Category Archives: Crafts

TechShop Open House – Try the Plasma Cutter, Weld a Custom Branding Iron, And More!

TechShop Pittsburgh, located in Bakery Square, is hosting an all day summer social Saturday, June 22. The communal space offers a ton of different professional equipment and workshops for members to start creating. The interns took a field trip there today, and I have to say we were impressed. There are so many machines and cool projects going on, the place is definitely a must-see. From 3D printers to sewing machines, this place has it all. TechShop is only located in a few cities in the country, and Pittsburgh is lucky enough to be one of them.

The TechShop Summer Kickoff, held from 10a.m. to 5p.m. will feature a lot of DIY workshops where you can create your own craft to take home.Some of the Make-It, Take-It workshops include: vacuum formed chocolate molds, custom steak branding irons, silkscreened totes and bandanas, laser etched beer mugs, and more. The workshops are low cost and open to everyone, plus you take home the project that day (thus the “Make-It, Take-It:). These classes are limited numbers, so sign up here before you go.

There will also be food, music, demos, and exhibitions throughout the day.

The event is free, but you do have to RSVP. For more info, check out their Facebook Event.

: Make a custom branding iron

: use the vacuum former to make a custom chocolate mold and bar

: metal flower made with the plasma cutter

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Father’s Day in Pittsburgh

Father’s Day is a tricky nut to crack. What do you get dear old dad? What do you do with an entire day dedicated to him? There can be an overwhelming pressure when it comes to the special day . Or you can just give him a #1 DAD mug and hope for the best. If you’re looking to be the best son or daughter ever, check out these events happening in Pittsburgh for Father’s Day.

Man Up for Prostate Cancer 5/10k Walk/Run

Spend the day walking (or running) with your dad to raise money for Prostate Cancer research. The Obediah Cole Foundation is hosting its 11th annual 5/10k Walk/Run on Sunday, June 16th. Races start at 8a.m. at Riverfront Park and the course follows the North Shore for a great view of the city and the rivers. Spend the morning getting fit with your dad, and raising money for a good cause. Register here.

Father’s Day Celebration at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

What could be better than spending the day at the zoo with your dad? Spend Father’s Day with your dad at the zoo FOR FREE. Dads get free admission when they bring their child to the zoo on Sunday, June 16th. I’m not sure how they are defining child, and if they’ll let a 22 year-old slide as a kid, but my fingers are crossed. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG aquarium opens at 9:30a.m. on Sunday.

Father’s Day Brunch and Dinner Specials

If you’re anything like my Dad and me, then you like to commemorate notable holidays by eating large meals. Open Table has made your search for the perfect brunch or dinner spot a little easier by compiling a list of holiday specials. Search for reservations times and more on the site.

First pitch, Mets vs Pirates, 7.20.05 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kids and Dads’ Day at PNC Park

Take your sporty dad to PNC Park Sunday for an afternoon game against the Dodgers. Kids and dads get the special treatment with free baseball caps at the doors. Children are also welcomed to run the bases after the game. Dads–if you behave maybe you can run the bases after the game too.

Plant a Tree for Dad with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

Help the environment and get a gift for your dad by planting a tree in Pittsburgh. With a donation, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy will plant a tree in the Park of your choice. They’ll also send a card to your dad for proof.

Breakfast and a Movie at the Hollywood Theater in Dormont

Does your dad like breakfast? Old westerns? Both? Enjoy brunch and western classic High Noon at the Hollywood Theater in Dormont Sunday June 16th. Brunch starts at 11a.m., and the movie begins at 11:30a.m.

Make Your Own Audio Card for Father’s Day

Join the Saturday Light Brigade through Father’s Day to make your own unique audio card. From 1-4p.m. daily, the Saturday Light Brigade can help you create a one of a kind card to give to your dad. You can find the Saturday Light Brigade in the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in the Northside. You can find more information on the event here.

Gateway Clipper Fleet Celebrates Father’s Day

Spend some time with dad on the water this Sunday with the Gateway Clipper Fleet’s Father’s Day brunch or lunch (or both if your dad is really hungry). The brunch cruise sets sail at 10a.m., and the lunch cruise at 2:30p.m. Bring your life vest and an empty stomach, this buffet is all you can eat.

There’s our round up of a few events happening Sunday. What are your Father’s Day plans this year? Leave us a comment below!

Kids briefs: Children’s Museum lets kids record gifts for parents

Shopping Downtown At the Arts Festival

Visitors interested in shopping at this year’s Arts Festival won’t be disappointed. The Artist Market, which runs every day during the festival from 12-8pm, offers many unique items such as wearable fiber, precious jewelry, and other mediums like ceramics, drawings, mixed media, photography, and paintings. Creators of these pieces come from all parts of the country after applying and being selected to participate. Their art is available for purchase right at the event for you to take home.

Once you’ve finished walking around the market, you don’t have to stop shopping. Many other downtown shops will be open, some late at night and during the weekend, while the Arts Festival is running. The downtown area conveniently offers department stores, boutiques, and retail centers in close proximity. You can also stop to eat at Fifth Avenue Place at 120 Fifth Avenue and check out the many retail shops located inside the center. One of their stores, Crystal River Gems, will be offering special deals on handmade jewelry during the festival. Laurie’s Hallmark is also offering free bracelets every Friday in June with any purchase of at least $10. For a full listing of stores in Downtown Pittsburgh, check out this Shop & Dine Guide from DowntownPittsburgh.com. There is something for everyone in the downtown shopping area during the Arts Festival, from apparel, books, electronics, bakery items, jewelry, shoes, and even wine and spirits.

Here is A List of Downtown Merchants and their Weekend Hours

	Saturday	Sunday
Artist Market	12:00pm-8:00pm	12:00pm-8:00pm
Added Touch 120 Fifth Avenue	10:00am-3:00pm
Amazing Books 929 Liberty Avenue		11:30am-4:00pm
Avenue 120 Fifth Avenue	10:00am-3:00pm
Boutique 208 208 6th Street	11:00am-8:00pm	11:00am-5:00pm
Boutique la Passerelle 417 Wood Street	10:00am-5:00pm
Broadway Army Navy 909 Liberty Avenue	10:00am-5:00pm
Brooks Brothers 600 Smithfield Street	9:30am-6:00pm
Burlington Coat Factory 339 Sixth Avenue	9:00am-8:00pm	12:00pm-5:00pm
Canadian Fur Company 625 Smithfield Street	9:00am-2:00pm
Carl W. Herrmann Furs 634 Smithfield Street	9:00am-5:00pm
Crystal River Gems 120 Fifth Avenue	10:00am-4:00pm
Debwal 125 W. Station Square Drive	10:00am-10:00pm	12:00pm-5:00pm
Denim Express 439 Wood Street	9:30am-6:00pm
Designer Outlet 311 Forbes Avenue	11:00am-4:00pm
Eide’s Entertainment 1121 Penn Avenue	9:30am-6:30pm	10:00am-5:30pm
Emphatics 301 Grant Street	10:00am-5:00pm
Ends-N-Odds 125 W. Station Square Drive	10:00am-9:00pm	12:00pm-5:00pm
Heinz Healey’s 160 Fifth Avenue	9:30am-5:30pm
Hometowne Sports 125 W. Station Square Drive	10:00am-10:30pm	10:00am-6:00pm
Jos. A. Bank 230 Fifth Avenue	9:00am-8:00pm	12:00pm-6:00pm
Joseph Orlando 606 Liberty Avenue	9:30am-5:00pm
Kountz & Rider 301 Grant Street	9:30am-5:00pm
Larrimor’s 249 Fifth Avenue	9:00am-6:00pm
Laurie’s Hallmark 120 Fifth Avenue	10:00am-3:00pm
Lydell’s 120 Fifth Avenue	10:00am-3:00pm
Macy’s 400 Fifth Avenue	9:00am-6:00pm	12:00pm-5:00pm
N.J. Richetti Fine Men’s Clothing 301 Grant Street	10:00am-5:00pm
New York New York 125 W. Station Square Drive	10:00am-12:00am	11:00am-8:00pm
Oxford Centre Wine & Spirits 320 Smithfield Street	10:00am-5:30pm
Pennsylvania Wine Cellars 125 W. Station Square Drive	10:00am-9:00pm	12:00pm-9:00pm
Pittsburgh Popcorn Company 822 Liberty Avenue	10:00am-5:00pm
Serendipity Accessories 2 PPG Place	10:00am-4:00pm
Social Status 717 Liberty Avenue	10:00am-8:00pm
ToonSeum 945 Liberty Avenue		10:00am-5:00pm
Unforgettable Oxford Oxford Center	10:00am-5:00pm
WEAR on Market Square 433 Market Street	10:00am-6:00pm

Peepsburgh Banjo Club

A little Easter treat. Every Wednesday evening is Banjo Night at the Elks Club on the North Side (the Elks club is the big building across from the Giant Eagle). Admission is free and from 8-11 pm – live banjo music. (You can read more about Banjo Night from PopCity Media and Everything Better Pittsburgh)

This peeps display was sitting on the table in the back of the room. I am not sure who created it – if you know, please leave a comment so we can give them credit. If you haven’t been to banjo night yet, yes there is a disco ball over the stage.

Speaking of peeps… The Washington Post runs an annual Peeps Diorama Contest. This years winner is “Twinkie: Rest in Peeps”

Happy Easter! Hope you have a lovely day celebrating with your friends and family.

Boys & Girls Club Makes ‘Peeps Bracket’ (lostlettermen.com)
13 impressive Peep dioramas (deathandtaxesmag.com)
Peeps contest winner pays homage to fellow sweet treat (triblive.com)
Best Easter Idea Ever: Drunken Peeps (washingtonian.com)
Washington Post’s “Peeps Show” (artofsimplicitydc.wordpress.com)
How to Infuse Vodka with Marshmallow Peeps (laughingsquid.com)
How Many Peeps and Cadbury Easter Eggs Can a 50 Cal Rifle Shoot Through? (gizmodo.com)
The Papal Conclave, Peeps-edition (washingtonmonthly.com)

Get a Sneak Peek of the New TechShop Pittsburgh on Saturday

Next month – the newest location of TechShop will open right here in Pittsburgh. This is a big deal….

1. because TechShop is pretty cool place – I’ll get to that in a minute
2. The fact that TechShop choose Pittsburgh for their next location speaks to the kinds of things that are happening with innovation, entrepreneurship, design and development in Pittsburgh.

I was just asking some of my coworkers if their kids were excited for Valentine’s day. In grade school I loved any holiday (it meant that I would get to eat candy) and woodshop day. I was lucky enough to attend a school that had a pretty nice woodshop and someone thought it was a good idea to teach a bunch of kids how to use band saws, lathes and drill presses. And I loved it – there is something about making things.

So what is TechShop – its kind of like a coworking space meets a workshop. Think a giant woodshop, add in some more cool stuff like lazer cutters, 3d printers and even more tools that are super cool and you probably wouldn’t buy for your house. TechShop has all of this stuff and more – rather than buying these things (if you could afford them) and keeping them in your garage (if you have one) – you can join TechShop and as a member you get access to the workshop and you can take classes.

Here is some more information about TechShop from their website:

TechShop is a playground for creativity. Part fabrication and prototyping studio, parthackerspace and part learning center, TechShop provides access to over $1 million worth of professional equipment and software. We offer comprehensive instruction and expert staff to ensure you have a safe, meaningful and rewarding experience. Most importantly, at TechShop you can explore the world of making in a collaborative and creative environment.

Why TechShop is Good News for Pittsburgh

As I mentioned above – TechShop setting up shop in Pittsburgh highlights and adds to some of the great stuff already happening around town. If you are a regular reader of IheartPGH or happen to catch me waxing poetic about what Pittsburgh needs (or doesn’t need) – it usually has something to do with…

crafting
hacker spaces
making cool things – (did you miss this post about the MakerFaire and the Easy Cheese Printer)
computer programming and development
coworking spaces
AND the need for more public spaces (yes – we need way more than just a few Panera conference rooms)

Now take a look at the floor plan for TechShop Pittsburgh