WHERE:

Aviston Park

800 E 1st St 

Aviston, IL 62216

What’s the project?

Cork Dudes

Turn everyday corks into charming little characters full of personality! In this playful, hands-on craft, you’ll transform simple materials into quirky figures using paint, wire, fabric, and found objects. Learn how to shape features, build tiny outfits, and add expressive details that make each piece one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re creating whimsical creatures, miniature people, or something totally unexpected, cork figures are all about creativity, storytelling, and making something fun out of the ordinary.

WHERE:

***location subject to change

Donnellson Community Center

407 Jefferson St

Donnellson, IL 62019

What’s the project?

Pipe cleaner Crowns/Accessories

Twist, bend, and sparkle your way into wearable art with pipe cleaner crowns and accessories. In this playful, hands-on activity, you’ll transform colorful pipe cleaners into whimsical crowns, headbands, rings, and more—no experience needed. Learn simple shaping techniques, add beads and embellishments, and let your imagination run wild as you design pieces that are as bold or delicate as you like. Perfect for all ages, this craft is all about creativity, self-expression, and a little bit of everyday magic.

WHERE:

Central Park

401 E Water St

Hillsboro, IL 62049

What’s the project?

Coffee Filter Flowers

Turn simple coffee filters into beautiful, blooming works of art! In this hands-on craft, you’ll learn how to layer, dye, and shape delicate petals to create flowers that are soft, vibrant, and surprisingly lifelike. Experiment with color blending, textures, and different styles—from whimsical wildflowers to elegant roses. Whether you’re making a bouquet, decorations, or just enjoying the process, coffee filter flowers are an easy, low-cost way to bring a little handmade beauty into your day.

WHERE:

Irving Century House

121 Union St

Irving, IL 62051

**location subject to change

What’s the project?

Fairy Bells

Create a touch of quiet magic with your own fairy bell strand! In this whimsical project, you’ll craft a delicate hanging of tiny bell-shaped elements that catch the light and gently chime with movement. Using simple materials and thoughtful design, you’ll learn how to shape, assemble, and balance your strand so it feels both playful and serene. Perfect for adding a bit of enchantment to a window, garden nook, or cozy corner, each fairy bell strand becomes a one-of-a-kind piece filled with charm and soft, tinkling wonder.

WHERE:

Country Bend Campground

3279 Honey Bend Ave

Litchfield, IL 62056

‍What’s the project?

Shrinky Dinks

Remember Shrinky Dinks?! The magical craft where your artwork shrinks in the oven and turns into tiny, durable creations!

In this project, you’ll draw or trace designs onto special shrink plastic, color them in, and then watch the real magic happen as they bake and shrink down to about a third of their original size. What starts as a big, floppy sheet transforms into a thick, glossy mini masterpiece. Turn your creations into keychains, charms, magnets, jewelry, or even pocket-sized art. It’s nostalgic, a little bit science-y, and a whole lot of fun for artists of all ages!

WHERE:

Raymond Park

406 McGown St.

Raymond, IL 62560

‍ What’s the project?

3D Paper Projects

Step into the world of 3D paper projects—where flat sheets transform into eye-catching, dimensional art! From sculptural flowers and layered shadow boxes to playful pop-ups and intricate paper builds, this craft is all about turning simple materials into something magical. You’ll explore folding, cutting, layering, and shaping techniques that bring depth and movement to your designs, no heavy tools required. Whether you’re a total beginner or a detail-loving maker, 3D paper art invites you to slow down, get hands-on, and watch your creations quite literally come to life.

WHERE:

Village Hall

27 Morean 

Nilwood, IL 62672

**location subject to change

‍ What’s the project?

Polymer Clay Miniatures

Dive into the tiny, delightful world of polymer clay miniatures—where imagination meets incredible detail. you’ll learn how to shape, sculpt, and refine your creations using simple tools and techniques. Explore color mixing, texturing, and finishing methods that bring your mini masterpieces to life. Whether you’re crafting for fun, gifts, or collecting your own tiny treasures, polymer clay miniatures are the perfect way to make something small with big personality!

WHERE:

Piasa United Methodist Church

1021 Rte 16 

Piasa, IL 62079

**location subject to change

‍ What’s the project?

eraser stamps

Turn simple erasers into your own custom stamp collection. In this hands-on project, you’ll learn how to sketch, carve, and print your designs—transforming everyday materials into tools for endless creativity. Explore basic carving techniques, pattern-making, and how to get clean, satisfying prints on paper, fabric, and more. Whether you’re making cards, wrapping paper, or just experimenting with texture and repetition, eraser stamps are an easy, fun way to bring your ideas to life—one press at a time.

WHERE:

Fred B. Johnson Park

125 W. Central St 

Nokomis, IL 62075

What’s the project?

Cork Dudes

Turn everyday corks into charming little characters full of personality! In this playful, hands-on craft, you’ll transform simple materials into quirky figures using paint, wire, fabric, and found objects. Learn how to shape features, build tiny outfits, and add expressive details that make each piece one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re creating whimsical creatures, miniature people, or something totally unexpected, cork figures are all about creativity, storytelling, and making something fun out of the ordinary.

WHERE:

Coffeen City Park

500-598 Cumberland St

Coffeen, IL 62017

What’s the project?

Fairy Bells

Create a touch of quiet magic with your own fairy bell strand! In this whimsical project, you’ll craft a delicate hanging of tiny bell-shaped elements that catch the light and gently chime with movement. Using simple materials and thoughtful design, you’ll learn how to shape, assemble, and balance your strand so it feels both playful and serene. Perfect for adding a bit of enchantment to a window, garden nook, or cozy corner, each fairy bell strand becomes a one-of-a-kind piece filled with charm and soft, tinkling wonder.

WHERE:

Fillmore Fall Festival

Molly McDowell Park

Filmore, IL 62032

‍ What’s the project?

3D Paper Pumpkins

Bring a little dimension to your seasonal decor with 3D paper pumpkins. Using simple materials and clever layering techniques, you’ll transform flat shapes into full, rounded pumpkins that pop off the page. Play with colors, patterns, and sizes to create everything from classic autumn vibes to bold, modern designs. Whether you’re decorating your space or crafting with friends, these paper pumpkins are an easy, festive way to add a handmade touch to the season.

WHERE:

Virden City Hall

211 Rte. 4

Virden, IL 62690

**location subject to change

What’s the project?

Spooky Paper Masks

Step into character with handmade paper masks that are as expressive as they are fun to create. In this project, you’ll design, cut, and shape paper into bold, wearable art—exploring color, texture, and form along the way. Add layers, patterns, and embellishments to bring your mask to life, whether it’s mysterious, playful, or totally one-of-a-kind. Perfect for all skill levels, paper masks invite you to get creative, get a little theatrical, and see where your imagination takes you.