Crafts Classes in Chicago, IL

Inspired by the little treasures you save and love, we will cleverly combine old and new elements to create spectacular jewelry. Bring your special and sentimental keepsakes, single earrings, buttons, charms, chains, family photos, and found objects and let Bonnie Arkin inspire your creativity.  You will learn to solder, wire wrap, and string....

This multi-level, hands-on course introduces newcomers to the basic skills and tools to create hand-crafted books. Learn about folding, sewing and gluing to explore different types of stitches and structures to create several of your own sample books. More experienced returning students will explore more complex structures with in-depth techniques,...

On day one, explore basic clay hand-building techniques, such as pinch, slab and coil, to create colorful simple clay shapes and tiles. Decorate your shapes with textures and underglazes/glazes.  One day two, incorporate your shapes with commercial ceramic tiles and glass to create an 8" x 8" design on a wooden substrate. The finished step of...

Designed to introduce the world of artists' books. Learn the definition of artists' books and explore different ways to deliver your creative ideas through this unique medium. In this multi-level class, basic book making techniques from non-binding (folding) to single section binding will be introduced, and the close observation of different material...

This hands-on course introduces the basic skills and tools to create hand-crafted books. You will learn about folding, sewing and gluing to explore different types of stitches and structures to create several of their own sample books

Examine different types of collage, altered art, and other forms of mixed-media utilized by Dada, Surrealist, and contemporary artists. The first few classes will focus on different types and approaches to collage, with the final weeks focusing on combining collage and other media.  Techniques and practices covered include Photomontage, Text...

Make your own candle from scratch. Create your own scent and pick a color. Curate Your Own Embedded Flower Garden. All materials included and you will take home a 12 oz candle (90 hours of burn time) This Class Will Include: One Soy Candle One 15-16 oz candle burns up to 120 hours | Make an extra at an additional$15 per Create Your Own Scent...

Learn about the unique effects that transparency, light, and color create with mosaic on glass. Complete a beautiful transparent artwork that will convey the same beauty and qualities of stained glass, but with mosaic techniques. Bring in rough sketches and ideas to the first class. Smaller substrates, approximately 10” x 14” are included. Please...

Utilizing skills garnered in the beginning bookbinding class, students will explore more complex structures with in-depth techniques, potentially covering Coptic bindings, long-stitch, advanced Japanese side-stitch or others, as well as taking time to develop content for their pieces.  Some experience with bookbinding is helpful, though students...

More experienced mask makers get involved with more expensive materials, develop their own tool kit and pursue projects of their own with guidance from our resident master Jeff Semmerling. Note:  You should already took intermediate course. Price does not include the materials fee.

Learn the basics of silicone mold making. Create one- and two-part molds from a variety silicones and rubbers, either taken from a created or found object. A variety of materials can be used alongside our molds, including wax, plastic, clay, plaster, and concrete. Designed to help you with production and will allow you to make multiples quicker, whether...

Interested in expanding your personal art practice, work on independent projects, and/or explore new material combinations with the support of an instructor? Come to the first class with a general idea of what you would like to work on, and well as materials they would like to work with. Best suited for students with experience in 2D arts practice...

Expand your creative expression by exploring a wide range of artistic styles and adaptations of book and paper arts, including papermaking, bookbinding, and artist books. Learn how to form sheets of paper using the Western-style, basic hand papermaking techniques, and different ways to manipulate the formulation of sheets of paper, such as sculptural...

Start with casting your own face for two mask making matrices, then learn sculpting and casting your own creations in paper mache'. Note: You should take beginner mask making before this class. Session price includes materials.

Learn how to make paper flowers that can be used as party decor, wall art or just as a gift! Each attendee will make at least one large flower to take home. Class is perfect for groups. All supplies will be provided as well as snacks and refreshments. BYOB welcome!