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.

workshops

Chicago Workshops Calendar

Evanston Workshops Calendar

Chicago Workshops

Evanston Workshops

Instructor Bios

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List of Machines and Tools

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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
Woodworking
Creative Reuse
Private Events
Youth and Families
Open Shop

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.
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Upgrading Your HVAC – What Homeowners Need to Know

Take this informational workshop to learn all about HVAC systems!
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Intro to Plumbing: Understanding Your Home Plumbing System

Come to RX to learn about plumbing systems!

Woodworking

Series Classes
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Beginning Woodworking

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

2-Day Refinishing Bootcamp

Learn how to refinish furniture from start to finish in this 2-Day intensive workshop.
Tool Classes
Power Tools 101

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.
Chop Saw Tool

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

Cutting Board

This cutting board project is the perfect introduction to working with hardwood!
2x4 bench

Bench

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

Serving Tray

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

Side Table

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

Floating Shelf

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

Mirror Frame

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

Plant Stand

Make your own plant stand from reclaimed material!

Creative Reuse

Mosaics

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!!
Creative lamp

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.
Created with Crystals

Fun with Crystals

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

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

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.
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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!

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Beginning Woodworking (ages 11-14)

6-week Introduction to woodworking for middle schoolers.
Robotics and Mechanics

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

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

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We are proud to offer Open Shop

Consider yourself a real Ron Swanson but no room to have your own workshop?
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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!”
Yuji Winet
“Great experience! Got good practice with tools. Sergio was great. Everyone completed their bench with some time to and :-)”
Teresa Kilbane
“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”
Yigal Spinner
"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."
Todd
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Questions: contact workshops@rebuildingexchange.org.

Instructor Bios

Learn more

List of Machines and Tools

Learn more

Workshop Gift Certificate

Learn more

Volunteer

Learn more
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Rebuilding Exchange invests in our communities by reusing building materials, reducing construction waste, and training, supporting, and connecting people seeking careers in the building trades.
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