Hammertime is an open workshop. Others also say "DIY workshop", "Makerspace" or "Fablab". In our workshop, everyone can make their own handcraft, technical or artistic projects without any prior knowledge and under mutual guidance. For this purpose we share space, machines and tools. We are committed to promote do-it-yourself, sharing and sustainability.

WHO ARE WE?
We - these are people who support the Hammertime project in Kassel on a voluntary basis in their spare time with energy and know-how, e.g. electricians, carpenters, software developers, pupils, students and pensioners. Melania-Simona Moise and Thorben Egberts are volunteer CEOs of the non-profit organization, which provides the organizational framework.

WHAT BENEFITS DOES HAMMERTIME BRING?
New visitors often say "I think this is exciting, but I couldn't do it" or "I have no idea what I could do here" - until they suddenly hold their first homemade result in their hands. They then experience that they are self-effective with their hands and minds. By sharing and passing on the know-how they have learned, they can develop personally. Not only do you learn new craft skills, but you also make contacts with like-minded people. In addition, those who get involved in the workshop practice bearing responsibility and train their organizational skills. In addition, do-it-yourself activities can promote a more sustainable awareness of objects and consumer behavior. At the same time, it's fun and relaxing to work on your favorite projects in the "flow".

HOW DID WE GET STARTED?
Hammertime opened its doors for the first time in the summer of 2017. A few months before, Simona had the idea to enrich Kassel with an open workshop. She wanted to build her own bed, but lacked the tools and space to do so. Research led her to the concept of open workshops. The first supporters were quickly found via social media. Without further ado, she rented a room and initially brought in her own machines and tools, because she had a side business in self-printed T-shirts and wall tattoos. In addition, she brought in two 3D printers, two sewing machines, a screen printing station, two soldering stations and things that the growing number of supporters brought in. After the initial idea of organizing Hammertime as an association, we later agreed to form a non-profit entrepreneurial company, which has been in existence since the summer of 2018.

WHERE ARE WE TODAY?
Our workshop offers 250m2 of space for a wood workshop, glass workshop/glass fusing, ceramics workshop, lasering (laser machine for cutting and engraving), electronics (lab power supply, multimeter, soldering station), 3D printing (FDM and SLA), sewing (sewing machine, linking machine, accessories), textile printing (film plotter, transfer press, screen printing), thermoforming, computer workstations (research, design, software development), and the first Repair Café in Kassel. A number of projects can be found in our online forum. Together with our two managing directors, about fourteen other people take care of support and organization on a voluntary basis (depending on the time available). The workshop users include a growing number of people who are regular guests or annual pass users. We are financed mainly by donations, grants, user fees and occasional room rentals. Unfortunately, this is not yet enough to fully cover our running costs (rent, machinery, electricity, maintenance, repairs, etc.).

WHAT IS OUR VISION?
Our vision is a successive expansion to include a metal, bicycle and children's workshop. Workshops will introduce visitors to the use of tools and machines. The number of workshops as well as regular opening hours are to be expanded as the number of supporters grows and provides for solid funding. Our role models are, for example, the Werkraum in Augsburg or Hobbyhimmel in Stuttgart.

WHAT ARE OUR NEXT STEPS?
We are working on long-term funding to be able to maintain the workshop permanently. We are planning workshops for the existing workshop areas, aimed at children, young people and adults. We are also looking for contact with cooperation partners from the social sector and education.

WHERE CAN WE USE SUPPORT?
Many people find the project interesting and ask us how they can support the workshop. To ensure opening hours and to accompany visitors in the implementation of their ideas, we are always looking for interested people or volunteers to help. Above all, we need support with the running monthly costs and the formation of reserves for repairs and maintenance. This will ensure the maintenance of the workshop and provide for sustainable growth for the benefit of the charitable purposes. We are happy to receive your contribution, no matter in which form.