At Little Bits, Art Coach Looks to Inspire All Ages

In these tough economic times, many people are searching for an outlet to explore their artistic talents, or to simply vent their energies and worries.

The Little Bits Workshop is offering just the place.

Founder Liita Forsyth shares her ideas of creativity and innovation in her sessions at the River Forest business, located at 411 Park Ave.

Since opening shop in February, her classes have included teaching students of all ages how to turn recyclables into usable, beautiful objects.

"Maybe the projects that kids and adults do at the workshop will inspire a product that they can make and sell -- maybe even start a company," said Forsyth, a 43-year-old artist and mother of two.

Her students have learned how to make clothes, scrapbooks, robot clocks, board games and much more. The materials that they have used include linens, old books, cereal boxes, wallpaper samples and bottle caps.

Most of the materials come from things Forsyth has saved around the house or found for free at places like paint and flooring stores or garage sales and thrift stores.

"Once in a while I'll get a call...'hey, do you want 5,000 wine corks?" she said. "It's a lot of things that normally get tossed or donated."

Forsyth said it's all in an effort to provide students an alternative to wasting time watching television.

"Kids watch way too much TV. They should be either outside playing or inside creating or learning," she said. "This is what I hope to pass along to everyone who passes through the workshop doors."

This fall, Forsyth plans several classes from mom's night out to knitting to after-school activities.  The workshop is also available for private events.

"I've also taken the show on the road to do workshops at the [town's] park district and for moms who have kids with special needs who needed a break to create," she said.

Interested in learning more? The Little Bits Workshop class schedules can be found at Forsyth's website or by calling 630-309-1606. Forsyth is also bringing her talents to the Oak Park-River Forest Patch, where she'll be writing her crafting column,"The Picky Peasant."