In this jewelry-making workshop at The Morton Arboretum, students will create three pieces of jewelry to take home—a simple key chain to learn basic resin skills, and tiny arrangements in a pendant and earring set to explore more advanced techniques.
At the end of class, the instructor will provide a resource guide for further learning with this fun and rewarding craft.
All experience levels are welcome.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Kate Donley, artist and teacher, Kate’s Velvet Acorn
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A090
Instructor
Kate Donley, artist and teacher, Kate’s Velvet Acorn
As an artist, Kate Donley was a late bloomer. After decades as a home gardener, her lifetime interest in nature blossomed in the botanical arts. Donley works in mixed media sculpture, in particular crepe paper, silk, thread, and wire. She captures the spirit of botanicals by playfully manipulating her subjects. She may alter the size of an insect to show the perspective of a giant ant, or communicate the spikiness of a leaf with prickly wire. Whimsical landscapes and enchanted flowers flow from this creative process. Donley is inspired by natural spaces in the Chicago region and by her garden in Oak Lawn, Illinois, where she is a librarian.
What to Know
This program meets indoors.
All experience levels are welcome.
All supplies are provided in class.
See Education Program Policies for information about cancellations, refunds, and scholarships.
Program Schedule
Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
