a tie-dye project using blue dye

February 06, 2024

SIU’s Craft Shop offers appealing array of spring workshops for all

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Here’s your chance to learn to create something new or enhance your crafting skills as the Craft Shop in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Student Center is offering a wide variety of spring arts and crafts workshops.

All activities are open to the public, but registration is limited. Sign-up for classes closes one week before each class session begins, so claim your spots early.

The Craft Shop reserves the right to cancel or reschedule workshops if necessary.

Diverse assortment of choices

Workshops, classes and activities include wheel-thrown pottery, printmaking, ceramics, embroidery, painting, stained glass and so much more. Participants can create and print personalized greeting cards to impress their Valentines or make recycled paper flowers or beaded jewelry. Or perhaps handcrafting a wooden birdhouse or learning to tie-dye via shibori, a Japanese technique to create unique bold patterns, is appealing.

The costs of the workshops vary; prices are reduced for SIU students.

Some workshops offer multiple sessions, and many are open to all ages.

Find the complete workshop schedule, along with details, pricing and online registration, on the Craft Shop website.

More options to explore

Located in the lower level of the Student Center, the Craft Shop is also open for walk-in visitors for some crafting activities. The main shop is open noon to 5 p.m. on Monday, Friday and Saturday and from noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. The woodshop hours are 2-5 p.m. on Friday and noon-4 p.m. on Saturday.

The Craft Shop is also an ideal location for birthday parties, group celebrations and other gatherings as it offers participants the opportunity to enjoy a variety of arts and crafts activities. Visit the website or stop by the Craft Shop for details.

Private lessons are available for some crafts and groups of four to six people can schedule wheel-throwing pottery lessons or assorted other crafting activities. Email craftshop@siu.edu or call 618-453-3636 to check options and availability.

In addition, the art supply shop features tools and supplies for a wide variety of craft projects as well as custom framing.