Hemslöjd

Arts & Crafts Workshops

Come create with us!

About Hemslöjd

Join us to create works of decorative or functional art inspired by Scandinavian topics or artists. Our workshops explore themes of folk art, family history, and book- or paper-based creations.

Hemslöjd?

Hemslöjd (pronounced hem-sloyd) means "handicraft" in Swedish.

Cost

Cost varies based on the project, but are always lower for our Swenson Center members. Become a member today!

In-Person/Virtual

Some workshops will have an option for virtual participation at a lower cost. You will be provided with a supplies list ahead of class for the virtual option. Supplies are included at the in-person events, unless otherwise noted.

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Upcoming Events

Past Events

Swedish Advent Stars
Sat, Dec 03
Dec 03, 2022, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Rock Island, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
Dec 03, 2022, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Rock Island, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
Come learn how to weave Scandinavian advent stars from old book pages. These make great tree toppers, ornaments, or package decorations.
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Gnomevember Workshop
Thu, Nov 17
Nov 17, 2022, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Rock Island, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
Nov 17, 2022, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Rock Island, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
Come learn a brief history of Scandinavian gnomes (tomte, nisse, tonttu) and make a small gnome of your own!
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Wheat Weaving Workshop
Sat, Sep 24
Sep 24, 2022, 1:00 PM – Sep 25, 2022, 2:30 PM
Rock Island, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
Sep 24, 2022, 1:00 PM – Sep 25, 2022, 2:30 PM
Rock Island, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
Come learn the basics of wheat weaving! In this workshop, we will learn a brief history of wheat weaving (also known as straw work) and employ plaiting/braiding techniques to create a straw ornament.
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Scandinavian Woven Heart Baskets
Sat, Feb 12
Feb 12, 2022, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CST
Swenson Center, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
Feb 12, 2022, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CST
Swenson Center, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
These little paper baskets are a Christmas tradition in Scandinavian countries, but we thought they would make a fun Valentine's Day craft. Fill them with sweets and give to a friend or loved one.
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God Jul Ornaments
Sat, Nov 13
Nov 13, 2021, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST
Rock Island, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
Nov 13, 2021, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST
Rock Island, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
In this workshop create painted wooden God Jul (Merry Christmas in Swedish) ornaments.
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Resin Book Pages
Sat, Sep 25
Sep 25, 2021, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT
Rock Island, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
Sep 25, 2021, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT
Rock Island, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
In this workshop create necklaces, earrings, or keychains using pages from old, discarded Swedish books (or bring your own clipping to use).
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Painted Flower Pots
Sat, Aug 07
Aug 07, 2021, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT
Rock Island, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
Aug 07, 2021, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT
Rock Island, 3520 7th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
This month we are painting flower pots with folk art-inspired designs. This class comes with a FREE cutting of Swedish Ivy for your pot (and potting soil, of course)!
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