Workshops

Creative Reuse, Clever Salvaging, & Diy Fun

Rebuilding Exchange has the tools, the space, and the skilled experts to get you into maker mode. We curate a variety of classes and hands-on workshops every month at our incredibly accommodating Chicago and Evanston stores.

Meet people. Make something. Find community. Check our ever-changing calendar and sign-up for your own Rebuilding Exchange experience.

Learn more about our Open Shop Memberships here!

Want to give a workshop experience to someone else? You can purchase our workshop gift cards here!

events calendar

Discover a world of creativity and craftsmanship at our diverse workshops – an enriching calendar of hands-on experiences for all skill levels!

Chicago Workshops Calendar

Evanston Workshops Calendar

Chicago Workshops

Evanston Workshops

Instructor Bios

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OPEN SHOP MEMBERSHIPS

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Workshop Gift Certificate

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Volunteer

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Why Our Workshops Feel So Good

When you take a class with Rebuilding Exchange, you’re part of a story of reuse, renewal, and opportunity. Rebuilding Exchange is a nonprofit with a mission to advance environmental sustainability by reducing waste, and providing people with the support, skills development, and training to find rewarding careers in the building trades. Below are some examples of our workshops. To see current workshops, go to our Evanston and Chicago Eventbrite pages.

Refunds and Exchanges:

If you can’t make it to a class, you can transfer your ticket to someone else. Please email indigo@rebuildingexchange.org with their name and email address.
If the Rebuilding Exchange Evanston needs to cancel a workshop, we will notify you 24 hours before the class and give you the option of refund or reschedule.
We do not currently offer other refunds or transfers between classes.
We are not able to accommodate last minute attendees. If a workshop is sold out, there are no open spots.

Home Improvement

How to Rewire a Light Fixture

Have a favorite lamp or fixture that stopped working? Come learn how to bring it back to life.

Intro to Electrical

Learn how to swap out and install new lighting and switches in your home.

Upgrading Your HVAC – What Homeowners Need to Know

Take this informational workshop to learn all about HVAC systems!

Intro to Plumbing: Understanding Your Home Plumbing System

Come to RX to learn about plumbing systems!

Woodworking

Series Classes

Beginning Woodworking

Begin your woodworking journey with this 6-week class that covers the basics from identifying wood through constructing a simple project.

2-Day Refinishing Bootcamp

Learn how to refinish furniture from start to finish in this 2-Day intensive workshop.

Tool Classes

Power Tools 101

Start your woodworking journey with Rebuilding Exchange! Learn about the basic power tools you can use to make your dream woodworking projects a reality.

Tool of the Month

Rebuilding Exchange and The Chicago Tool Library partner to introduce users to different tools each month.

Make It Take It Classes

Cutting Board

This cutting board project is the perfect introduction to working with hardwood!

Bench

In this workshop you will select, plan, and construct your own bench from reclaimed wood.

Serving Tray

In this workshop, you will learn basic woodworking skills while constructing a serving tray out of reclaimed wood and hardware.

Side Table

Learn how to craft a small rustic table from reclaimed wood or wood flooring.

Floating Shelf

Learn how to make a floating shelf out of reclaimed wood.

Mirror Frame

Use salvaged mirrors and reclaimed wood to make your own custom mirror frame!

Plant Stand

Make your own plant stand from reclaimed material!

Creative Reuse

Mosaics (Evanston)

We will be creating mosaic pieces from our own supply of tiles and surfaces. Create your own design, make it bold and bright; or monotone and cool. It’s up to you!!

Make a Lamp out of ANYTHING!

Join Lead Educational Instructor, Frank, as we dive in, get creative and problem solve our way into transforming everyday items into functional lighting.

Fun with Crystals

Get creative with crystal chandelier parts. We'll turn them into jewelry, sculptures, light catchers. and more. Bring your ideas!

Plastic Bags into Handmade Fabric

In this workshop, we will learn the ins and outs of plastic and how it can be sorted and made into a strong reusable fabric material by using a simple clothing iron and some paper to make new objects.

Fun with Embroidery, Botanicals and LED Light

Join artist, Haerim Lee, for this fun & interactive workshop that combines botany, embroidery, & LED lights to make unique illuminated art.

Art Tiles (Evanston)

Join local artist Lisa Plefka Haskin in upcycling reclaimed ceramic tiles into beautiful pieces suitable for hanging on your wall, using as coasters or brightening up any space.

Youth and Families

We’re building more opportunities for youth and families. Sign up for our Workshops Newsletter to keep up with the latest!

Beginning Woodworking (ages 11-14)

6-week Introduction to woodworking for middle schoolers.

Intro to Robotics and Mechanics (ages 11-14) COMING SOON!

Learn the basics of movement and how to make objects move using simple motors.

Halloween Family Fun

Join Rebuilding Exchange Evanston and, our neighbor, The WasteShed for Halloween crafts and a trick-or-treat scavenger hunt through the warehouse.

Open Shop

We are proud to offer Open Shop

Consider yourself a real Ron Swanson but no room to have your own workshop?
Learn More

What People Say

“The woodworking classes at Rebuilding Exchange are **awesome**. I'm a total amateur but now some of my favorite things I own are things I (or me and my gf) made in their classes! Katie was great. Can't recommend this place enough!”

“Great experience! Got good practice with tools. Sergio was great. Everyone completed their bench with some time to and :-)”

“Very adventurous place. Old reclaimed wood. You don't know what you will find strolling around. The woodwork classes are fun and teaches you to use reclaimed wood. I recommend this to all amateur carpenters”

"Due to Frank's tutelage, I now feel more confident about getting back in the shop for a "make it, take it" session, or just practicing during open shop to hone my skills."

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Educational Workshops - Chicago

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Deconstruction Services

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Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.

To learn more about the great goings-on at Rebuilding Exchange sign up for our newsletters below!

You can choose to hear all our organizational news, or just what’s most interesting to you by checking the boxes below.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

Address

Street Address ZIP / Postal Code

Email*

Email Lists

Educational Workshops - Chicago

Educational Workshops - Evanston

Store Promotions - Chicago

Store Promotions - Evanston

Deconstruction Services

Workforce Training

Comments

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Creative Reuse, Clever Salvaging, & Diy Fun

events calendar

Chicago Workshops Calendar

Evanston Workshops Calendar

Chicago Workshops