques and how to connect these art forms.

Papermaking: Exploring Embossing

Suzanne Oberholtzer

Embossing is a technique for altering the surface of a sheet of paper by adding sculptural and dimensional qualities. The process works because paper--especially in the early, wet pulp stage--is malleable; it will embrace and retain an image of whatever object is pressed against it. Students will learn the basics of papermaking techniques and use textured fabrics, thread or string, wood blocks, linocuts or collagraphs, foam core cutouts, leaves and other elements of nature, found objects, etc. to create embossed paper.

Processing Natural Fibers for Papermaking

James Ojascastro

Learn the steps and techniques needed for processing native plants for handmade paper.

Closed

Western Sheet Forming and Origami

James Ojascastro

Go through the basics of western style sheet forming and then learn origami techniques to create paper folded sculptures.

Closed

Borosilicate Marbles

Fred Linders

Take your marble making to the next level with borosilicate glass.

Fun With Frit

Kevin Heard

Learn how to make glass beads and embellish them with crushed colorful glass (frits) for a wide variety of effects and decorations!

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Fused Glass Foundations

Yuko Suga

Make a variety of your own glass projects that will teach you the basics of glass work in the kiln.

Glass Beadmaking

Kevin Heard

This is an introduction to lampworking course, learn how to manipulate glass by using heat from a small torch!

Hearts Galore!

Mary Lou Ryan

This valentine's day, wear a beautiful glass heart you made yourself!

Hollow Beads

Kevin Heard

Take your lampworking skill to the next level, and learn to make lightweight, hollow glass beads in the flame.

Closed

Introduction to Glass Beadmaking

Kevin Heard & Mary Lou Ryan

In four intense, fun-filled hours, learn to wind hot molten glass on steel to form colorful glass beads!

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Making Glass Coasters

Yuko Suga

Come and create a set of fused glass coasters in the new Glass Studio!

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Spring Flowers!

Mary Lou Ryan

This glass workshop helps you create a spring bouquet in glass

Stained Glass Hearts

Yuko Suga

Learn the basics of glass cutting and using the copper foil method of assembling stained glass into a beautiful heart.

Closed

Member Studio: Glass

*Must be a Craft Alliance Member to register.*

This extra studio time is available by appointment only to Craft Alliance members.

Teen Lab: Marbled Paper and Books

Zoë Finkelstein

In this two part class learn how to make decorative papers to create your own handbound journal.

Teen Lab: Relief Printmaking

Zoë Finkelstein

learn the fundamentals of relief printmaking with linoleum blocks--from design, carving, and printing.