Meet Illinois Artisans – Home and Garden

Meet Illinois Artisans & Purchase One-of-a-Kind Art Made in Illinois

AUGUST 13 – 14 at Visitor Information Center, Pearson at Michigan Ave.

WHO: Chicago Office of Tourism and the Illinois Artisans Program, which focuses
national attention on the rich heritage of the fine crafting that exists in Illinois.

WHAT: Meet Illinois Artisans, an opportunity to view artmaking demonstrations by
Illinois artisans and purchase one-of-a-kind art made in Illinois. Admission
is free. For more information, visit www.ExploreChicago.org.

WHEN: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

August 13 & 14
John Ferguson, Pins, Chicago
Ana Petercic, Wearable Art – Hand painted silk accessories, Lincolnwood
Barbara Raidl, Note Cards, Chicago
Phyllis Woloshin, Jewelry, Winnetka

WHERE: Water Works Visitor Information Center
Historic Pumping Station
163 E. Pearson (at Michigan Avenue)

See more information on Explore Chicago

click here for more information about the Illinois Artisans Program

There’s something truly special about attracting birds to your backyard—whether it’s the cheerful chirping in the morning or the beauty of watching different species visit your garden. One of the best ways to keep them coming back is by making your own homemade bird seed cakes! This easy and affordable DIY project is perfect for bird lovers and can be customized with different seeds to attract a variety of feathered friends.

The tutorial from Creative Home Crafts walks you through the simple steps to create nutritious and long-lasting bird seed cakes. But did you know that the type of seeds you use can determine which birds will visit your yard? Here’s a quick guide to some popular seed choices:

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds – A favorite among cardinals, chickadees, finches, and blue jays.
Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds – Loved by goldfinches, siskins, and redpolls.
Safflower Seeds – Attracts cardinals and grosbeaks while deterring squirrels.
Millet – Great for sparrows, doves, and towhees.
Peanuts & Cracked Corn – A hit with woodpeckers, blue jays, and nuthatches.

By mixing and matching seeds, you can create a bird seed cake that invites a wide variety of species into your yard. Whether you’re setting up feeders for winter or just want to enjoy more backyard birdwatching, this DIY is a must-try!

Ready to make your own? Check out the full tutorial here!

DIY Bird Feeder Using a Milk Carton

DIY Sharpie Mug Bird Feeder

10 Easy Humming Bird Nectar Food Recipes

Have you read?