Learn how to make cool stuff at our workshops!
Toolbox Explore
October 2020 through March 2022
About the Program
Toolbox Explore is a virtual project-based workshop series. Each workshop will introduce participants to a unique skill set or specialty, featuring an interactive, DIY-project. Created and led by instructors and special guests with experience in various fields, these skill-sharing workshops are an opportunity for participants to network and get to know first-hand what it’s like working in the trades. Workshops will be delivered remotely, and materials will be provided in advance to registered participants who fit Toolbox's eligibility criteria.
Explore sessions are open to both those who qualify for Toolbox programming and the general public. If you would like to receive a materials kit, and you do not fit the eligibility criteria, you can purchase one at cost (to be picked up in the Scarborough area).
In order to secure your spot in the workshop, you must register via Eventbrite.
Past Workshops
Sculpey Creations
Saturday, February 19 from 12-3PM
This workshop is an introduction to sculpting with polymer clay. Participants will learn the art of hand building clay forms, and will use this technique to create their own clay tree ornaments that are full of personality!
This workshop will be taught by Garbo of Grumpy Kid Studio.
Weaving & Natural Dyes
Saturday, October 24 from 12-3PM
Learn the basics of traditional basketry weaving used in Indigenous culture to create a 3 dimensional piece for functional or decorative purposes. Explore different techniques to create intricate patterning using readily available local native plant life. (Willow, Bullrushes, Wood veneers and Grapevine). Also learn how to enhance your piece with natural dyes using beetroot, turmeric, and coffee.
For this workshop each participant would need access to:
-
Scissors
-
Exacto
-
Pencil
-
Table
-
Dishpan/bucket for holding water
-
Sprayer or sponge
-
Ruler
If participating youth do not have access to listed equipment please reach out to tiffany@toolboxinitiative.com. Participants will receive a materials kit in advance of the workshop to be picked up in the east Scarborough area, address to be provided after registration.
Wearable Electronics
Saturday, November 7 from 12-3pm
In this workshop we will explore wearable electronics using conductive thread. We'll produce a basic light up circuit that can be turned on and off with a button. There's no experience required or previous knowledge about electronics, we're starting from the beginning! This activity involves threading needles and some small pieces. Bring along any fabric scraps you'd like to use!
This workshop will be taught by Lee Wilkins.
For this workshop each participant would need access to:
-
Scissors
-
Needle nose pliers (optional)
If you do not have access to listed equipment please reach out to tiffany@toolboxinitiative.com. Participants will receive a materials kit in advance of the workshop to be picked up in the east Scarborough area, address to be provided after registration.
Sketching and Technical Drawing
Saturday, November 21 from 12-3pm
In this workshop you will learn the basics of drawing and sketching used by designers and architects across different creative fields. We will review a variety of techniques and tips that professionals use to explain and test their ideas through drawing. These techniques will include drawing in perspective, imagining objects in 3D, shading and drawing in section. At the end of the workshop we will do a design exercise to help you communicate your design ideas.
For this workshop each participant would need access to:
-
Scissors
-
Table
If you do not have access to listed equipment please reach out to tiffany@toolboxinitiative.com. Participants will receive a materials kit in advance of the workshop to be picked up in the east Scarborough area, address to be provided after registration.
Baking Arts
Saturday, December 5 from 12-3pm
During this 3 hour virtual baking class students will be creating a winter wonderland gingerbread house! Students will be taught a variety of recipes and techniques including gingerbread dough and assembly, royal icing, sugar sculpting evergreen trees, and piping techniques. No previous experience is needed to partake in the class. At the end of the class you will have an edible winter wonderland landscape.
This workshop will be taught by Amanda Testani.
For this workshop each participant would need access to:
-
Oven
-
Rolling pin
-
Wooden spoon or spatula
-
Large dinner plate
-
Cookie sheet
-
Parchment paper (optional)
-
2 medium mixing bowls
-
small sewing scissors
-
Utensil spoon
If you do not have access to listed equipment please reach out to tiffany@toolboxinitiative.com. Participants will receive a materials kit in advance of the workshop to be picked up in the east Scarborough area, address to be provided after registration.
Watercolour
Saturday, January 30 from 12-3pm
An exclusive watercolour workshop held by Justine Wong, the illustrator behind the "21 Days in Japan: An Illustrative Study of Japanese Cuisine" project. In this 3-hour session, we will be learning to paint and customize a building from Tokyo. From sketch to finish, we’ll explore together the magic behind everyday documentation!
Eligible youth will receive a materials kit in advance of the workshop, which will be delivered to those in the Scarborough area. For this workshop participants will also need access to:
-
Water cup
-
Paper towel or a small clean white towel
-
2H graphite pencil (or HB is okay too!)
-
Eraser
-
Small ruler of any kind (optional)
If you do not have access to listed equipment please reach out to tiffany@toolboxinitiative.com. Participants will receive a materials kit in advance of the workshop to be picked up in the east Scarborough area, address to be provided after registration.
Kinetic Sculpture
Saturday, February 27 from 12-3pm
This workshop is all about mixing materials to create a kinetic mobile. We’ll learn about using different tools to manipulate different materials and create a one-of-kind moveable sculpture.
This workshop is led by Lizzie Oh.
Eligible youth will receive a materials kit in advance of the workshop, which will be delivered to those in the Scarborough area. For this workshop participants will also need access to:
-
Scissors
If you do not have access to listed equipment please reach out to tiffany@toolboxinitiative.com. Participants will receive a materials kit in advance of the workshop to be picked up in the east Scarborough area, address to be provided after registration.
Block Printing
Saturday, March 13 from 12-3pm
In this workshop you will learn the basics of relief printmaking, using a hand-carved linoleum block to print images or text onto paper and fabric. We will review techniques for creating relief images, and considerations for printing on a variety of surfaces.
At the end of the workshop, participants will have carved a linoleum block with an image of their choice, and made multiple prints. No previous printmaking experience is required.
This workshop is led by Sonya Filman.
Eligible youth will receive a materials kit in advance of the workshop, which will be delivered to those in the Scarborough area. For this workshop participants will also need access to:
-
Pencil and eraser
-
A plastic plate, tray, or other non-porous flat surface for rolling out ink (something you wouldn’t eat off of)
-
Paper and/or fabric to print on
-
Paper towels/cleaning rags, dish soap for cleanup
-
Suggested: A dropcloth or newspaper to cover your work surface
If you do not have access to listed equipment please reach out to tiffany@toolboxinitiative.com. Participants will receive a materials kit in advance of the workshop to be picked up in the east Scarborough area, address to be provided after registration.