Events

Join us to celebrate the grand opening of 815 Artisan Collective in downtown Belvidere!

It's the MOTHER LODE of all road trips! It's the THRILL OF THE HUNT! Never shop-hopped? Experience a road trip like no other. The "Spring 2026 Edition" of the popular Vintage Shop Hop is Friday & Saturday, March 6 & 7. It's time to start planning! INK it in!!! TAG YOUR ROAD TRIP BUDDIES NOW! We provide a >>LIST and MAP<< with 300 vintage shops, antique malls, barn sales & home decor stores all on one map--throughout hundreds of towns in Illinois and Wisconsin...all rolling out the red carpet for you...with discounts, swag bags, freebies, food trucks, live music, games and treats! TOOLS FOR PLANNING: Direct link to the MAP: https://bit.ly/VSHMarch2026GoogleMap Link to BOTH the MAP & LIST: https://vintageshophop.blogspot.com Who's in? GRAB YOUR FRIENDS. HIT THE ROAD. SHOP HARD.

Cozy Stitch Club is a relaxed, welcoming hangout for anyone who loves crafting with their hands. Whether you crochet, knit, hand sew, embroider—or dabble in something else entirely—you’re invited to bring your own project and enjoy a cozy time stitching alongside others. This isn’t a class, just a low-pressure creative gathering. Come to make progress on a project, get help from fellow stitchers, get inspired by what others are working on, or simply enjoy the company and conversation. All skill levels are welcome.

Join us for a cozy and creative Beginner Crochet Stuffy Making Class, where yarn, imagination, and community come together. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to transform simple stitches into an adorable handmade stuffie you can proudly take home. We’ll walk through the basics of shaping, increasing and decreasing, stuffing, and finishing techniques, all in a supportive, encouraging environment. Participants should be comfortable with basic crocheting. More than just a class, this is a space to gather, connect, and create alongside fellow makers. Whether you come with a friend or arrive solo, you’ll leave not only with a sweet handmade stuffie, but with new skills, new confidence, and new connections within our creative community.

Calling all creative homeschool tweens and teens! Join us each month for Homeschool Art Lab, a fun, hands-on class where students explore new art techniques and create a unique project to take home. Each session features a brand-new project and creative medium, giving students the chance to experiment with a wide variety of artistic skills throughout the year. Classes might explore faux stained glass, air-dry clay sculpting, painting, mixed media, and more.   This class is designed especially for homeschool tweens and teens who enjoy hands-on creativity and learning new artistic techniques in a relaxed, encouraging environment. Step-by-step instruction helps students learn new skills while still allowing plenty of room for creativity and personal style. Because each month features a different project and technique, students can attend regularly and continue building their creative skills over time.   All materials are included, so students can simply show up ready to create.

Spend an afternoon and evening creating and connecting at our Adult Crafting Night at the collective. This come-as-you-are gathering is all about community—bring any project you’re currently working on, whether it’s sewing, knitting, painting, paper crafts, or something else you love. Dinner is included to keep things easy, just bring your own drinks and settle in for a relaxed, welcoming night of conversation, creativity, and time spent with fellow makers. No instruction, no pressure—just a shared table, good food, and meaningful connection.

This hands-on, beginner-friendly session introduces the beautiful world of bead embroidery. Unlike traditional stringing, bead embroidery involves stitching beads directly onto fabric or specialized foundation to create dimensional art, fashion, and embellishments. No prior embroidery or beading experience is required—just a desire to create!  What You Will Learn Essential Materials: Understanding bead types (seed beads, bugles), needles, thread, and stiff foundation materials.  Basic Stitches: Master the fundamental stitches, including the backstitch (for securing beads in lines), couching (for intricate detailing), and stacking (for dimensional depth).  Designing & Layout: Tips for transferring patterns onto fabric and choosing color palettes. Finishing Techniques: How to securely fasten your work, hide knots, and create a professional-looking beaded edge. Materials to Bring to Class: (To save money, It is highly recommended that you go to a thrift store and strip a beaded garment or item) Seed beads  Bugle beads  Sequins,  Sew-on rhinestones,  White and black chalk or colored pencils Beading and/or hand sewing needles,  Sewing thread,  Embroidery floss (provided by instructor) Embroidery hoop,  A 3" C clamp (2 if bringing an embroidery hoop larger than a 6" diameter).  Cotton fabric  Felt

Friendship Bracelet Fun is a hands-on, creative class where kids ages 8 and up will learn how to make colorful friendship bracelets while building confidence and having fun. In each session, students will learn a different bracelet style or technique and leave with a completed bracelet (or with the knowledge on how to finish it) to take home and show off. This class is perfect for beginners and returning makers alike. We’ll cover basic knotting, patterns, color selection, and simple design skills in a relaxed, encouraging environment. All materials are provided—just bring creativity and a love for making!

Cozy Stitch Club is a relaxed, welcoming hangout for anyone who loves crafting with their hands. Whether you crochet, knit, hand sew, embroider—or dabble in something else entirely—you’re invited to bring your own project and enjoy a cozy time stitching alongside others. This isn’t a class, just a low-pressure creative gathering. Come to make progress on a project, get help from fellow stitchers, get inspired by what others are working on, or simply enjoy the company and conversation. All skill levels are welcome.

Calling all creative tweens and teens! Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly crochet journey as you create your very own cozy 50" x 60" sampler blanket from start to finish. In this class, students will learn 30 different crochet stitches over 15 sessions, building skills one square at a time. Each class introduces new stitches and techniques while helping students grow more confident with their crochet skills. By the end of the course, you'll have a beautiful handmade blanket and the skills to keep creating on your own.   This class is designed especially for homeschool tweens and teens who enjoy hands-on learning, creativity, and making something they can be proud of. Students will receive step-by-step guidance in a relaxed, supportive environment while working at their own pace.   No crochet experience? No problem! Absolute beginners are welcome, but will need to attend one or two additional sessions so they feel comfortable with the basics. Students may attend any 15 sessions that fit their schedule, receiving individualized help each time so they can confidently move through their project. Each student will choose from four curated colorway options to make their blanket uniquely theirs.   All materials are included, so just bring your creativity and get ready to stitch!

Join us for a fun and beginner-friendly crochet journey as you create a beautiful 50" x 60" sampler afghan from start to finish! In this class, you’ll learn 30 different crochet stitches over 15 sessions, building your skills one square at a time. Each class introduces new stitches and techniques while helping you grow more confident with your crochet skills. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to expand their stitch knowledge, this class walks you through the process step-by-step while you create a cozy, heirloom-quality blanket to take home when the course is complete. Along the way, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to tackle future crochet projects with ease. No crochet experience? You’re absolutely welcome! Beginners will just need to complete two additional foundational classes before jumping into the sampler so you feel comfortable with the basics. Attend any 10 sessions that work for your schedule, and receive individualized guidance each time so you can move confidently through your pattern at your own pace. You’ll choose from four thoughtfully curated, customizable colorway options to make your afghan uniquely yours. All materials are included with your registration, so you can simply show up ready to stitch. Need extra support between sessions? You’re welcome to attend Cozy Stitch Club for additional help and encouragement along the way.