June Art Caddy Workshops @ Tum-A-Lum Lumber

This month we built art caddies with kids during our workshops at Tum-A-Lum Lumber in Pendleton and Hood River. This time Pendleton was first and 28 kids all built, stained or painted, and took home their own art caddy! We had 14 kids build art their own art caddy in Hood River. So great to witness their problem solving and perseverance! If you were unable to attend the workshop you can download the plans here and build it at home.

Next month we are building bird houses! You can sign up for the Hood River workshop here and Pendleton workshop here. See you soon!

May Mason Bee House DIY Workshops @ Tum-A-Lum Lumber

This month we built mason bee houses at Tum-A-Lum Lumber in Hood River and Pendleton! Mason bees are native pollinators that help your plants grow. They generally don't sting and don't live in hives. Instead they are solitary and will live in their own space near other mason bees, kind of like condo living! The kids had lots of practice drilling holes, learning about the importance of a roof and placement options all while building community. If you were unable to attend the workshop you can download the plans here and build it at home. Next month we are building art caddies!

April Picket Frame DIY Workshops @ Tum-A-Lum Lumber

This month we not only offered a kids workshop in partnership with Tum-A-Lum Lumber in Hood River but also kicked off a brand new workshop series in Pendleton! Everyone created their own unique picket frame for Mother's Day. While the variable weather deterred some people from coming out in Hood River, our workshop in the Pendleton warehouse was packed! We will have to get another table built for next time... So heartwarming to feel the appreciation from a community that doesn't have many opportunities like this. And one of the girls told me she wants to be a builder when she grows up! Very inspiring to work with the next generation. If you were unable to attend the workshop you can download the plans here and build it at home. Stay tuned for our workshops in Hood River and Pendleton next month!

March Block Lamp DIY Workshop @ Tum-A-Lum Lumber

We kicked off our 2018 workshops with Tum-A-Lum Lumber with a kids DIY block lamp in Hood River! Everyone learned some basic design guidelines as well as tips and tricks for assembly, then got to work creating their own unique lamps. It was fun to see the creativity flow with no two lamps alike. Some participants even decided to build a removable top cap for their lamps so they can still access the bulb and also to direct the light more out the sides. Pretty cool! Our past projects have mostly offered personalization with paint colors so it was great to offer design personalization with this workshop. If you were unable to attend the workshop you can download the plans here and build it at home. Stay tuned for our workshops in Hood River AND Pendleton next month!

Upcoming Block Lamp Workshop @ Tum-A-Lum Lumber

We are kicking off our 2018 DIY workshops with Tum-A-Lum Lumber next Saturday, March 31st with a block lamp for kids! Once again, this workshop is offered for free and will be held from 9-11am at the Hood River store. Preregistration is required to reserve your space and you can sign up by clicking this link. Can't wait!

DIY Home Weatherization Workshop @ Tum-A-Lum Lumber

Today we offered our 5th workshop in partnership with Tum-A-Lum Lumber. This time we discussed materials and methods for weatherizing your home! We talked about DIY air sealing, door weather-stripping and sweeps, insulation types, R-value, building science and more. Participants left with a better understanding of how to increase their home's comport and energy efficiency as well as a coupon good towards their next purchase of weatherization materials from Tum-A-Lum.

Bat House Workshop @ Tum-A-Lum Lumber

Today we offered our 4th workshop in partnership with Tum-A-Lum Lumber. This time we made bat houses for Halloween on a beautiful fall day! Attendees were a mix of regulars and new faces which was great. See photos below and stay tuned for a DIY How-To Guide coming out this winter!

A few notes on building a successful bat house...

Size: 14" wide by 24" tall is the recommended minimum, depth can vary depending on number of chambers and size of bats that will use the house. The one we built has a single chamber.

Design: Must have an exposed landing pad at the bottom, 3"-6" tall is recommended. Both interior surfaces should be rough so they have something to grab onto. We used wire mesh for this. All seams should be sealed with caulk, especially the roof in order to trap the heat generated by the sun and body heat from the bats. Dark paint is recommended to help absorb heat.

Placement: 15'-20' off of the ground on a pole or south facing building to take advantage of the sun's direct path. Trees should be avoided because they harbor predators and may shade the house.

Check out these links for more information about bats!

Organization for Bat Conservation

Bat Conservation International

Framed Chalkboard Hanger Workshop @ Tum-A-Lum Lumber

Today we offered our 3rd workshop with Tum-A-Lum Lumber in Hood River! This one was open to all ages and most of the attendees were "regulars", having attended all of the workshops thus far. This time we built and painted a framed chalkboard hanger and everyone got creative with orientation, hanger locations and paint! Check out the photos below and our previous tool box, bird house and hanging planter box workshops.

Kid's Tool Box Workshop @ Tum-A-Lum Lumber

Today we offered our second workshop with Tum-A-Lum Lumber in Hood River! This time we focused it on kids who learned how to hammer together pre-cut pieces of pine into their own toolboxes. Then they got creative with paint to personalize their toolbox. Stay tuned for a DIY how-to guide so you can make one of your own! Also, you can check out last month's bird house workshop here.

Bird House Workshop @ Tum-A-Lum Lumber

Today the company I founded, enerstructa llc, offered our first official workshop in partnership with Tum-A-Lum Lumber in Hood River, Oregon! Due to high interest in the workshop, we actually taught 2 groups of 10 people of all ages how to build bird houses. Tum-A-Lum provided all of the materials and tools for the workshop. Prior to the workshop, I pre-cut the pieces of each kit and then participants nailed the pieces together to form the birdhouse. We also used drills to screw on the bottom pieces so they can be more easily removed to empty out the next each year. Finally, everyone painted their bird house, getting creative with the red, yellow and blue quick drying paint. Stay tuned for a DIY how-to guide so you can make one of your own!