Brand New Class! Intro to Knitting // 3.8.23

Our First Intro to Knitting Class is Wednesday, March 8th // 5:30pm - 8pm

We’ve added another brand new class to our Fiber Arts Department: Intro to Knitting with Diana!

Learn the fundamentals of knitting while making a basic scarf that you can start in class and take home to finish. Become familiar with basic techniques including casting on, casting off, and basic knitting stitches. Understand the language of knitting patterns, get yarn and needle recommendations, and gain the confidence to continue your knitting journey. No experience required.

Knitting has become the new go to art for new brain development and relaxation of the 2020’s. These classes are conducted in a friendly and inviting manner and you will come away feeling like you’ve joined a community of artisans.

Teacher Bio: Diana has been knitting for over 50 years off and on. She now calls it her passion and loves teaching beginners through advanced.

Sewing Machine Basics: BIPOC & Immunocompromised Editions!

Our new teacher Jackie has listed two of her new Sewing Machine Basics classes to be suited especially for BIPOC and Immunocompromised people! BTW - If you have a sewing machine kicking around that you never use - PLEASE DONATE IT! You can drop it off during open hours. THANKS!

Sewing Machine Basics Class - KN95 MASK PROVIDED & REQUIRED // 12.5.22

Why is this class 'Mask & Vaccination Required'?

People who are immunocompromised have a reduced ability to fight infections and other diseases. Having a weakened immune system requires consistent attention and care to remain healthy, especially in public spaces. We want to provide a safe(r) place for our immunocompromised community to gather and create! To attend this class you must wear a mask for the entirety of the course and provide a photo of your COVID-19 vaccinations. For more resources visit: https://primaryimmune.org/

Sewing Machine Basics Class - BIPOC ONLY // 12.14.22

Why is this class 'BIPOC Only'?

Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) need spaces without White people. In mixed groups, BIPOC people are often put in the position of teaching White people and so do much more of the emotional labor. White people may benefit and learn from the discussions but BIPOC folks often leave exhausted. Historical racial trauma can be triggered more easily in a mixed group and our intention is to create a safe(r) space to create art, connection, and joy. To attend this class you must be a Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color. Visit these links for more resources on Affinity Groups - Why Do Them, White Supremecy Culture/Norms, and the Racial Equity Movement in Denver.

Brand New Class! Macramé Plant Hangers

Macramé Plant Hangers! First Classes…

Wednesday, December 7th // 5:30pm-8:30pm

Friday, December 16th // 5:30pm-8:30pm

Begin your macramé journey with Sineah! Learn fundamental patterns and bring home a beautiful plant hanger to liven up your living room, bedroom, or bathroom.

In 3 hours create a macramé plant hanger using 2-4 basic knots. A white 6" pot is included, otherwise you may bring your own planter for a custom fit. A plant is not included (I would recommend something in a 4-6" plastic pot with holes for drainage). You may bring a plant to class or finish on your own time.

We will go over sustainable shopping for materials, knot techniques and other macrame uses. This class is an opportunity to connect with your crafty community and go home with a finished product. We will push past the need for perfection and enjoy creation for the fun of it! Bring snacks, hydration needs and comfy shoes as we will likely be standing.

Sineah keeps her class sizes small to give everyone the help they need. Can't wait to see you in class!

Sineah has been teaching beginner woodworking classes at the Denver Tool Library since 2018. She grew up in Maine, constantly curious to do things independently. After moving to Denver in 2016, Sineah discovered the Tool Library and soon after began encouraging others to safely use tools and build things with their own hands. She started teaching friends in her own backyard until we opened up the workshop. She has taught stool/ plant stand, bookshelf, leaning shelf, cutting board workshops and more. Sineah will encourage you to creatively problem solve and by the end of class, will send you home with a project intended to impress your friends and yourself. Check out Sineah’s work at www.facebook.com/denverdiyworkshop or @DenverDIYWorkshop

Brand New Class! Sewing Machine Basics

Sewing Machine Basics! First Class: Wednesday, November 30th // 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Sewing empowers people to transform the world and the materials around them! Whether you are curious about clothing design, creating functional items, or upcycling fabrics - you need to know the fundamentals! The purpose of this class is to develop or deepen your understanding of basic sewing machine techniques. You will leave prepared to take the next step in your journey with a one-of-a-kind tote bag you created and the pattern you'll need to make it again and again! Bring 5-10 items of old clothing or various fabrics from around the house and we will upcycle them into a handy tote bag to store all your future sewing projects or Holiday goodies. Don’t worry, we’ll also provide a collection of funky fabrics to choose from and practice with. We will learn: vocabulary & tools of sewing, hand sewing, and various stitches: straight, reverse, lock, and box!

About The Teacher: Jackie Drummond (they/she) grew up in Colorado learning to sew from their mother at a young age. While studying Technical Theatre at Fort Lewis College, they learned techniques involving pattern making, alterations, and design and explored the historical and cultural importance of sewing. Jackie encourages BIPOC, LGTBQIA+, and Neurodiverse creators to join them in class, where they intentionally hold space for marginalized people to reclaim joy!

Intro to Beekeeping is Back!

Intro to Beekeeping is back! First class of the season: 12.6.22 5:30pm-7:30pm

This class is designed for anyone who is interested in starting a backyard hive or is just interested in what is involved with keeping honey bees. Alex will cover all the basics to get you started on your beekeeping journey including: honey bee biology, different hive designs, what tools to buy, how to place your hive, how to acquire bees, honey harvesting methods, and common hive pests.

Alex has been keeping bees for 5 years and is passionate about sharing this knowledge with others in order to help the local pollinator population. She is interested in keeping bees on a spiritual level and aims to be a steward of the earth through this ancient practice. You can see more of her work on her Instagram @alma_apiary

Brand New! Midmod Candlesticks Woodturning Class

Midmod Candlestick Woodturning! First class Saturday, December 3rd // 4pm - 7:30pm

Working with the wood lathe is simultaneously exciting and meditative, and this class is perfect for you if you’ve been wanting to try it out without committing to the full day Intro class. Or, if you’ve already taken Intro and just want to take this class for more practice and a cool project, that’s all good too!

You’ll learn the basics of shaping a spinning block of wood on the lathe using just one tool- the spindle roughing gouge, and then you’ll use your new skills to craft an elegant midmod inspired candlestick with a brass accent.

The cost of the class includes practice wood and all the materials necessary to craft your candlestick including a hardwood blank, the brass accent hardware, sandpaper, and an oil finish.

This class is taught by Chris Hoehle, one of our community workshop monitors and a professional woodturner with over fifteen years of experience on the wood lathe. In addition to teaching woodturning for nearly three years here at the Denver Tool Library, he has also taught week-long workshops at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg Tennessee, and he sells his work at local galleries and art festivals. You can check out his work on his website, studiocsh.com, or on Instagram @studiocsh.

Brand New! Bowls Woodturning Class

Bowl Turning! First Class is Sunday, November 20th // 10am - 5pm

*Intro to Woodturning or equivalent prior experience is recommended but not required. If you are determined, you can start with bowl turning!

Craft your very own wooden bowl using the lathe!

Bowl making is one of the most fun and captivating things you can do with the wood lathe. While the basics can be learned in just a few hours, you can spend a lifetime exploring the infinite artistic possibilities and refining your technique. We'll give you a head start on that creative journey in this class with some tips and tricks that will help you get off to a good start. You'll learn how to cut effectively on face grain projects such as bowls with gouges and scrapers. We'll discuss different methods of holding work on the lathe such as chucks and faceplates, and sanding, finishing, good form and design, and sharpening the tools with the grinder will be covered as well. We'll take a one hour break for lunch, so bring your own snacks or explore some of the nearby options on Santa Fe!

The cost of the class covers all materials and equipment, including food safe finishes, abrasives and a bowl blank (cherry, maple or other domestic hardwood apprx. 8" x 3").

Chris Hoehle is one of our community workshop monitors and a professional woodturner with over fifteen years of experience on the wood lathe. In addition to teaching woodturning for nearly three years here at the Denver Tool Library, he has also taught week-long workshops at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg Tennessee, and he sells his work at local galleries and art festivals. You can check out his work on his website, studiocsh.com, or on Instagram @studiocsh.

*Intro to Woodturning is required to use the lathes after class during open shop hours.