Brand New Class! Stackable Coasters

Brand New Class! Stackable Coasters with our woodworking instructor Tomas Vallejos. The first classes will be 7/28 and 8/21.

In this class we will be making a set of four coasters and a stand for them to sit in. These real hardwood coasters are a lovely addition to your coffee table or a handmade gift for family and friends. This entry level class is designed to be a stepping stone into making simple yet fun projects. If you are interested in learning how to woodwork but are unsure of where to start, this is a fantastic introductory project.

You will practice on a number of shop tools during the class including the table saw, miter saw, drill press, router table and orbital sanders. We will go over appropriate techniques and safety practices for using these tools as well as how to prepare your project for a stain or finish. Gain confidence in woodshop tools and leave with a fun project for your home!

This class will be taught by Tomas Vallejos. He is a Denver local who works as a custom picture framer, carpenter and woodworker with an emphasis in custom furniture making. He is also a current student of the fine woodworking program at Red Rocks Community College where he continues to ever expand on his woodworking knowledge and skills. Take a look at some of his work via his Instagram page @north20_finewoodworking

Brand New Class! Alterations: Hemming w/ Jackie

Brand New Class! Alterations: Hemming with our sewing instructor Jackie Drummond. The first classes will be 7/30 and 8/23.

In this class, you will learn to hem your clothes! Hemming or creating a hem occurs when you folder over the edge of the fabric and sew them together - this creates a smooth and rounded edge without frays. Sometimes your clothes can be too long and learning how to hem with a sewing machine opens up a world of possibilities to customize your looks.

We will review the basics of setting up a sewing machine as well as learn new styles of seams, stitches, and sewing techniques! Learning how to alter your clothes can help you feel more confident in your wardrobe. Please Bring one to five items per person. These items could include clothing like: shirts that are too long (in the arms or the bottom), pants, dresses, and skirts that are too long.

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 over 500+ hours of learning and experience. Jackie encourages BIPOC, 2SLGTBQIA+, and Neurodiverse creators to join them in class, where they intentionally hold space for marginalized people to reclaim joy!

Tool Library Members get 10% off Austin Hardwoods and Rockler Woodworking

Did you know that Denver Tool Library members get discounts around town? Members get 10% off at Austin Hardwoods, Rockler Woodworking, and more great local shops coming soon! If you have some suggestions of what other local tool, material, and hardware related places you’d like to save some money at, let us know below and we’ll see what we can do!

Brand New Class! Beekeeping 201

Brand New Class! Beekeeping 201 with our Intro to Beekeeping instructor Alex DeCesaro. The first class will be Friday, July 14th at 5:30pm.

This class is the sequel to our Intro to Beekeeping class. Taking Intro to Beekeeping or having similar beekeeping education is highly encouraged before taking this class.

In this course we will go more in depth about what a hive inspection consists of, how to 'read' comb, diagnosing, and honey processing. Students will have hands-on opportunities to see and 'read' honey comb up close as well as harvesting honey. We will also cover how to gear an over-wintered colony up for spring.

Most beekeeping that is taught today is taught in a conventional manner, and Alex's class will help open your mind up to natural beekeeping tendencies as well as some of the folklore that is associated with the honeybee. Students will have the opportunity to ask general questions as well as specific questions regarding their hive throughout the class.

Brand New Class! Mixed Media Mosaics

Brand New Class! Mixed Media Mosaics with our Tool Librarian Jessie. The first classes will be on 6/26 and 7/24.

Let's break things! In this class we will explore different kinds of materials that can be used to make mosaics from glass to tiles and more. We will practice techniques in cutting and breaking, and the occasional smashing of materials. Think of this as a tiny rage room where we will let decorative scraps fly (with the proper eye protection, of course).

Everyone will get to create their own mosaic tile. We will explore design, adhesive materials, grouting, material sourcing and resources. Students will leave with the confidence to turn surfaces into colorful works of art. In teaching, Jessie strives for a space where everyone can engage in their own creative process while learning new mediums and techniques.

Jessie is the Tool Library Coordinator at a beloved local tool library. She is also a mixed-media artist working with a wide range of materials and techniques. Current and past work include printmaking, sculpture, digital and video art. Recent work is composed of linocut prints that she turns into short stop motion films. An interest in mosaics was born after upon learning stained glass she found herself with piles of scrap to experiment with. This of course, led to more projects. Check out her work at jessierodriguezart.com or on Instagram @jessierodriguez.art

Brand New Class! Magnetic Bottle Openers Woodworking

Brand New Class! Magnetic Bottle Openers Woodworking with our Shop Safety & Tools 101 instructor Ian Saunders. The first classes are 7/14 and 8/6.

Learn how to make a custom magnetic bottle opener from a medley of assorted hardwoods. Hang it on your refrigerator or wall. Amaze your friends as the bottle caps catch on the hidden magnet!

This woodworking class is perfect for the beginner or experienced student wanting to learn the techniques and tools needed in order to make a custom bottle opener. This workshop will also teach you how to operate all the necessary machinery such as a band saw, chop saw, router, drill press, and planer. We will cover the process of gluing and clamping your pieces to create custom blanks, drilling in a magnet, routing the edges, sanding the piece, and finally applying an oil.

Have fun, learn a new skill (or 3!). Meets new friends and take home a finished product. Care instructions, woodshop safety tutorials, DTL enthusiasm and encouragement are provided. Best of all - a bottled refreshment will be provided at the end of class, opened by your new bottle opener!

First Friday Party!!!!! 6/2/23

We’re late on our seasonal First Friday Art Walk Parties, so we’re going to make it up with this one. Come join us on 6/2/23 from 6pm-9pm to celebrate all that is tool sharing with new friends, @renegadebrewing libations, and karaoke. Whether you’re a DTL veteran who’s dug through our mountains of broken tools and has “seen some shit”, or you’ve been wondering “what’s this place about that’s always posting all the dumb tool memes?”, this First Friday is a great time to swing by.

We're Hiring! Part-time Tool Librarian

We're Hiring! Part-time Tool Librarian

Ever wanted to sling tools, chat with people about their projects, and get paid for it? The Denver Tool Library is looking for an organized, helpful, and friendly person to be a part time tool librarian! This person must be available to work during our open hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays (2-7pm) and Saturdays and Sundays (10am-3pm) as needed. We can guarantee about one shift per week for now, with potential for more frequent shifts in the future.

Head on over to denvertoollibrary.org/jobs to learn more and apply!

Brand New Class! Intro to Woodworking: Practical Joinery

After much request, we made a brand news class! Intro to Woodworking: Practical Joinery. The first class will be Monday, June 26th

Join Scott Roth, the Tool Library’s Inventory Tool Coordinator and guy who “After sixty plus years of working with wood has the distinction of still having all his fingers” as he teaches you the time-honored foundational techniques of woodworking.

*This class isn’t required in order to use Open Shop Hours or take any of our Woodworking Project Classes, however it is highly encouraged!

Intro to Woodworking covers essential skills, basic tools, and foundational techniques that are used in a wide range of carpentry projects. We strive to make this class fun, friendly, and an ideal starting place for anyone beginning or continuing their woodcraft journey.

Get comfortable with wood materials, properties, nomenclature, and how to use them. Know the questions to ask when purchasing/selecting wood materials and products. Hands on applications and use of of nails, screws, bolts, pocket screws along with glues to make and assemble sturdy joints: dado joints, butt joints, lap joints, and miter joints. These will utilize hand tools like clamps, power saws, drivers and drills, brad and finish nailers, hammers, and routers that are readily available to borrow from the Denver Tool Library. You will take home finished examples of wood joinery to compliment the knowledge you will gain and aid you in your woodworking journey.

What Class Do You Wish We Offered?

We are in the process of developing some brand new classes and are on the hunt for more. We want to hear from you! We have only one easy question…