Block Printing HALLOWEEN EDITION

We know the first leaves have barely touched the ground, but at the DTL we already have the candles and Ouija Board out trying to figure out what our costumes are going to be. While it’s still too early to tell, we do know that this year’s special Halloween Fabric Block Printing Class is going to help us stand out amongst the rest of the goblins and fools.

On October 14th, 2023 we’ll be having a special Halloween edition of fabric block printing that will be extra spooky! 👻 Each student gets 1/2 yard of cotton fabric to print a repeating pattern on. In addition, all are welcome to bring other fabric items to print on as well that can be used to make an out of this world Halloween costume!! Cotton and synthetic fibers work well with our ink, nylon does not. Wearing costumes to class is also encouraged! 🎃

Hiring Winter Fundraiser!

Tell your friend! We're looking for an experienced fundraiser to develop and lead our fall/winter fundraising initiative. If successful, we may be able to offer a more permanent position running seasonal fundraising events and online campaigns. For details - denvertoollibrary.org/jobs

This is what it looks like when Tool Librarians try to do their own fundraising. Credit @fuckjerry

Class Spotlight! Plumbing: Knowing Your Home

Plumbing: Knowing Your Home. Next class: 9/12 5:30pm - 8:30pm.

*This plumbing class is part of our Knowing Your Home Series.

Two very common home plumbing complaints are dripping or leaking faucets and toilets that don’t fill properly or that don’t shut off. These problems can literally keep you awake at night. In addition, many people enjoy the quick and economical upgrade of a new kitchen faucet. With the right tools and understanding, you will tackle these upgrades and repairs easily.

In this class, we will look at faucets and toilets as systems with various parts performing different critical roles. We will dismantle and discuss the inner workings of various types of faucets, sinks, and toilets and develop a set of questions for quickly analyzing and identifying the real problem. At that point, you will be well on your way to fixing the problem yourself. The good news is that repair parts are often inexpensive and are readily available; you just need to determine what is needed.

After completing the class you will be able to:

  • Understand and repair nearly any faucet

  • Remove and replace existing faucets in kitchens and baths

  • Understand how shower control valves work

  • Adjust or replace toilet ballcock filler assemblies and toilet flapper assemblies

  • Remove an existing toilet and install a new one in its place including a new wax seal.

Squirrel Shirts Return This Weekend

Let’s face it, everyone wants a golden squirrel using a table saw in an unsafe way on their shirt, but sadly for a while people couldn’t get their hands on this sweet piece of merch because we were all sold out. But alas! In a world of bad news, good news is finally here!

Squirrel shirts will be back this weekend in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Well actually, just one shape (t-shirt shape), but there will definitely be many sizes. What’s that you say? Why is there a squirrel on any of our are shirts anyway? Well, squirrels use tools to build stuff all the time! Sure, they may not be as famous as chimps and gorillas, but a gorilla with a power saw? Terrifying.

Did you know…

  • Squirrels can use leaves, twigs, moss, and other materials to build their nests, which are called dreys. They can also use natural or artificial cavities in trees or buildings as shelters. Some squirrels even use abandoned bird nests or squirrel boxes as their homes.

  • Squirrels can use rocks, sticks, shells, or other objects to crack open nuts, seeds, or bones. They can also use their teeth to gnaw on hard foods. Some squirrels have been observed using a leaf to wrap up a blob of peanut butter, to avoid getting the oil on their paws.

  • Squirrels can use their tails as tools for various purposes. They can use them as blankets, umbrellas, flags, or balance aids. They can also use them to communicate with other squirrels or predators.

  • Squirrels can use their paws as tools for digging, holding, manipulating, or grooming. They have sharp claws that help them grip and climb. They also have sensitive whiskers that help them sense their surroundings.

Pick up a golden squirrel shirt while picking up your tools this weekend - annoy your friends with squirrel tool facts - look good while doing it!

Meet Our New Shop Monitor - James!

We have a new Saturday Open Shop Monitor! When I made James write us a bio he said “I don't like it, but I like trying to write it even less.” So without further ado, here’s a bit about James!

James Douglas is a woodworker with a machinists soul and a diversity of interests. He has been fabricating objects to suit those interests since taking a couple woodworking classes up at RRCC back in the mid 2000s. After years of winging it with a minimum of tools, the need to organize home and farm drove him to set up his own garage shop. From speaker stands to chicken coops, floating shelves to murphy beds; he's found a way to make it. Whether a hide-a-bed for 2 large dogs or an overland camper that fits behind the back seats of a subaru, he takes on challenges that grow his skills, and gladly shares knowledge, techniques and wisdom with others. @fiversfarm

Sign up for Shop Safety & Certification class, and then you can come by during our Open Workshop Hours and work on your own project. Don’t forget to compliment James on the great bio when you see him!

Class Spotlight! Picture Frame Woodworking

Picture Frame Building. Next class is 9/3 @10am (1 spot left!) or 10/1 @10am. Learn how to safely use our industrial woodshop machines, understand foundational woodworking techniques, AND bring home a beautiful picture frame that you built (tip: it could be a lovely gift)! In this woodworking class you will learn how to take a piece of wood from a rough sawn board to a fully constructed picture frame ready to hang on your wall. All skill levels are welcome from total beginner to advanced.

You will learn tips and tricks for milling, how to cut rabbits and different methods for doing so. The best and different ways to cut miters. Different joinery methods, edge details, sanding and finishing techniques. Lastly we will go over how to cut glass and fully assemble your picture frame with your artwork/picture inside.

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 @north20woodworkingco or website north20woodworkingco.com

We're Hiring! Winter Fundraising Coordinator

The Denver Tool Library is looking for an experienced fundraising coordinator to develop and lead our fall/winter fundraising initiative. If successful, we may be able to offer a more permanent position running seasonal fundraising events and online campaigns for DTL. If you have experience in fundraising and want to be a part of a real cool team, head on over to denvertoollibrary.org/jobs for position details and how to apply. The application deadline is 9/12/23. Thanks!

Jessie Met Mercury Stardust!

Tool Library Coordinator Jessie waited in a line longer than Splash Mountain's to meet @mercurystardusttopz during her book signing at @tatteredcoverbookstore. If you aren't familiar with Mercury Stardust, she's The Trans Handy Ma'am who (in Jessie's words) is out to destroy dude-bro tool culture.

Jessie managed to score a signed copy of "Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair" which you should totally Google, as well as a signed pic that's now hanging on our Gold Member Board. We're stoked to have you as an honorary Tool Library Member, Mercury!

Class Spotlight! Portrait Oil Painting

Portrait Oil Painting. Next class is this Monday 8/28 @5:30pm.

Installing drywall is useful and all, but how often to do create something solely for the sake of art? Learn to create realism while listening to your intuition, and expressing yourself freely with Jen Starling (@jenstarlingart)! All skill levels are welcome from total beginner to advanced.

During this three hour class we will go through the step by step process of completing an oil portrait. We will use a reference photo that I will send you. We will focus on correct proportions, composition, and paint application. You will watch me paint, work on your painting, and receive feedback. You will be encouraged to find your personal creative voice, listen to your instincts, and play!

Why take an art class like oil painting? You’ll get a better understanding of color theory and design that they can apply to many different areas (like figuring out what colors to paint that drywall). Oil painting is proven to help you cope with stress, trauma, and increase self-esteem. Practicing art can boost your day-to-day creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

Learn a new skill, meet like minded folks, and take home something you create. We hope to see you in class!

Open Workshop will be CLOSED 8/26

Open Workshop Hours will be CLOSED this Saturday, 8/26 from 10am-3pm. Tool Library hours and scheduled classes will not be changed.

We are in the process of onboarding a new totally super cool shop monitor (deets on that soon), however for this Saturday we simply don’t have anyone who is trained to safely show y’all how to use our machines while you work on your projects. Open Shop will be running during its normally hours again starting Thursday, 8/31.