UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Before You Renovate: Lead Safety for Older Homes
Learn how to protect your family from hidden lead hazards.
Thursday, May 7th, 6PM-8PM - OuterSpace in Lower Price Hill (Community Matters)
About the workshop:
Learn how to protect your family from Lead Poisoning. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, "Lead-based paint is still present in millions of homes, normally under layers of newer paint...Deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged, or damp) is a hazard and needs immediate attention." Young children are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning, and scientists are still uncovering the long lasting effects of lead poisoning in children. In this workshop, an EPA-Certified Lead Risk Assessor Josie Watson will walk us through the steps needed to protect your family and small children from lead poisoning while renovating your older home.
Date, Location, and Parking information:
Thursday, May 7th, 6PM-8PM
Location: OuterSpace in Lower Price Hill (Community Matters)
734 State Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45204
Free street parking
Pay-What-You-Can and free for Lower Price Hill residents
About the instructor:
Josie Watson (she/her) lives in East Westwood with her family. She has a background in Biology and Early Childhood Education, which prepared her well for her journey into working with lead poisoned kiddos, lead-safe home renovation, and ultimately lead poisoning prevention. In 2022 she quickly went from being in complete denial that lead could ever affect her family, to being the mother of a lead poisoned toddler. In the course of having their 1911 home abated for lead, she researched lead safety extensively and eventually became an EPA certified lead renovator. Josie is passionate about empowering parents to keep their kids safe.
About Do It Yourself Darlin
Do It Yourself Darlin fills the gap in practical home education by teaching the fundamentals of home repair and maintenance—empowering individuals to care for their homes, strengthen housing stability, and explore the trades.
About GroundWorksORV
We are changing what conservation looks like. Our mission: to bring about the sustained regeneration, improvement, and management of the physical environment by developing community-based partnerships that empower people, businesses, and organization to promote environmental, economic, and social well-being.
About this workshop
Saturday, May 9, 10AM-1PM Cincinnati Toolbank
About the Plumbing 101 workshop
This workshop will explore the basics functions of water-related plumbing within a typical home. Participants will walk around our Casa Colina house to explore and discuss plumbing components such as supply lines, drains, vents, sewers, and their connections at fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. Discussion will focus on fundamentals of plumbing functionality, basic maintenance tips, and how to tell when a plumbing issue is DIY-friendly or requires a professional. The workshop will end with a hands-on activity.
Lead Poisoning Hazard Disclaimer: All home renovation work can create a significant lead hazard if completed in a pre-1978 home. DIYD will provide Lead Poisoning Prevention resources to any workshop attendee living in a pre-1978 home. DIYD also hosts a lead safety class twice a year - we highly recommend that you sign up for the lead safety class before you complete these projects in your home if your home was built before 1978 and you have young children living in your home.
Date, Location, and Parking information:
Saturday, May 9, 10AM-1PM
Cincinnati Toolbank Training Center (1682 E Seymour Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45237)
Park anywhere in the small lot around the building. Enter through the front door - someone will be there to greet you and direct you up to the training facility on the second floor.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes early!
About our instructor:
Shelby Adams is a KY Journeyman plumber and has been a residential service plumber for 4 years. Shelby’s a proud mother to twins and in her free time enjoys reading, video games, and spending time outdoors and with family.
About Do It Yourself Darlin: Do It Yourself Darlin fills the gap in practical home education by teaching the fundamentals of home repair and maintenance—empowering individuals to care for their homes, strengthen housing stability, and explore the trades.
About our ticket costs: At this time, we are not yet offering pay-what-you-can tickets. All proceeds from this workshop will be used for our nonprofit start up costs, as Do It Yourself Darlin is currently transitioning to becoming an independent nonprofit organization!
About this workshop
Wednesday, May 20th, 6-8PM @ 2701sg
Looking to jumpstart or deepen your knowledge of woodworking and carpentry power tools? This is the workshop series for you! Dani Fraley of Suncraft Collective will walk the class through each tool, starting with the absolute basics (what is this? why do we use it?) and help each attendee work their way towards using the tools safely and skillfully with independence.
This week's workshop will focus on drills, drivers, drill bits, and driver bits, as well as how to mount things on the wall!
Lead Poisoning Hazard Disclaimer: All home renovation work can create a significant lead hazard if completed in a pre-1978 home. DIYD will provide Lead Poisoning Prevention resources to any workshop attendee living in a pre-1978 home. DIYD also hosts a lead safety class twice a year - we highly recommend that you sign up for the lead safety class before you complete these projects in your home if your home was built before 1978 and you have young children living in your home.
Date, Location, and Parking information:
Wednesday, May 20th, 6-8PM
2701 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225
There is a large parking lot on the right side of the building, as well as street parking out front. When you arrive, enter through the glass doors at the front of the building facing Spring Grove Ave (look for the DIYD event sign). Someone from DIYD will be there to let you in and we will take people to the classroom as you arrive.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes early!
About our instructor: Dani Fraley is a professional woodworker that began her career in 2018 after working as a structural and graphic designer. She has worked in both residential and commercial sectors on a variety of projects, and brings a wealth of both general and specialized knowledge to her classes. Dani now has her own small business and a workshop in Camp Washington called Suncraft Collective.
Dani knows how rewarding it is to work with your hands to make something, and believes it should be accessible to everyone. She enjoys helping others grow their confidence and skills, while emphasizing safety and positivity.
About Do It Yourself Darlin: Do It Yourself Darlin fills the gap in practical home education by teaching the fundamentals of home repair and maintenance—empowering individuals to care for their homes, strengthen housing stability, and explore the trades.
About our ticket costs: At this time, we are not yet offering pay-what-you-can tickets. All proceeds from this workshop will be used for our nonprofit start up costs, as Do It Yourself Darlin is currently transitioning to becoming an independent nonprofit organization!
About this workshop
Saturday, May 30th, 10AM-1PM @ Building Value
Do It Yourself Darlin’s Houses 101 workshop is designed to teach new homeowners, prospective homeowners, and veteran homeowners alike about the many layers and systems that make up a house along with some basic home maintenance recommendations. In this lecture-style workshop, participants will dive into the following topics, learning about their functions, key safety tips, and how to tell if anything is awry:
- Plumbing systems (including gas)
- Electrical systems
- Roof and gutter systems
- Interior finish wall assemblies and framing
- Foundations
- Windows and Doors
- HVAC systems and key appliances
Lead Poisoning Hazard Disclaimer: All home renovation work can create a significant lead hazard if completed in a pre-1978 home. DIYD will provide Lead Poisoning Prevention resources to any workshop attendee living in a pre-1978 home. DIYD also hosts a lead safety class twice a year - we highly recommend that you sign up for the lead safety class before you complete these projects in your home if your home was built before 1978 and you have young children living in your home.
Date, Location, and Parking information:
Saturday, May 30th, 10AM-1PM
Location: Building Value 4040 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223
About our instructor: Rhett Harkins (he/him) purchased his current home, built in 1886, in 2010 for $5,600 and thus was thrust into the expansive world of home renovations. In 2013 he and his long-time friend and business partner began Red Door Management in hopes to improve historic homes in the neighborhood and provide spaces for Cincinnati residents to be proud of. As the mission became a reality, "RDM Services" was born as a division of Red Door to help homeowners see the full potential of their living spaces and continues to operate today. Rhett believes that our living spaces can be a reflection of both the individuals that inhabit them, and the community of which they are a part.
About Do It Yourself Darlin: Do It Yourself Darlin fills the gap in practical home education by teaching the fundamentals of home repair and maintenance—empowering individuals to care for their homes, strengthen housing stability, and explore the trades.
About this workshop
Sunday, May 31st, 9:30AM-11:30AM Cincinnati Toolbank
About the Electrical 102 Ceiling Fans workshop:
Once you have an understanding of a basic electrical circuit and how to replace a basic 2-way switch and outlet, it’s time to learn how to install a ceiling fan! This class will review the concept behind a basic circuit with a switch interruptor, the difference between a basic electrical box and a ceiling fan box, how the wiring works, and what installation hardware you will find on a typical ceiling fan.
Lead Poisoning Hazard Disclaimer: All home renovation work can create a significant lead hazard if completed in a pre-1978 home. DIYD will provide Lead Poisoning Prevention resources to any workshop attendee living in a pre-1978 home. DIYD also hosts a lead safety class twice a year - we highly recommend that you sign up for the lead safety class before you complete these projects in your home if your home was built before 1978 and you have young children living in your home.
Date, Location, and Parking information:
Sunday, May 31st, 9:30AM-11:30AM
Cincinnati Toolbank Training Center (1682 E Seymour Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45237)
Park anywhere in the small lot around the building. Enter through the front door - someone will be there to greet you and direct you up to the training facility on the second floor.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes early!
About our instructor:
Hello my name is Beth I am an apprentice in the I.B.E.W electrical union. I have always enjoyed working with my hands and electrical equipment. I have had several other jobs in the construction industry and maintenance positions.I have a small hobby farm east of Cincinnati. I enjoy creating devices or systems to improve my life and make things more efficient. My goal is to build my own house and implement several permaculture projects to help me become more self sufficient on my property. I look forward to helping you understand some basic aspects of your electrical system, so in the future you feel more confident and comfortable with your knowledge and skills.
About Do It Yourself Darlin: Do It Yourself Darlin fills the gap in practical home education by teaching the fundamentals of home repair and maintenance—empowering individuals to care for their homes, strengthen housing stability, and explore the trades.
About our ticket costs: At this time, we are not yet offering pay-what-you-can tickets. All proceeds from this workshop will be used for our nonprofit start up costs, as Do It Yourself Darlin is currently transitioning to becoming an independent nonprofit organization!
About this workshop
Sunday, May 31st, 12PM-2PM @ Cincinnati Toolbank
About the Electrical 102 Ceiling Fans workshop:
Once you have an understanding of a basic electrical circuit and how to replace a basic 2-way switch and outlet, it’s time to learn how to install a ceiling fan! This class will review the concept behind a basic circuit with a switch interruptor, the difference between a basic electrical box and a ceiling fan box, how the wiring works, and what installation hardware you will find on a typical ceiling fan.
Lead Poisoning Hazard Disclaimer: All home renovation work can create a significant lead hazard if completed in a pre-1978 home. DIYD will provide Lead Poisoning Prevention resources to any workshop attendee living in a pre-1978 home. DIYD also hosts a lead safety class twice a year - we highly recommend that you sign up for the lead safety class before you complete these projects in your home if your home was built before 1978 and you have young children living in your home.
Date, Location, and Parking information:
Sunday, May 31st, 12PM-2PM
Cincinnati Toolbank Training Center (1682 E Seymour Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45237)
Park anywhere in the small lot around the building. Enter through the front door - someone will be there to greet you and direct you up to the training facility on the second floor.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes early!
About our instructor:
Hello my name is Beth I am an apprentice in the I.B.E.W electrical union. I have always enjoyed working with my hands and electrical equipment. I have had several other jobs in the construction industry and maintenance positions.I have a small hobby farm east of Cincinnati. I enjoy creating devices or systems to improve my life and make things more efficient. My goal is to build my own house and implement several permaculture projects to help me become more self sufficient on my property. I look forward to helping you understand some basic aspects of your electrical system, so in the future you feel more confident and comfortable with your knowledge and skills.
About Do It Yourself Darlin: Do It Yourself Darlin fills the gap in practical home education by teaching the fundamentals of home repair and maintenance—empowering individuals to care for their homes, strengthen housing stability, and explore the trades.
About our ticket costs: At this time, we are not yet offering pay-what-you-can tickets. All proceeds from this workshop will be used for our nonprofit start up costs, as Do It Yourself Darlin is currently transitioning to becoming an independent nonprofit organization!
Our 2026 Workshop Partners
Become A DIYD Sponsor
Your sponsorships supports:
🌟 Equitable access to practical, life-changing skills for those with financial barriers
🌟 An inclusive learning environment friendly and supportive to women, LGBTQIA+ folks, immigrants, BIPOC, domestic abuse survivors, learners of all ages, and beginners alike
🌟 An opportunity to explore trade skills and to connect with trade professionals for those considering a career shift
Workshop sponsors subsidize sliding scale, pay-what-you-can ticket options and overhead for one workshop.
1 Core Workshop = $250
1 Specialty Workshop = $350
Series sponsors subsidize sliding scale, pay-what-you-can ticket options and overhead for all workshops of one topic.
10 Core Workshops = $2,500
4 Specialty Workshops = $1,400
Annual sponsors support an entire year of equitable access to and overhead support for DIYD programming.
Annual Sponsorship = $10,000
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors!
2025 Annual Sponsor: Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati
2025 Houses 101 Series Sponsor: Jessica Kirkpatrick, Realtor
2025 Plumbing 101 Series Sponsor: Jolly Plumbing, Drains, Heating & Air
2025 Electrical 101 Series Sponsor: Craftsman Electric
2025 Aprendiendo Sobre Casas Workshop Sponsor: Rachel Thompson, Realtor
Do It Yourself Darlin is fiscally sponsored by Center for Transformative Action.
Do It Yourself Darlin is hosting its first ever Cookout, Crafts & Cornhole party to celebrate our community and raise funds to reinitiate our Sliding Scale pay-what-you-can ticket options!
This is a super fun, family-friendly event with the following activities:
A Cookout for all! (meat & veggie options)
DIYD stations, including:
Ask-A-Contractor Anything (bring your burning questions to our DIYD instructors)
Scrappy Sculptures for kids
A Cornhole TOURNAMENT
Prize: A hand-built cornhole set made by DIYD
There is a playground and some other outdoor games right next to us!
Just like our workshops, we want this event to be open to everybody. If you have the capacity to donate, then great! If not, we still want to see you! Either way, registration is REQUIRED.
When you attend this event and donate, you support:
🌟 Equitable access to practical, life-changing skills for those with financial barriers
🌟 An inclusive learning environment friendly and supportive to women, LGBTQIA+ folks, immigrants, BIPOC, domestic abuse survivors, learners of all ages, and beginners alike
🌟 An opportunity to explore trade skills and to connect with trade professionals for those considering a career shift
FUNDRAISER GOAL TRACKER:
$0 of $10,000 raised
The Mission
Do It Yourself Darlin empowers people from all backgrounds to maintain, improve, and engage with the inner-workings of their homes through accessible hands-on education that builds confidence and independence.
What’s more…
We fill a critical gap in practical home education: teaching the fundamentals of how homes work and equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to care for them responsibly. Our workshops create an accessible, inclusive space where homeowners, renters, and people historically underrepresented in the trades can learn, experiment, and gain the confidence to “do it themselves” or communicate effectively with professionals. Through this work, Do It Yourself Darlin strengthens housing stability, promotes equity in access to the trades, and empowers people to take charge of their homes and futures.
Think of it this way,
Could you do algebra if you never learned basic math? Would you write a research paper before learning to read sentences? No! So why do we expect that homeowners and renters can complete home repair and renovation projects without a solid understanding of the inner-workings of a home?
In a society where there is little in-person opportunity to learn the basics of home maintenance, repair, and renovation unless you are taught by a family member or attend trade school, Do It Yourself Darlin fills an important need: teaching you the ABCs and 123s of how your home works. DIYD workshops will set the solid foundation of knowledge that will empower you to know your home and take care of it.
Think of Do It Yourself Darlin’s workshops like grade-school for home maintenance and renovation. DIYD’s team of instructors are professional contractors and craftspeople who are committed to the “demystification” of your home. They want to address anxieties related to home maintenance and empower their students to feel prepared to “Do It Yourself.” And if DIY isn’t your jam, they will empower you to communicate intelligently with the people you are hiring to do the work.