January 31, 2025
SIU Craft Shop plans workshops, Valentine’s Day sale
CARBONDALE, Ill. — What better way to usher in spring than by learning to create something new or by acquiring unique handcrafts created by local artisans? The Craft Shop at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is offering a full slate of craft workshops and sponsoring a Valentine Craft Sale.
Online registration is now open for the spring workshops at studentcenter.siu.edu/activities/craft-shop/workshops.php, and the craft sale will be happening on Valentine’s Day. Everyone can enjoy both.
Check out the craft sale
Dozens of artists and craftspeople from throughout the region will offer their special pieces and works at the Valentine’s Day Craft Sale, set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Art Gallery on the first floor of the SIU Student Center.
Admission is free, and it’s a great place to find that last-minute Valentine’s gift for yourself or someone else. Featured items will include pottery, paintings, jewelry, fibers, drawings and much more.
Explore sundry crafting options
There is a wide assortment of opportunities to learn something new or enhance your craft skills at the spring workshops available at the SIU Craft Shop, located on the lower level of the Student Center.
The spring session opens Saturday, Feb. 1, and workshops run through the end of April. All arts and crafts activities are open to the public, but classes sizes are limited so early registration is encouraged. Sign-up for classes closes one week before each session begins.
Workshops, classes and activities include building by hand with clay, tie-dying Valentine hearts, creating prints with linoleum, making stained glass with copper foil, crafting fused glass suncatchers, wheel-throwing pottery and more.
Some projects will be completed in just one class while more complex designs require multiple sessions. Most workshops are open to ages 7 or 8 and older. The costs vary, and SIU students enjoy reduced pricing.
Find the complete workshop schedule, along with details about pricing and online registration, on the Craft Shop website.
The Craft Shop reserves the right to cancel or reschedule workshops if necessary.
Additional alternatives to explore
The Craft Shop also welcomes walk-in visitors for some activities. The main shop is open noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Friday and Saturday and from noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. The woodshop hours are 2-5 p.m. Friday and noon-4 p.m. Saturday.
If the workshop calendar isn’t compatible with your schedule, don’t despair. The shop offers private lessons at reasonable prices for individuals or groups of up to seven people. Options include pottery, ceramics (by hand building or wheel throwing), printmaking, drawing, fused glass, painting, sewing and woodworking. The cost varies and decreases per person as additional people join the sessions.
The Craft Shop is also an ideal spot for birthday parties, group celebrations and other gatherings. Visit the website or stop by the Craft Shop for details. In addition, the art supply shop features tools and supplies as well as custom framing.
Email craftshop@siu.edu or call 618-453-3636 for additional details.