2nd and 4th Mondays
3:00 pm to 5:00-ish
Upcoming dates:
Monday, March 10
Monday, March 24
Whether you're an absolute beginner or you just want to get creative and socialize, the Make It Classroom is the place to "bee!" This is a volunteer session, so you'll be doing two great things: Learning some new skills, and helping us make items to sell at the ReStore!
We'll have everything needed for the project, such as sewing gift bags or creating collage cards. You may want to bring your own sewing machine, although you are welcome to use one of ours.
Class fees: None! Just register so we know to expect you!
Temporary closure
Due to the relocation of the Habitat for Humanity office, the Make it Classroom and Sewing Bee will be temporarily suspended starting on April 1. We will inform you once we have a schedule for reopening.
in the works
Introduction to Glass Flamework
Upcycled Mosaics
Drywall Repair
past workshops
Any Alaskan will tell you that the key to staying warm is layers. But coats and boots don’t cover everything. Create versatile accessories to keep your legs toasty with just an old sweater, scissors, and needle and thread. They make great gifts, too!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8.
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens: enter code Teen15 for $15 rate!
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Thursday, April 25
6:00-8:00 pm
Love glass jars and bottles, but not sure what to do with them? This class will help you solve that! We'll be using salvaged wood, paint, hardware and other found items to create a convenient and unique piece that's just your style. All materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8. Class fee: $30.
NEW! Make it a date, bring a friend, and save 20%! Choose Make-It Date at registration.
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Saturday, April 13
7:00-9:00 pm
Show your Alaskan spirit with a DIY painting! Get creative and portray a favorite Alaskan vista in vivid hues on upcycled wood panels with Jamie. Enjoy nibbles and beverages while supporting local art and affordable homeownership in Anchorage.
We are offering this workshop at a reduced cost to keep it accessible. If you are able, please consider making an additional donation. All extra proceeds help Habitat for Humanity Anchorage build and repair homes for hardworking Anchorage families.
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 15. Class fee: $45.
Thursday, April 4
6:00-8:00 pm
Join us for some hands-on learning with Rob, an incredible furniture builder, repairer, and restorer at Rusty Raven Antiques.* We'll have everything needed for the project. Just bring yourself -- and a change of clothes, because you might get a little dirty!
Cost: FREE! Registration required. Click below to sign up!
*Rusty Raven Uniques is at 601 W. 36th Ave. in Anchorage. If you need a professional repair or restoration, Rob is your guy! Be sure to stop there to check out Rob's amazing projects and their plethora of antique and modern items.
Monday, April 8
6:00-8:00 pm
Got an old chair with good bones that needs a facelift? Learn the tips and tricks to remake it in your own style. No materials needed; we'll have everything we need on hand so you can practice with paint, fabric, and finishes. Completed pieces are sold at the ReStore to raise funds for affordable homes. But if you love it, you get first dibs!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8. Class fee: $30.
NEW! Make it a date, bring a friend, and save 20%! Choose Make-It Date at registration.
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Thursday, March 28
6:00-8:00 pm
So you know how to paint furniture...* But what's next? How do you really jazz up your piece?
There are so many finishing products, techniques, and styles to choose from. In this class, you'll get a chance to try out as many as possible to start developing your own style.
We will provide furniture for you to practice on. Finished pieces are sold at the ReStore to raise funds for affordable homes. And if you love it, you get first dibs!
*If you don't, keep an eye out for our Furniture Painting 101 classes!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8. Class fee: $30.
NEW! Make it a date, bring a friend, and save 20%! Choose Make-It Date at registration.
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
If you’ve ever painted furniture, you know how satisfying it can be! In this class, you will learn some basic techniques that are one step beyond painting. Decals and transfers are easy and fun, and they can take your piece to the next level.
We will provide furniture for you to practice on. Finished pieces are sold at the ReStore to raise funds for affordable homes. And if you love it, you get first dibs!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8. Class fee: $30.
NEW! Make it a date, bring a friend, and save 20%! Choose Make-It Date at registration.
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Whether refinishing a vintage dresser or hammering a nail (and not your thumb), hands-on instruction is best, and safety is key. Join Rob -- professional furniture maker and restorer -- to learn some hand and power tool basics. We'll cover drills, nail and staple guns, saws, routers, and lots in between, so you can build or repair your favorite chair!
Fees: Adults, $30. Teens may attend with an adult, but may not use power tools. Enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
No experience or materials needed. You may bring protective eyewear or borrow ours.
Maximum participants: 8.
Saturday, Oct. 14
3:00-5:00 pm
Come and create a unique Alaska-themed piece using salvaged materials with our guest instructor! For Spenard Second Saturday, this event aims to engage the public in Habitat for Humanity Anchorage's 1000 Women Strong campaign, raising funds for a new affordable home build, while increasing awareness of housing affordability issues in our community and highlighting Spenard nonprofits and small businesses.
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 10.
Fee option 1: Keep your work! Adults, $30. Youth ages 13-17, $15 with code TEEN15.
Fee option 2: Free! Donate your work to ReStore for sale. Use code GIFTMYART.
Monday, Oct. 9
6:00-8:00 pm
Wire wrapping is easy to learn, and it can be applied to lots of materials to make jewelry, wall décor, suncatchers, and more. Join us and try your hand on some upcycled glass jewels to create three special pieces for yourself or your friends.
No experience necessary.
Materials provided; we recommend bringing needle-nosed and/or round-nosed pliers if available.
Three pieces provided; you may also bring your own pieces to wrap.
Maximum participants: 8.
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
Thursday, Aug 17
6:00-8:00 pm
High-quality leather furniture lasts a long time, but it doesn't always stay pretty. Simple leather refinishing products can make it easy to cover faded and stained surfaces and protect your investment. If you’ve thought about refreshing your favorite recliner or sofa, join us and try your hand at cleaning and restoring one of our gently-used pieces!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 4. Class fee: $30.
Monday, July 24
Monday, Nov. 20
6-8 pm
Furoshiki are traditional, eco-friendly Japanese cloths used for wrapping gifts and carrying items of all shapes and sizes. In this class, you can make three of your own, and learn to use them!
(And if you really love it, we welcome you to take home some fabric and make extras to sell at the ReStore, helping raise extra funds for Habitat for Humanity Anchorage's affordable home build and repair programs!)
Maximum participants: 6. All materials included; sewing experience highly recommended. NOTE: We have limited sewing machines on hand; please consider bringing one.
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
special events!
volunteer work celebrations
Since the classroom opened over two years ago, you've worked with us and helped make treasure from trash. You've learned, led, laughed, and made some friends along the way.
Join us to finish up a few things and celebrate the wonderful work we've done together. We'll complete some of those pieces that are hanging around, clean up and organize materials, and party! Refreshments will be provided.
Ages 16+ welcome. Waiver required.
Monday, July 10
and/or
Thursday, July 13
5:00-8:00 pm
(come and go as able)
2023: May 25, June 22
We call it a lucky break when a dish gets dropped, because it gives us an excuse to make art! Join us to learn about design, materials, and techniques, so you can create your own repurposed masterpiece at home.
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 6.
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Alaska's waste plastic is being recycled locally into durable lumber!
Join us as special guest Patrick Simpson shares his story and process for collecting and recycling local plastic waste. Learn why this is so crucial, check out sample materials, and watch a live demonstration of Patrick's equipment! Find out how you can get involved in supporting local recycling and manufacturing for a more sustainable Alaska.
Class fee: None. Please consider donating at registration to support our work!
Thursday, Feb. 16
6-8 pm
2023
Jan. 2, Feb. 9
Any Alaskan will tell you that the key to staying warm is layers. But coats and boots don’t cover everything. Create versatile accessories to keep your legs toasty with just an old sweater, scissors, and needle and thread. They make great gifts, too!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8.
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for half off!
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
November 13, 2022
March 16, 2023
May 6, 2023
Got a ghost in your machine? Whether your thread is too tight or too loose, your machine seems reluctant, or it's making a strange noise, bring it to Kayren for fixes and answers!
Drop off your machine ahead of time and fill out a short form. You may be present for your tune-up or simply pick up afterward. Maximum participants: 8.
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Monday
October 10, 2022
2:30-5:30 PM
Lost your mitten? Make another one (or two)! Create a pair for yourself or a friend using samples, leftover pieces, and other salvaged fabric! No materials or experience necessary. Specially scheduled for the after-school set, but all are welcome!
Maximum participants: 6
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Monday
October 17, 2022
2:30-5:30 PM
Make a zero-waste pet bed using samples, leftover pieces, and other salvaged fabric and create a cozy, unique spot for your best fur friend! No materials or experience necessary. Specially scheduled for the after-school set, but all are welcome!
Maximum participants: 6
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Monday
October 10, 2022
2:30-5:30 PM
It's in the bag! Take samples, leftover pieces, and other salvaged fabric and create one-of-a-kind totes for yourself or a friend. All materials included; no experience necessary. Specially scheduled for the after-school crowd, but all are welcome!
Maximum participants: 6
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
8/22/22
9/21/23
5:30-8:00 PM
Alaskans LOVE their harvests! Whether from land or sky or sea, most folks living in Alaska truly enjoy eating fresh, locally-harvested food. Join us as we cover the basics of safe food storage. Bring your questions about drying, smoking, and canning, so you can enjoy the bounty all year long!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8.
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Teens and adults alike are welcome at this class! You can make beautiful pieces from broken glass bottles using a microwave kiln. Create jewelry, window décor, and more. Sharon will cover everything from tools, materials, & safety to scoring, breaking, and design. Our only caution: This craft may be habit-forming! 😉
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8.
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Monday, July 18
6-8 pm
Got questions about your machine or clothing projects? Just looking to get started? We'll make it sew easy! Join Kayren, our resident sewing expert, as we learn to use and maintain a sewing machine, mend tears, and troubleshoot the tricky stuff . No experience or materials required!
NEW! Teens are welcome to this class at 50% off!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8.
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Monday, July 18
1-3 pm
You've got the "write" stuff; now try your hand at ancient binding techniques and making one-of-a-kind blank books from salvaged paper and fabric. We’ll provide all the materials, though you are welcome to bring your own! These make great gifts, journals, scrapbooks, or sketchbooks... the sky is the limit!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8.
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Monday, June 27
1-3 pm
What can you make with "dis-CARD-ed" items? We'll give you one guess! Turn salvaged fabric, found items, and paper into beautiful, unique cards for all occasions. We’ll provide all the materials -- though you can bring your own. All you need is you and your sense of adventure!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8.
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Monday, June 20
1-3 pm
You've got the "write" stuff; now try your hand at ancient binding techniques and making one-of-a-kind blank books from salvaged paper and fabric. We’ll provide all the materials, though you are welcome to bring your own! These make great gifts, journals, scrapbooks, or sketchbooks... the sky is the limit!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8.
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
2021
6/3, 8/19,
9/23, 10/25,
11/1, 12/13,
1/31
2022
2/21, 4/25,
6/13, 8/29,
9/19, 11/3
2023
1/12, 2/2, 3/3,
Apr 6, May 11, June 15
Join Darcy from Furnish Studio + Salvage as we restore a piece of furniture together! This class is designed so you can get your hands dirty, practice on a real piece, and ask all the questions you want! Furniture will be provided, and we will talk through and perform all the steps needed to prep, make small repairs, paint, and protect the new finish.
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8. Class fee: $30.
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Monday, June 13
1-3 pm
Teens and adults alike are welcome at this class! Take samples, leftover pieces, and other salvaged fabric and create one-of-a-kind totes for yourself or a friend! We’ve got machines and cloth; just bring yourself and your creativity.
All materials included; no experience necessary. Maximum participants: 8.
Class fees
NEW! Early Bird Rates:
Ages 13-17: $10
Adults: $20
Volunteers: FREE
After June 11:
Ages 13-17: $15
Adults: $30.
Volunteers: FREE
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
April 21, 2022
April 27, 2023
6-8 PM
Do I need a greenhouse for my tomatoes? How do I build raised beds? When should I start my seeds? What even grows up here? Bring your ideas and questions to Lydia as we cover what it takes to grow your own fruits & veggies at home in Alaska.
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8.
Class fee: Adults, $30. Teens, enter code Teen15 for 50% off!
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Monday, April 4
6-8 PM
You don’t need to hire an electrician to refresh your lighting! Join Dan as we learn the tools and tricks to safely and easily replace your light fixtures at home. Get hands-on practice with our in-house setup!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 4. Class fee: $30.
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
2022:
May 16
May 19
March 28
March 31
July 14
2023:
April 17 & 24
Sept. 25
Tile and mortar and grout, oh my!
You're off to see the Wizard of Tile in the Make It Classroom! Erick will simplify the path so it's as easy to follow as a yellow brick... er, tile road! We'll cover everything from surface prep to adhesives and sealants.
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 4. Class fee: $30.
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Monday
March 21
6-8 PM
Join us in the Make It "Glassroom!"
We've got a brand-new topic on the calendar this month: fusing glass in microwave kilns! Sharon will help us turn colorful shards into lasting works of art. All materials provided, but if you prefer to bring your own gloves and goggles, you are welcome to. We just need you and your sense of adventure!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 5. Class fee: $30.
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Monday, March 14
6-8 PM
Tune-ups aren't just for engines and instruments. Queen-sized cabinets also need new parts and tweaks to stay spiffy and useful! Get hands-on practice with tools and techniques from Darcy of Furnish Studio + Salvage as we turn a humdrum hunk of wood into a chic and desirable piece. We'll cover everything from surface prep and paints to replacing shelves and topcoats.
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 4. Class fee: $30.
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
Monday
February 28
6-8 PM
Cinderella's fairy godmother used magic to make her the belle of the ball. We don't have any sorcerer's tricks, but we love to transform! Join us and Darcy from Furnish Studio + Salvage as we turn dull old cabinets into true treasures. We'll cover everything from surface prep to topcoats and attaching extras.
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8. Class fee: $30.
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.
2021
November 22
2022
January 24
Sometimes a good piece of furniture just needs a little repair to become a GREAT piece of furniture! Darcy from Furnish Studio + Salvage covers the basics of furniture repair. Get the skills you need at home or when restoring an old piece you find at the Habitat ReStore!
All materials provided; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8. Free; suggested donation: $30
2021
August 26
September 2
September 9
2022
January 17
January 20
Got an older furniture piece with beautiful potential? Fix it up with simple upholstery techniques! This class will provide hands-on practice with fabric, staples, and tacks so you can restyle to your heart's content.
Practice on one of our pieces, or bring your own. No experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 10. Free; suggested donation: $30
Thursday
January 13
6-8 PM
Our guest instructors remembers moving into their first homes and trying to figure it all out! They'll be sharing tips and tricks about safety, tools, and small repairs you can do yourself. This class will cover basics like windows, doors, and floors. Bring your questions, and stay tuned for more installments in this series!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 12. Suggested donation: $30
Monday
November 29
6-8 PM
Lucky us -- and lucky you -- to spend another evening with the very talented Darcy from Furnish Studio + Salvage. Customize a home décor item using salvaged materials from the ReStore! Get hands-on practice with Chalk Couture stencils. It's an easy way to upcycle and create something special.
All materials provided; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8. Free; suggested donation: $30
Thursday
December 9
6-8 PM
Our guest instructor, a renovator and remodeler, remembers moving into her first home and trying to figure it all out! She’ll be sharing tips and tricks about safety, tools, and small repairs you can do yourself. This class will cover basics like electrical, plumbing, and heating maintenance. Stay tuned for more installments in this series!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 12. Suggested donation: $30
Monday
Oct. 4, 2021
6-8 PM
Refreshing rusty metal furniture is easier than you think! Practice on our pieces and see a quick and easy transformation. All supplies included. Wear paint clothes, preferably something warm enough for when we work outside.
All materials provided; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 6. Free; suggested donation: $30
New date!
Monday,
Sept. 27, 2021
6-8 PM
Customize a home décor item using salvaged materials from the ReStore! Get hands-on practice with Chalk Couture stencils. It's an easy way to upcycle and create something special.
All materials provided; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 10. Free; suggested donation: $30
September 16, 2021
6-8 PM
Take a humble box, houseware, or piece of furniture, and turn it into a treasure with a bit of glue and some scrap paper or fabric. We'll talk techniques and materials and give you a chance to practice your skills on a project of your own or one of ours!
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 10. Suggested donation: $30
August 19, 2021
6-8 PM
Join Darcy from Furnish Studio + Salvage as we restore a piece of furniture together! This class is designed so you can get your hands dirty, practice on a real piece, and ask all the questions you want! Furniture will be provided, and we will talk through and perform all the steps needed to prep, make small repairs, paint, and protect the new finish.
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 10. Suggested donation: $30
Upcycled Garden
with SEED Lab @Anchorage Museum
Come to this FREE workshop and learn to reuse salvaged materials in your garden!
Monday
April 18
5:30-8 PM
Give that old light fixture a quick "fix" and bring it back into the... well, you get it. Here at the Make It Classroom, we believe that everything has a purpose, even those outdated sconces and swag lamps. Join Darcy of Furnish Studio + Salvage as we put some ideas to the test to keep these potential beauties out of the landfill and give them a second life.
All materials included; no experience necessary.
Maximum participants: 8. Class fee: $30.
If you have a financial hardship, consider volunteering, or contact us here.