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Want to Teach at DIYcave?

Do you want to share your skills and knowledge to help others learn the craft you love? Are you a teacher looking to for a place to host a class? We would love to discuss the possibilities of hosting or creating a class with you. We are always looking for excited and motivated people to teach interesting classes. We want to make that possible by offering the space, tools, materials and advertising to connect teachers with people who are excited to learn.​

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Our Instructors develop, plan, prepare, and instruct a variety of programs. This includes safety and skill-building classes, workshops, youth camps, homeschool, and after-school programs, as well as private and corporate team-building events.  Instructors are all independent contractors and determine when and how often they want to teach.

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We are continuously accepting applications and ideas on classes that instructors want to teach. However, we have a particular need for instructors who are skilled in any of these areas to teach adults and youth:​

Wood Shop    Metal Shop     Machining   

Jewelry Making    Leatherworking     Glassworking     Textiles

3D Printing     Electronics     Digital Design and Fabrication​

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First, you need to fill our our Instructor Application (applying is not a guarantee of acceptance.) We will review and contact you to discuss your ideas. If you are approved, the next step will be to discuss and start building out you class curriculum. So let’s get started!​

Meet Our Instructors

Angie is a long time Oregon resident originally from the midwest. Coming from a family that embraces ingenuity and hard work, she approaches many aspects of her life with a "can do" attitude. Angie learned the art of stained glass more than 20 years ago and has easily fallen instep with the DIY Cave's "Think It, Make It" motto. Students enrolled should be prepared for their first class by watching the provided video links to prepare them with a broad understanding of the process so that we can jump right in to making their own glass creation. A selection of predetermined beginner patterns will be provided for students to choose from. We'll start with glass selection and cutting and move on to grinding and applying copper foil in the first class. Lab time can be scheduled in between the first and second class to ensure each student is at the same point in the process at the beginning of the second class. In the second glass we will solder, clean and hang your suncatcher.

Angie Snell

Instructor - Stained Glass

Angie learned the art of stained glass more than 20 years ago and has easily fallen instep with the DIY Cave's "Think It, Make It" motto.

www.facebook.com/craftyASdesign
Are you interested in learning how to take a design from idea to 3D creation? David has a fabrication shop just down the street from the DIYcave and wants to share his knowledge and expertise with the Bend Community. He specializes in Engineering & CAD Design, CNC Milling, CNC Machine Programming, CNC Plasma Table capabilities, 3-D printing, and good old-fashioned fabrication. We asked David a few questions to get to know him better and here is what he had to say: How did you become a maker? I've always enjoyed creating things So I think I've kind of always been one although the usefulness of the things I've made could be a little questionable, especially in my early years. What can students expect from your class? Any student of mine can expect a safe, dignified, and stimulating learning environment where creativity is encouraged, mistakes are learning experiences, and all are treated with respect regardless of experience or knowledge level. What tools will students use? Their brains and computers. What is your favorite project you witnessed while spending time at DIYcave? A short bus-turned RV! What advice would you give someone who wants to join DIYcave and start a project? JUST DO IT! How did you find out about the DIYCave? The sign out front of the DIY cave.

David Petrich

Instructor - Tech and 3D Design

David has a shop just down the street from the DIYcave and wants to share his knowledge and expertise with the Bend Community.

www.machinableinv.com
Gwen started as a student in Seatonn's Intro to Wood Lathe class and fell in love with woodturning - she now teaches lathe classes at the cave.

Gwen Kaeser

Instructor - Wood Lathe

Gwen started as a student in Seatonn's Intro to Wood Lathe class and fell in love with woodturning - she now teaches lathe classes at the cave.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved jewelry. My mom had the most amazing collection. I would spend hours trying on her jewels. I just loved the way they could make you look and feel, and all of the stories behind them. I hand craft each piece with love in my little studio in Bend Oregon. I draw a lot of my inspiration on the stones themself, and from the beautiful area where I live. My hope is that my creations will be loved for many generations to come!

Holly Hakala

Instructor - Jewelry

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved jewelry. My mom had the most amazing collection. I would spend hours trying on her jewels. I just loved the way they could make you look and feel, and all of the stories behind them. I hand craft each piece with love in my little studio in Bend Oregon. I draw a lot of my inspiration on the stones themself, and from the beautiful area where I live. My hope is that my creations will be loved for many generations to come!

www.wildmoonjewelrydesigns.com
The DIYcave’s success has been more than opening the doors and letting folks build their dreams. We owe our instructors who inspire DIYers to learn new skills a big pat on the back. We talked with Jim Currie, teacher of our popular welding workshop class about what motivates him to keep welding. ​ You teach one of the more popular classes at DIYCave .. How did you get into welding? Jim: I’m one of those rare born and raised in Bend natives. When I was 12 yrs old I attending Pilot Butte Junior High and enrolled in the industrial arts class or “shop class”. The first semester I signed up for wood shop and my goal was to build a gun rack, one of those ones with the scallops that mounts to the wall. Well, every day I would gather up my lumber and get in line to use the table saw, and every day just as it would be my turn the “clean up” buzzer would sound. The only thing I got good at was pushing a broom. The whole semester I noticed that nobody was working in the welding shop. I think for the most part the other students were intimidated by the equipment. I told myself that’s what I want to do next semester. I signed up for welding and had the whole department to myself. The first thing I did was round up four wheels and tires, a tangle of scrapped pipe, and “borrowed” the motor from my Dad’s old lawn mower and welded together a Go-Kart, I’ve been hooked ever since. ​ How did you find out about the DIYCave? Jim: Dave Danek and I worked together for years as co-designers for a local custom order cabinet shop. Dave and I installed a huge job over in Tillamook that required some on-site welding that I did, and I was always the “go to” guy for fixing the wood shop equipment. When Tim Willis’ busy work schedule out of town didn’t allow him to teach the welding class full time, Dave immediately volunteered me for the welding instructors position. We begin holding classes several months before the official grand opening of the DIYcave. ​ You’ve taught many welding classes at the Cave … why do you like it? Jim: It’s exciting to watch the light bulb turn on, so to speak, when people are taking the class. The students suddenly realize that there are so many things that they can now do that were impossible to do before they learned how to weld. The main thrust of what I teach is not a mastery of welding but a confidence building seminar. I cover the core basics of safety, how to turn on the equipment, welder settings, and beginning techniques. Then each student tries their hand at it, a baptism by fire. It’s impossible to practice if one can’t turn on and set up the equipment. My job is to alleviate the fear and trepidation that go along with learning something like welding. The real reward is when the class is over, and the class is heading home and hearing the comments of “now I can finally fix that…” or “I can’t wait to get started building my …” I’ve always taken stock in the old proverb of “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” ​ What are some of the projects you are currently working on? Jim: I’m currently in the process of building a 3 burner forge. I will be using it for heating and forming steel as well as do some foundry work with lower melting temperature non-ferrous metals for castings. I also have worked up designs for some ambitious large scale metal sculptures. I’m patiently waiting for a break in this wintry weather so I can throw the doors open and get to work on these projects. It’s just been too cold to get the ventilation I need for these projects. Lately, my welding bench has turned into a painting studio as I’m exploring the disciplines of painting with oils and acrylics. If I’m not engaged in either of those endeavors, I’m always up for building whatever in a game of Minecraft with my children. I just can’t seem to stand still if I wanted to. Interested in becoming a DIYcave Instructor? Click Here to learn more.

Jim Currie

Instructor - Metal and Woodworking

Jim is a multi talented and teaches many of our popular welding workshops and woodshop classes.

Maggy Hughes

Instructor - Jewelry

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Max Cordell

Instructor - Robotics

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Robyn May

Instructor - Stained Glass

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www.instagram.com/may.day.glass
Steve has spent 49 years exploring his woodworking passion building cabinetry, furniture, houses and anything that has any wood in it. Sharing the things he's learned over the years is what keeps him going, other than a cold IPA.

Steve Shank

Instructor - Woodworking

Steve has spent 49 years exploring his woodworking passion building cabinetry, furniture, houses and anything that has any wood in it. Sharing the things he's learned over the years is what keeps him going, other than a cold IPA.

Are you interested in taking Sheet Metal Art classes? Get to know instructor Ben Schade and why he loves the DIYcave. ​ How did you become a maker? I learned my craft back in 1997 when I was hired as an apprentice by a man named Doug Benko. I spent the next two years learning everything I could from Doug then started my own business making art from metal. ​ What can students expect from the class? Students can expect to learn how to cut sheet metal with an oxygen and acetylene torch using a welding tip. They will also learn about forming and finishing the metal using fire and hammers and an introduction to brazing. ​ What tools will students use? The students will use the oxygen and acetylene torch hammers, anvils, brass and flux. ​ Why do you like teaching at DIYcave? I love teaching at the DIYcave because it is very fulfilling to give people access to becoming creative and watch the effects of people discovering new possibilities that they did not realize yet. ​ Any cool projects you’ve witnessed at DIYcave? It’s hard to pick out one cool project. I think the whole DIYcave is so awesome and I’m glad to see it keep growing. ​ Interested in becoming a DIYcave Instructor? Click Here to l

Ben Schade

Instructor - Metal

Are you interested in taking Sheet Metal Art classes? Get to know instructor Ben Schade and why he loves the DIYcave.

Donna Yutzy

Instructor - Jewelry

When Donna discovered Metal Clay, a moldable metal, she found she really enjoyed the ability to get rich textures and patterns and the freedom of expression from this wonderful medium.

Metal clay is fired in a kiln where the binder is burnt away and when finished you are left with only the silver. In her jewelry she uses fine silver and sterling silver. To add color to her jewelry she uses natural and faceted gemstones in a variety of earth tone colors.

www.somegirlsjewelry.com

Heather Weiermann

Instructor - Glass

I love to help and empower others to create art in any format. If you’re in the area swing by the studio here at DIYcave to see what we are up to, take a class, or snag some materials for yourself to make stained or fused glass art!

www.instagram.com/makingrainbowsglassstudio

Jeremy Lewis

Instructor - Blacksmith

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Jim Lovelace

Instructor - Blacksmith

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Mak Sales

Instructor - Leatherworking

Mak started working with leather in 2020. Over the years she fell in love with the art of tooling leather and she hasn’t put down her swivel knife since! She looks forward to sharing her knowledge and meeting new people!

Mem Campione

Instructor - Wood Lathe, Weaving and Sewing

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Born in the UK, Rosie has spent the last ten years teaching and making art around the globe! With a background in photography and videography, Rosie being welding when working at a rural high school in Eastern Oregon. Since then, she’s been hooked and has had the pleasure of training with many skilled welders over the years. She is passionate about her role as a teacher and loves introducing students to the endless possibilities of welding and metal fabrication.

Rosie Day

Instructor - Metal

Born in the UK, Rosie has spent the last ten years teaching and making art around the globe! With a background in photography and videography, Rosie being welding when working at a rural high school in Eastern Oregon. Since then, she’s been hooked and has had the pleasure of training with many skilled welders over the years. She is passionate about her role as a teacher and loves introducing students to the endless possibilities of welding and metal fabrication.

www.rosieday.com
Damien Teitelbaum is a custom metal artist and freelance welder living in beautiful Bend, Oregon. Damien Teitelbaum was born and raised in Glen Ellen, California. After graduating from Sonoma Valley High School, he made the move to Santa Cruz where he studied Earth Science at the University of California Santa Cruz. In and outside of school Damien has studied metal craft, photography, woodworking, auto maintenance, and music, along with attending many art classes including drawing, painting, and sculpting. After graduating UCSC with a degree in Earth Science, he decided that ski bumming was in his future. Fulfilling his dream of living in the Rocky Mountains, Teitelbaum relocated to the beautiful town of Crested Butte, Colorado. 10 inspiring years later, it was time to make yet another change in his life. Bend Oregon! Damien moved to the town of Bend in November of 2015 to pursue his passion for custom metal work and fabrication. Welding and metal work has always stood out as being a favorite art medium for Teitelbaum. Intrigued with custom design and rewarded with the fulfillment of fabrication, Damien’s love for functional art grew over time (and practice). His drive and desire to travel has taken him on many adventures around the world. Damien has explored Central and South America, South East Asia, Europe, Canada, Alaska, and of course, all over the lower 48. Being exposed to these very different places around our globe has had a dramatic effect in his visions of functional art and custom fabrication. Culture, lifestyle, architecture, religion, food, music, and the people he has met, are all sources of inspiration and this translates in his metal work in many ways. The strong art presence in Bend, Oregon has been a catalyst for his ambition to create beautiful and functional works that can be used and enjoyed. Teitelbaum is proud to become part of this vibrant, healthy, and every growing art scene in our Pacific Northwest.

Damien Teitelbaum

Instructor - Metal

Damien is a custom metal artist and freelance welder. Intrigued with custom design and rewarded with the fulfillment of fabrication, Damien’s love for functional art grew over time (and practice).

www.bentmetalworks.com
Emily started making jewelry in 2020 when she took the very classes she now teaches at the DIYcave. She fell in love with silversmithing and has been creating custom pieces ever since. Emily is a Central Oregon native and loves the outdoors and spending time with her two pups.

Emily Gannon

Instructor - Jewelry

Emily started making jewelry in 2020 when she took the very classes she now teaches at the DIYcave. She fell in love with silversmithing and has been creating custom pieces ever since. Emily is a Central Oregon native and loves the outdoors and spending time with her two pups.

www.instagram.com/ochoco.mt.designs
Holland is a Senior in High School who has been making jewelry for over five years alongside other artistic endeavors. You can find her in the Jewelry Studio!

Holland Rhodes

Instructor - Jewelry

Holland is a Senior in High School who has been making jewelry for over five years alongside other artistic endeavors. You can find her in the Jewelry Studio!

www.instagram.com/bugs.n.beads
Artist through & through, Jesse discovered an affinity for metalwork while earning his Fine Arts degree at UC Santa Cruz. Known for his abstract work in sculpture and public art collaborations, he also teaches multi-process welding and machining techniques to beginning and advanced students.

Jesse Pemberton

Instructor - Welding & Machining

Artist through & through, Jesse discovered an affinity for metalwork while earning his Fine Arts degree at UC Santa Cruz. Known for his abstract work in sculpture and public art collaborations, he also teaches multi-process welding and machining techniques to beginning and advanced students.

www.designdeschutes.com

Linnea Greenlund

Instructor - Stained Glass

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www.etsy.com/shop/greenlundglassworks

Mary Hawley

Instructor - Fused Glass

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www.instagram.com/dunnitbadges
Meet Quentin, who’s full of entrepreneurial ideas when he’s helping at the Cave. He aspires to one day open a makerspace himself too. ​ What is your favorite part of being an Steward? I like the social aspect, as well as any opportunities to attempt projects out of my comfort zone. ​What skills did you improve on while being a Steward? I gained a lot of skills around metalworking, as it was more so an often out of reach skill for me, so using jigs and welding with different machinery was a great skill I managed to improve. ​ What is your favorite project you witnessed while spending time at DIYcave? I’m a big fan of Peter’s work. Also, the tiny homes are exciting to watch progress over time. ​ What advice would you give a prospective member looking to join the cave? The best thing about the DIYcave is the fact that it's a community. With that one can receive advice, knowledge, links, rare opportunities, and even friendships. With a healthy, motivated, and functioning community; little can stand in the way of its capability to accomplish goals and bring ideas to life. Interested in becoming a DIYcave Instructor? Click Here to learn more.

Quentin Gooding

Instructor - Tech and 3D Printing

Meet Quentin, who’s full of entrepreneurial ideas when he’s helping at the Cave. He aspires to one day open a makerspace himself too.

Seatonn McMurtry

Instructor - Wood Lathe

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