Do I need prior experience with electronics?

No, this workshop is designed for all skill levels, including complete beginners.

All necessary tools and parts are provided; just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable clothing.

Can I customize my Game Boy?

Yes, you'll have the opportunity to personalize your console during the backlighting process.

Is this suitable for kids?

The workshop is best suited for teens and adults due to the detailed technical work involved.

Will I leave with a working Game Boy?

Yes, the goal is to refurbish and enhance your vintage device so it’s playable and looks great.

Are there any health precautions?

Safety glasses and careful handling of tools are recommended— instructors will guide you through proper procedures.

Creative Tech & Retro Gaming Workshop at Craftsman Ave

Craftsman Ave offers an engaging hands-on workshop perfect for tech enthusiasts and avid gamers alike. This unique experience takes place in a well-equipped studio located in the vibrant city of the workshop's locale. Over four hours, participants learn to breathe new life into vintage Game Boys through a series of practical refurbishing techniques, including soldering, CNC machining, and LED lighting installation. No prior experience is required, making it accessible to newcomers, yet detailed enough to satisfy seasoned hobbyists seeking to refine their skills. The shop itself is a hub for creativity, filled with tools, parts, and a welcoming atmosphere that fosters learning and fun. What sets this workshop apart is its focus on blending technical craftsmanship with nostalgic appeal—participants walk away with a personalized, backlit console ready for gaming or display. The process involves removing old components, repairing circuits, and carefully assembling a custom backlight that enhances the classic look. Located just a short drive from nearby major city, Craftsman Ave is an ideal day trip destination for those interested in vintage gaming and DIY electronics. This experience is perfect for creative minds who enjoy hands-on projects and appreciate the blend of technology and nostalgia. Whether you're a seasoned modder or a curious beginner, this workshop offers a memorable way to develop new skills and create a one-of-a-kind device. Plus, you'll gain insights into electronic repair that could inspire future projects or artisanal pursuits.

About Craftsman Ave

Craftsman Ave is a hands-on maker workshop company that runs a wide range of craft and fabrication classes. The business offers workshops in metalworking, woodworking, stained glass, bladesmithing, leatherwork, electronics refurbishment, and cocktail barrel aging. Classes range from brief 3–4 hour beginner sessions to intensive full-day experiences and intermediate blacksmithing, giving students practical, project-based learning.

Instructors at Craftsman Ave focus on safety and skill development, teaching soldering, welding, forging, knife heat-treating, CNC basics, and finishing techniques. Projects listed include stained glass nightlights and art pieces, copper lamp construction, steel planter fabrication, custom side tables and longboards, classic Game Boy refurbishment, and multiple knife-making formats from railroad spike blades to Damascus steel creations. Several offerings mention sessions held in Brooklyn.

Craftsman Ave emphasizes hands-on instruction with small-group workshops that guide participants from tool introduction to finished, personalized projects. The curriculum covers practical techniques—measuring, cutting, soldering, hammer-forging, quenching, polishing, and handle fitting—so participants leave with tangible skills and a completed object.

Bookings are typically organized per-session with explicit project outcomes, materials use, and instructor support. The business presents a diverse set of workshops that combine traditional craft methods and modern fabrication tools to help hobbyists, gift-givers, and aspiring makers create high-quality, customized goods. Safety protocols, instructor oversight, and supplied materials are standard for each session, and many workshops are suitable for group events, corporate team-building, birthday parties, and personalized gift-making. Participants receive step-by-step instruction and take home a finished, usable item that reflects individual design choices and learned techniques and continued support.