Cutting Boards for Beginners

CHILL ACT North Carolina Special Needs & Homeschool Expo is a free community event bringing families together with local providers, educators, therapists, community organizations, and resources supporting children with autism, special needs, and homeschool families. Join us on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Durham Convention Center. Families can explore valuable local resources, meet therapy and educational providers, and enjoy a welcoming day filled with activities for children. Event highlights include: • Free developmental & pre-autism screenings • Therapy, education & community resources • Balloon art • Face painting • Bounce house • Petting zoo • Art exhibition featuring neurodiverse children • Local vendors and family resources Admission is FREE for families. Register for free at www.chillactexpo.com Come connect, learn, explore resources, and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with the North Carolina special needs and homeschool community.

FREE Family Fest in Raleigh — Saturday, September 12! Looking for a full day of family fun, creativity, connection, and outdoor adventure? Join us for the 3rd Annual Family Fest at Lakeside Retreats! Optional overnight Camping 📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026 ⏰ 8:00 AM–9:00 PM 📍 4521 Mial Plantation Road, Raleigh, NC 27610 🎟️ FREE admission Enjoy a day filled with: 🔥 Fire show 🎨 Art activities 🥋 Martial arts class 🫧 Bubbles 🧘 Yoga and sound bath 🌲 Forest bathing 🏕️ S’mores and optional overnight camping 🍴 Food trucks and vendors 💛 Sensory yurt 🎤 Guest speakers 🏆 Tug of war …and so much more!

This hands-on workshop guides participants through the process of crafting a functional small hammer from scratch. You will work with one-inch square 4140 steel to build a durable tool using traditional blacksmithing techniques. The primary purpose is to provide a comprehensive experience in metalworking while giving you a finished implement you can use for years. During the session, you will learn to punch and shape the hammer eye before forging the specific head ends. We will move through the essential heat treatment phase, where we analyze various methods for hardening and tempering steel. The process concludes by securely attaching a wooden handle to your finished hammer head. You will leave the class with a custom tool ready for immediate use in your own workshop projects. This course is designed for individuals who have already completed the Forging Intro class. While Forging II is recommended for further skill development, it is not required for participation. If you value craftsmanship and want to experience the rewarding process of tool fabrication, this class is an ideal fit. Register now to secure your spot and start building your own gear.

This class teaches the fundamental techniques required to create pattern welded Damascus steel. You will master the process of stacking alternating layers of 1084 and 15N20 steel to forge a functional eight layer metal billet from scratch. Participants will prepare their steel stacks, perform forge welds using a high temperature gas forge, and manually manipulate the metal through twisting to produce distinct patterns. You will leave this hands on workshop with a personalized steel billet suitable for crafting custom items like bottle openers, bracelets, or small knives. This experience provides essential experience in high carbon steel manipulation and advanced blacksmithing methods. This course is designed for individuals who have already completed the required Forging Intro class. The workshop is physically demanding and requires participants to swing heavy hammers while working with one inch thick steel. Basic MIG welding skills are highly recommended for success. If you are ready to expand your blacksmithing repertoire and create high quality material for future projects, register today to secure your space in the forge.

This course provides hands-on training for welding thin gauge metals without causing warping or burn-through. It is designed to help participants master heat control when working with delicate materials like automotive body panels or fine art sculptures. Students will learn specific techniques to manage heat input effectively. The curriculum covers essential connections including spot welding, plug welding, and lap welding. You will practice these methods on sample joints to gain confidence in your technique. By the end of the session, you will possess the practical skills needed to tackle rust repair and precision metal projects. This class is ideal for individuals who want to improve their technical welding capabilities. A foundational understanding of fabrication or previous welding experience is required to ensure success. The environment is focused, productive, and centered on skill development. We encourage you to sign up now to secure your spot and start refining your craft with our experienced instructors. Please confirm you meet the prerequisite requirements before registering for this session.

Experience the North Carolina Museum of Art in a new light with NCMA After Hours. This dynamic monthly series invites you to explore the galleries after dark, blending art, live music, and creative energy into an unforgettable evening. Whether you are browsing the renowned People Collection, dancing to a guest DJ, or engaging in hands-on art activities, there is something for everyone in this vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It is the perfect destination for those looking to connect with community and creativity in a unique setting. Enjoy an array of cultural experiences, including special-edition giveaways and live artist demonstrations that celebrate artistic traditions from around the globe. While the event is designed with adults in mind, all ages are encouraged to attend this free community gathering. You can purchase delicious refreshments at the NCMA Cafe to enjoy as you socialize and explore the galleries. Do not miss this opportunity to engage with art beyond the traditional daytime experience. Visit our website today to view the full schedule and join us for our next evening of inspiration.

Pottery Painting with Cozy Panda is a self-guided creative workshop where participants choose and paint their own ceramic pieces. This ninety-minute session provides an accessible environment for artists of all skill levels to craft unique items that they can take home immediately. You will have a wide selection of ceramics to choose from including animal figures, trinket dishes, and functional decor. All necessary painting supplies, brushes, and professional guidance are included with your registration. Attendees can purchase drinks from the Hartwell Raleigh bar during the event to enhance their creative experience. This workshop is designed for individuals, groups of friends, and families looking for a relaxing way to spend time together. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter, you will find the atmosphere welcoming and supportive. Our team remains on site throughout the session to offer artistic tips and inspiration as you work at your own pace. Join us to enjoy a fun, hands-on activity and leave with a personalized masterpiece. Secure your spot today to explore your creative side in a comfortable, community-focused setting.

Project 800 is an immersive art exhibit dedicated to raising awareness and funds to combat global extreme poverty. The event highlights the reality that 800 million people currently live in extreme poverty, emphasizing the urgent need to address this global humanitarian challenge. Attendees will explore various artistic mediums, including sculpture, video, augmented reality, print, and sound installations. Each piece utilizes the concept of 800 to demonstrate the immense scale of this population. These creative works invite visitors to engage with the sensation of space and form while reflecting on the human potential hindered by poverty. The exhibit serves as a fundraiser for the Borgen Project, a non-profit organization that lobbies governments to implement policies aimed at ending extreme poverty worldwide. This event is perfect for art enthusiasts, social activists, and anyone interested in global development. It offers a professional yet thought-provoking atmosphere designed to inspire collective action. Join us to experience unique perspectives on this critical issue and contribute to a meaningful cause. Tickets are available now to support advocacy efforts that change lives globally.

The Nature Discovery Butterfly Walk is an interactive outdoor program designed to teach participants how to identify local butterfly species and understand their unique behaviors. This event serves as an introduction to citizen science and the natural history of our local pollinators. We begin with a brief educational talk covering identification techniques and ecological roles. Following the presentation, participants will head into the garden and prairie areas to conduct field observations. We will actively look for various species and document our findings. A key highlight of this experience is learning how to upload your data to the eButterfly collaborative science project, turning your sightings into valuable research contributions. This walk is suitable for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in local wildlife. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist, you will enjoy a professional atmosphere focused on learning and discovery. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes for our outdoor excursion. We invite you to join us for this informative session and help us track butterfly populations in our region.

Project 800 is an immersive art exhibit dedicated to raising awareness and funds to combat global extreme poverty. The event highlights the reality that 800 million people currently live in extreme poverty, emphasizing the urgent need to address this global humanitarian challenge. Attendees will explore various artistic mediums, including sculpture, video, augmented reality, print, and sound installations. Each piece utilizes the concept of 800 to demonstrate the immense scale of this population. These creative works invite visitors to engage with the sensation of space and form while reflecting on the human potential hindered by poverty. The exhibit serves as a fundraiser for the Borgen Project, a non-profit organization that lobbies governments to implement policies aimed at ending extreme poverty worldwide. This event is perfect for art enthusiasts, social activists, and anyone interested in global development. It offers a professional yet thought-provoking atmosphere designed to inspire collective action. Join us to experience unique perspectives on this critical issue and contribute to a meaningful cause. Tickets are available now to support advocacy efforts that change lives globally.

Midsummer Flower Crowns is a hands-on workshop dedicated to the art of crafting floral headpieces. Led by florist Catilyn Frank of Golden Flora, this session teaches participants how to design and assemble their own custom crowns using fresh seasonal blooms. It serves as a creative space to learn professional floral techniques in an accessible, guided environment. During the workshop, you will work with a variety of vibrant summer flowers to construct your unique piece. Catilyn Frank provides step by step instruction on structural mechanics, plant selection, and design composition. You will have all the necessary tools and greenery provided to ensure your project is successful and long lasting. The experience focuses on practical skills that you can apply to future floral arrangements. This event is ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and anyone looking for a relaxing creative outlet. The atmosphere is social and welcoming, making it perfect for individuals or groups seeking an engaging outdoor activity. If you want to refine your creative talents and take home a beautiful summer accessory, register now to secure your spot in this seasonal workshop.