Construction Junction - Building Material Reuse

Workshops & Classes

Backyard Composting Workshop

Saturday, May 11, 2013, 11 am – 12:30 pm

This workshop thoroughly covers the importance of composting, setting up a compost pile, proper maintenance and ways of using finished compost.
Cost $50 single/ $55 couple and includes one compost bin, presented by the Pennsylvania Resources Council
To register click here or call at 412-488-7490 ext. 226

Rain Barrel Workshop
Saturday, May 18, 2013, 11 am – 12:30 pm

Learn how to harvest rainwater from your roof and divert it for on-site usage in the landscape.  Return home equipped with the knowledge to install a rain barrel.  It’s easier than you might think.
Cost $50 person/ $55 couple and includes hardware needed (not the 55-gal. drum) to assemble and install a rain barrel, presented by the Pennsylvania Resources Council
To register click here or call at 412-488-7490 ext. 247

Worm Composting Workshop  
Saturday, May 25, 2013, 11 am – 12:30 pm

Learn about the benefits and how to's of composting with worms. It’s easy, fun, odorless and produces a great soil additive! You'll roll-up your sleeves and make your own bin and will go home with a complete vermiculture system!
Cost $50 person/ $55 couple and includes one compost bin and worms, presented by the Pennsylvania Resources Council
To register click here or call at 412-488-7490 ext. 226

Construction Budgeting: Home Renovation Project Planning  from a Handyman Accountant
Saturday June 22, 2013, 11am to 12:30pm

Join CJ friend and Instructor Brian Sink as he goes over the planning steps needed to create a realistic budget for your home renovation project.
To register email here.

From Animal House to Our House: Talk and Book Signing by Ron Tanner

Friday, June 28, 2013, 7pm

Check back for more information!

Citizen Scientist: Monarch Larva Monitoring
Saturday, July 6, 2013 11am – 1:00pm

Join us as we host the CITIZEN SCIENCE AT AUDUBON program! Citizen Science is you and your family participating in actual scientific research in your neighborhood. Tie your learning into something that can really make a difference for our environment!  Many citizen science programs are simply identifying and counting plants and animals. The data collected is used to study population trends regionally over time. For example, the Christmas Bird Count Project collected data has been used to document significant shifts in bird populations, possibly due to climate change. Counting procedures are very simple. Prior knowledge of the subject is not necessary.

Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is the local coordinator for many of these projects and offers training. Training sessions teach you what you to look for and how to report it properly. This session will teach participants about Monarch butterflies and their larva and how to collect data on them throughout the summer! This class is perfect for families introducing science to their children in a fun way!
No charge - To register email Elizabeth Rivera at erivera@aswp.org

Reclaimed Things Distressing Demo

Saturday, July 20, 2013, 11am to 2pm

Join us to welcome Jenna Lee and Jeremy from Reclaimed Things as they present an in-store demo on creating a distressed finish and recycling old pieces of furniture into new pieces. The demo is free and on-going from 11 am to 2 pm!

Completed Workshops

Floor Sanding 101
Saturday, March 16, 2013, 11am – 2pm

Workshop Full - We are no longer accepting new RSVPs

This presentation and workshop will be held at the ACTION-Housing Pittsburgh Green House located at 308 N. Sheridan Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206: across the street from the East Liberty Home Depot. CJ and ACTION HOUSING staff will demonstrate how to sand and finish a wood floor in this hands-on workshop. Participants will be given the opportunity to ‘test drive’ the sander on this 110-year old home’s wooden floor. We will also discuss different finishes for the floor with presenters from Artemis Environmental.
Students should come prepared to learn and work hard. Closed toe shoes and long pants are a must.
Cost $20 per person/$25 for couples.
Space is limited, registration required.
To register email Natalie at nderiso@constructionjunction.org

Cold Frame Construction Class
Sunday, March 17, 2013 11am - 12:30pm

Join instructor Alex Wert as he demonstrates building a cold frame for your garden. Alex will go over the construction details, talk about the do's and don’ts of using a cold frame and what types of plants are best suited for your cold frame. After the class you can purchase the materials for your own cold frame right here at CJ!
No charge - unless you wish to purchase materials for your own cold frame! To register email Natalie at  email at nderiso@constructionjunction.org

Glass Window Glazing Workshop
Saturday March 23, 2013 11 am -1 pm

Instructor Michelle Cicero will show students how to clean, cut and reglaze windows for their homes! She covers everything from safely removing broken glass from the window frame to cutting and installing new glass, glazing and epoxy repair! Michelle will supply the needed tools and will give students the chance to do each step on a practice window.
$16 class fee (covers cost of materials and practice windows) to register email Natalie at nderiso@constructionjunction.org

Historic Preservation: When not to DIY- Canceled, will reschedule asap!
Saturday, March 30, 2013 11am - 12:30pm

Found a conclave of old photos and papers in that antique furniture you just dropped off at CJ? Not sure how to proceed with grandma’s old letters? Join instructor and freelance preservationist Terri Blanchette as she discusses the basics of historic preservation, what steps you can take in your own home to preserve family documents and when it is time to turn to a professional to help you. Come prepared with questions! 
No charge - To register email Natalie at  email at nderiso@constructionjunction.org

TO BE RESCHEDULED

Citizen Scientist: Fire Fly Watch

Join us as we host the CITIZEN SCIENCE AT AUDUBON program! Citizen Science is you and your family participating in actual scientific research in your neighborhood. Tie your learning into something that can really make a difference for our environment!  Many citizen science programs are simply identifying and counting plants and animals. The data collected is used to study population trends regionally over time. For example, the Christmas Bird Count project collected data has been used to document significant shifts in bird populations, possibly due to climate change. Counting procedures are very simple. Prior knowledge of the subject is not necessary.

Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is the local coordinator for many of these projects and offers training. Training sessions teach you what you to look for and how to report it properly. This session will teach participants about Fire Flys and how to collect data on them throughout the summer! This class is perfect for families introducing science to their children in a fun way!
TO BE RESCHEDULED

Small Carpentry Project Basics
Saturday, April 20, 2013, 11:00am - 12:30pm

Join carpenter Mike Marcus as he goes over the basics of carpentry projects. How to create plans and determine supply needs for custom carpentry projects. Mike has a varied career, including marketing for multiple area non-profits and is currently the Director of Marketing at Soergel Orchards in Wexford, PA. Watch Mike as he builds a basic shelf and get all the info you need to start your own in-home project!
No charge – To register email Natalie at nderiso@constructionjunction.org

ZeroLandfill Pittsburgh Days
Friday and Saturday April 26/27, Friday and Saturday May 3/4, 2013

ZeroLandfill is an award-winning upcycled program taking place at Construction Junction. For more information on the program and activities for the day please check out the ZeroLandfill Pittsburgh website!

Worm Composting Workshop   SORRY - WORKSHOP FULLY BOOKED

Saturday, March 31, 2012, 11 am – 12:30 pm
Learn about the benefits and how to's of composting with worms. It’s easy, fun, odorless and produces a great soil additive! You'll roll-up your sleeves and make your own bin and will go home with a complete vermiculture system!
Cost $45 person/ $55 couple and includes one compost bin and worms, presented by the Pennsylvania Resources Council
TO REGISTER CLICK HERE, or call Donna at 412-488-7490 ext. 246

Basic Bicycle Repair & Maintenance- WORKSHOP FULLY BOOKED

Saturday, April 21, 2012, 11 am – 12:30 pm
The workshop will introduce people to riding/commuting in the city & will consist of outfitting a bike for city riding, how to ride in traffic and then most importantly basic roadside repairs. Suitable for age 12 and above (under 16s, please bring an adult as well as a bike).
BYOB (bring your own bike) to work on, if you can't BYOB the instructor will pair you with someone who has a bike or you'll work on a FreeRide bike. Tools will be available to use during the workshop.
Where: FreeRide space in CJ.
Cost: Free!
WORKSHOP FULLY BOOKED - PLEASE CHECK THE FREE RIDE WEBSITE FOR INFO ON UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Healthy Body, Healthy Home, Healthy Planet Workshop

Saturday, April 28, 2012, 11 am – 12:30 pm
Heighten your awareness and take action around the issue of carcinogens and toxins that you come into contact with daily through the products you use and food you eat. Get practical solutions such as safe alternatives and healthy lifestyle choices.
Cost $20 single/ $25 couple and includes a green cleaning kit, presented by the Pennsylvania Resources Council
TO REGISTER CLICK HERE, or call Sarah Alessio Shea at 412-488-7490 ext. 236

Mother's Day Upcycled Craft Workshop

Saturday, May 12, 2012, 1 pm – 3 pm

Hey psst…yeah you there with the kids…still trying to think of a Mother’s Day gift idea? Hoping to make up for ‘the vacuum cleaner fiasco’ from last year? Well CJ is here to help! This Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. kids are invited to stop by to make an upcycled earring holder for Mom. Mom not into earrings? That’s okay! The earring holder is constructed from a 9 by 12 inch piece of peg board perfect for holding craft supplies, tools, and gardening supplies too! No registration required, just stop by between the hours of 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.!

Rain Barrel Workshop

Saturday, May 12, 2012, 11 am – 12:30 pm
Learn how to harvest rainwater from your roof and divert it for on-site usage in the landscape.  Return home equipped with the knowledge to install a rain barrel.  It’s easier than you might think.
Cost $35 person/ $45 couple and includes hardware needed (not the 55-gal. drum) to assemble and install a rain barrel, presented by the Pennsylvania Resources Council
TO REGISTER CLICK HERE, or call Nancy Martin at  412-488-7490 ext. 247

Backyard Composting Workshop

Saturday, May 26, 2012, 11 am – 12:30 pm
This workshop thoroughly covers the importance of composting, setting up a compost pile, proper maintenance and ways of using finished compost.
Cost $50 single/ $55 couple and includes one compost bin, presented by the Pennsylvania Resources Council
TO REGISTER CLICK HERE, or call Donna at 412-488-7490 ext. 246

Native Plants

Saturday, June 2,  2012, 11 am – noon
Learn to select & care for native plants for difficult sites, for naturalizing & restoration, & to encourage wildlife to your space.
A selection of Audubon native plants will be available for sale at CJ from May.
Instructor: Roxanne Swann of the Western Pennsylvania Audubon Society
Cost: Free!
Registration required.
TO REGISTER CLICK HERE

Father’s Day Workshop

Saturday, June 16, 2012
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Hey kids want to celebrate your awesome Dad? Looking for a great gift idea for all the Dads’ in your life? Join us and create a picture frame for Dad’s desk or workshop with recycled nuts and bolts from our hardware section! Bring Dad with you for a fun Father’s Day Weekend activity!
Cost: Free!
No registration required!
For more information call Natalie at 412-243-5025 x12 or email at nderiso@constructionjunction.org

 

Grocery Bag Crocheting

Saturday, June 23,  2012, 11 am – 1 pm

 
Crafter Loretta Williams will show participants how to create coin purses by reusing plastic grocery bags. Loretta will teach basic crocheting stitches and how to cut and prep the grocery bags, some knowledge of crocheting helpful but not needed. Participants should bring several plastic grocery bags from home. Space limited.
 Cost: Free!
Registration required.
To register call Natalie at 412-243-5025 x12 or email at nderiso@constructionjunction.org

Window Green House Presentation and Terrarium Class

Saturday, July 14, 2012
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Our amazing friends from greenSinner will be on hand to show you how to make a greenhouse out of old windows. greenSinner will walk through the construction of a green house made from old windows. The presentation will include advice on materials and tools as well as using window green houses to grow and display plants and help from greenSinners in selecting the right kind of windows. Afterwards greenSinner will help participants create their own terrariums.
Cost: TBD
Registration required.
To register call Natalie at 412-243-5025 x12 or email at nderiso@constructionjunction.org

Upcycled Bird House

Saturday, July 21, 2012
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. Construction Junction supplies the materials and staff to help you select an item and attach wires to create an interesting upcycled bird house suitable for generations of song birds!
Cost: $15 per participant
Registration required.
To register call Natalie at 412-243-5025 x12 or email at nderiso@constructionjunction.org

Floor Sanding 101

Saturday, July 28, 2012
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This presentation and workshop will be held at the ACTION-Housing Pittsburgh Green House located at 308 N. Sheridan Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206: across the street from the East Liberty Home Depot. CJ staff will demonstrate how to sand and finish a wood floor in this hands-on workshop. Participants will be given the opportunity to ‘test drive’ the sander on this 110-year old home’s wooden floor. We will also discuss different finishes for the floor!
Students should come prepared to learn and work hard. Closed toe shoes and long pants are a must.
Cost: $15 per person/$20 for couples.
Space is limited, registration required.
To register call Natalie at 412-243-5025 x12 or email nderiso@constructionjunction.org

Glass Window Repair-CANCELLED

Saturday, August 11, 2012
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Interested in re-glazing your old windowpanes? Have cool old broken windows but unsure of how to restore them to keep the historic feeling of your house? Preservationist Michelle Cicero joins us to walk participants through the steps of cutting and re-glazing glass.
Cost: TBD
Space limited, Registration required.
To register call Natalie at 412-243-5025 x12 or email at nderiso@constructionjunction.org

Construction Junction 1st Annual Community Days

Join us as we celebrate our community!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Food, crafts and games!
For more information or to become a table or vendor participant please contact Natalie at 412-243-5025 x12 or email at nderiso@constructionjunction.org

Community Design Center of Pittsburgh Home Renovation Workshop

Saturday, August 25, 2012
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

You are invited to join the Design Center for renovation consultations at Construction Junction