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.

Breakfast Meal Prep: Start your mornings off right with easy, make-ahead breakfasts!

Colored Pencil: Randi Mackey will teach an advanced beginner/intermediate portrait class in colored pencil. If you are adventuresome and have always wondered about portrait drawing, this class is for you.

Create Your Own Salad Dressings: Discover the joy of fresh, flavorful salad dressings made right at home.

Crochet in the Round: Create your own custom tote bag with Crystal Huls using tapestry crochet techniques!

Foods of Peru and Bolivia: Participants will delve deeper into the vibrant and diverse cuisines of Peru and Bolivia. Students will explore the unique flavors and ingredients that define these two South American countries.

Freezer Meals Casseroles: Join Brenda Wright from Brenda’s Baking Company and learn how to make three casseroles that freeze well and are ready when you need a quick, tasty meal.

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.

Jar Gifts: Show your appreciation for friends, family, and coworkers with a thoughtful homemade gift.

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.

Let's Grow! Creating a Thriving Container Garden: Container gardens are perfect for people who want to grow flowers or food but are limited by space, have accessibility issues, or live in a place where a conventional garden isn’t possible.

Macrame Magic: Join Carolyn Hauptmann for a fresh take on a beloved craft! Spring brings the perfect opportunity to infuse your space with vibrant, handmade decor.

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.

Mosaic Knitting: Discover the fun of mosaic colorwork with Crystal Huls. Learn how to add bold, graphic designs to a cozy hat or cowl.

Southwest Chicken Pasta Casserole: This is a recipe I put together one night with things I had in my freezer and pantry. It turned out really good and now it’s a favorite. I hope you enjoy! – BRENDA

Taking the Mystery Out of Seed Starting: Starting plants from seed gives you a lot more plant variety options than commonly found at your local garden center or big box store, and can save you a lot of money. Growing plants from seed is satisfying and lots of fun, but it can also be intimidating.

Watercolor Painting: Using watercolor layering and blending techniques, we'll build from the lightest washes to the medium and darkest values, creating vibrant highlights and soft natural shadows. This delightful project is designed for all levels of experience.

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.