Weekend in Winterset, Nov. 25-27

As we head into Thanksgiving and the massive shopping weekend that follows, I want to take a moment to point out a wide variety of opportunities we have locally for people to make high-quality, handmade gifts through classes and workshops around our community. You might not want to make something for every person on your list, but taking a class is also a gift to yourself. You can learn a new skill, and you’ll have the memory of the experience forever — especially if you do it with a family member or friend. Here’s a roundup of some classes I’m aware of at this time. I’m sure there are more!

Madhaus Gallery

Madhaus Gallery is offering several events and classes in the coming weeks and months, such as a Frosty Event in the Hot Shop on November 25th and 26th, in which participants can create their own glass snowmen. Think about that for a moment… you live in a community where you can learn GLASSBLOWING. Not many people can say that! In addition to this event, they are offering a series of three “Beginning Glassblowing” classes on Saturdays, beginning on December 3, and there are other glassblowing events coming up after Christmas where you can make your own Valentine glass hearts, and in springtime, glass birds. An experience like this could also be given in the form of a gift certificate. For more information, check out the Madhaus Gallery website.

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Madison County Extension and Outreach

I think I missed sharing the first date for this “Gifts from the Kitchen” workshop, but there is still time to participate in the second date of November 29th, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, in which participants will make gift-ready mason jar mixes for “Friendship Soup” and “Supergood Cocoa.” Contact Kathleen Boldman at 515-462-1001 or kboldman@iastate.edu for more information.

PepperHarrow Farm – at Covered Bridges Winery

While the aforementioned mason jar mixes are a great parent/child activity, I think this Wreath Workshop screams “girls night out.” On December 2nd from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at Covered Bridges Winery Tasting Room, participants are invited to join Adam and Jenn from PepperHarrow Farm for an evening of creativity and enjoyment as they first demonstrate, and then guide you to create your own fresh, live wreath. Price for the class includes all materials to create a wreath and two glasses of Covered Bridges wine. Light appetizers will be served. Limited space is available! Call 515-468-0270 for more information and to register.

1st Avenue Collective

1st Avenue Collective is a great place to shop for one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, but they also offer regular opportunities to learn to make your own. Prior to Christmas they have at least three opportunities for jewelry-making: a Tree of Life Pendant class on December 3rd from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, a Basic Earring Design class on December 10th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, and a Forged Bracelet class on December 17th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. All three classes are taught by local artists Gina Crow and Sandra Geronimo. Class capacities are limited, so call 515-505-4396 to register. More information can also be found on their website, www.1stavenuecollective.com.

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Winterset Art Center

Finally, the Winterset Art Center has two unique classes coming up in December: Rust Dyeing Silk Scarves on December 4th from 10:00 to 11:30 am with artist Maggie Howe…

… and Copper Byzantine Chain-Maille Bracelets with artist Gina Crow on December 9th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Registration for these two classes is directly with each artist — check the posters included here (above and below) for contact information.

And also, Shop Local!

As mentioned previously, there are probably other opportunities like this just waiting to be discovered. Heartland Fiber and Piece Works Quilt Shop, for example, frequently have classes geared toward various levels of expertise, beginner to expert. And for those who won’t receive a handmade gift from you this year, the next best thing to provide a personal touch is to shop local. This Friday and Saturday are perfect days for that, with the Festival of Lights on Friday evening and Small Business Saturday specials on the 26th.

Don’t miss the fact that Small Business Saturday kicks off with a Pancake Breakfast at the American Legion Hall by the Kiwanis:

Coming Soon

Tickets are now on sale for A Seussified Christmas Carol at The Winterset Stage, playing at 7:30 pm on December 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10. They’ll also have a dinner theater option on December 2nd and 9th. Celebrate the holidays with a little Charles Dickens mixed with Dr. Seuss! It’s a show that is sure to please holiday lovers of all ages. Reserve your tickets in advance by visiting www.thewintersetstage.org/maintstage.