Build. create.
Experience.
workshops for the everyday craftsman
We offer friendly, safe, and hands-on woodworking and leatherworking classes. In our workshops, you learn the basics of woodworking or leatherworking, expand your skills, and have an opportunity to learn new techniques from a master craftsman.
Sign up and Experience the joy of transforming a piece of wood or leather into a creative and useful accessory.
build it: woodworking workshop
Led by Master Craftsman, Kurt Ballash, this class uses the creation of the cutting board to teach students the fundamentals of woodworking. Enjoy hands-on work with the jointer, planer, table saw, router table, and orbital sander! This class gives you a truly pro-grade experience AND you leave with your own hand-made cutting board and a whole new set of skills!
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All students will be taught directly by Master Craftsman Kurt Ballash.
Kurt found purpose in woodworking and is passionate about teaching others his trade. He is the owner of Ballash Woodworks and co-founder of The Artisans Outreach.
After serving in the U.S. Army, he returned to the family trade to find a peace in creation that helped him recover from the effects of war.
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This woodworking workshop is hosted monthly and each class is up to 8 hours. We start at 9:00 am sharp and build and instruct until 5:00 pm. Come prepared, bring water and snacks, and get ready to maximize our workshops with a full day of hands-on woodworking.
Safety is a top priority as well as having fun and enjoying the skill that goes into each build.
The workshop takes place in the Ballash Woodworks Shop
432 Cedar Creek Road,
Fayetteville, NC 28312. -
A comprehensive experience with skilled artisans and industry leaders teaching you to build the basics in the woodworking trade.
We begin our woodshop process by reviewing by understanding basic shop and tools safety. We will discuss the project specifics, design, and components. You will be educated on different wood species and how to select the best wood for your project.
You will learn how to turn rough lumber into useful materials and with practical exercise, you will learn how to assemble your wood product.
“He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, head, and heart is an artist.”
— St. Francis of Assissi (1181-1226)
CREATE IT: LEATHERWORKING WORKSHOP
Led by Master Leatherworker, Steven Chadduck this interactive, hands-on will have you making items out of leather in no time. Participants will learn the basics of leather work, to include, cutting, stitching, stamping and dyeing while they make their very own useful leather articles.
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All students will be taught directly by Master Leatherworker, Steven Chadduck.
Steve started leatherworking after his time in the U.S. Army came to a close. He is the owner of Spartan Customs a custom leatherworking business located in Fayetteville, NC.
Steve continues to serve our military community through workshops that help him connect with and mentor others through the creative process. -
This leather workshop is hosted monthly and each class is up to 8 hours. We start at 9:00 am sharp and build and instruct until 5:00 pm. Come prepared, bring water and snacks, and get ready to maximize our workshops with a full day of hands-on leatherworking.
Safety is a top priority as well as having fun and enjoying the skill that goes into each build.
The workshop takes place at: Ballash Woodworks
432 Cedar Creek Road, Fayetteville, NC 28312. -
A comprehensive experience with skilled artisans and industry leaders teaching you to build the basics in the leatherworking trade. We begin our woodshop process by reviewing and understanding basic shop and tools safety. We will discuss the project specifics, design, and components.
CREATE IT! Ladder game for fun with family and friends!
Join us here at Ballash Woodworks to build a game that is fun for everyone! Learn to safely use the tools here at the shop and take home your game that you can make tons of memories and even brag that you built it yourself! (Does not come with the string and balls.
Chisels and hand planes (sharpening and maintenance)
"Imagine a cozy workshop filled with the scent of freshly cut wood and the sound of tools gently clinking against one another. In this class, aspiring woodworkers gather around a seasoned instructor, eager to delve into the art of sharpening and maintaining chisels and planes.
The atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation as participants prepare to unlock the secrets of fine craftsmanship. With each stroke of the sharpening stone and every adjustment of the plane's blade, they embark on a journey of precision and skill refinement.
Under the watchful eye of the instructor, students learn the delicate balance between angle and pressure, discovering the nuances that separate a dull edge from a razor-sharp one. Hands-on demonstrations guide them through the intricacies of blade alignment and honing techniques, instilling confidence in their ability to achieve superior results.
As the class progresses, camaraderie flourishes among classmates, fueled by shared triumphs and the mutual pursuit of mastery. Questions are met with patient guidance, and mistakes become valuable lessons in the pursuit of excellence.
By the end of the session, participants emerge with more than just sharpened tools—they carry with them a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into every woodworking project. Armed with the knowledge and skills to maintain their chisels and planes with precision and care, they are ready to embark on their own woodworking adventures, equipped for success in every carve and every plane stroke."
CREATE IT! manly toolbox/beer caddy
Come and hang out with us for the day and create your very own toolbox/beer caddy! We will learn how to safely use the tools and take home your creation!
CREATE IT! Leather Holster Class-June 8, 2024
Picture a cozy workshop filled with the earthy scent of leather and the sound of tools clinking against wooden tables. In a holster leather working class, you'd likely find a group of eager learners gathered around a seasoned artisan, ready to dive into the craft of holster making.
The class would typically begin with an introduction to the materials and tools used in leatherworking. Participants might learn about different types of leather, their qualities, and how to select the appropriate leather for a holster. They would also become acquainted with essential tools such as cutting knives, stitching awls, and edge burnishers.
Once everyone is familiar with the basics, the real hands-on work begins. Students would start by tracing and cutting out patterns for the holster design they've chosen. Precision is key here, as a well-fitting holster not only looks professional but also ensures the firearm stays securely in place.
Next comes the assembly process. Under the guidance of the instructor, participants would learn techniques for stitching, molding, and shaping the leather to create the structure of the holster. This stage requires patience and attention to detail, as every stitch and fold contributes to the final functionality and aesthetics of the holster.
As the class progresses, students would explore different finishing techniques to give their holsters a polished look. This might involve dyeing the leather, burnishing the edges, and adding decorative elements like stamping or tooling. Each participant would have the opportunity to personalize their holster, making it truly unique to their style and preferences.
Throughout the class, the instructor would provide individual guidance and feedback, helping students troubleshoot any challenges they encounter along the way. By the end of the workshop, participants would not only have a beautiful handmade holster to take home but also a newfound appreciation for the artistry and skill involved in leatherworking.
CREATE IT! Leather WorkiNG - sandal workshop
Join us here at Ballash Woodworks to hand-craft a pair of sandals. You will be able to choose from flip-flops or slides. Please include your shoe size upon registration.
(Picture is for reference only.)
CREATE IT! Exotic Floating shelf
Join us to make a one of a kind floating shelf out of one of our exotics woods! In this class, you will learn how to safely use the equipment and learn how to properly create your shelf for easy floatable hanging!
We cant wait to see you there!
CREATE IT! Creative charcuterie board
COME!! Join us for a fun workshop in learning how to create the perfect little creative charcuterie board. Types of wood will vary and the picture is an example.
You will create your own unique shape to create your very own board to take home and show off at gatherings!
CREATE IT! Cupids Cutting Board Class For couples
Allow cupids arrow to strike and join us on this special day for a cutting board workshop with your partner or spouse. Kurt will teach the teamwork skills and how to safely use the equipment to create your very own cutting board to take home as a long-lasting memory.
CREATE IT! stool
Come and join us in building your own generational stool to keep in the family for years and years to come. This is such a beautiful stool just like the ones we had growing up!
CREATE IT! chrisTMAS ornament (nativity or gingerbread house)
Come and join us for some Christmas joy while painting your choice of Christmas tree ornaments.
You will be able to choose from a variety of ornaments!
CREATE IT! Cutting board workshop
Join us at Ballash Woodworks to learn how to take our premium selections of wood, safely use the shop tools and create your very own cutting board to take home!
This will be a perfect board to showcase what you learned on Thanksgiving Day!
CREATE IT! spooktacular halloween decor
Join us for a spooky day at Ballash Woodworks to decorate Halloween decor. Item will be revealed the day of!
You are in for a SPOOKTACULAR event!
(Picture for reference only, time may vary and cost will be adjusted once decor is chosen!)
CREATE IT! Leather WorkiNG - Western Gun Holster (Copy)
Come to Ballash Woodworks and learn to hand craft your own Western Holster out of a veg tan premium leathers. You will learn the proper stitching techniques and will take home your Western Holster to show off your new skill!
Stay tuned for a follow up class for the Belt for your western holster!
Picture is for reference only.
CREATE IT! flag (upgrade available for coin display)
Join us at Ballash Woodworks! September 9, 2023 come and join us in learning how to safely use the shop equipment and create a beautiful American Flag to proudly display in your home! There will also be an upgrade available to include a place for a coin display!
(Flag will not be this size and will not be painted. Flag will be made of wood. Picture for reference only)
CREATE IT! Dog Food and water bowl
Join us at Ballash Woodworks! August 19, 2023 to learn how to safely use the shop equipment and create your very own dog and water bowl! (It will not be exactly like this one. We will be doing something of our own).
CREATE IT! the paint club experiENCE
Join us at Ballash Woodworks! August 12, 2023 Come and enjoy a relaxing and unique experience in a 2 hour step by step instructional painting workshop with Dimitry!! You will create a beautiful masterpiece using acrylic paints on a canvas. Creative and memorable, you will not want to miss this truly unique experience!!
All inclusive refreshments will be served. NO experience necessary.
ALL ages welcome, however you must have a valid I.D. to consume alcoholic beverages.
CREATE IT! Leather WorkiNG - Western Gun Holster
Come to Ballash Woodworks and learn to hand craft your own Western Holster out of a veg tan premium leathers. You will learn the proper stitching techniques and will take home your Western Holster to show off your new skill!
Stay tuned for a follow up class for the Belt for your western holster!
Picture is for reference only.
CREATE IT! Ladder game for fun with family and friends!
Join us here at Ballash Woodworks to build a game that is fun for everyone! Learn to safely use the tools here at the shop and take home your game that you can make tons of memories and even brag that you built it yourself! (Does not come with the string and balls.
CREATE IT! Leather WorkiNG - moccasins
Come to Ballash Woodworks and learn to hand craft your own pair of moccasins out of a variety of our premium leathers. You will learn the proper stitching techniques and will take home your Moccasins to show off your new skill!
Picture is for reference only.
CREATE IT! manly toolbox/beer caddy
Come and hang out with us for the day and create your very own toolbox/beer caddy! We will learn how to safely use the tools and take home your creation!
CREATE IT! Leather WorkiNG - kids class (keychain, bracelet, valet/catch tray)
Bring in your son or daughter for a FUN filled day learning to dye, stamp and use y our creative side in learning to make your choice of a key chain, bracelet or valet/catch-all tray.
CREATE IT! relaxing bath caddy
Join us for a workshop where you will create your own bath caddy for your favorite beverage, book and snack while you’re relaxing! Bring your mother for Mother’s Day or come in and create one for your loved one!
CREATE IT! Leather WorkiNG - sandal workshop
Join us here at Ballash Woodworks to hand-craft a pair of sandals. You will be able to choose from flip-flops or slides. Please include your shoe size upon registration.
(Picture is for reference only.)
CREATE IT! Bird house
Join us for a fun create your very own birdhouse workshop! See more of your favorite bird by building a birdhouse specially for a cardinal bird!
CREATE IT! Treasure box CREATION for your finest treasures!
COME!! Join us for a fun workshop in learning how to create the perfect little treasure box out of our premium wood here at the shop! You will spend the day with us learning how to utilize the tools safely and create your treasure box to take home!
CREATE IT! Leather WorkiNG - clutch purse workshop
Join us here at Ballash Woodworks to create a beautiful hand crafted leather clutch purse (motorcycle fork bag, glasses case or belt!) YOU get to choose your creation! There will be a variety of premium leathers to choose from to create your unique item!
(Picture is for reference only.)
CREATE IT! Leather WorkiNG - couples Purse/wallet workshop
Join us here at Ballash Woodworks for a lovebird leather couples class where you and your partner or spouse can sit side by side in a teamwork effort to create your very own premium leather purse and/or wallet!
CREATE IT! Window Planter Box
Come and join us to build a window planter box for your favorite spring flowers !
CREATE IT! Leather WorkiNG - knife sheath (with pocket knife)
Get ready for our leather working knife sheath class! Join us for a fun day of creating your own knife sheath from premium leather gaining the basic skills and knowledge you’ll need to continue your creative adventure! (Picture is for reference. There will be different leathers to choose from. Knife sheath will come with a pocket knife).
WORKSHOP CALENDAR
our commitment to our veteran community
The Artisans Outreach is proud to offer Active Duty, Veterans, and their families the opportunity to attend a Create It! Workshop at a discounted rate.