Looking for the perfect gift for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion? Join us for a warm and welcoming workshop where you’ll learn how to create a stunning chunky knit blanket—using just your hands! No needles, no experience required—just your creativity and a love for cozy, heartfelt gifts.
In this hands-on class, you’ll discover the joy of hand knitting, a fun and easy technique that transforms plush, oversized yarn into a luxurious blanket in just a few hours. Whether you're crafting a one-of-a-kind gift or treating yourself to something snuggly, you'll walk away with a beautiful, handmade masterpiece and the skills to make many more.
What's Included:
Step-by-step instructions from a experienced instructor
All materials (super soft chunky yarn in a variety of colors, tape measure & scissors)
Tips for customizing your blanket size and style
A relaxed, creative atmosphere—perfect for beginners
Fall & Holiday Cookie Decorating Class - Paragould
Instructed by Veda Shrable
Celebrate the seasons with a fun and festive cookie decorating class! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn step-by-step techniques for decorating sugar cookies with royal icing. We’ll cover outlining, flooding, and simple detailing so you can create both cozy fall and merry holiday designs.
Designs may include pumpkins, turkeys, fall lattes, Christmas trees, snowmen, ornaments, and a festive wreath.
No experience is needed—just bring your creativity! All supplies (cookies, icing, and decorating tools) are provided. You’ll go home with a tray of beautifully decorated cookies perfect for sharing with family, friends, or keeping for yourself!
Step-by-step instructions
All supplies are included
Come join the fun, seating is limited
Class Details:
Monday, November 10, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $50
BRTC Paragould, 1 Black River Drive
Deadline to Register: November 3, 2025
For more information, contact BRTC Community Education at 870-913-9611 or community@blackrivertech.edu.
Instructed by: Laura Diamond, Independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator
Join us for a hands-on card-making workshop! Choose your card-making kit from a variety of beautifully designed kits (9 cards in each kit). You’ll make three beautiful, finished greeting cards in class ( more if time allows) with guided, step-by-step instruction. Everyone receives a complete kit containing enough materials to make up to ninecards, plus envelopes and printed instructions. All tools and supplies are included — just bring your creativity. No experience necessary; we’ll cover layout, layering, and simple finishing techniques so you can reproduce the designs at home.
Skill level: All levels welcome — beginners will be walked through every step; more advanced crafters can personalize and embellish.
Why take this class: Great for making seasonal cards, birthday sets, or gifts. Learn reliable techniques you’ll use again and leave with multiple finished cards ready to send.
What's Included:
Participants may select their preferred kit from a variety of kits (over 15 designs) at the beginning of class.
Step-by-step instructions with an instructor.
Make 3 cards in class (or all 9 if time allows) from start to finish (cutting, assembling, embellishing).
Instructed by: Laura Diamond, Independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator
Join us for a hands-on card-making workshop! Choose your card-making kit from a variety of beautifully designed kits (9 cards in each kit). You’ll make three beautiful, finished greeting cards in class ( more if time allows) with guided, step-by-step instruction. Everyone receives a complete kit containing enough materials to make up to ninecards, plus envelopes and printed instructions. All tools and supplies are included — just bring your creativity. No experience necessary; we’ll cover layout, layering, and simple finishing techniques so you can reproduce the designs at home.
Skill level: All levels welcome — beginners will be walked through every step; more advanced crafters can personalize and embellish.
Why take this class: Great for making seasonal cards, birthday sets, or gifts. Learn reliable techniques you’ll use again and leave with multiple finished cards ready to send.
What's Included:
Participants may select their preferred kit from a variety of kits (over 15 designs) at the beginning of class.
Step-by-step instructions with an instructor.
Make 3 cards in class (or all 9 if time allows) from start to finish (cutting, assembling, embellishing).
Unlock the art of crafting the perfect charcuterie board in this hands-on, flavor-packed class! Whether you're hosting a casual gathering or planning an elegant spread, this class will teach you how to create visually stunning and delicious boards that will impress your guests.
What You'll Learn:
The basics of charcuterie: understanding different types of meats, cheeses, and accompaniments.
How to balance flavors and textures to create a harmonious board.
Creative and unique ways to present your charcuterie board, from rustic to modern styles.
How to make the most of seasonal ingredients and local products.
Time-saving tricks for putting together a quick yet elegant board.
What's Included:
A selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and spreads
Each participant will receive a lovely round serving board to create and keep
Tasting notes and pairing suggestions
By the end of the session, you’ll have the skills and confidence to assemble a charcuterie masterpiece that looks as great as it tastes! You'll leave with a beautifully crafted board to enjoy and impress, along with recipes and a list of recommended suppliers to keep the creativity flowing at home.
Class Details:
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
6:00-8:00 p.m.
BRTC Pocahontas
Cost: $55
Deadline to Register: Friday, November 14, 2025
For more information, contact BRTC Community Education at 870-913-9611 or community@blackrivertech.edu
Get into the holiday spirit with this fun and festiveMake & Take class! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your own holiday-themedfoaming hand soaps and luxurious body scrubs— perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself. Choose from a variety of seasonal scents, colors, and decorative packaging to make each creation uniquely yours.
You’ll learn simple techniques using natural ingredients that are easy to recreate at home. All materials are provided, and you’ll leave with two beautifully packaged holiday goodies ready to brighten someone’s day (or your own bathroom counter!).
Class Includes:
All ingredients and supplies
Step-by-step instruction
Holiday refreshments and cheerful fun!
Perfect for anyone who loves DIY projects, holiday gifts, and a little self-care.
Bring your creativity to life in this fun kids’ painting class! We’ll be painting a cheerful Turkey hiding behind a Pilgrim hat, Canvas step by step, perfect for fall decorating. Each child will learn basic acrylic painting techniques while creating their own masterpiece on canvas.
No experience is needed — just come ready to paint, have fun, and make new friends! All supplies are included, and every student will take home their finished Thanksgiving painting at the end of class
Class Details:
November 24, 2025
4:30-6:00 pm
BRTC Paragould Campus
Recommended for ages 6 and up
$20
Deadline to Register 11/21/2025
Spaces are limited—register early to save your spot!
For more information, contact BRTC Community Education at 870 913-9611 or community@blackrivertech.edu.
Left to Right: Dr. Martin Eggensperger, Jody Callahan, and Sergeant Holden Hartsfield On Tuesday, November 11, Black River Technical College (BRTC) held a Veterans Day Ceremony on the Pocahontas campus. The ceremony, put on by the Office of Student Development and BRTC Veteran Affairs Representative and Academic Advisor Michelle Wooldridge, honored the nation’s veterans and […]
On Thursday, November 13, Black River Technical College’s (BRTC) Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) held the Fall 2025 graduation ceremony for Class 2025-B on the BRTC Pocahontas campus. The graduating class was composed of 42 officers from 26 different agencies and completed 604 hours of training. The recruits and their families were welcomed by BRTC […]
Black River Technical College (BRTC) recently hosted a group of 30 Allied Health students from the Northeast Arkansas Career and Technical Center (NEACTC) on the Pocahontas campus. The students met with Jason Linam, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health, who shared information about BRTC’s allied health programs. They toured the health and sciences areas, where […]
Black River Technical College (BRTC) is pleased to announce Mallory Payton Crain of Jonesboro has been awarded the Florence Nightingale Scholarship. Crain earned her GED in 2022. She is the daughter of Jaspher Crain and Michelle Anderson of Jonesboro. She has one son, Aubrey Smith, and she is seeking a degree in nursing. The Nightingale […]
Black River Technical College is seeking qualified applicants for an adjunct Psychology instructor position at for the Fall 2026 semester. Course Assignments: PSY 2513 – Intro to Psychology MW 12:30-1:45 pm This course will be conducted via Zoom, connecting students at the Pocahontas and Paragould locations. The instructor will be expected to teach from each […]
Rylee Lemley of Jonesboro has been awarded the Jennifer Wren Memorial Scholarship. Lemley is a 2025 graduate of Westside High School. She is the daughter of Patrick and Jill Lemley of Jonesboro, and she is seeking a degree in agriculture business. The Jennifer Wren Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a female Agriculture student. The recipient […]
Black River Technical College (BRTC) nursing student Beverly Britt recently had the opportunity to lead a class at the Arkansas Student Nurses Association (ASNA) Convention. Britt taught 84 students from across Arkansas how to administer Narcan and potentially save a life. She said teaching the class was an experience that will stick with her for […]
Leslie Garcia of Paragould has been awarded the Carl Lamb Memorial Scholarship. Garcia is a 2023 graduate of Greene County Tech High School, and she is seeking a degree in medical office administration. Carl Lamb was a longtime farmer in the Reyno, AR, community and served in the Army National Guard. He was involved in […]
On Monday, October 27, Black River Technical College (BRTC) held a grand opening for its newly renovated welding lab on the Pocahontas campus. The renovation was made possible with Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) $499,000 SEDAP grant and took around a year to complete. With the funds, BRTC was able to purchase new equipment, updates the […]
Black River Technical College (BRTC) Academic Advisor and ADA Coordinator Zachary Singleton recently presented at the Annual Arkansas Community Colleges (ACC) Conference in Hot Springs. Singleton co-presented with North West Arkansas Community College’s Amy Robertson-Gann. The presentation was titled “Embracing Neurodiversity: Language, Trends, and Inclusive Practice.” This breakout session introduced the concept of neurodiversity as […]
