Classes and Workshops

Encaustic medium is a mixture of beeswax and natural tree resin applied hot, creating translucent, layered paintings, prints, and collages. Learn how to layer and control the molten wax, add paint, and make one-of-a-kind prints on paper. The second project will build on those skills to include photos, papers, cutouts, letters, etc., to collage with wax on a 6” x 6” board. We will have a variety of papers and other ephemera to experiment with but encourage participants to bring some of their own.

Tuesday and Wednesday March 24 and 25, from 3-5pm

ISU $40/Public $50

Instructor: Maureen Burke

Learn to use our woodshop equipment and build a sturdy, versatile side table for your living space. The tabletop will be 12” x 18,” and it can be set next to seating for an accent piece or slid over the arm of your couch or chair. Create a convenient space for your laptop, coffee, craft supplies, or whatever you need to have within reach. Beginners are welcome.

Wednesdays beginning March 25, 5:30-8:30pm for 3 weeks

ISU $80/Public $90

Instructor: John Burright

Create a personalized journal and plan to record your thoughts and experiences during your trips. A hard cover will protect three signatures (bound sections) that can be removed and replaced as they fill. Learn about the best papers and adhesives for bookbinding, how to make perfect folds, saddle stitch binding, and adding pockets for ephemera. Rhonda will also provide writing/drawing prompts for future travel to help you remember not only the places you go, but the people you meet, the food you try, and the connections you make.

Wednesdays beginning April 1, 6-8:30pm for 2 weeks

ISU $48/Public $58

Instructor: Rhonda Scott

Using beginner tools and a soft linoleum block, learn the art of relief printmaking. Carve a pattern, illustration, symbol, or phrase onto a 4” x 6” block and make an edition (set) of 15 prints on paper. Students have the option to participate in the Annual Postcard Print Exchange, hosted by the Campus Print Society, at no additional cost. Leave class with a carved block, prints to gift or share, and the foundational skills to keep printing on your own.

Mondays beginning April 6, 6-8pm for 3 weeks

ISU $60/Public $70

Instructor: Kat Schmidt

Take your lampworking skills to the next level! Learn to create three very different kinds of floral beads that are colorful works of art. You may purchase MAPP gas at The Workspace or bring your own to class.

Open th ages 18+ who have completed a beginning glass beads class.

Tuesday, April 7 from 5:30-8:30pm

ISU $29/Public $39

Instructor: Rhonda Scott

Anyone can string beads, but creating your own links and jump rings with wire will level up your jewelry game. Choose from an assortment of gemstone beads and practice using pliers, files, and cutters while learning basic wireworking techniques. 

Mondays beginning January 26, 7-9pm for 2 weeks

ISU $35/Public $45

Instructor: Terrie Hoeffer

This class is full. Email workspace@iastate.edu to join the waitlist.

Hand-building can result in an organic look, as well as pottery with more refined features. Starting with a pinch pot, explore and learn how to elevate your piece by using tools for smoothing, carving, and adding texture. Move on to our slab roller to create sheets for practicing the skill of joining clay for building functional ware. All skill levels, including beginners, are welcome!

Wednesdays beginning January 28, 5:30-8:30pm for 3 weeks

ISU $90/Public $100

Instructor: Valerie Williams

Adding embroidery to a neckline, sleeve, or pocket makes clothing feel new again! In week one, bring one or two light to medium-weight shirts made of natural fibers (such as cotton). We stocked up on pre-made “stick and stitch” designs, or you can draw your own idea and learn basic stitches to get started. The following week, see how to do visible mending (or stain covering) with Sashiko patterns, or bring a more challenging item like jeans to try. Not sure what to bring? Hit a thrift store and let’s upcycle!

Wednesdays beginning January 28, 7-9pm for 2 weeks

ISU $36/Public $46

Instructor: Judy Lemish

Make an adorable and fuzzy winter-themed woodland animal! Wool roving will be used along with needle felting techniques to create a three-dimensional character. Felt and fabric will be available for those who want to add a tiny hat or scarf to their critter. 

Participants will be able to take home a set of needles and a foam block for future felting.

Tuesday, February 10 from 5:30-8:30pm

ISU $37/Public $47

Instructor: Sarah Cady

Learn to shape metal with heat and hammering, a beginning skill in metalworking. Create a lovely necklace featuring two silver interlocking rings on a sterling chain.

Thursday, February 12 from 5:30-8:30pm

$40 ISU/$50 Public

Instructor: John Burright

Kumihimo, a traditional Japanese braiding technique once used by samurai to decorate and secure their armor, has had a resurgence in modern jewelry making. At the first class, learn the essential 8-strand Kumihimo braid using satin cord, the foundation for endless projects. The second week you will use two types of cord and incorporate seed beads. Make colorful bracelets and continue after class with the take-home Kumihimo disk.

Mondays beginning February 16, 6-8pm for 2 weeks

ISU $45/Public $55

Instructor: Karen Van Wert

Create a small panel using an array of beautifully colored glass. Learn how to handle glass, choose colors and textures, fit glass to patterns, cut, grind, foil, and solder. Enhanced by daylight, your piece will change based on the weather, season, and time of day.

Tuesdays beginning February 17, 6-8:30pm for 4 weeks

ISU $100/Public $110

Instructor: Rod Simpson

This class is full. Email workspace@iastate.edu to join the waitlist.

An introduction to creating functional pottery on the wheel. Start with the building blocks of centering clay and pulling cylinders, and move on to make bowls, mugs, and other forms. Learn how to pull handles, glaze, and finishing techniques, and build the skills to continue independently. This class is open to beginners only.

Tuesdays beginning February 3, 4-6:30pm for 8 weeks with Bree Engelhardt (No class March 17)

Wednesdays beginning February 18, 6-8:30pm for 8 weeks with Valerie Williams (No class March 18)

ISU $180/Public $190

These classes are full. Email workspace@iastate.edu to join the waitlist.

Learn the fundamentals of our woodworking equipment and which tool to choose for the job at hand. Practice using the machinery while making a handy key rack you can take home after class. Safety is a Workspace priority, so the orientation is required to use the woodshop independently.

Thursday, January 29 from 4-7pm OR

Monday, February 23 from 5-8pm 

ISU and Public $35

Instructor: John Burright

If you have taken a beginning pottery class or have the basic skills to throw on the wheel, this class is for you! The first classes will include demonstrations of new forms and techniques, and a session dedicated to better glazing. The last weeks will have lessons based on requests from students. There will be time for practicing in class and for individual questions throughout the course. 

Students must know how to center, bring up a wall, and pull out a floor to be ready for this class.

Thursdays beginning February 26, 5:30-8pm for 6 weeks. (No class March 19)

ISU $145/Public $155

Instructor: Greg Lamont

Learn to create colorful beads by heating and shaping glass with a torch – yes, we get to work with fire! Build your skills with step-by-step instruction and see how the quality of your beads evolves. Use these beauties in your next jewelry project, or display them as tiny works of art. For very beginners or a great refresher for those who would like to brush up on their skills.

Mondays beginning March 2, 6-8:30pm for 4 weeks (No class March 18)

ISU $90/Public $100

Instructor: Rhonda Scott

Learn to shape metal with heat and hammering, a beginning skill in metalworking. Create a sterling silver ring that is a step up from a simple band.

Wednesday, February 25 from 3-6pm

ISU: $45/Public $55

Instructor: John Burright