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Upcoming Events

Check Currents or the Calendar of Events site for more events.

program236184
Embroidery Machine: In-the-Hoop Projects
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - 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.

program233974
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Make a Thread Catcher (Class 1)
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn about various fabric stabilizers and how to sew different stitches, including sewing in a straight line. Apply these techniques to make a small fabric basket to catch loose threads. 

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:

  • basis sewing tools
  • cutting, measuring, and marking fabric
  • pressing with an iron
  • basting and sewing

You can take Level 1 classes in any order, but beginners might benefit most from following the Class 1, 2, and 3 sequence.

program240447
Kentucky Hot Browns
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich is a meal-worthy dish that's over-the-top delicious! Make open-faced sandwiches with thick slices of roasted turkey and fresh tomatoes on top of a thick piece of toasted bread, all smothered in a rich, cheesy Mornay sauce, broiled, and topped with crispy bacon. We'll also make a mock mint julep to celebrate the famous horse race.

program235768
Laser Engraved Personal Recipe Card and Box
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create a kitchen keepsake by turning a handwritten recipe into an engraved wooden recipe card! We'll learn some of the basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create a custom recipe box label and utilize scanning to bring our handwritten recipes into a digital, engravable format. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.

program236084
Design and Engrave: Gift Box
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 2, 2025 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 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 2 will be in the EC Teaching Kitchen to fill your gift box with Peanut Butter Fudge and Pecan Brittle.

program236079
Custom Engraved Leatherette Journals
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 3, 2025 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
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. 

The longer class time is necessary for this program to give ample time for design alterations and customization. 

program234773
Cooking for Wellness: Turkey Tacos
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 5, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a heart-healthy taco recipe that utilizes ingredients native to Mexico. This will be followed by a presentation on heart health and stroke awareness with a registered dietitian and registered nurse. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.

program233918
Intro to Adobe Photoshop
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 5, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Photoshop. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required!

program249118
Hybrid Embroidery Machine Certification
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This program is for those completing the final step of our online embroidery machine certification training. You must complete the online training and pass the quiz before registering. Registrations from individuals who have not completed the online training will be canceled. 

Here is a link to our certification page where you can take the online training for the embroidery machine:
https://explorationcommons.carr.org/makerspace/equipment-trainings.asp

If the class is full or doesn't meet your schedule, you may still schedule your in-person practical session via the form on our equipment training page. These sessions are offered to make scheduling easier for some participants.

program233982
Sewing Skills: Fabric Cutting
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to use traditional and updated techniques and tools for preparing and cutting fabric. You will leave with the confidence to use a rotary cutter and mat as well as traditional cutting tools. This is a beginner-friendly class; no sewing experience is required.

program235872
Knife Skills Practice: Mediterranean Chickpea and Feta Salad
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Sharpen your knife skills! In this hands-on class, participants will make a Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Feta Cheese to take home while practicing cutting techniques learned in our Basic Knife Skills class. 

program234143
Introduction to Onshape and 3D Printing
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the world of 3D modeling, design, and 3D printing. In this introductory class, we will review the computer-aided design (CAD) software Onshape by diving into the fundamentals and techniques to make a 3D-printed key chain.

program234025
Laser Cutting Refresher
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
If it's been a while since you passed your Exploration Commons laser certification and you could use a refresher on the process, this class is for you! Get a reintroduction to the basics of using our Epilog Fusion Pro and Edge lasers.  

This class is for customers who have already been certified for Exploration Commons independent laser use. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification. 

Previous Laser Certification is required.

program236085
Make and Enjoy: Gift Box
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 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 2 will be in the EC Teaching Kitchen to fill your gift box with Peanut Butter Fudge and Pecan Brittle.

program234099
Design a Book Nook
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Book nooks are fantastical small-scale dioramas that people tuck into their bookshelves for added whimsy. In this class, we will use Adobe Illustrator to create files of the nook space itself, the hidden slot for lights, and tiny additions (fences, shelves, etc) to add to the nook. We will then use the laser cutter to cut all of our pieces. You will take these home to assemble, paint, and complete your nook for your own shelves!

program233978
Beginner Sewing Level 3: Garment Sewing, Set-In Sleeves
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Properly fitting and sewing in sleeves is a challenge for beginning sewists. Learn the necessary steps to sew set-in sleeves without puckers. You will practice these skills by inserting sleeves into a 1/2-scale woven bodice sample.

Class Prerequisites and Required Skills

  • Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
  • thread a sewing machine, wind a bobbin, and troubleshoot tension issues
  • sew straight and curved seams while maintaining consistent seam allowance
  • know how to read and work with a pattern and cut fabric with care and accuracy
  • have a basic understanding of different fabric types and have sewn with a few different types
  • have experience sewing a regular zipper

Required Materials

  • A sewing machine and materials will be provided.

About Beginner Sewing Level 3: Intro to Garment Sewing
This set of classes introduces new or less experienced sewists to beginner sewing information and resources, along with hands-on experiences.

This series introduces the following information and skills:

  • insert a set-in sleeve
  • sewing a collar with a lapel
  • sewing a trouser fly
  • sewing the fitted waistband
program240446
Kentucky Hot Browns
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
The Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich is a meal-worthy dish that's over-the-top delicious! Make open-faced sandwiches with thick slices of roasted turkey and fresh tomatoes on top of a thick piece of toasted bread, all smothered in a rich, cheesy Mornay sauce, broiled, and topped with crispy bacon. We'll also make a mock mint julep to celebrate the famous horse race.

program233756
Inclusive Cooks: Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 9, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on cooking series for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and people without, we will prepare Pan-Seared Pork Chops with a simple pan sauce, mashed potatoes, and roasted broccoli. 

program236357
VCarve: Creating a Simple CNC Project
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on session where we create and engrave a simple wood project on Exploration Commons' Iconic CNC Router. Previous basic computer experience is required. No experience with the CNC Router or design software is needed. 

This class does not result in independent CNC use certification.

program234144
Blender Basics
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 12, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn some of the basics of Blender, an open-source 3D modeling software. Participants will walk through the user interface and controls while making a small project.

program245970
AAPI Celebration: Scallion Pancakes with Jen Yang
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 12, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) with Jennifer Yang of Covalent Spirits. Jen will teach her 'taste of home' recipe for making scallion pancakes. Attendees will make their own scallion pancakes while hearing about Jen's childhood memories around cooking, food, and more!

program235728
Making for Seniors: Laser Engrave a Simple Anodized Aluminum Project
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 13, 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 project to be engraved on anodized aluminum and 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.

program233980
Beginner Sewing Level 3: Garment Sewing, Introduction to Jacket Collars & Lapels
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn about the three main types of lapels and how to sew the most common type, a notched lapel. You will practice these skills by inserting sleeves into a 1/2-scale woven bodice sample. The lapel is the collar of a coat or jacket. 

Class Prerequisites and Required Skills

  • Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
  • thread a sewing machine, wind a bobbin, and troubleshoot tension issues
  • sew straight and curved seams while maintaining consistent seam allowance
  • know how to read and work with a pattern and cut fabric with care and accuracy
  • have a basic understanding of different fabric types and have sewn with a few different types

Required Materials

  • A sewing machine and materials will be provided.

About Beginner Sewing Level 3: Intro to Garment Sewing
This set of classes introduces new or less experienced sewists to beginner sewing information and resources, along with hands-on experiences.

This series introduces the following information and skills:

  • insert a set-in sleeve
  • sewing a collar with a lapel
  • sewing a trouser fly
  • sewing the fitted waistband
program235866
Practice Your Piping Skills!
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:15pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, we will first practice different piping designs on paper. Then, you will use those skills to decorate an 8"x8" single-layer cake with colorful designs, which you can take home.

program234912
Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 4:00pm - 6:30pm
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.

program233975
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Make a Canvas Tote (Class 2)
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get further 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 stitching, and how to use webbing to make bag handles. Apply these skills and more to make a lined canvas tote bag with coordinating handles.

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:

  • basis sewing tools
  • cutting, measuring, and marking fabric
  • pressing with an iron
  • basting and sewing

You can take Level 1 classes in any order, but beginners might benefit most from following the Class 1, 2, and 3 sequence.

program233736
Indonesian Dessert: Martabak Manis
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest presenter Wu Schafer as she shares information and recipes from Indonesia. In this hands-on class, we will prepare an Indonesian dessert dish, Martabak Manis, a stuffed pancake that is a decadent dessert and common street food.

Children ages 12 - 14 may register and attend ONLY if a supervising adult registers and attends with them. An adult can supervise a maximum of two children.

program233990
Let's Start a Podcast!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Do you want to get into podcasting but don't know where to start? Then this is the class for you! We will cover the basics of the different recording software we offer and introduce the equipment we provide in the Audio/Video Lab. 

program235612
Introduction to Autodesk Fusion
Exploration Commons
Friday, May 16, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the world of 3D modeling and designing. In this introductory class, we will review the computer-aided design (CAD) software Autodesk Fusion by diving into the fundamentals and techniques for making a simple object.

program233945
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 17, 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 for use, please register for the other version of this program.

program233943
Open Sewing Studio (Reserve a Sewing Machine)
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 17, 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.

program235868
Kids in the Kitchen: Practice Your Piping Skills!
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 17, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:15pm
Ages: 10 - 14
Registration and more information
In this class, we will first practice different piping designs on paper. Then, you will use those skills to decorate an 8"x8" single-layer cake with colorful designs, which you can take home.

program233879
Intermediate Laser Cutting: Engraving Painted Canvas
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 19, 2025 - 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This intermediate-level laser design class focuses on creating designs and navigating unique settings on pre-painted paper canvases.

The longer class time is necessary for this program due to the long print times on this material. Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.

program236358
Independent Project Design: Cricut, Laser, CNC, and 3D Printing
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Have the makerspace programs sparked your creativity, but you're hesitant to jump into your own independent project? Ready to move beyond step-by-step projects and bring your ideas to life? Over the course of two months, you will design and fabricate a project with guided support from staff.

During the orientation session, we'll discuss project ideas, create goals, and set reasonable expectations for completion. You will work on this project on your own time and have access to up to two one-on-one sessions to review progress, discuss challenges, and get support for moving forward. 

This session specifically focuses on projects using vinyl cutters, laser cutters, CNC machines, or 3D printers. Participants are responsible for providing or purchasing any materials needed for their project.

Special Note: All participants using the laser cutters or Iconic CNC machines for their projects must be certified before this program.

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