Did you know that herbs can help you to unlock your hidden health and unique potential? For centuries, these special little plants have long been cultivated for medicinal purposes and beauty rituals, flavorings for meals, decorations for homes, nature crafts and so much more. Herbs have withstood the test of time and scientists are still uncovering their infinite benefits today!
Why not make this the year you begin to celebrate your own unique potential and join us for a workshop or two? (You just might surprise yourself 🙂 We offer herbal projects for all skill levels; from the beginner to the herbal expert at our herb shop. Participants will explore the surprising uses of Milkweed and Lavender, will discover how to grow and access the wonders of Turmeric, will create personalized bath and body care items and will even have an opportunity to create decorative baskets for gift giving. This season we will also host a trip to Mari-Mann Herbs in Decatur just in time for holiday gift giving. In addition, our shop features hand-made herbal soaps, therapeutic herbal pillows, herb and butterfly gifts, outside teaching gardens, free Milkweed seeds, DoTERRA essential oils and more.
Class size is limited so register for a workshop today!
– Saturday, August 10th, 2:00 pm, Creating an Herbal Basket. Fall is right around the corner and this month is the perfect time to start gathering herbs, flowers and natural ‘treasures’ for preserving and decorating. This workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to create their very own herbal gift basket. This basket can then be used to hold herbal gifts for loved ones or even to hold summer’s potpourri of scents and colors. Sign up today! *******$10.00
-Saturday, August 24th, 2:00 pm, Basil and Pesto Nachos. Basil is only available during the warm summer months in central Illinois. It is also a favorite herb for many people. As a result, harvesting basil frequently includes experimenting with different methods to savor and preserve the herb’s unique flavor. This workshop will feature the creation of Basil Pesto Nachos. Participants will have the opportunity to pick their own herbs and make their own pesto and chips to enjoy and to take home. Several tried and true methods of preserving basil will also be introduced. ****$15.00
Saturday, September 7th, 2:00 pm, It’s a Celebration! When was the last time you really appreciated your own unique beauty? For many, the answer is ‘never’. Isn’t it about time that changed? This celebratory workshop will be held on Penny’s 56th birthday. It will feature tips and tricks to help participants begin to celebrate their inner and outer beauty. Age-defying skin and body care items will be created and self-loving beauty rituals will be introduced. Of course this workshop will also feature herbal comfort desserts! * $15.00
– Saturday, September 14th, 2:00 pm, Welcome Fall! Fall is a special time of the year for herbalists and gathers alike. The colors and textures available for creative projects during fall are unsurpassed. This hands-on workshop will provide the materials and inspiration for creating a unique fall wreath or swag. Don’t miss this opportunity to welcome your friends and family to your home with the brilliant colors of Fall! ***$15.00
-Saturday, October 5th, 2:00 pm, The Secrets of Turmeric. Did you know that Turmeric is an effective aid to help reduce the effects of inflammation and arthritis? Did you also know that even though it prefers growing in temperate climates, it CAN be successfully grown in Illinois? This workshop will introduce participants to the secrets of growing and using Turmeric. Each participants will also have an opportunity to ‘pot up’ a Turmeric rhizome to take home to use or grow. A priceless workshop!******$15.00
-Saturday, October 19th, 2:00 pm, Preserving the Season with Potpourri. Time and time again potpourri making directions and recipes are included in classic and new age herbals. This old-time craft has been all but forgotten by the average citizen. It seems so much simpler to just purchase a bag of scented bark at the local store. But… have you ever really compared this bag to homemade potpourri? Potpourri created with pure oils and herbs and botanicals locally grown and cared for? This workshop will demonstrate why we believe everyone should give potpourri making another chance!*$15.00
-Saturday, November 2nd, 2:00 pm, Relaxing with Herbs. It seems like more and more people are struggling with the pressures of modern life. Our lives move at a quicker pace and true relaxation for some feels like a thing of the past. This workshop will (happily) demonstrate how it IS possible to learn how to relax and enjoy life again. We will introduce several herbs and oils that can easily be added to the daily routine. In addition, each participant will create a ‘rescue’ bag to take home and try out. Mark your calendars now! *** $15.00
-Saturday, November 16th, 2:00 pm, The Magic of Milkweed. Did you know that Milkweed has many uses and benefits besides being a favorite for Monarchs and other pollinators? Our ancestors used the fluff as a warm liner for comforters and clothing. Today, it is enjoying a resurgence in popularity thanks to it’s many health and skin benefits as well. Participants of this unique workshop will create their own Milkweed balm and pillow and will discover the magic for themselves. A workshop fit for royalty! **** *** $15.00
– Saturday, December 14th, 2:00 pm, A Lavender Holiday. No holiday schedule would be complete without the addition of Lavender. This favorite herb is invaluable any time of the year but especially during the stressful Christmas season. This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to experience this amazing herb for themselves. Participants will each create their own sleep balm and decorative ornament. A must-attend for all Lavender aficionados! $15.00
– Saturday, December 28th, 2:00 pm, A Wingnut Sisters’ Celebration! Celebrate the end of 2019 with a fun group of ladies who love herbs and each other. This traditional celebration will feature delectable herbal refreshments, trivia and even an herbal New Year’s party make-it-and-take-it craft. The fun and the smiles are all FREE!
Please Note: Your check/payment reserves your seat for our workshops. Mail a list of the workshops you would like to attend along with payment to: The Simple Heart of Life, 1482 Turkey Farm Road, Bluffs, Illinois 62621 to register. Payment can be made at time of workshop if arrangements are made in advance. If cancellation occurs, we will gladly refund your payment, give you a kit to make the item, or if it’s a demonstration, all of the handouts. A substitute can also be sent to fill your seat if arranged with management in advance.
* All supplies are included with the workshop fees.
* Workshops will be held at our herb shop located at 1486 Turkey Farm Road, Bluffs, Illinois unless otherwise specified. Maps will be provided at time of registration if desired.
* Each workshop will last for approximately 1 -1 1/2 hours. Dress casually please.
* Space is limited so sign up as early as possible.
* Herb-themed refreshments will be served at select workshops. Please notify us in advance if you have specific diet needs.
* Weather-related cancellations will be posted on The Simple Heart of Life’s Facebook page on the day of the workshops. If in doubt about cancellation, feel free to call 217-248-1508. We will re-schedule canceled workshops at a later date if at all possible.
* Advance registration is not necessary for special celebrations but refreshments and favors will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
* Do you have a particular herbal subject you want to learn more about? Let us know. We are always interested in expanding our knowledge and offerings of workshops!
* Check out our blog at http://www.thesimpleheartoflife.wordpress.com or our Facebook page for inspiration and to get in contact with other herb & garden enthusiasts.
We are proud to announce that Penny will be sharing her love of herbs and butterflies through Community Education classes at Lincoln Land Community College this Fall and during the Spring of 2020 (in Jacksonville)! Remaining Fall classes will include the following;
** Creating a Harvest Wreath for the Birds, September 17th and 19th.
* Herbal Pet Care, October 8th and 10th.
Registration is through Lincoln Land Community College. Call LLCC for availability & details.
The Simple Heart of Life 