Classes and Events
Drawing and Making - Gr. 4-5
10-Week Session - Tuesdays: April 14 - June 16 from 3:30-5:30 pm
The first half of these sessions is drawing; learning perspective, shading, texture, etc. The second half we make a craft like origami, paper crafts, dioramas, etc. Teacher: Tina Kennedy
MiniMakers for Kindergarten to Gr2
10-Week Session - Tuesdays, April 14 - June 16 from 3:30-5 pm
Explore a variety of media working both as a group and independently at stations. Lots of pretend and creating from our imaginations while gaining good maker skills with scissors, glue, paint, etc. Instructor. Mary McDonald brings many years of experience with this age group.
Open Studio for Grades 3 and Up
10-Week Session - Wednesdays: April 15 - June 17
Come make things from cardboard, fabric, felt, etc. practice your hand skills! Use our wide array of scissors, punches, clay tools, papercraft and printmaking gear.
Drawing for Fun Gr 2-3
10-Week Session - Wednesdays: April 15 - June 17 from 3:30-5:00 pm
Join Tina Kennedy to improve your drawing and learn to draw animals, seasonal motifs and anything you want help with.
Creative Drawing - Gr. 6-8
10-Week Session - Thursdays: February 26 - April 2 - 3:30-5:30
Use your drawing skills in this weekly 2-hour class. Illustrate your imagination. Focus on fantasy realms, maps of imaginary kingdoms, mystical characters and settings. Teacher: Tina Kennedy
3D Printing 4-Week Bootcamp (Ages 10-14)
Mondays: April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18 - 6:00–7:30 pm
Class size limited to 6 students to allow safe equipment use and one-on-one coaching.
This hands-on, beginner-friendly 3D printing bootcamp introduces kids to the exciting world of turning digital ideas into real objects. Over four weeks, students will learn how 3D printers work, how to design simple models, and how to safely prepare and print their creations.Each class includes a short lesson, guided design time, and hands-on printing. Students will finish the program with several items they designed or selected themselves and a basic understanding of how digital designs become real-world objects.
By the end of the program, students will be able to:
Understand the basics of how FDM 3D printing works
Use beginner CAD tools to create simple designs
Prepare digital models for printing (STL → slicer → printer)
Understand how settings like infill, supports, and orientation affect prints
Practice safe makerspace behavior around tools and machines
Recognize and troubleshoot common printing issues
Design and produce several items to take home
Students will leave with multiple printed objects and a starter “maker portfolio” of their designs.
The program is taught by Amanda Taylor, a mechanical engineer with extensive experience teaching digital fabrication and makerspace tools. Amanda previously managed the makerspace at University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she helped students learn to use 3D printers, CNC machines, and other modern fabrication tools.
Copper Soldering 101
Under the direction of Ryan Kelley of Wire by Ryan, learn to snip, shape and solder copper sheet into a small sculpture, garden ornament or piece of jewelry. So much fun and learning in one evening.
Frame Building Class
Create a custom frame
In this hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn the essential steps of frame making.
Nikki O'Connor will guide you through the process of turning raw hardwood into a beautifully crafted, custom frame for your favorite painting, photograph, or piece of art.
In this hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn the essential steps of frame making—from precision cutting to clean joinery and finishing techniques. While we’ll have pre-milled hardwood ready to keep the class focused and achievable in one session, you’ll gain exposure to core woodworking tools including the jointer, planer, chop saw, table saw, router table, and hand sanders.
You’ll spend time mastering mitered corners and exploring different methods to strengthen and refine your joints—so your finished frame is not only beautiful, but built to last.
What you’ll leave with:
A custom hardwood frame sized for your artwork
Practical experience with key woodworking tools
Confidence in miter cuts and frame joinery techniques
Perfect for beginners and anyone looking to make something meaningful by hand. Bring your artwork—we’ll help you build the frame it deserves.
About Nikki:
Nikki O'Connor is a skilled professional woodworker who trained and worked at Mark Richey Woodworking, one of the region’s premier custom woodworking shops. She brings real-world experience from high-end architectural projects into the classroom, along with a practical, down-to-earth teaching style that makes complex tools and techniques feel approachable. Nikki is especially great at helping beginners build confidence quickly—so you can safely use professional equipment and leave with something you’re genuinely proud of.
Intro to Woodworking
Learn to use our shop tools safely, be certified to use the shop alone, and begin making a really nice cutting board. You will learn about choosing wood and doing a glue up. You can then learn to use the saws, planer and drill press.
Please note: Attendees under 18 must contact Tinkerhaus to set up specific arrangements.
Embroidery Evening with Pam Marrese
An introductory class for folks with no embroidery experience or those that haven’t stitched in a while.
Learn to embroider a mini, four-inch floral spiral. Pam will guide you through 5-6 basic stitches to help you begin the project. Materials will be provided.
Watercolor Botanical Illustration - For Beginners and Intermediate
3-week course - Wednesdays: May 20, 27 and June 3 from 6:30-8:30 pm
$175 per student plus $25 materials fee
Alison Odle’s relaxing hands-on course will have you painting beautiful florals and botanical watercolor images in no time. This workshop is for those who want to learn watercolor or expand their skills.
The class begins with an intro to basic watercolor techniques followed by step-by-step instruction for paintings of flowers and botanicals on watercolor paper. You'll be amazed at what you can do! Past students have been delighted with their finished work and have enjoyed the process.
This course is lead by artist Alison Odle, local artist and instructor in several mediums, whose patient and calm nature and belief that anyone can create beautiful artwork make for a relaxing and fulfilling experience.
Sashiko Visible Mending Workshop
Thursdays: June 4 and 11 - 6:00-7:30
Join us for a two-session workshop with Sue Law of The Attic Stitch. Learn the Japanese art of visible mending and decorative stitching.
Exploring Alcohol Inks
Taught by Alison Odle - Materials included.
3 sessions - Thursdays: June 11, 18, 25 from 6-7:30 pm
Alcohol ink is a beautiful, meditative experience for all levels. This course will start with basic techniques and move on to more advanced styles.
Master the “wispy billows” style of flowing ink and find your own personal look.
In this class we will use a variety of waterproof surfaces from Yupo paper to ceramic tiles of various shapes and sizes.
By the end of the class, you'll have created a beautiful, personalized piece of art, whether it's a colorful ink coaster or a one-of-a-kind wall art piece that you can proudly take home. Throughout the course, you’ll not only gain technical skills but also enjoy a relaxing, creative process, making it a perfect way to unwind while discovering the endless possibilities of alcohol inks.
No prior experience is required, and you’ll leave the class feeling inspired and confident in your ability to create your own unique alcohol ink masterpieces.
Kentucky Derby–inspired Hat & Fascinator-Making Workshop
Get Derby-ready! Join Tinkerhaus at Port Vida for a Kentucky Derby–inspired hat and fascinator-making workshop. Design your own track-worthy look with our “Run for the Roses” supply bar—feathers, florals, ribbon, tulle, and plenty of flair.
Ticket includes your hat/fascinator base + materials. Want extra sparkle? BYO bling (brooches, gems, mini toys, vintage finds) and go for Best in Show!
Turn It Up for Tinkerhaus at the Riptide
Saturday, April 25 • 12–4 PM • Riptide, Plum Island
Tickets: $20 advance / $25 day-of (limited) • Kids under 8 free • Family Pass $45 advance / $50 day-of
Join us for a beachside afternoon of live music at the Riptide on Plum Island for the Riptide Rally, featuring Ruckus, Apollo’s Diner, and The Sucrets. Rock out while supporting the Tinkerhaus Music Studio—an affordable rehearsal space for student bands and local musicians. Proceeds will go toward soundproofing, equipment upgrades, and studio improvements.
Along with killer music and the Riptide’s awesome food and drinks, we’ll have prize drawings featuring donations from amazing local businesses.
This event will sell out—spread the word, grab your friends, and let’s turn it up for Tinkerhaus.
3D Printing Exploration for Kids: Design, Build & Create (Ages 10+)
Wednesday, April 22 9-noon
Teacher Matt Guy, Print Process Engineer founder of Niche 3D Inc.
Ever wondered how things are made with a 3D printer? In this hands-on workshop, kids will learn the basics of 3D design and additive manufacturing while creating a small object of their own.
Participants will be introduced to how 3D printers work, how digital designs become real objects, and how these tools are used in fields like engineering, manufacturing, and product design.
Kids will explore beginner-friendly design software and learn how to turn their ideas into simple printable models.
During the session, students will:
Learn how 3D printers work
Explore the basics of 3D design and modeling
Create a simple object to print
Watch a printer in action and understand the printing process
This workshop focuses on creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on making, giving kids a fun introduction to modern fabrication tools used by engineers, designers, and inventors. Class limited to 10.
April Vacation Woodworking Mini Camp
Monday-Tuesday, April 20-21 - 9 am-3 pm
Must be 10+, teens welcome
(Materials included)
In this class students will have the opportunity to look through photo albums of 20 summers of projects to help them decide what they would like to make - a bookcase, Plinko, Skeeball, knockhockey, pirate's chest and more.
Sketches with measurements will help make accurate material lists to ensure we know how much lumber will be needed. Then wood selection, measuring, cutting and sanding followed by double checking to make sure all pieces are ready for assembly.
Finally a discussion of possible finishes (paint, varnish, polyurethane, etc which can be done at home with parental supervision) and photographs so they can be in the next photo album!
Watercolor: Try Before You Buy
April 11 - 11 am - 3 pm
$100 + $15 materials fee
This workshop encourages people who have always wanted to try this amazing medium and those who have some experience. We will cover the basic differences among paints, brushes and papers. You will learn about brushwork, core techniques, and making good color choices.
Don’t worry if you do not have supplies as a variety of professional watercolor paints, paper, brushes and palettes will be on hand. Should you wish to pursue watercolor, you will have better knowledge of what quality materials to buy at the best cost. If you have your own materials, bring what you have so that you can compare them with the available samples to try.
Demonstrations and individual instruction will be offered as students try their hand at simple nature studies and small landscapes. You will be amazed at how rewarding and accessible watercolor really is!
Spring Adaptive Toy Giveaway & Meet-Up
You are invited!
To a community gathering — bringing together families, makers, and professionals to support children with disabilities.
This is a starting point. We hope to learn together and grow a supportive community to help people with disabilities of all ages. Each child may receive an adapted toy.
Meet the volunteers who modified the toys
Share feedback that helps guide future efforts
Spend time in a welcoming, low-pressure environment
This is our first event — simple, friendly, and community-focused.
Please fill out the form below to sign-up for this event.
Toy Adaptation Workshop - Come Tinker with Us!
Tinkerhaus is partnering up with the “May We Help” organization to provide a fun and impactful volunteering opportunity! You will learn step -by-step how to adapt toys for children who are not able to play with toys in a traditional way.
Volunteers will take a toy that relies on buttons, cranks, levers or dials and adapt them so they can be activated with just a gentle push.
Intro to Woodworking
Learn to use our shop tools safely, be certified to use the shop alone, and begin making a really nice cutting board. You will learn about choosing wood and doing a glue up. You can then learn to use the saws, planer and drill press.
Please note: Attendees under 18 must contact Tinkerhaus to set up specific arrangements.
Tina Kennedy Art Show
Tina Kennedy teaches several classes and workshops here at Tinkerhaus. She is an accomplished watercolor painter, pen and ink artist and crafter. Her work captures beautiful New England moments.
Friends, students and art lovers are welcome to come see Tina’s latest work.
Christopher Russell Art Show
Christopher Russell Art Show
Local visual artist interested in producing images that evoke mystery, doom, and imagination. Perfect for the Spooky Season!