The DIY spirit is alive and well in Phoenix, and there are several spots around the Valley that offer classes, tools and drop-in resources.
Here are six places that’ll help sharpen your practical skills.
Automotive Learning Lab
Around the Valley
Keith Elsner is a Ford-certified diesel technician and automotive instructor who teaches small and large classes to all ages (12+) that cover roadside safety, new driver basics, engine fundamentals, brakes, electrical systems, oil changes and cooling systems. His workshops are mobile and happen around the Valley. For more information, check out the course catalog.
Dig It Phoenix
3015 N.16th St., Phoenix, 85016
Dreaming about fall garden prep or trying to keep an indoor plant alive? The green thumbs at Dig It Phoenix host classes on gardening basics and plant maintenance for all levels. On Saturday, Aug. 29, the focus is soil health, plus what to plant — and when to plant it. Register on the Dig It Phoenix website.
Sunshine Craft Co.
700 W. Campbell Ave., Phoenix, 85013
Loose buttons and broken zippers will be an easy fix after a workshop at Sunshine Craft Co. in uptown Phoenix. There are free, monthly open crafting nights and supply swaps, plus structured classes on embroidery, cross-stitching, soap making and crochet. Upcoming workshops are on their calendar.
Phoenix Woodworking School
2737 E. Earll Drive, Phoenix, 85016
Ken Zevenbergen is a self-described woodworking Dutchman with a long family history of carpentry and a mission of teaching people how to work with their hands. Zevenbergen and his wife have owned a custom cabinet and furniture store on the east side of Camelback Road since 1993, and Ken teaches one-on-one workshops to all ages in the back. To learn more and see past projects, see the Phoenix Woodworking website.
The Rusty Spoke
1110 Grand Ave., Phoenix 85007
The team at The Rusty Spoke Community Bicycle Initiative won’t let you go home with a flat tire. The organization is volunteer-based, rooted in bicycle advocacy and packed with all the tools, parts and know-how to get your wheels back on the road. But you’ll need to fix it yourself (with guidance). They host monthly build nights on the first and third Tuesdays of the month where you can work on a bike or build one from scratch. Keep up with their events on the Rusty Spoke Instagram page.
Phoenix Forge
535 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, 85003
Attention tool nerds — Phoenix Forge is a 17,000-square-foot makerspace equipped with vinyl cutters, laser cutters, wood and metal shops, 3D printers, large photo printers and industrial sewing machines. Community workshops are available via memberships and rotating public classes through GateWay Community College. Upcoming topics include welding basics, silversmithing, intro to CAD, textile hemming, and woodworking with a lathe. More info on the Phoenix Forge calendar.
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