DIY! Workshops

General Info

History lends a helping hand in these fun, informal workshops that help you learn how to DIY (Do-It-Yourself)! Explore timeless techniques that save dollars and stretch the family budget, or learn new ways to preserve your family memories.

• Fee: $20 ($15 MHS members)
• Reservations required; spaces are limited. Call 651-259-3015 or register online.

Upcoming Workshops

DIY!: Victory Gardens

• Saturday, June 6
• 10 a.m. – noon
• Location: Art and Architecture
  3338 University Avenue SE
  Minneapolis

During World War II, many civilians responded to the government’s call to conserve resources and grow more food at home. Millions of Americans (including first wife Eleanor Roosevelt) planted Victory Gardens, and ultimately supplied 40% of produce consumed during the war.

Today, as many of us strive to eat healthy and save money, gardening is an attractive option. Join expert gardener and teacher Patsy Noble to learn more about planting your own garden based on this model, and leave with your own starter seeds, that you prepped for planting!

DIY!: Shoestring Chic

• Saturday, July 11
• 10 a.m – noon
• Location: Art and Architecture
  3338 University Avenue SE
  Minneapolis

Many of us are familiar with the flour sack fashions of the Great Depression era. This repurposed fabric was incorporated into quilts, clothing, even underwear! Designer Sarah Holm draws on this creative and practical ethic to construct garments from reused clothing for her stylish reevolution line. Learn more about some of her techniques as you start your own version of her reevolution hair accessories.

DIY!: Making Memories with Stop Motion Animation

• Saturday, August 8
• 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Location: Minnesota History Center

As seen in movies like “Coraline” and “Wallace and Gromit,” stop motion animation can tell colorful and lively stories. It can also be a tool to tell family stories and more. Explore the potential of stop motion animation with Carlos Ferguson, who develops short animations with Tiny Circus.

This hands-on, half day workshop will introduce the process as everyone contributes to the development of an animated sequence. Participants will leave with a basic understanding of the software and techniques of stop motion animation and a fun souvenir of the animation created during the workshop!

Workshop includes a half-hour lunch break. You may bring a bag lunch or purchase food in Café Minnesota.

DIY!: Preserving Produce

• Saturday, August 15
• 10 a.m – noon
• Location: Art and Architecture
  3338 University Avenue SE
  Minneapolis

Seduced by ripe produce at markets, farm shares, and our own gardens, many of us find our kitchens overrun with gluts of tomatoes, berries and more by August. Nick Schneider, head chef at Café Brenda, will show us an array of traditional techniques that preserve fruit and vegetables to last through fall and winter. He’ll also demonstrate a few innovative recipes that highlight preserved foodstuffs, and share some samples along the way!