Red Mountain Makers

Pewter Pendant Casting Workshop

When
04/12/2025
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Open Project Area
Spaces left
8

Register

In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to create an original pewter pendant from small found objects alongside skilled metal artist, Julie Carpenter. With her guidance, your hands-on experience will include pattern designing, mold making, casting, drilling, polishing, and patina application. In addition to your newfound love for metal casting, you will take home a shiny new handmade piece pf pewter art designed and crafted by you! Feel free to bring your own tiny objects to use in designing your piece. Julie will bring her big collection of small things to share with all students in this process.

About the Instructor: Julie Carpenter (@juliecarpenterart) has been instructing and sharing her knowledge in the art of metalworking since 2007. She has taught classes and held camps on the fundamentals of oxygen/acetylene (gas) welding, MIG (wire) welding, and pewter jewelry casting to people between the ages of 8 and 85. Julie believes that metal working is for everyone and that experiencing firsthand how metals melt and fuse together is the best beginning.

What to wear: At RMM, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.

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Tap into Tufting - Rug Tufting Workshop

When
04/12/2025
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Classroom
Spaces left
2

We are THRILLED to start hosting the Rug Tufting Workshops of Tuft Birmingham to Red Mountain Makers!

In this 3-hour workshop, you will learn how to create your own rug, hosted by Andrea creator of Tuft Birmingham! No experience needed – just bring your creativity and get ready to tuft!

You get to upload the image you would like to make! This image will have to be completed in 2.5 hours. There will not be enough time to complete complicated images with small details, so we suggest images with no more than 4-5 colors. Andrea will reach out if she recommends changing the image!

For non-members, this class comes with a FREE MONTH of membership (a $40 value). After completing the class, students are invited to use that free month of membership to return during open hours to work on other projects, meet people, and explore more ways to make!

This class is taught by Andrea Willis of Tuft Birmingham. Check out her work on Instagram and Facebook or shop her work on Etsy!

FAQ:

What is rug tufting?

Rug tufting is a technique used to create rugs by punching yarn or thread through a base fabric using a tufting gun or needle. This process allows for the creation of various patterns, textures, and designs on the rug’s surface.

Do I need any prior experience to participate in Tuft Birmingham workshops?

No prior experience is necessary to participate in our workshop. We welcome participants of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners.

What’s included with the Workshop?

All the supplies needed to create your hand-tufted rug: tufting machines, frames, cloth, and a selection of yarn from our wide range of yarn colors.

Finishing service done by us: gluing, shaving, and backing your rug!

Age:

There are no age limitations. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Email classes@redmountainmakers.org with questions.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

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AWA Class Series: Turn a Spin Top Box

When
04/12/2025
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Woodshop
Spaces left
5

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Description: This hands-on workshop combines two popular woodturned items, a box and a top, into one project.

Participants should attend the morning meeting to see the project demonstrated (see https://alabamawoodturners.com/meetings/). Familiarity with basic woodturning techniques is assumed. Participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring their own tools, and AWA will provide anything else needed.

About the Instructor: Michael Anderson will be visiting from Chattanooga where he is active in the Tri-State Woodturners club and leadership in national woodturning forums. He has been a featured artist in American Woodturner magazine and recently received Best of Show at the Tennessee Craft Best of Tennessee Biennial Exhibition.

Note: This class is part of the monthly Alabama Woodturners Association Class Series. Dues paying AWA members can attend this class free of charge, however registration is required. Please enter the AWA code at registration and contact classes@redmountainmakers.org with any issues. This class is open to the public. Participants should attend the morning meeting to see the demonstration and learn the techniques. The meeting is at 9:00 AM on the day of the class at Hardware Park.(https://alabamawoodturners.com/meetings/)

Are Minors allowed? Yes, if accompanied by parent

What to wear: You must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long sleeves should be avoided if possible and rolled up if necessary. Long hair must be tied back and dangly necklaces, earrings or other accessories shall be removed before starting the class. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed. Masks may be required depending on circumstances.

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Turn an Elegant "Baron" Fountain Pen or Roller Ball Pen

When
04/15/2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Woodshop
Spaces left
3

Register

Learn to make an elegant hand-crafted “Baron” Fountain Pen OR a Roller Ball Pen!

The “Baron” fountain pen is trimmed with nibs, clips and other elements made out of the highest quality silver plating which gives each pen a distinguished look in addition to durability. Experience in turning would be helpful but is not required.

The fountain pen features an ultra-smooth threading removable cap that screws on to both the bottom and top of the pen. The Baron Fountain Pen not only is a great looking pen, but it is also light weight and one of the smoothest writing instruments available for everyday use and has a two-tone German made nib with an iridium tip. The artistic fittings are hand worked and polished and the solid metal external components add to the pens expensive and hardy feel.

The Baron comes with both a siphon pump and blue ink cartridge. This hand-crafted pen will make a unique gift to others or yourself and will be completely one-of-a-kind!

The Baron Rollerball was designed for comfort, style, and function with its classic design and six striking facets on the nib.

The Baron Rollerball is extremely easy to make and includes a ceramic tipped Schmidt cartridge for ultra-smooth and effortless writing.

Each pen will be turned from beautiful exotic woods such as: King Cocobolo, Olivewood, Burmese Rosewood, Cherry Burl, Boxelder Burl, Red Mailee Burl, Bocote, Spalted Tamarind, Box Elder, etc. Students may choose silver plated or gold for the pen kit.

About the Instructor: Terry Tingle is the president of the Alabama Woodturners Association and is a member of The American Association of Woodturners. Terry has been teaching students how to turn pens for years, some of whom have had their exhibitions in Art and Craft Shows throughout Alabama, including Mentone.

Are Minors allowed? Yes, accompanied by parent.

What to wear: You must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long sleeves should be avoided if possible and rolled up if necessary. Long hair must be tied back and dangly necklaces, earrings or other accessories shall be removed before starting the class. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed. Masks may be required depending on circumstances.

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class, though minors must be supervised by a guardian at all times. Please read carefully the disclaimers and guidelines and contact us with any questions or concerns.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

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Intro to 3D Printing

When
04/16/2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - 3D Printing & Circuit Lab
Spaces left
3

Register

In this course, participants will chose a pre-made 3d model and learn how to use RMM's 3d printer ecosystem to bring 3d models to life with our Fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers (AKA filament printers). Prints will run overnight after the class, participants can pick up the completed project within 1 week after the class.

For non-members, this class comes with a FREE MONTH of membership (a $40 value). After completing the class, students are invited to use that free month of membership to return during open hours to print additional designs and learn more about 3D printing from other knowledgeable members!

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class. Please contact us with questions.

What to wear: At RMM, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes. Long hair should be tied back. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

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Beginner Blacksmithing: Forging Nails

When
04/18/2025
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Forge Area
Spaces left
3

Register

Making nails has been one the oldest forms of Blacksmithing for centuries. It is usually the first task of any apprentice to learn the basics skills necessary toward becoming a blacksmith.

This course does not require a lot of strength nor skill-set prior to the class. For these reasons it is the perfect starting lesson for those wanting to try their hand at some old fashioned Blacksmithing. This course will teach students the proper terms, techniques, and protocols required to successfully create usable nails. For anyone looking to get a basic understanding of Blacksmithing, this is the course for you.

About the Instructor: This class is taught by Kenneth of Fire & Brimstone Forge.

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class, however minors must be accompanied by an adult.

What to wear: At RMM, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing (100% cotton), long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.

Please review our Refund and Cancellation Policy.

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Beginner Blacksmithing: Forge A Stock Knife

When
04/19/2025
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Forge Area
Spaces left
6

Register

In this class students will forge a small knife out of a piece of solid stock metal. This lesson will cover material foresight, design vs functionality, and will briefly hit upon types of metal and tempering techniques. The task used to create this knife will involve drawing- stretching out metal in a linear direction, forging out a bevel using hammer control, cutting, and sharpening. This class will involve the challenge of utilizing tongs and will introduce the methods necessary to handle the metal quickly and efficiently. Though this is an intermediate class, no previous knowledge is necessary to take this class. Work level is light to moderate.

About the Instructor: This class is taught by Kenneth of Fire & Brimstone Forge.

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class, however minors must be accompanied by an adult.

What to wear: At RMM, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing (100% cotton), long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.

Please review our Refund and Cancellation Policy.

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Turn a Wooden Twig Vase

When
04/19/2025
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Woodshop
Spaces left
0

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Learn the basics of woodturning to make the design of your choice. This class will cover the fundamentals including how to safely operate a lathe, how to use hand-held turning tools, properties of wood, design considerations, and finishing. Participants may copy an example design or develop their own. We will have plenty of wood for practice and creativity.

Are minors allowed? Only if accompanied by parent.

What to Wear: You must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in long pants, closed toe and heal shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long sleeves should be avoided. Long hair must be tied back and jewelry should not be worn. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed. Ear plugs are recommended for hearing protection and dust masks are also useful.

About the instructor:

Carl Cummins has been woodturning as a primary activity for over 12 years. He has studied extensively from books, videos, workshops, symposiums, and formal training from nationally and internationally known leaders in the field including David Ellsworth and Jean-Francois Escoulen. Instead of specializing, Carl enjoys a wide variety of woodturning projects including bowls, boxes, practical items, and eccentric art pieces.

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class, though minors must be supervised by a guardian at all times. Please read carefully the disclaimers and guidelines and contact us with any questions or concerns.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

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Kids Gamer Rug Tufting Workshop

When
04/19/2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Classroom
Spaces left
6

Register

Kids Gamer Tufting Workshop – Create Your Own Gaming Rug!

Calling all young gamers! Join us for a fun, hands-on tufting workshop where kids (ages 8-12) can create their own gaming-themed rug.

Pick from 6 designs:

• Pokéball

• Minecraft Creeper Face

• PlayStation Logo

• Xbox Logo

• Mario Star

• Animal Crossing Leaf

Customize Your Rug!

• Pick up to 4 yarn colors to make it your own.

• Not sure which colors to choose? We’ll provide suggested color palettes based on the original designs!

️ Rugs will not be taken home the same day. After the workshop, we’ll complete the final finishing process, and you’ll be notified when your rug is ready for pickup!

No experience needed—just come ready to have fun and create a one-of-a-kind gaming rug!

Spots are limited! Reserve yours today!

For non-members, this class comes with a FREE MONTH of membership (a $40 value). After completing the class, students are invited to use that free month of membership to return during open hours to work on other projects, meet people, and explore more ways to make!

This class is taught by Andrea Willis of Tuft Birmingham. Check out her work on Instagram and Facebook or shop her work on Etsy!

FAQ:

What is rug tufting?

Rug tufting is a technique used to create rugs by punching yarn or thread through a base fabric using a tufting gun or needle. This process allows for the creation of various patterns, textures, and designs on the rug’s surface.

Do I need any prior experience to participate in Tuft Birmingham workshops?

No prior experience is necessary to participate in our workshop. We welcome participants of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners.

What’s included with the Workshop?

All the supplies needed to create your hand-tufted rug: tufting machines, frames, cloth, and a selection of yarn from our wide range of yarn colors.

Finishing service done by us: gluing, shaving, and backing your rug!

Age:

There are no age limitations. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Email classes@redmountainmakers.org with questions.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

Show details

Intermediate Blacksmithing: Forge a Railroad Spike Knife

When
04/19/2025
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Forge Area
Spaces left
6

Register

Learn how to forge a knife out of a railroad spike!

This is the perfect class to learn one of the basics of knives-making: balancing durability and hardness of the metal to make the perfect blade.

Students will utilize a high carbon railroad spike and learn methods that induce carbon into the metal while also learning how to temper in a process called normalization. The metal will then posses both features of a durable and hard metal that is ideal for knives.

As far as knives are concerned, the harder the steel, the better the edge, however, the harder edge makes for a brittle knife. A balance is needed between the soft flexible metal and the hard brittle metal to achieve a knife that will hold an edge without breaking. In this class more techniques for blade smithing will be covered, including various heat treatments, tapering, and tempering methods used to maximize strength with durability.

Prerequisites: We recommend you complete a beginner blacksmithing class such as Forging Nails prior to taking this class, or having previous experience.

About the Instructor: This class is taught by Kenneth of Fire & Brimstone Forge.

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

What to wear: At RMM, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing (100% cotton), long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.

Please review our Refund and Cancellation Policy.

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Intermediate Blacksmithing: Forging Hammers

When
04/20/2025
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers
Spaces left
6

Register

In this course students will take old sledge hammers and turn them into high quality forging hammers. This will involve taking an existing hammer head and reforming it into a new type of hammer using custom forging dies. Students will learn how to shape contours using the bench grinder and belt grinder then they will assemble the hammer into new wooden handle!

Prerequisites: We recommend you complete a beginner blacksmithing class such as Forging Nails prior to taking this class, or having previous experience.

About the Instructor: This class is taught by Kenneth of Fire & Brimstone Forge.

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

What to wear: At RMM, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing (100% cotton), long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.

Please review our Refund and Cancellation Policy.

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Turn an Acrylic Pen

When
04/21/2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Woodshop
Spaces left
3

Register

In this class, we will turn a pen using an acrylic pen blank from a wide variety of colors and styles. Acrylic turns much differently from wood and having taken an earlier pen class would be helpful, but not a requirement for this class. Acrylic is much harder than wood and has a different kind of smell. The finished product, if done properly, will have a beautiful, glass-like appearance. Acrylic pens offer a much wider selection of colors and styles than wood. There is a limit of three to this class. The cost of $125.00 will cover all materials, prepared pen blanks, and all supplies for finishing your pen.

About the Instructor: Terry Tingle is the president of the Alabama Woodturners Association and is a member of The American Association of Woodturners. Terry has been teaching students how to turn pens for years, some of whom have had their exhibitions in Art and Craft Shows throughout Alabama, including Mentone.

What to wear: You must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long sleeves should be avoided if possible and rolled up if necessary. Long hair must be tied back and dangly necklaces, earrings or other accessories shall be removed before starting the class. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed. Masks may be required depending on circumstances.

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class, though minors must be supervised by a guardian at all times. Please read carefully the disclaimers and guidelines and contact us with any questions or concerns.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

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Glass Blowing Open Studio

When
04/23/2025
3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Forge Area
Spaces left
5

Start your own journey in glass, weather with sculptures or vessels you can begin exploring while the furnace is hot and an assistant is available.

This is an invite only unless you have taken the prerequisite intro and intermediate glassblowing or have glassblowing experience from another studio.

$45 per person. Feel free to bring your own tools or supplies. However, tools and annealer time are supplied and glass/color is provided at near cost for those that have a project they can finish.

Talk through with the instructor and find a plan for how to get to your desired design.

Note: this is not a guided class, you have access to an assistant for your work. If you need practice on basics this is a great opportunity to do so.

About the Instructor: Garrett began teaching at a young age, first as a martial arts instructor and later at a trade school for massage therapy. While teaching massage, he found a glass studio in town and was accepted as an apprentice under Daniel Bell of Red Flower Studios and Jeremy Thomley of Hot Glass Mississippi. After about a year, Garrett was hired on as an assistant in the shop. For 2 years he assisted full time in the studio while honing his glass basics. The shop focused on customer experiences and instruction. In an industry where most artists are fighting for four hours of furnace time Garrett was thrown into 12 hour days 6 days a week. After his assistantship Garrett was placed in charge of student glass experiences for 2 seasons.

During the off time he found his way out to Utah and Texas for more education and glass work experience in other studios. After moving to Birmingham , Garrett began growing his education in furnace building with the help of Charlie Correll of Correll glass studio and now has his own portable furnace for demos and classes on the go allowing him to open his own studio: Whimsies Hot Glass. The name comes from an old glassblowing term for the creative items a glassblower may get to make at the end of the work day for themselves; whimsies are all the beginnings of glassblowers personal creativity and so it will be your beginning as well!

While his focus and passion is in student experiences, blow your owns and classes Garrett's personal work can be found at local artist and makers markets in the Birmingham area.

What to wear: At RMM, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing (100% cotton), long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed. The CDC has a guide to acceptable cloth masks that help prevent the spread of infection.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

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Casting metal: Aluminum processes and procedures

When
04/25/2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Metal Shop
Spaces left
6

Register

Red Mountain Makers has made some significant investments in our metal casting capabilities, and we want our community to be able to take advantage of it! We know that molten metal can be a little intimidating, and materials can be expensive. That's why we are thrilled to be offering this introductory class focused on learning the skills to work safely and confidently on future projects, using aluminum, a lower cost material.

In this class students will learn how to safely and correctly operate the smelting furnace with the opportunity to pour their own ingot using molten Aluminum. Students will learn about various techniques, foundry terminology, safety procedures, and proper handling of molten material. Students will use industry standard tools to heat up, transport and pour metal into pre made ingot molds. Safety equipment will be provided.

For non-members, this class comes with a FREE MONTH of membership (a $40 value). After completing the class, students are invited to use that free month of membership to return during open hours to get started on their own metal projects using the skills they learned!

Work involved – smelting metal, lifting 10 lbs. coordination, pouring metal, unmolding, grinding and cleanup

What to wear: At RMM, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing (100% cotton), long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.

About the Instructor: Class is taught by Kenneth of Fire & Brimstone Forge

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class. Please read carefully the disclaimers and guidelines

Refund and Cancellation Policy

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Beginner Stained Glass: Tulip Ornament

When
04/26/2025
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Open Project Area
Spaces left
6

Register

If your looking for a fun and interesting craft project but don’t want to commit to a lot of work, then this is the class for you! Students taking this class will be introduced to proper processes of soldering pieces of glass to create a stained glass ornament. Students will receive a kit of materials and Pre-cut glass they will assemble while following alongside the instructor in a step by step process.

A new seasonal ornament uniquely designed will be available each offering making for a unique experience every time this class is offered through the year! This month it's this beautiful snow flake ornament! If you just want to see what working with stained glass is like, or want to start a hobby or collection then this would be an excellent class to take!

Work Involved - assembly, copper foiling, soldering, grinding glass

Tools & Materials - (Lead came/U channel, copper foil, 60/40 lead solder, soldering irons, various color and styles of stained glass, latex gloves, tracing sheets, pliers, glass cutters, T pins/flat nails, pin hammers, cutting oil, glass grinder, decorative chain, tinned wire, tinned jump rings, plastic water color brushes, small plastic paint cups, paper towels, flux, and patina)

What to wear: At RMM, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing (100% cotton), long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.

About the Instructor: Class is taught by Kenneth of Fire & Brimstone Forge

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

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Cutting Boards for Beginners 101

When
04/26/2025
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Woodshop
Spaces left
5

Register

Get introduced to the beautiful craft of woodworking by making your own cutting board.

You will choose from a variety of designs composed of different native hardwoods, learn proper assembling, gluing, sanding and finishing techniques and will be taught how to correctly use thickness planer and orbital sander.

After this 3-hour course, you will bring home a stylish ~ 8.5" x 11" handmade board that you can show off to your friends and family.

Check out the designs available to make during this class here

What to wear: You must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long sleeves should be avoided if possible and rolled up if necessary. Long hair must be tied back and dangly necklaces, earrings or other accessories shall be removed before starting the class. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.

About the Instructor: Terry Tingle is the president of the Alabama Woodturners Association and is a member of The American Association of Woodturners. Terry has been doing woodworking since 2014, and has taught students how to create cutting board designs, cut segments, glue and use a variety of clamps, and how to use planers and orbital sanders, and how to use the right finishes to preserve cutting boards. Terry is knowledgeable and experienced in making long grain, edge grain, and end grain cutting boards. He especially enjoys seeing the expression of a student who has just learned how to make something that looks great and is so useful. And cutting boards make great gifts!

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class, though minors must be supervised by a guardian at all times. Please read carefully the disclaimers and guidelines and contact us with any questions or concerns.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

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Tap into Tufting - Rug Tufting Workshop

When
04/26/2025
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Classroom
Spaces left
6

Register

We are THRILLED to start hosting the Rug Tufting Workshops of Tuft Birmingham to Red Mountain Makers!

In this 3-hour workshop, you will learn how to create your own rug, hosted by Andrea creator of Tuft Birmingham! No experience needed – just bring your creativity and get ready to tuft!

You get to upload the image you would like to make! This image will have to be completed in 2.5 hours. There will not be enough time to complete complicated images with small details, so we suggest images with no more than 4-5 colors. Andrea will reach out if she recommends changing the image!

For non-members, this class comes with a FREE MONTH of membership (a $40 value). After completing the class, students are invited to use that free month of membership to return during open hours to work on other projects, meet people, and explore more ways to make!

This class is taught by Andrea Willis of Tuft Birmingham. Check out her work on Instagram and Facebook or shop her work on Etsy!

FAQ:

What is rug tufting?

Rug tufting is a technique used to create rugs by punching yarn or thread through a base fabric using a tufting gun or needle. This process allows for the creation of various patterns, textures, and designs on the rug’s surface.

Do I need any prior experience to participate in Tuft Birmingham workshops?

No prior experience is necessary to participate in our workshop. We welcome participants of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners.

What’s included with the Workshop?

All the supplies needed to create your hand-tufted rug: tufting machines, frames, cloth, and a selection of yarn from our wide range of yarn colors.

Finishing service done by us: gluing, shaving, and backing your rug!

Age:

There are no age limitations. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Email classes@redmountainmakers.org with questions.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

Show details

Beginner Blacksmithing: Forging Nails

When
04/26/2025
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Forge Area
Spaces left
6

Register

Making nails has been one the oldest forms of Blacksmithing for centuries. It is usually the first task of any apprentice to learn the basics skills necessary toward becoming a blacksmith.

This course does not require a lot of strength nor skill-set prior to the class. For these reasons it is the perfect starting lesson for those wanting to try their hand at some old fashioned Blacksmithing. This course will teach students the proper terms, techniques, and protocols required to successfully create usable nails. For anyone looking to get a basic understanding of Blacksmithing, this is the course for you.

About the Instructor: This class is taught by Kenneth of Fire & Brimstone Forge.

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class, however minors must be accompanied by an adult.

What to wear: At RMM, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing (100% cotton), long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.

Please review our Refund and Cancellation Policy.

Show details

Intermediate Blacksmithing: Forge a Railroad Spike Knife

When
04/27/2025
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Forge Area
Spaces left
6

Register

Learn how to forge a knife out of a railroad spike!

This is the perfect class to learn one of the basics of knives-making: balancing durability and hardness of the metal to make the perfect blade.

Students will utilize a high carbon railroad spike and learn methods that induce carbon into the metal while also learning how to temper in a process called normalization. The metal will then posses both features of a durable and hard metal that is ideal for knives.

As far as knives are concerned, the harder the steel, the better the edge, however, the harder edge makes for a brittle knife. A balance is needed between the soft flexible metal and the hard brittle metal to achieve a knife that will hold an edge without breaking. In this class more techniques for blade smithing will be covered, including various heat treatments, tapering, and tempering methods used to maximize strength with durability.

Prerequisites: We recommend you complete a beginner blacksmithing class such as Forging Nails prior to taking this class, or having previous experience.

About the Instructor: This class is taught by Kenneth of Fire & Brimstone Forge.

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

What to wear: At RMM, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing (100% cotton), long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.

Please review our Refund and Cancellation Policy.

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Intro to hot glass: Gathering, Sculpting, and Flowers

When
04/27/2025
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Open Project Area
Spaces left
0

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From light bulbs to fiber optic cables, vases to garden sculpture -, everything in glass starts with a "gather". In this class students use traditional glassmaking tools to learn the basics and sculpt hot glass into a desired shape or design. Our focus is to gain the beginning skills of glasswork imperative to working in a "Hot shop." This class is taught by Garrett of Whimsies Hot Glass.

About the Instructor: Garrett began teaching at a young age, first as a martial arts instructor and later at a trade school for massage therapy. While teaching massage, he found a glass studio in town and was accepted as an apprentice under Daniel Bell of Red Flower Studios and Jeremy Thomley of Hot Glass Mississippi. After about a year, Garrett was hired on as an assistant in the shop. For 2 years he assisted full time in the studio while honing his glass basics. The shop focused on customer experiences and instruction. In an industry where most artists are fighting for four hours of furnace time Garrett was thrown into 12 hour days 6 days a week. After his assistantship Garrett was placed in charge of student glass experiences for 2 seasons.

During the off time he found his way out to Utah and Texas for more education and glass work experience in other studios. After moving to Birmingham , Garrett began growing his education in furnace building with the help of Charlie Correll of Correll glass studio and now has his own portable furnace for demos and classes on the go allowing him to open his own studio: Whimsies Hot Glass. The name comes from an old glassblowing term for the creative items a glassblower may get to make at the end of the work day for themselves; whimsies are all the beginnings of glassblowers personal creativity and so it will be your beginning as well!

While his focus and passion is in student experiences, blow your owns and classes Garrett's personal work can be found at local artist and makers markets in the Birmingham area.

What to wear: At RMM, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing (100% cotton), long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed. The CDC has a guide to acceptable cloth masks that help prevent the spread of infection.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

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Intermediate Blacksmithing: Forge Throwing knives

When
04/27/2025
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Forge Area
Spaces left
6

Register

Learn how to forge a knife out of a railroad spike!

This is the perfect class to learn one of the basics of knives-making: balancing durability and hardness of the metal to make the perfect blade.

Students will utilize a high carbon railroad spike and learn methods that induce carbon into the metal while also learning how to temper in a process called normalization. The metal will then posses both features of a durable and hard metal that is ideal for knives.

As far as knives are concerned, the harder the steel, the better the edge, however, the harder edge makes for a brittle knife. A balance is needed between the soft flexible metal and the hard brittle metal to achieve a knife that will hold an edge without breaking. In this class more techniques for blade smithing will be covered, including various heat treatments, tapering, and tempering methods used to maximize strength with durability.

Prerequisites: We recommend you complete a beginner blacksmithing class such as Forging Nails prior to taking this class, or having previous experience.

About the Instructor: This class is taught by Kenneth of Fire & Brimstone Forge.

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

What to wear: At RMM, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing (100% cotton), long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.

Please review our Refund and Cancellation Policy.

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Intermediate Glassblowing: Blown Ornaments

When
04/27/2025
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Forge Area
Spaces left
5

Register

In the intermediate glassblowers class we will explore the blowing portion of glass work. Starting with a "seed bubble" we hope to grow our seed into basic forms in glass like the tumbler or ornament. Shaping and focusing on the centering aspect of our work. Team exercises are inevitable in glass and we will be working as a team to help each other reach our desired design. Blowing glass adds a much more detailed focus in glass as opposed to sculpting and requires swift but purposeful movements to get where we want. In this class attention to movement is a large part. If you move right, the glass will move right. This class is taught by Garrett of Whimsies Hot Glass.

About the Instructor: Garrett began teaching at a young age, first as a martial arts instructor and later at a trade school for massage therapy. While teaching massage, he found a glass studio in town and was accepted as an apprentice under Daniel Bell of Red Flower Studios and Jeremy Thomley of Hot Glass Mississippi. After about a year, Garrett was hired on as an assistant in the shop. For 2 years he assisted full time in the studio while honing his glass basics. The shop focused on customer experiences and instruction. In an industry where most artists are fighting for four hours of furnace time Garrett was thrown into 12 hour days 6 days a week. After his assistantship Garrett was placed in charge of student glass experiences for 2 seasons.

During the off time he found his way out to Utah and Texas for more education and glass work experience in other studios. After moving to Birmingham , Garrett began growing his education in furnace building with the help of Charlie Correll of Correll glass studio and now has his own portable furnace for demos and classes on the go allowing him to open his own studio: Whimsies Hot Glass. The name comes from an old glassblowing term for the creative items a glassblower may get to make at the end of the work day for themselves; whimsies are all the beginnings of glassblowers personal creativity and so it will be your beginning as well!

While his focus and passion is in student experiences, blow your owns and classes Garrett's personal work can be found at local artist and makers markets in the Birmingham area.

What to wear: At RMM, you must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing (100% cotton), long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

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Turn a Wooden Cigar Pen

When
04/28/2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Woodshop
Spaces left
4

Register

Learn the beautiful craft of pen-turning! In this introductory course to wood turning, you'll be shown how to turn a beautiful wooden pen on the lathe.

Over a couple of hours, you'll produce a gorgeous piece that is a perfect present for a dear one (or for yourself!) and learn the basics of woodturning, safety behind the lathe and its operations, as well as the different gouges to use in the process. Affectionately dubbed the "Cigar Pen,” this big body pen never gets lost on a desktop or in a purse. The large body fits comfortably in your hand for easy writing. The Cigar Pen features a high-quality, long-lasting mechanism and a durable finish. This kit utilizes a Parker style refill and a premium double twist mechanism for flawless smooth action. Excellent gift for any man in your life. Also easier to hold for people with arthritis. This pen comes in Chrome, Gold, or Black.

For a little bit fancier pen, make the Ultra Cigar pen with a “Maple Burl” pen blank for just $20.00 more:

About the Instructor: Terry Tingle is the president of the Alabama Woodturners Association and is a member of The American Association of Woodturners. Terry has been teaching students how to turn pens for years, some of whom have had their exhibitions in Art and Craft Shows throughout Alabama, including Mentone.

What to wear: You must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long sleeves should be avoided if possible and rolled up if necessary. Long hair must be tied back and dangly necklaces, earrings or other accessories shall be removed before starting the class. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed. Masks may be required depending on circumstances.

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class, though minors must be supervised by a guardian at all times. Please read carefully the disclaimers and guidelines and contact us with any questions or concerns.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

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Turn a Wooden Pen

When
05/05/2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Woodshop
Spaces left
4

Register

Learn the beautiful craft of pen-turning

In this introductory course to wood turning, you'll be shown how to turn a beautiful wooden pen on the lathe.

Over a couple of hours, you'll produce a gorgeous piece that is a perfect present for a dear one (or for yourself!) and learn the basics of woodturning, safety behind the lathe and its operations, as well as the different gouges to use in the process.

About the Instructor: Terry Tingle is the president of the Alabama Woodturners Association and is a member of The American Association of Woodturners. Terry has been teaching students how to turn pens for years, some of whom have had their exhibitions in Art and Craft Shows throughout Alabama, including Mentone.

What to wear: You must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long sleeves should be avoided if possible and rolled up if necessary. Long hair must be tied back and dangly necklaces, earrings or other accessories shall be removed before starting the class. Additional protective gear will be provided as needed. Masks may be required depending on circumstances.

Age: there are no age restrictions to the class, though minors must be supervised by a guardian at all times. Please read carefully the disclaimers and guidelines and contact us with any questions or concerns.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

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Turn an Elegant "Baron" Fountain Pen or Roller Ball Pen

When
05/12/2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location
Red Mountain Makers - Woodshop
Spaces left
3