Adult Programs

Pressed Floral Workshop: Lanterns and Ornaments

Create handmade botanical keepsakes—perfect for the holiday season.

Content Detail

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the art of pressed botanicals while creating two keepsakes to enjoy or give as gifts: a pressed flower lantern and a pressed floral ornament.

Guided by a botanical artist, you’ll explore the fundamentals of flower pressing, including which flowers work best, how to prepare and dry them, and techniques for creating your own pressed floral art at home using flowers from your garden.

All experience levels are welcome.

All materials are included in the cost of registration.

This program takes place in person at the Arboretum.

Instructor: Tola Makinde, botanical artist, Tcreativ Designs

Age: 16 and older

Course number: A099

Instructor

Tola Makinde, botanical artist, Tcreativ Designs

Tola is a botanical artist, maker, and wellness facilitator based in the Chicago area, and the founder of TCreativ Designs and MOPE Botanical Wellness. Inspired by the beauty and healing power of nature, she creates pressed floral art, botanical jewelry, and handcrafted home décor, each piece rooted in intention and made with care. Tola’s journey into botanical art began with preserving flowers from a family member’s wedding during the pandemic, and has grown into a thriving creative practice with a presence at Chicagoland markets, community workshops, and educational partnerships. Through her workshops, she brings the art of flower pressing to life, inviting students of all skill levels to slow down, connect with nature, and create something beautiful to carry home.

What to Know

This program meets indoors.

All experience levels are welcome.

All materials are included in the cost of registration.

See Education Program Policies for information about cancellations, refunds, and scholarships.

Program Schedule

Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side

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