perennial

Tools 101: Power Saws
2026-04-16 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Skills you’ll learn:
chop saw/miter saw, band saw, jig saw, circular saw
Learn how to safely and effectively cut reclaimed wood with the power tools in Perennial’s woodshop. In this hour and a half hands-on demo, you’ll learn how to safely use the chop saw (miter saw) to make square and angled cuts. By learning the band saw and jig saw, you’ll be able to make unique cuts of virtually any shape. By completing this crash course, you will be trained to properly and safely use any of the power saws listed above for future projects at Perennial.

Hand Sewing 101
2026-04-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
fabrics, garments
Skills you’ll learn:
fabric identification, variety of stitches, button + patch attachment

Gone are the days of getting rid of a shirt because a button fell off, or having to run to a tailor because a seam ripped. In this class you’ll learn practical hand sewing skills that will allow you to mend your own clothes. You’ll learn how to thread a needle and knot the thread (that’s always the first step), sew a backstitch and a ladder stitch (for mending ripped seams), a blind hem stitch (for hemming pants), and how to reattach a button.

Toothbrush Rag Rug
2026-04-15 18:00 - 20:30 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
bedsheets, fabric
Skills you’ll learn:
buttonhole stitch, starting + finishing a circular rug, cutting fabric strips from bedsheets
Also referred to as “Amish knot” rugs, toothbrush rugs get their name from the tool used to make them. Toothbrushes, which were once wooden, had a hole in the handle giving early rag ruggers the idea to sharpen a used handle to a point creating the perfect tool for weaving scraps of fabric into a rug. In this class, you’ll learn how to begin a circular toothbrush rug, how to make the Amish knot or buttonhole stitch with a Perennial-made replica of the toothbrush needle, and how to finish off your project. You will leave class with a small rug that you can either use as a trivet or continue to build at home as large as you want it to be! We will also show you how to make fabric strips out of repurposed fabric or bedsheets for your project.

Mosaic Stepping Stone
2026-04-15 18:00 - 20:30 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
ceramic plates, scrap glass
Skills learned:
cutting tile; mixing and casting concrete
Learn to use broken plates and forgotten tiles to create a beautiful DIY mosaic! Perennial staff will guide you through each step from cutting tile, mixing concrete, and designing your stone. You’ll discover which tools are best for cutting glass vs. tile, and how to recognize different materials. Each participant will create a unique stepping stone to take home to their outdoor spaces, and a baking pan mold to continue casting more stones at home!

Intro to Punch Needle
2026-04-14 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-04-01 18:00 - 20:30, 2026-03-31 18:00 - 20:30 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
bed sheets, pillow cases, fabric scraps, salvaged yarn
Skills you’ll learn:
punch needle
Learn how to use a punch needle using salvaged fabric scraps + yarn! In this workshop, participants will use a selection of pre-cut fabric scrap yarn and salvaged yarn to “punch” with into a woven fabric base, creating a loop textured fabric patch. You’ll learn how to cut down your own reclaimed fabric yarn, and which sizes of salvaged yarn work best. We’ll discuss finishing your piece and turning into an item like a pillow or purse, or you can leave it on the frame. A punch needle tool will be used in the class, and you can purchase one at the shop for future projects!

Tools 101: Traditional Hand Tools
2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Skills you’ll learn:
back saw, hand saw, pull saw, coping saw, jack plane, block plane, wood chisels
Let’s go back to basics! Learn how to safely and effectively use a variety of hand tools in Perennial’s woodshop. In this hour and a half hands-on demo, you’ll learn the uses of traditional hand tools and gain a greater understanding of modern versions of those tools, including power tools. By completing this crash course, you will be trained to properly and safely use any of the tools listed above for future projects at Perennial.

Intro to Natural Dyeing
2026-04-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
fabric, onion skins/food waste, rusty nails
Skills you’ll learn:
processing dye materials, dye resist techniques
Natural dyes are a beautiful and sustainable way to bring color to textiles. In this workshop, natural dye artisan Erin Luna will show you how to create dye baths from locally foraged plant matter. Participants will learn how to process a few readily accessible dye materials, like black walnuts, goldenrod, and onion skins (subject to seasonal availability), to create hand-dyed fabrics in a neutral color palette including shades of yellow, olive green, brown, and black. Participants will be able to create test strips from each dye bath to keep for future reference. We will also provide a few larger pieces of fabric, such as repurposed bandanas made of 100% natural white cotton that have been prepared in a mordant. Participants will learn some dye resist techniques as well as the use of an iron modifier to change the dye color results.

Thrift Flip: Button Downs
2026-04-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
textiles
Give secondhand shirts a fresh start! In this workshop, you’ll learn how to tailor and rework thrifted button-downs into new, wearable garments that reflect your personal style. Using basic sewing techniques and creative design choices, you’ll transform everyday finds into something completely your own — and keep perfectly good clothes out of the landfill.
We’ll provide shirts for you to work with, but if you have one in your size that could use a refresh, you’re encouraged to bring it along!

Darning + Mending: Knits
2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:30 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
clothes and other household textiles
Skills you’ll learn:
darning, repairing holes in knit fabrics
Never worry about damaging your favorite sweater, sock, or soft stretchy garment again! In this class, students will learn how to repair small holes in stretch knit garments using traditional mending + darning techniques. Students will be provided with hole-y sample swatches to practice on, creating your own visible mending samplers to take home with you. We’ll discuss how to use the skills learned in class to mend your knit clothing yourself at home, visibly and invisibly.

Cold Process Soapmaking
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:30 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
spent cooking oil, plant materials
Skills you’ll learn:
cold process soapmaking
Learn the cold process soapmaking technique with a few natural + sustainable tips! In this class, we’ll demonstrate how to clean + repurpose old cooking oil as the basis for your soap. We’ll also discuss way to incorporate natural materials into your soap like infusing color and scents from plants, or using dried botanicals. Participants will learn to use upcycled milk cartons and yogurt containers to create their own soap.
Please note, cold-process soaps take around 6 weeks to cure before they can be used.

Tools 202: Table Saw
2026-04-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Please note: participants are required to have taken Tools 101: Table Saw prior to taking this class.
Materials saved from the landfill:
wood
Skills you’ll learn:
advanced table saw operations, specialized cuts, working with different materials, diagnosing common issues
Build on the foundation from Tools 101: Table Saw in a class focused on deeper table saw use. We’ll cover more specific operations common to everyday shop work, along with techniques to increase accuracy, efficiency, and confidence at the saw. Participants will practice a wider range of cuts, work with different materials, and learn how to troubleshoot common table saw challenges as they come up.

Home Repair: Wood Windows
2026-04-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
windows with wooden frames
Skills you’ll learn:
window anatomy, removing + replacing glazing, removing + replacing paint
Learn from our instructor Kelsey Moss of Moss Restoration how to spot damage in those classic St. Louis wood windows. In this class, you’ll learn how to repair your old wood windows yourself to maintain energy efficiency + beautiful character in your home. You’ll focus on removing and replacing cracked + crumbling window glazing, the sealant that keeps the glass in and the wind out. You’ll also learn how to remove chipping paint using eco-friendly SoyGel + other techniques. Any other questions you have about your old windows will be great discussion topics for class. Next time the wind’s howling, rest assured that it’s just a friend from beyond and not a call to a repair company!

Sewing Machine Basics
2026-04-08 18:00 - 19:30 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
sewSkills you’ll learn:
overview of sewing machine parts and functions
Sewing machines can be a bit intimidating. Like any other tool, once you become familiar with its pieces and parts you will have more success (and fun!) using it to your advantage. In this introductory course, Perennial staff will cover the basic parts and functions of the sewing machine. This crash course will cover threading the machine, threading the bobbin, adjusting tension, adjusting the stitch width and length, and will introduce you to basic sewing language. This workshop is a prerequisite for other sewing classes at Perennial.

Open Studio
2026-04-04 13:00 - 17:00 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Have you learned a skill at Perennial and are ready to put it into action? Get to work in the shop and make your DIY dreams a reality! Come with your own ideas, designs, and materials (or purchase some here) and craft alongside other sustainable makers.
In order to use Perennial tools, you must be trained on safety and proper usage from taking a Perennial class. For example, to use the Chop Saw in the woodshop you should have taken Tools 101 Power Saws, to use a soldering iron in the ReUse Studio you should have taken a soldering class.
For more information about Open Studio, check out our FAQ page.
Each 2 hour session is $15.
Tools available in the Woodshop include: table saw, chop saw, jig saw, drill press, power drills, belt sander, planer, lathe, and traditional hand woodworking tools.
Tools available in the ReUse Studio include: sewing machines and sewing/quilting tools, soldering irons, upholstery tools, leather working tools, mosaic supplies, blenders, dye pots, pans and bowls, hot plates, measuring spoons, cutting mats, tapestry looms, paper-making supplies, wine bottle cutters, mark-making tools, and more!

Bushcraft: Basket Weaving
2026-04-04 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-03-28 13:00 - 15:30 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
plant materials
Skills you’ll learn:
weaving, lashing, identifying plants suitable for basket making, harvesting + processing plant materials for basket making
Learn how to create your own baskets using sustainably foraged plants materials! In this workshop, you will harvest plants from Perennial’s Outdoor Classroom + learn how to process them for basketry. As you’ll learn in class, each plant for basket making is best harvested at a specific time in the year. As certain plants work best for certain basket shapes, the shape of the basket and specific weaving technique you will learn in class is dependent on which plants are ready for harvest at the time of class. Come with an open mind, ready to learn a new basket shape!

Tools 101: Table Saw
2026-04-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Skills you’ll learn:
table saw, circular saw
Learn how to safely and effectively cut your reclaimed wood with the tools in Perennial’s woodshop. In this hour and a half demo, you’ll learn how to safely use Perennial’s Saw Stop table saw to rip long boards and make cross cuts. You’ll learn how to identify when a circular saw would be a better fit for your cutting needs and how to safely clamp your wood and utilize this tool to make your projects come to life. By completing this crash course, you will be trained to safely and properly use the table saw and circular saw for future projects at Perennial.

Trivia Night 4.3.26
2026-04-03 19:00 - 22:00 | Shrewsbury City Center, 5200 Shrewsbury Avenue, Saint Louis, MO, 63119, United States
Trivia Night returns!
Join Perennial for a night of smarts + crafts.

What’s better than a little friendly competition to kick-off earth month?

Grab your craftiest pals and hem up your smarty pants for an evening of the greenest trivia around. Prizes will be given out throughout the evening and a trophy (handmade by the Perennial crew) will be awarded to the winning team.
Enjoy 8 rounds of trivia with a maker spin. In true Perennial fashion, we’re getting creative to guarantee a fun out-of-the-box evening. This won’t be your typical trivia night (sorry no sports round). Prizes and games will be sprinkled throughout the night.

Soda and Beer included with your table purchase. Plan to enter our green table challenge and bring your own sustainable snacks and decor!

More details coming soon, but space is limited, so secure your team table before they sell out!
All table prices include registration for 1 team of up to a maximum of 8 people. All proceeds from Trivia Night support Perennial’s creative reuse programming all year round. This will be an in-person event held at the Shrewsbury City Center.

Interested in sponsoring this unique custom event and sharing your support with a sustainable stl audience? View our Sponsorship Opportunities or Contact katie@perennialstl.org

Sewing Machines: Level 2
2026-04-01 18:00 - 20:30 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Skills you’ll learn:
zippers, pattern reading, choosing fabrics, stitches
Feel confident stitching on your sewing machine, but want to take your skills to the next level? Join this Level 2 sewing class to learn all the unique features of the sewing machine that can help you tackle your next big project! We’ll cover topics ranging from sewing specialty fabrics, to following basic patterns, to getting wacky and having fun with the machine as a craft or sculpting tool. You’ll leave with knowledge about specialty sewing machine feet and how to use them, selecting the right stitch for different projects, and how to use your machine to tackle zippers, buttonholes, and more.
Please note: participants should have basic knowledge of how to use a sewing machine or have taken Perennial’s Sewing Machine Basics workshop.

Wooden Laptop Sleeve
2026-03-31 18:00 - 20:00 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
salvaged plywood and solid wood pieces
Skills you’ll learn:
cutting with a tablesaw, shaping with a router, sanding, and assembling with hand tools
Build your own custom wooden laptop sleeve using mostly reclaimed plywood! In this workshop, you’ll combine power and hand tools to craft a functional, stylish case designed to fit your own laptop—so be sure to bring it along. Learn woodworking basics like cutting, routing, and sanding while creating a one-of-a-kind piece that protects your tech sustainably. No prior woodworking experience required.

Intro to Cyanotypes
2026-03-28 13:00 - 15:30 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
fabrics, papers, slide film, transparencies
Skills you’ll learn:
cyanotype process
Discover the vintage photographic method of cyanotype printing! Cyanotype printing uses light from the sun to create photographic or silhouetted images in beautiful shades of blue. Class participants will learn how to alter scrap paper, fabric, and clothing into unique prints using just the sun to develop the images. Participants will learn how to process their own exposures and use found objects and transparencies to make one-of-a-kind designs. The class will also cover the process of transforming digital images into cyanotype-ready materials for transferring.

Garden Tool Sharpening + Repair
2026-03-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
garden tools
Skills you’ll learn:
sharpening, tightening, un-bending your tools
Bring in your garden tools with dull blades, loose wooden handles, and bent metal pieces for a tune-up! We’ll take you through these basic fixes on our own garden tools + give you the chance to work on your own.

DIY Shampoo: Solid + Dry
2026-03-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Photo + description coming soon!

DIY Rain Barrel
2026-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
hardware, barrel
Skills you’ll learn:
rain barrel tips, construction, drilling
Learn how to collect rain water in your own backyard with a rain barrel! A local gardening expert will give a talk on the importance + benefits of rainwater collection for the watershed and for your home. After the talk, Perennial staff will lead the class in altering their food-safe 55-gallon drums to transform them into rain collectors, and will instruct on ways to incorporate them into your yard, including creating a base to elevate them, and demonstrating how to connect them to your downspout. Additional hardware may be required to connect to your downspout at home or to winterize your barrel, but a basic setup will be provided. The setup and parts provided in class ONLY work with a rectangular downspout that is 2″ x 3″ or 3″ x 4″. Come to class with pictures of your home and downspout options, and the instructor will give advice on the best place to connect your rain barrel and how to alter your barrel for its new home.

DIY Compost Tumbler, 3/26+4/2
2026-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
barrels, wood, hardware
Skills you’ll learn:
compost tips, construction, sawing, drilling
Please note: This is a two-part workshop that takes place on Thursdays, March 26 + April 2 from 6-8pm both nights.
Learn how to compost your food scraps and build your own bin with Perennial. A local gardening expert from Seed St. Louis will give a talk on composting at home and the dos and don’ts of composting. After the talk, Perennial will lead the class in building their own compost tumblers from a barrel and salvaged wood. Participants will learn to use the chop saw, jig saw, and drill to build their compost bin.
This class may take place outside (weather-depending) in Perennial’s education garden.

Soldered Ceramic Jewelry
2026-03-25 18:00 - 20:30 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Description coming soon!

Eco-Friendly Screen Printing
2026-03-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Materials saved from the landfill:
tights, embroidery hoops, textiles
Skills you’ll learn:
creating an image on a screen, printing the image onto textiles, caring for your printed textiles
We’re talking eco-friendly, DIY alternatives to the traditional screen printing process! You’ll learn how to use 100% reclaimed materials to create a screen for your image that you can use again and again. Students will practice printing on various textiles such as tote bags, jeans, and t-shirts from around the shop. You can even bring in your own tired textiles to jazz them up!

Tools 101: Lathe
2026-03-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Perennial, 3762 S. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63118, United States
Skills you’ll learn:
lathe woodturning
Learn how to safely and effectively shape reclaimed wood with the lathe in Perennial’s woodshop. In this hour and a half hands-on demo, you’ll learn how to safely use the lathe to turn wood to make bowls, spindles, vessels, and more (with lots of practice!). You’ll discuss the different tools used on the lathe, including different gouges and the parting tool. By completing this crash course, you will be trained to properly and safely use the lathe for future projects at Perennial.
With any woodworking project, it takes practice to master the skills necessary, but this course will introduce you to the tools and safe practices.
