Making and Growing

Making and Growing offers a vibrant array of hands-on classes that celebrate creativity, culture, and community. Participants can explore global cuisines with Chef Michael Gasaway, or enjoy the surprise of a Guest Mystery Chef sharing a favorite culinary discovery . For those interested in practical skills, classes like "Make Your Own Mixes" teach how to craft personalized seasoning blends, while "Laundry Soap Making" combines sustainability with community support by producing homemade soap for both personal use and donation to the college pantry .

Artistic endeavors are equally embraced, with offerings such as watercolor painting guided by Iowa Watercolor Society Signature member Randi Mackey, and floral design classes led by Laurie Taylor. Craft enthusiasts can further their skills in macramé, crochet, and knitting, with sessions ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Gardening aficionados can prepare for a blooming spring by learning fall planting techniques under the guidance of Iowa Master Gardener Laurie Taylor.

Each class is designed to foster personal growth, skill development, and a sense of community among lifelong learners.

Colored Pencil: While we will be studying the features of the human face, we will not be drawing a complete portrait. Randi Mackey will walk you through step-by-step creating facial features, eyes, nose, mouth and ears.

Create a Bouquet with Me: Laurie Taylor, owner of Living Treasures Flower Farm in LeMars, will guide you through the process of creating a floral bouquet that is garden-inspired and reflects your personal style.

Crochet in the Round: Just in time for the cozy season, learn to crochet a hat or a pair of mittens with Crystal Huls. You must have beginner crochet skills, including how to chain and single crochet.

Foods of Chile: From the coastal freshness of ceviche to the hearty comfort of empanadas and pastel de choclo, you'll explore Chile’s rich cultural heritage through its diverse cuisine.

Guest Mystery Chef: Enjoy a night of mystery in the Western Iowa Tech Community College Cooking Demonstration Lab with a Guest Chef sharing one of their favorite culinary discoveries.

Holiday Goodie Trays: Learn to make holiday goodies for your family and friends with Brenda Wright, from Brenda’s Baking Company.

Knitting in the Round: Learn how to knit a hat or a pair of mittens with Crystal Huls. It is a perfect time to make warm accessories!

Laundry Soap Making: Join Brenda Wright to make your own laundry soap and give back to the community. In this hands-on class, you’ll make soap from scratch, package it for the college pantry, and take one home to try.

Learn How to Crochet: Not sure how to crochet or need to refresh your skills? Join Crystal Huls for a free introductory crocheting session. Supplies will be provided.

Learn How to Knit: Not sure how to knit or need to refresh your skills? Join Crystal Huls for a free introductory knitting session.

Macrame - Beginner: Discover a fresh take on a beloved craft. Spring brings the perfect opportunity to infuse your space with vibrant, handmade decor.

Macrame - Intermediate: Our advanced afternoon class will focus on crafting a stylish plant hanger and an elegant 3-leaf wall hanging.

Make Your Own Mixes: In her class Brenda Wright teaches participants how to craft their own seasoning mixes, providing an economical alternative to store-bought options.

Meal Prepping for Fall Grilling: Prepare hassle-free fall grilling by freezing ready-to-go marinated proteins. Brenda Wright guides you through creating various marinades and seasonings.

Plant in Fall for a Fantastic Spring Garden: Many people rush to the garden center at the first sign of spring, so they grab plants and plant everything in the spring.

Watercolor Painting: This beginning/intermediate watercolor class teaches you the art of watercolor painting.

Winter Soup Meal Prep: Step into the kitchen of Brenda Wright, from Brenda’s Baking Company, and learn how to prepare and freeze three different types of soup.

Write Away!: Write Away! Dip into and discover your very own writerly strengths and interests and - even perhaps taboos.