We host free DIY workshops at TLD and additional workshops off-site that support our workshop program! Here are some examples of topics we've covered in the past.
Want to check out our current schedule or suggest a topic? Visit our Workshop page!
Preparing Your Garden for Fall - 10/26/19
Lexi from Waverly Ace Hardware & Garden Center returned to show participants what to do to prepare gardens & yards for the upcoming cold seasons. Attendees got to help prepare the raised garden beds at our warehouse for the winter!
Replacing Kitchen Sinks & Basic Plumbing - 10/19/19
Arman from the Station North Tool Library (SNTL) returned to teach attendees how to replace sinks & basic plumbing.
SNTL is one of our local non-profit partners - they're like a library, but for tools! SNTL seeks to empower all people to improve their lives and environments, through affordable access to tools, skills, and workspace.
They are an amazing resource for DIY folks. In addition to 3,000+ tools in their library, they also have a workshop, DIY space, and a variety of cool classes. Check them out today!
Installing Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring - 10/5/19
Returning instructor Lawrence Oliva from Second Century Homes gave attendees all the tips and tricks for working with reclaimed hardwood flooring. Participants got to try their hand at prepping the flooring, installing it with a pneumatic nail gun, and sanding it before finishing.
Rewiring Lamps with Zach (at TLD) ~ 9/14/19
Instructor Zach returned to TLD to teach the basics and tools needed for rewiring, and how to trouble-shoot finicky table and pendant lamps. Great way to kick off our fall workshop season!
We had a great time partnering with Art with a Heart for a "Create with a Cause" fundraiser workshop at their location to support both of our missions! Art with a Heart enhances the lives of people in need through visual art. At this workshop participants used concrete pillars from TLD and glass tile from Art with a Heart to create beautiful mosaic garden art. We're so glad to partner with this great, local organization!
Intro to Electrical - 6/8/19
Arman Mizani from the Station North Tool Library(SNTL) returned to the TLD warehouse to teach participants how to navigate electrical issues in old houses & how to complete projects like changing out light swtiches and ceiling fans. Arman demonstrated wiring and safety skills on a mock-up circuit.
Mosaic Stepping Stones - 5/19/19
Instructor Pat Stein returned for this popular workshop to show participants how to mix thin-set mortar and grout, and turn reclaimed ceramic tile and bricks into beautiful stepping stones!
INFO SESSION: Lead-Safe Firm Recertification with the EPA - 5/11/19
Info Session hosted at TLD about obligations under EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule to become lead-safe certified.
If you are a renovation, repair or painting firm working in pre-1978 housing or child-occupiedfacilities, the law requires that your firm be certified (by EPA or an EPA-authorized state) and your employees trained in lead-safe work practices.
FIRM CERTIFICATIONS LAST FOR FIVE YEARS.
Find out more about these certifications visit: www.epa.gov/lead/getcertified
Installing Ceramic Tile Backsplashes - 5/4/19
Instructor Mark returned to demonstrate how to install tile backsplashes through hands-on activities like spreading grout and cutting and placing tile.
Building Raised Garden Beds- 4/27/19
The Loading Dock, Inc.partnered with Waverly Ace Hardware to teach participants how to build, fill, and maintain raised garden beds using materials from TLD & Ace Hardware.
Drywall Repair with Canton Ace Hardware (at TLD)~ 3/9/19
Courtney, one of our partners at Canton Ace Hardware, returned to demonstrate how to patch, troubleshoot, and repair holes in drywall.
Participants learned how to prep, spackle & smooth drywall surfaces to conceal dents, nicks, nail holes, and even larger sized holes using a variety of materials readily available at The Loading Dock, Inc. or local hardware store.
Cove Base Rugs with SCRAP B-More - 2/10/19
Nancy from SCRAP B-More showed us how to make rugs out of cove base (the vinyl material that runs along the wall by the floor). These mats are creative way to repurpose a material into something really useful!
The Loading Dock, Inc. paired up for this workshop with B.Willow, an indoor plant and terrarium shop located in the Baltimore neighborhood of Remington. Participants turned repurposed glass light covers into beautiful succulent planters to take home.
B.Willow Wall-mount Light Vine Planters - 6/26/18
We had a great time teaming up again with B.Willow, a indoor plant and terrarium store in Remington. Participants used wallmount light fixtures from TLD and turned them into beautiful planters for vining tropical plants from B.Willow. You can make your own too with a fixture from TL, and plants & potting at B.Willow!
DIY Light Planter steps:
1) Take out electrical components. You'll need wire cutters, screwdrivers, and needle-nose pliers.
2) See if there's room for water to drain out of the bottom of the fixture. If it's a big hole, you will need to put a stone over it when potting to make sure the soil doesn't fall out.
3) Layer gravel then soil, leaving about 2" from the top of the planter. You can also layer with mica or stones to create a beautiful design that you can see through the glass.
4) Add your plant and mount the planter fixture to a wall or deck!
