
Memberships
We support craftsmen and trade workers locally by providing tools, equipment, working spaces, and training to our members who are interested in learning about industrial trades and processes in hopes of educating and empowering people to be more self-reliant.
Burl & Ingot supports local crafters in their quest to be more self reliant by first having a community of professionals available to help train and guid budding minds in the world of industrial trades and arts. Our tool library is designed to help productivity by offering people an organized and safe environment to work with unfamiliar tools and equipment while also providing tables and open spaces to buid and design your very own projects.
We provide these opportunities to many local makers with preference given to Greater Bloomington Area makers. We are always accepting member submissions and are happy to schedule tours or answer any questions you may have.
How it Works
In order to utilize our tool library, we want you to join our co-op and become a member, by filling out our Burl & Ingot Member Application. There is an initial $15 processing fee, and a $100 deposit to become a member. But after you choose your member level all our tools are accessible (as long as you are trained and comfortable using them), along with other great member benefits.
Certification Process
Step 1 - Tell Us About Yourself
We personally love makers. But we discovered long ago that just because we love them, doesn’t mean it will sell well from our shop. So we have learned to look every potential consignment over prior to accepting it. We preview everything to ensure we are the best option to sell your goods.
Please fill out the Burl & Ingot Maker Profile where you will:
- Provide us some contact information
- Provide us a list of the tools you already know how to use
- Contact us for any questions you may have
Step 2 - Work Experience
Submitting your work experience and letting us know which tools you would like to learn more about is easy. Here you will let us know how we can best serve you, so you can be certified on all the tools you want to use.
Send your work experience, a list of tools you already know how to use, along with a list of tools you would like to learn more about, to tools@artisanalley.com
Step 3 - Getting Started
Once we have reached an agreement, you will sign a Liability Waiver outlining your responsibility as you use our tools and equipment.
Once we receive your lists we will put you in contact with a skilled laborer who will walk you through being certified on the tools. Any thing you already know how to use, you will demonstrate. Any tools you dont know how to use, you will pay a Tool Certification specialist $1/min to train and educate you on the safest and most effective way to use them. Once you are certified, you can use the tools indefinately providing you are safe and follow all of the member rules.
Call/message the workshop to schedule an appointment to work.

Member Levels
You might notice that many of the members have colors on the sides of their safety glasses. This is how we can tell who-from-who. A novice, from a Master, a visitor to a shop monitor. this coloring system helps us figure out if any one needs help, or who could provide advise about the tools and techniques. If you have a basic question about the facilities please find a Shop Monitor with the Orange and they can help with any information you may need.
Color Designation | Clear | White | Blue | Green | Yellow | Orange | Red | Purple | Black |
Skill Level | Guest | Volunteer | Student | Beginner | Intermediate | Shop Monitor | Advanced | Instructor | Manager |
Color Designation | Skill Level |
Clear | Guest |
White | Volunteer |
Blue | Student |
Green | Beginner |
Yellow | Intermediate |
Orange | Shop Monitor |
Red | Advanced |
Purple | Instructor |
Black | Manager |