Upcoming Events
Check Currents publication or the Calendar of Events site for more events.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 8, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Break out the butter! Join us in the Teaching Kitchen to bake three classic holiday cookies: Pecan Snowballs, Peanut Butter Blossoms, and Chocolate Midnight Cookies.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 8, 2025 - 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this beginner-friendly class, we will utilize our laser engravers to mark a custom design of your own onto a custom leatherette journal! Color variations of the journals are highly limited and will be given out on a first come, first served basis. If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend.
The longer class time is necessary for this program to give ample time for design alterations and customization.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learning new technology should be fun, not intimidating! Join us for a basic hands-on session where we'll use Adobe Illustrator to create a simple design to be engraved on cork. Then watch your project being made on our Fusion Pro laser cutter. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with laser cutting or design software is needed. This class does not result in independent laser use certification.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the world of 3D modeling and design. In this class, we will review the computer-aided design (CAD) software Onshape by diving into the fundamentals and techniques to make a claw assembly. It is recommended that you have taken an Introduction to Onshape and 3D Printing class or are familiar with Onshape before taking this class.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Laser Certification Required! Join us for a quick pop-up class to engrave paper gift bags. Each participant will get two gift bags (5" x 3" x 8.5") to engrave on our laser. Great practical practice to keep your laser skills fresh!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 11, 2025 - 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn how to work with different-weight fabrics and sew a boxed corner. Students will also learn about topstitching, reinforcement and separator stitching, and how to incorporate handles. Apply these skills and more to make a sturdy canvas tote bag with lining that transports multiple bottles.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
About Beginner Sewing Level 1: These classes introduce new or less experienced sewists to beginning sewing information and resources with hands-on practice.
Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes introduce and practice the following skills:
- basic sewing tools
- cutting, measuring, and marking fabric
- pressing with an iron
- basting and sewing
Do not register if you do not have our independent sewing machine certification.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 11, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a simple wood ornament with personalized text on our Epilog Fusion Pro laser. We'll learn some of the basics of using Adobe Illustrator and the shape builder tool, and then you'll watch your ornament being laser cut. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 12, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through design basics, machine use, and safety procedures. At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use the Exploration Commons' Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser cutters.
Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 13, 2025 - 10:30am - 11:30am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, each pair will make a pot of hot and hearty fish stew. This is an easy and quick way to make fish and is a great source of vitamin B12, niacin, and protein. We will enjoy our lunch together with a side of crusty bread. Each registration is for TWO participants.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 15, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Check out the in-the-hoop projects you can do on the Bernina 535 Embroidery Machine. In this demo class, learn how you can use the embroidery machine to make bookmarks, gift tags, greeting cards, zipper bags, stuffed toys, photo frames, and more. We will review the different in-the-hoop projects available in our OESD design collection, discuss where to find additional files, and walk through an in-the-hoop project.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 15, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn a traditional custard recipe incorporating coconut, egg whites, and whipping cream. Come make a yummy pie for your upcoming holiday parties.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn how to work with decorator-weight fabrics and sew a boxed corner. Students will also learn about finishing techniques and custom labeling. Apply these skills and more to make a sturdy, reversible fabric gift basket or bread basket.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
About Beginner Sewing Level 1: These classes introduce new or less experienced sewists to beginning sewing information and resources with hands-on practice.
Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes introduce and practice the following skills:
- basic sewing tools
- cutting, measuring, and marking fabric
- pressing with an iron
- basting and sewing
Do not register if you do not have our independent sewing machine certification.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will learn to make Shakshuka, a North African and Middle Eastern dish of eggs simmered in a rich tomato and pepper sauce. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Put your Cricut skills into practice, or learn the basics of vinyl design with this beginner-friendly class. Each attendee will get a reusable plastic screw-top bottle to adhere their design. Great for yourself or for a gift!
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Customize your own gift box design on our Epilog Fusion Pro Engraver. Participants will create their own designs using images and text in Adobe Illustrator. You will leave with a beautifully engraved gift box, perfect for any occasion. No previous experience is necessary, and laser certification is not required.
This will be a two-part project. Part 1 will be in the EC Teaching Kitchen making and decorating gingerbread cookies. Part 2 will be in the EC Makerspace to engrave your gift box.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 18, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Customize your own gift box design on our Epilog Fusion Pro Engraver. Participants will create their own designs using images and text in Adobe Illustrator. You will leave with a beautifully engraved gift box, perfect for any occasion. No previous experience is necessary, and laser certification is not required.
This will be a two-part project. Part 1 will be in the EC Teaching Kitchen making and decorating gingerbread cookies. Part 2 will be in the EC Makerspace to engrave your gift box.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 18, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Break out the butter! Join us in the Teaching Kitchen to bake three classic holiday cookies: Pecan Snowballs, Peanut Butter Blossoms, and Chocolate Midnight Cookies.
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 19, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn about the types of jewelry you can make with our makerspace technology. We will review the available equipment, selecting appropriate materials, and setting up design files for success. Using Adobe Illustrator and the Epilog Fusion Pro Laser, participants will make either a pair of earrings or a necklace to take home. This is an introductory-level program; no previous experience with design software or laser cutting (or certification) is required.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Open Sewing Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle sewing with other sewists. Come in and work on your sewing projects in the company of others. A volunteer will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program. All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own sewing supplies and tools.
Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.
This registration is for individuals bringing their own sewing machine. You must have a working knowledge of how to thread and operate your machine to register.
If you want to reserve a sewing machine, please register for the other version of this program.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Open Sewing Studio is an opportunity to enjoy freestyle sewing with other sewists. Come in and work on your sewing projects in the company of others. A volunteer will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program. All skill levels are welcome. You must bring your own sewing supplies and tools.
Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.
This registration will reserve a sewing machine for use. You must be certified for independent use to register for this program.
If you want to bring your own sewing machine, please register for the other version of this program.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:45pm
Ages: 6 - 18
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! We’ll learn how to make delicious soft pretzels and a honey mustard dipping sauce to go with them.
This class is designed for groups of up to four participants and must include:
- At least one child aged 6–18
- At least one adult
- The remaining two spots in the group may be filled by additional participants aged 6 or older or left unfilled.
