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PUBLIC ClassES

You do not need to be a member of Ideaworks to take our classes. Click on the name or "Show details" for a description, prices, and times.

Ideaworks’ approach to learning differs from classrooms where books and theory take precedence. At Ideaworks, we take the learning process into the shop or studio and experience learning through our hands.

We believe in encouraging a hands-on approach with a clear emphasis on safety, skill, and process. This foundation enables students to build on their interests personally and professionally. After initial classes, members will find infinite possibilities to explore and refine their abilities at Ideaworks.

Young people are welcome in most of our classes, but please note that a parent or designated adult may be required to accompany minors under the age of 18. Feel free to call or email for clarification. -Thanks

Upcoming Classes

  • Quilt Block Club 2025!

    • 18 Jan 2025
    • 20 Dec 2025
    • 12 sessions
    • Fresno Ideaworks
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    Quilt Block Club 2025 will gather every third Saturday at Ideaworks, a space buzzing with creativity.

    Our focus for the year is "Disappearing Blocks", a technique that allows you to rearrange simple patchwork blocks into complex designs that look more difficult than they really are! This technique makes it easier to play with the colors and prints that make your pieces uniquely yours.

    By December you'll have a collection of blocks that you can use to make a quilt, throw pillow covers, individual framed art, appliques on jacket backs or dish towels... the choice is yours! The aim is to instill the confidence to keep experimenting and creating beyond our meetings.

    Unable to commit to the whole series? Email janelleo@fresnoideaworks.org about joining in an individual session. Walk-ins should be sewists with a little bit of experience and confidence. The price per individual session is $12.00.

    Important Stuff:

    • All materials are provided, but if you have specific quilting fabrics you'd love to work with, bring them along!
    • Quilt Block Club is suitable for anyone familiar with simple straight stitching on a domestic sewing machine. It's a welcoming space for both beginners and seasoned quilters.
    • For our younger participants, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for a shared creative experience.

    Safety First:

    • We're serious about safety. Closed-toed shoes are a must in all areas of the facility.
    • Avoid dangling jewelry, lanyards, and the like around machinery.
    • Keep hoodie and apron ties, long hair, and long beards securely away from the machines.
    • Dates are subject to change. We'll do our best to ensure that everyone has a chance to make every block.

    Get ready to stitch, share, and create lasting memories with fellow quilting enthusiasts. Quilt Block Club 2025 is not just about crafting beautiful pieces; it's about embracing the joy of quilting in a welcoming and inspiring community. See you on the third Saturday!

    Questions about Quilt Block Club? email janelleo@fresnoideaworks.org, subject line "Quilt Block Club"


    Show details

  • Clay Explorations: Handbuilding, Wheel Throwing, and Surface Texturing (all levels)

    • 26 Mar 2025
    • 30 Apr 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • Fresno Ideaworks
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    All levels welcome! This six (6) week class led by local ceramicists Jeff Kenny and friends will take you through the basics of clay hand-building techniques, an introduction to wheel throwing, and experiments in surface texturing. You will practice pinch, slab, and coil skills, and each piece you create, whether functional or abstract, will bear your own unique touch. Building, surface texturing, and glazing will all be introduced.

    Please plan to attend all six classes as knowledge will build on the previous week's practice.

    Note: Participants are encouraged to bring their own project and design ideas.

    All materials are provided. Please dress comfortably in clothes that are easily laundered.

    What Not to Wear:

    • Do not wear any dangling jewelry or lanyards that can interfere with work, get caught in equipment, or get damaged.
    • Do not wear clothing with loose sleeves or draped or dangling elements for the same reasons.
    • No open toe shoes (anywhere in the facility)
    • Long hair and beards should be securely tied back.
    • Currently face masks are not required in the facility, but all efforts to limit the spread of illness are appreciated. Some people prefer to wear masks in the dusty environment.

    This class includes a free one-month conditional membership to Ideaworks.  Your conditional membership starts on the day of your last scheduled class. It is only valid for the same shop areas and tools that were used in class. Your instructor will provide a temporary card verifying that you completed the class and are approved for those tools. Current members of Fresno Ideaworks are not eligible for this promotion. This offer is only available one time and cannot be combined with any other offer.

    Show details

  • Intro Woodshop (beginners, refresher & safety)

    • 04 May 2025
    • 25 May 2025
    • 3 sessions
    • Ideaworks - 1730 H Street, Fresno, CA. 93721
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Beginning Woodshop runs for 3 sessions of 4 hours and assumes no previous woodworking experience.  The goal is to train students in the basic use and safety aspects of the major tools in the woodshop.  

    Students should plan to attend all three classes.  

    The first meeting will cover  basic safety and project selection.  The second and third sessions will be devoted to a project that will reinforce the skills learned on day 1.  We will be using many of the tools we practiced on, as well as some layout and marking skills, to build a small project that you will be able to take home and be proud of!

    What Not to Wear:

    • Do not wear any dangling jewelry or lanyards that can get caught in machinery. 
    • Do not wear clothing with loose sleeves or draped or dangling elements that can get caught in machinery
    • No open toe shoes (anywhere in the facility)
    • Long hair and beards should be securely tied back.
    • Currently face masks are recommended but not required the facility. A cotton cloth mask with ties instead of ear loops must be well secured with no dangling tie ends.


    We will provide:

    • Eye protection
    • Ear plugs if requested
    • Materials for class projects

    Upon completion of the class, Ideaworks members may be certified to use the covered woodshop tools unsupervised during business hours with instructor's approval.

    FREE MONTH OF MEMBERSHIP - New members only

    This class includes a free one-month conditional membership to Ideaworks. This offer is only valid for classes $100 and over. Your conditional membership starts on the day of your last scheduled class. It is only valid for the same shop areas and tools that were used in class. Your instructor will provide a temporary card verifying that you completed the class and are approved for those tools. If you would like to continue your membership beyond the 30 days, please visit us here:  

    Join us

    Current members of Fresno Ideaworks are not eligible for this promotion. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer.

    CANCELLATION, CHANGE, AND REFUND POLICY

    This is a high demand event with limited spaces available. A request of change/cancellation must be received by email to info@fresnoideaworks.org 72 Hours prior to the event date to be eligible for a refund. Please note, a $15.00 processing fee will be assessed per cancellation from the total refund.

    Regretfully, we are unable to issue refunds and/or credit for a missed class. THE FIRST CLASS IS MANDATORY and you will forfeit your registration fees if missed. There are no makeup classes. Please plan accordingly.

    Please do not open a dispute with PayPal... talk to us. Otherwise it fouls things up and refund can take up to a month.

    In the case Ideaworks must cancel a class, full registration fees based on the original form payment was made will be refunded.


    Show details

  • Welding (beginners, refresher & safety)

    • 07 May 2025
    • 28 May 2025
    • 3 sessions
    • Ideaworks - 1730 H street, Fresno, CA. 93721
    • 0
    Join waitlist


    Beginning Welding is a 3-session course; each session is 3 hours. Students will gain a core understanding of how to operate welding equipment safely and get familiar with basic techniques.  This class is for hobbyists, makers, artists, or anyone wanting to try something new and challenge themselves a bit in a comfortable collaborative environment.

    Check the class times shown to ensure you can make it to every session.

    What Not to Wear:

    • Do not wear rings or other jewelry. 
    • No open toe shoes (anywhere in the facility)
    • Do not wear clothing made from synthetic or synthetic blends. The synthetic fabric can burn vigorously, melt and produce skin burns.
    • Long hair and beards should be securely tied back.
    • Currently face masks are recommended but not required in the facility. A cotton cloth mask is safest around open flame. Your instructor will explain the safe use of face masks around welding equipment.


    We will provide:

    • Eye protection
    • Face hood/shield
    • Leathers
    • Insulated gloves
    • Ear plugs
    • Materials for class projects
    • Please bring any hoods/gloves/leathers if you have them
    Upon completion of the class, Ideaworks members may be certified to use the Weldatorium tools unsupervised during business hours.
      Free Month of Membership For First-time students

      This class includes a free one-month conditional membership to Ideaworks. This offer is only valid for classes $100 and over. Your conditional membership starts on the day of your last scheduled class. It is only valid for the same shop areas and tools that were used in class. Your instructor will provide a temporary card verifying that you completed the class and are approved for those tools. If you would like to continue your membership beyond the 30 days, please visit us here:  

      Join us

      Current members of Fresno Ideaworks are not eligible for this promotion. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer.


      CANCELLATION, CHANGE, AND REFUND POLICY

      This is a high demand event with limited spaces available. A request of change/cancellation must be received by email to info@fresnoideaworks.org 72 Hours prior to the event date to be eligible for a refund. Please note, a $15.00 processing fee will be assessed per cancellation from the total refund.

      Regretfully, we are unable to issue refunds and/or credit for a missed class. THE FIRST CLASS IS MANDATORY and you will forfeit your registration fees if missed. There are no makeup classes. Please plan accordingly.

      In the case Ideaworks must cancel a class, full registration fees based on the original form payment was made will be refunded.
      Show details

    • Beginning Lathe - Pen Turning

      • 14 May 2025
      • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
      • Fresno Ideaworks - 1730 H Street Fresno, CA 93721
      • 1
      Register

      Hand holding woodturned pen ~ photo by Nathan Lwood pen turning on lathe ~ photo by Nathan Lthree wood pens ~ stock photo

      This three hour beginning class introduces you to the lathe, its parts, and the basics of pen turning. After some safety instruction, you'll practice on some scrap wood, then when comfortable, make your pen. After you have completed the class you should feel confident in making beautiful pens as personal gifts.

      You will learn how a pen blank is cut and drilled, turn your blank with your own creative shape, learn how to stain and finish, and how to assemble your pens. Experience in the woodshop is helpful but not required.

      You will make and take one pen and any of your practice pieces. All materials are included in the class fee (box not included).

      This class must have two or more students to be held.

      What Not to Wear:

      • Do not wear any dangling jewelry or lanyards that can get caught in machinery. 
      • Do not wear clothing with loose sleeves or draped or dangling elements that can get caught in machinery
      • No open toe shoes (anywhere in the facility)
      • Long hair and beards should be securely tied back.
      • Currently face masks are recommended but not required the facility. A cotton cloth mask with ties instead of ear loops must be well secured with no dangling tie ends.


      We will provide:

      • Eye protection
      • Ear plugs if requested

      Upon completion of the class and projects, Ideaworks members may be certified to use the wood lathes unsupervised during business hours with instructor's approval. If you are not a member and would like to continue working on the lathe, as well as other member benefits, please join and help support our maker community.

      Join us

      CANCELLATION, CHANGE, AND REFUND POLICY

      This is a high demand event with limited spaces available. A request of change/cancellation must be received by email to info@fresnoideaworks.org 72 Hours prior to the event date to be eligible for a refund. Please note, a $15.00 processing fee will be assessed per cancellation from the total refund.

      Regretfully, we are unable to issue refunds and/or credit for a missed class. There are no makeup classes. Please plan accordingly.

      In the case Ideaworks must cancel a class, full registration fees based on the original form payment was made will be refunded.

      Show details

    • Stained Glass Workshop: Sailboats! (all levels)

      • 16 May 2025
      • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
      • Fresno Ideaworks
      • 4
      Register

      In this class you will learn the basic skills and practice using the tools needed to create a small stained glass treasure to hang at home or gift to a friend. 

      The workshop will cover choosing appropriate colors and textures, cutting the glass, foiling the pieces, soldering the work together, and adding the finishing touches. Each student will leave the class with a complete understanding of how to make a stained glass artwork and will take home a unique, small, hangable item.




      Show details

    • Stained Glass Workshop: Sailboats! (all levels)

      • 17 May 2025
      • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
      • Fresno Ideaworks
      • 1
      Register

      In this class you will learn the basic skills and practice using the tools needed to create a small stained glass treasure to hang at home or gift to a friend. 

      The workshop will cover choosing appropriate colors and textures, cutting the glass, foiling the pieces, soldering the work together, and adding the finishing touches. Each student will leave the class with a complete understanding of how to make a stained glass artwork and will take home a unique, small, hangable item.




      Show details

    • Lampwork Glass Art: Beads (all levels)

      • 24 May 2025
      • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
      • Fresno Ideaworks
      • 0
      Join waitlist

      Welcome to Lampwork Glass Art, where we're turning up the heat to create some incredible pieces! In this relaxed and hands-on class, we'll explore the basics of lampworking and send you home with something entrancing of your own making.

      In this class you will learn to make one-of-a kind glass beads by melting glass with an oxygen-propane torch. You will wrap the molten glass around a metal mandrel, shape the bead using metal and graphite tools, and add surface embellishments and designs in contrasting colors of glass. Beads will anneal in the kiln overnight and can be picked up the next day.

      • In this 4 hour workshop we'll start with the do's and don'ts, throw on some safety glasses, and ensure our workspace is good to go.
      • Wondering what those colorful glass rods are all about? We'll take a look at the essential tools – torches, brass stamps, and shaping gear – that turn those rods into artistic wonders.
      • Your instructor, local artist Emily Johnsen, will showcase the craft – melting, shaping, and transforming glass into some seriously awesome shapes.
      • Then you’ll dive in! It's your turn to grab the torch (figuratively) and start crafting your own beginner-friendly project as you try the layering, mixing, shaping and stamping that will make your glass pieces stand out.
      • Finally, you’ll find out how to cool and anneal your pieces properly to keep them looking fantastic.

      Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to hone your skills, this lampwork class is all about enjoying the process while crafting some impressive art. Let the fiery adventure begin!

      Important stuff:

      • No open toe shoes (anywhere in the facility)
      • Do not wear clothing made from synthetic or synthetic blends. The synthetic fabric can burn vigorously, melt and produce skin burns.
      • Long hair and beards should be securely tied back.
      • Currently face masks are recommended but not required in the facility. A cotton cloth mask is safest around open flame. Your instructor will explain the safe use of face masks around torches.
      • Upon completion of the class, Ideaworks members may be certified to use the lampworking station unsupervised during business hours.

      We will provide:

      • Eye protection
      • Insulated sleeves
      • All tools and materials for class projects

      NOTE: This class DOES NOT qualify for the free one-month conditional membership.

        Show details

      • Welding (beginners, refresher & safety) Dec

        • 04 Jun 2025
        • 25 Jun 2025
        • 3 sessions
        • Ideaworks - 1730 H street, Fresno, CA. 93721
        • 3
        Register


        Beginning Welding is a 3-session course; each session is 3 hours. Students will gain a core understanding of how to operate welding equipment safely and get familiar with basic techniques.  This class is for hobbyists, makers, artists, or anyone wanting to try something new and challenge themselves a bit in a comfortable collaborative environment.

        Check the class times shown to ensure you can make it to every session.

        What Not to Wear:

        • Do not wear rings or other jewelry. 
        • No open toe shoes (anywhere in the facility)
        • Do not wear clothing made from synthetic or synthetic blends. The synthetic fabric can burn vigorously, melt and produce skin burns.
        • Long hair and beards should be securely tied back.
        • Currently face masks are recommended but not required in the facility. A cotton cloth mask is safest around open flame. Your instructor will explain the safe use of face masks around welding equipment.


        We will provide:

        • Eye protection
        • Face hood/shield
        • Leathers
        • Insulated gloves
        • Ear plugs
        • Materials for class projects
        • Please bring any hoods/gloves/leathers if you have them
        Upon completion of the class, Ideaworks members may be certified to use the Weldatorium tools unsupervised during business hours.
          Free Month of Membership For First-time students

          This class includes a free one-month conditional membership to Ideaworks. This offer is only valid for classes $100 and over. Your conditional membership starts on the day of your last scheduled class. It is only valid for the same shop areas and tools that were used in class. Your instructor will provide a temporary card verifying that you completed the class and are approved for those tools. If you would like to continue your membership beyond the 30 days, please visit us here:  

          Join us

          Current members of Fresno Ideaworks are not eligible for this promotion. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer.


          CANCELLATION, CHANGE, AND REFUND POLICY

          This is a high demand event with limited spaces available. A request of change/cancellation must be received by email to info@fresnoideaworks.org 72 Hours prior to the event date to be eligible for a refund. Please note, a $15.00 processing fee will be assessed per cancellation from the total refund.

          Regretfully, we are unable to issue refunds and/or credit for a missed class. THE FIRST CLASS IS MANDATORY and you will forfeit your registration fees if missed. There are no makeup classes. Please plan accordingly.

          In the case Ideaworks must cancel a class, full registration fees based on the original form payment was made will be refunded.
          Show details

        • Intro Woodshop (beginners, refresher & safety)

          • 08 Jun 2025
          • 22 Jun 2025
          • 3 sessions
          • Ideaworks - 1730 H Street, Fresno, CA. 93721
          • 0
          Join waitlist

          Beginning Woodshop runs for 3 sessions of 4 hours and assumes no previous woodworking experience.  The goal is to train students in the basic use and safety aspects of the major tools in the woodshop.  

          Students should plan to attend all three classes.  

          The first meeting will cover  basic safety and project selection.  The second and third sessions will be devoted to a project that will reinforce the skills learned on day 1.  We will be using many of the tools we practiced on, as well as some layout and marking skills, to build a small project that you will be able to take home and be proud of!

          What Not to Wear:

          • Do not wear any dangling jewelry or lanyards that can get caught in machinery. 
          • Do not wear clothing with loose sleeves or draped or dangling elements that can get caught in machinery
          • No open toe shoes (anywhere in the facility)
          • Long hair and beards should be securely tied back.
          • Currently face masks are recommended but not required the facility. A cotton cloth mask with ties instead of ear loops must be well secured with no dangling tie ends.


          We will provide:

          • Eye protection
          • Ear plugs if requested
          • Materials for class projects

          Upon completion of the class, Ideaworks members may be certified to use the covered woodshop tools unsupervised during business hours with instructor's approval.

          FREE MONTH OF MEMBERSHIP - New members only

          This class includes a free one-month conditional membership to Ideaworks. This offer is only valid for classes $100 and over. Your conditional membership starts on the day of your last scheduled class. It is only valid for the same shop areas and tools that were used in class. Your instructor will provide a temporary card verifying that you completed the class and are approved for those tools. If you would like to continue your membership beyond the 30 days, please visit us here:  

          Join us

          Current members of Fresno Ideaworks are not eligible for this promotion. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer.

          CANCELLATION, CHANGE, AND REFUND POLICY

          This is a high demand event with limited spaces available. A request of change/cancellation must be received by email to info@fresnoideaworks.org 72 Hours prior to the event date to be eligible for a refund. Please note, a $15.00 processing fee will be assessed per cancellation from the total refund.

          Regretfully, we are unable to issue refunds and/or credit for a missed class. THE FIRST CLASS IS MANDATORY and you will forfeit your registration fees if missed. There are no makeup classes. Please plan accordingly.

          Please do not open a dispute with PayPal... talk to us. Otherwise it fouls things up and refund can take up to a month.

          In the case Ideaworks must cancel a class, full registration fees based on the original form payment was made will be refunded.


          Show details

        Address:

        Fresno Ideaworks

        1730 H Street

        Fresno, CA, 93721


        Phone:

        559-840-8749


        Fresno Ideaworks is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

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