Wednesday, Aug 27, Sep 3, 10, 17, 24, Oct 1 6 weeks
2:30-4:30 pm
Instructor: Nancy O'Neill
Ages 16+ Beginner. Join in on this fun pottery class to learn the basics of hand building! Working with textures, stamps, decals, different glaze techniques, and more, Nancy will guide you through the process of creating your one of a kind pottery pieces. Fee includes up to 25 lbs. of clay, glazes & firing.
Materials needed: Apron, hand towel, and your own pottery tool kit (available at local craft stores or online). Bring any ideas/inspirations you may have. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Leave your rings, watches and bracelets at home.
Register by Aug 25
Minimum Registration: 3
Maximum Registration: 5
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Paid enrollment in a Womanspace class must be cancelled in order for the student to be eligible for a refund. A refund (minus a $10 non-refundable deposit, minus the 4% service fee) will be granted according to the following:
Saturdays, Sept. 13, 20, 27, Oct 4
4 weeks
9:00a–12:00p
Instructor: Jennie Johnson Sic
Ages 16+. [Prerequisite: beginner throwing skills consistently mastered or instructor approval]. This 4-week course will allow you to take your skills further and learn to throw with larger amounts of clay and create more intricate forms such as bottles, plates, and lidded vessels. Students are welcome to suggest forms they’re interested in creating and demonstrations will be given based on interest. Students are also free to work on their own personal projects and receive assistance from the instructor as needed. Fee includes up to 25 lbs. of clay, glazes and firing.
Equipment to bring: an apron, hand towel, and your own pottery tool kit (available at local craft stores or online). Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and leave your rings, watches and bracelets at home.
Register by Sept. 11 Minimum Registered: 3
4 weeks 9:30a–12:30p
Age 18+. Intermediate–Advanced. Join this fun, independent clay study group and create something you are interested in. You can use forms, natural elements, and your imagination to build practical, unusual or whimsical forms. Your clay partners will be able to offer some guidance, but no specific instruction will be provided. You must be an intermediate to advanced clay worker and be able to work independently. There are lots of tools to play with, lots of colors to choose from and so many choices for you to enjoy. Materials needed: Apron, hand towel, and your own pottery tool kit. Fee includes up to 25 lbs. of clay, glazes & firing.
Register by Sept 15
Maximum Registration: 6
Thursdays, Sept 25, Oct 2, 16, 23, 30, Nov 6 6 weeks
6:00–8:00 pm
Instructor: Lynette Porter
Ages 16+ Intermediate. Advance your hand-building skills while having fun in this 6-week class. Explore many hand-building techniques to make mugs, plates, functional pieces and pieces students are interested in creating. Create your own texture and templates and explore many decorating and glazing options. Fee includes up to 25lb of clay, glazes and firing.
Register by Sept 23
Minimum registration: 3
Fridays, Sept. 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24
5 weeks
11:00 am–1:00 pm
Instructor: Jaymee Fedor
Ages 16+. All levels. Want to keep moving forward with your painting skills? Check out this guided open studio class for watercolor and acrylic painters! Jaymee will provide individual instruction based on your creative goals. Feel free to bring your own reference imagery and ideas, or peruse Jaymee’s collection of art samples for inspiration! Some previous painting experience is beneficial, but not always necessary. Absolute beginners should be prepared to work on painting exercises before moving on to individual work. Since instruction is individual, there will be plenty of independent work time as Jaymee spends time with each student.
Register by Sept 24
Minimum Registration: 8
Thursdays, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 5 weeks
9:30a–12:00p
Instructor: Margo Olson
Ages 16+ Beginner. Begin your journey learning to throw pottery. This 6-week class is for those with no knowledge of throwing on a wheel or with little experience of throwing and need more practice. The instructor will demonstrate during each class and assist learners with improving their skills. Start by throwing simple forms of cylinders and bowls, then to trimming vessels. Glazing will be demonstrated after the greenware is low fired in the kiln. Each glazed piece will then be high fired to finish the process. Fee includes up to 25 lbs. of clay, glazes and firing.
Materials needed: an apron, hand towel, and your own pottery tool kit (available at local craft stores or online). Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Leave your rings, watches and bracelets at home.
Register by Sept 30
Minimum Registered: 3
Maximum Registered: 5
Thursdays Oct 2, 9, 16, 23
10:00 am–12:00 pm
Group Facilitator: Jean Apgar
Register by Sept 30 Minimum Registrations: 3
Saturday, October 4th 2025
1:00–3:00 pm
Celebrate the love and companionship of your pet wiht a handmade clay keepsake, created with care by you and the help of our generous Clay Team volunteers! Press your pets' paw into a pre-formed clay slab, personalize it at our letter stamping station. The Clay Team will fire it, and in about two weeks it will be ready! Don't wait until you have to say goodbye! Capture their imprint now and cherish it for years to come! It will also make a great holiday gift!
Cats MUST be in a carrier. Dogs MUST be on a leash. Please bring your own poo bags to clean up after them!
Register by Oct 2
Mondays, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10
6 weeks
Instructor: Anya Nelson
Ages 16+. Prerequisite: Recent experience with wheel throwing and creating basic forms is required to take this class or instructor approval. This course is an excellent opportunity to improve your throwing skills. During this class time, you will work with the instructor to develop your skills into the next level of competency. You will have an opportunity to incorporate new methods into your pieces to make them unique. During this class you will gain the skills to throw larger pieces and improve your form. Students are encouraged to bring their own pottery goals so the instructor can assist each student with completion of personal goals. Fee includes up to 25 lbs. of clay, glazes and firing.
Materials needed: a list of your pottery goals, an apron, hand towel, and your own pottery tool kit (available at local craft stores or online). Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Leave your rings, watches and bracelets at home.
Register by Oct 4
Maximum registration: 6
Mon Oct 6, 13, 20, 27 (4 wks)
6:00p–8:00p
Instructor: Nicole Zurita
Dive into a world of visual storytelling in this expressive collage-making class where we explore emotions through the lens of consumer culture. Using advertisements clipped from magazines spanning from the 1950s to today, we will uncover how ideals, identities, and emotional cues have been packaged and sold across the decades — and recreate those narratives through creative reassembly. Each session, participants will be encouraged to focus on different emotional themes (joy, fear, desire, anxiety, etc.), guiding participants to cut and layer imagery to create personal, thought-provoking collages.
Perfect for artists of all levels — no prior experience necessary, just an open mind and a pair of scissors! Please bring a folder or portfolio to contain and transport your work.
Minimum Registered: 5
Tuesdays, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Instructor: Cindy Bear & Maggie Magnuson
Ages 18+. Beginner friendly. This watercolor sampler invites you to explore new techniques, approaches, and styles. With rotating guest instructors offering single sessions and short series, each class brings a fresh opportunity for shared exploration. From brushwork to color play, every session offers a unique experience—perfect for first-timers or anyone looking to expand their skills while enjoying the creative flow of watercolor in a creative and supportive community.
This month, Cindy Bear & Maggie Magnuson will lead an exploration of the fundamentals of watercolor in this 4-week series of classes designed for beginners and intermediate painters. We will be focusing on color mixing, controlling water and paint flow, and ways to enhance your work. First, we will be practicing with painting techniques and color blending, then we will format a picture, work with the skills we learn, and over the course of the class progress to a finished project.
Supplies that you should bring to class:
Register by Oct 5 Minimum Registrations: 3
Saturdays, Oct 11, 18, 25, Nov 1
Register by Oct. 09 Minimum Registered: 3
Saturday, Oct 11
10:00a–1:00p
Instructor: Stefi Kruger
Do you know how to sew? Have you done it in a while? Forgot how to thread your machine? Adjust the tension? Bobbin ran out and can’t remember how to do that? This class is perfect for first time sewers, sewers that need a refresher course or sewers who want to learn a new machine. We will cover proper machine settings, threading the machine, sewing with the machine and how to troubleshoot/repair machine problems. Plus, we will make a fun little project to take home with you!
Students MUST bring a sewing machine and its manuals.
Register by Oct 9
Tuesdays, Oct 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18
Register by Oct 12
Register by Oct 13
Wednesday, Oct 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19 6 weeks
Saturday, October 18
10:00a–12:00p
Instructor: Karen Grover
Ages 16+ Discover the relaxing art of Zentangles! This meditative drawing technique uses simple, structured patterns to create intricate and beautiful designs. Perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike, this class focuses on mindfulness, creativity, and finding calm through the rhythmic process of drawing. Join Rebecca (who's been tangling for years) to learn the basics, explore new patterns, and create your own unique works of art—no artistic experience required!
Drawing paper and a handout packed with examples will be provided by the instructor. Please bring Micron pens (suggested #003 and #05) and drawing pencils (suggested HB and B3) , and come ready to unwind and get inspired.
Register by Oct 16
Minimum Registered: 4
2:00p–4:00p
Instructor: Amanda Aures
This class is for beginners interested in getting started with needle felting. We will go over the materials, tools, and shaping techniques needed to make your own felted wool plush creations from start to finish. Follow along with a guided project and make your own felted plush to take home. Join us for an afternoon of fun and learning a new.
All materials will be provided.
Register by Oct 22 Minimum Registered: 3
Friday, October 24
6:00p–9:00p
Bring at least two garments—one made of natural fibers (cotton, linen, rayon, silk, or 50%+ blends for best dying results)—and give your wardrobe a spooky season makeover! We’ll provide black dye baths and creative stations to reimagine and repurpose your clothes. Paint, embellish, and let the creative energy of your peers inspire fresh looks from what you already own. Perfect for costume ideas, fall layering, or reviving your style with a dark twist!
Thursdays, Oct 30, Nov 6, 13, 20
Register by Oct 28 Minimum Registrations: 3
Tuesdays, Nov, 4, 11, 18, 25
Instructor: Laura Gomel
Toes in the Water Series:
Minimum Registrations: 3
Wednesday, November 5
10am-12:00pm
Instructor: Cherie Heck
Add a little whimsy to your holiday décor with this fun and easy to make Gnome. Gather a few friends for a relaxing, fun class, no special skills required. All supplies provided, but feel free to bring any little accents you would like to add to your Gnome.
Cost includes one per person, but if you would like to make a 2nd there will be an extra charge paid to the instructor.
Register by November 3
Paid enrollment in a Womanspace class must be cancelled in order for the student to be eligible for a refund. A refund (minus a $10 non-refundable deposit, minus the 3% service fee) will be granted according to the following:
6:00-8:00pm
Thursday, November 6
5:30p–8:00p
Ages 16+ Get into the festive spirit by creating your own hand-decorated ornaments! Using acrylic paints or colorful Sharpies, you’ll transform plain glass or plastic ornaments into beautiful, one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, this class focuses on creativity, color, and personal expression. The instructor will guide you through simple techniques, provide inspiration, and help you bring your vision to life.
All ornaments and decorating supplies are provided—just bring your imagination!
Register by Nov 4
Fridays, Nov 7, 14, 21, Dec 12, 19 (skip 11/28 &12/5)
Register by Nov 5
Saturdays, Nov 8, 15, 22, skip 29, Dec 6
Register by Nov. 06 Minimum Registered: 3
Tuesday, November 11
Instructor: Pat Sullivan
Add to your collection, or start a new collection of beautiful fused glass trees or ornaments! In this class, you will start with a tree-shaped or round piece of blank glass, then go to town decorating with glass frit, stringers, and pre-fired shapes. All components are provided and Included in the cost of the class. Each student will be able to make three trees, ornaments, or a combination thereof. For the trees, bases will be provided. The ornaments will have holes drilled for hanging.
All fused glass artwork will be ready for pickup at Womanspace 7-10 days after class.
Please wear closed-toe shoes; safety glasses and gloves provided. Class is open to age 8 and up or with adult supervision.
Register by Nov 9 Minimum Registered: 4
Register by Nov 09
Thursdays, Nov 13, 20, Dec 4, 11, 18 5 weeks
6:00–8:30 pm
Mondays, Nov 17, 24, Dec 1, 8, 15, 22
Register by Nov 15
Thursdays, Nov 20, Dec 4, 11, 18 (skip 11/27) 4 weeks
Register by Nov 18
Saturday, November 22
Expand your basic felting knowledge and hone your skills with a guided project making adorable mini felted animals. This class will show beginner and intermediate level techniques to create your own little wool felt critters. Basic felting knowledge encouraged but not required!
Register by Nov 20 Minimum Registered: 3
Tuesdays, Nov 25, Dec 2, 9, 16, 23
9:30 am–12:00 pm (time change due to 5 weeks)
Register by Nov 23
Wednesday, Nov 26, Dec 3, 10, 17 4 weeks.
2:00-5:00 pm (note time change)
Register by Nov 24
Tuesdays, Dec 9 & 16
2 weeks
Instructor: Rebecca Beneditz
Register by Dec 7 Minimum Registrations: 3
Thursdays, Dec 11 & 18
Register by Dec 9
Mondays, Jan 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9
Register by Jan 3
Tuesdays, Jan 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10
Register by Jan 4
Register by Jan 5
Wednesday, Jan 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11 6 weeks
Thursdays, Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12 6weeks
Register by Jan 6
Thursdays, Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12 6 weeks
Fridays, Jan 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb 6
Register by Jan 7
Saturdays, Jan 10, 17, 24, 31
Register by Jan. 08 Minimum Registered: 3
Saturday, Jan 10
[Prerequisite: basic sewing machine knowledge.] Do you want to work on a sewing project, but get lost in the instructions? This is the class for you! We will be making a cute heart shape tote bag. We will learn to follow a pattern step by step, and create a unique item to take home. Must bring in your machine, manual and tool kit.
A good basic tool kit to bring includes: sharp scissors, pins, thread, bobbin, needles for your machines that matches the fabric you're working with. If you have any specific questions regarding supplies, please email us.
Register by Jan 8
Minimum registration: 4
Mon Jan 12, 19, 26, Feb 2 (4 wks)
Register by Jan 10
Tuesdays, Jan 13, 20, 27
3 weeks
Instructor: TBA
Register by Jan 11 Minimum Registrations: 3
Thursdays, Jan 15, 22, 29
Program Host: Jean Apgar
Register by Jan 13
Saturday, January 17
10:00-12:00am
Spend a relaxing morning creating an embroidered tag for your favorite bag! It’s a fun easy project for the experienced or beginner needleworker. Bring a friend and escape for the morning to do something fun! All supplies included.
Register by January 15
Tuesday, January 20
What? A memo board made of glass? Why not? In this class, you will decorate a blank piece of white glass (leaving room for your memos and notes), which will then be double-fired in a kiln - first to affix your fabulous decorations, and second to “slump” the glass in a v-shape so it will stand on its own. You will then have a fabulous, one-of-a-kind, dry-erase memo board for your kitchen or office, or wherever you need to remind yourself of how fantastic you are! All components included.
Register by Jan 18 Minimum Registered: 4
Tuesdays, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
Register by Feb 1 Minimum Registrations: 3
Register by Feb 2
Thursdays, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26
Register by Feb 3
Saturdays, Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
Register by Feb 05 Minimum Registered: 3
Saturday, Feb 7
Students MUST bring a sewing machine and its manual.
Register by Feb 5
Fri Feb 13
Celebrate friendship this Galentine’s Eve with an evening of creativity and connection! Join us for a fun night out, painting a friend or partner's portraits on 8x10 canvas panels. Whether you come with a friend or make a new one here, everyone is welcome in this fun, supportive space. Sip, chat, and create together as we honor friendship and self-expression.
Registration is per person, so bring your vibrant self and get ready to paint!
Register by Jan 11
Minimum Registered: 6
Mondays, Feb 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23
Register by Feb 14
Tuesdays, Feb 17, 24, March 3, (Skip 10), 17, 24, 31
Register by Feb 15
Tuesday, February 17
Make your choice of a plug-in nightlight or a nightlight in a lighted stand. Either way, you will have a unique and special piece to keep or give away as a gift. Each nightlight will start out as a blank piece of 4”x4” glass, and students will decorate with an assortment of glass frit (crushed glass), stringers (glass “noodles”), and pre-cut and pre-fired shapes. Each piece will then be fired in a kiln, mounted on a nightlight base, and ready for pickup in a week to ten days.
Please wear closed-toe shoes; safety glasses and gloves provided. Class is open to ages 8 and up or with adult supervision.
Register by Feb 15 Minimum Registered: 4
Wednesday, Feb 18, 25, March 4, (skip 11), 18, 25, April 1 6 weeks
Register by Feb 16
Thursdays, Feb 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26 6weeks
Register by Feb 17
Thursdays, Feb 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, April 2 (skip 3/26) 6 weeks
Fridays, Feb 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20
Register by Feb 18
Minimum Registration: 5
Saturday, February 21st
5:00p - 8:00p
This class is designed for you to dive into and improve your photography skills on your smartphone. We will discuss lighting and gain perspective in how to improve our photography, and explore new camera settings. In this class, we’ll focus on capturing the special lighting at sunset. We will be exploring light trails, stars, and other dark night photography.
Student must bring smartphone and tripod. Dress for the weather as we will be taking pictures outdoors.
Register by Feb 19
Minimum Registration: 4
Womanspace is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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Womanspace, Inc., 3333 Maria Linden Drive, Rockford, IL 61114-5481 | Phone: 815-877-0118
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 10:00 am– 5:00 pm