Upcoming Events

Bake-Along: Classic Pumpkin Roll
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 21, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This hands-on bake-along class teaches how to make a classic pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling. Participants will take home their delicious dessert to eat or freeze for Thanksgiving. CCPL's Westminster Branch staff member, Tina Mawhinney, and the Exploration Commons Teaching Kitchen will be demonstrating.

Getting Started with Unity's Create with Code
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 21, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Start your Unity and C# journey with Unity's Create with Code. This class will begin with a review of the course. Then, you will dive into Unit 1 and create a driving simulator by importing assets, simulating gravity, mapping player controls, and more.

While this class only covers Unit 1, participants will be shown how to continue the course independently.

Inclusive Cooks: Glazed Salmon with Veggie Rice
Exploration Commons
Friday, November 22, 2024 - 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 Baked Salmon with Soy Glaze and a savory veggie and brown rice side dish. 

Laser Engraved Wood Mini Barn Quilts
Exploration Commons
Saturday, November 23, 2024 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Color mapping allows you to specify laser settings based on designated colors within your laser cutting design. Learn the basics of color mapping while creating a simple geometric wood barn quilt design. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.

Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 25, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
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.

Sewing Skills: Using Templates
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how templates can increase sewing speed and accuracy. In this class, we will make a 12" x 18" reversible placemat with mitered corners. 

Series Prerequisites and Required Skills:

• Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC sewing machine certification
• can thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin
• can sew items together with different seam allowances
• have previously sewn items equivalent to the projects in the Beginner Sewing Level 1 classes: small fabric container, lined canvas tote with webbing handles, lined pouch with zipper

Required Materials:

• A sewing machine will be provided
• Students will supply the appropriate fabric, elastic, and thread for their garment
• Fabric 45" wide piece of 100% cotton lightweight home decor fabric, pre-washed and dried
  • 1/2 yard of main fabric
  • 3/4 yard of contrasting fabric for the back and border
• Matching thread

Holiday Take and Bake
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get a head start on your Thanksgiving dinner! We do the shopping, and you do the prep. You'll leave with three ready-to-cook-at-home dishes:  Bourbon or Maple Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, PA Dutch Potato Bread Filling, and a side of Zesty Cranberry Sauce. Each dish will serve eight to ten people.  

Note: Registration for all three sessions of this program will open on Tuesday, November 12 at 9 AM.

Holiday Take and Bake
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get a head start on your Thanksgiving dinner! We do the shopping, and you do the prep. You'll leave with three ready-to-cook-at-home dishes:  Bourbon or Maple Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, PA Dutch Potato Bread Filling, and a side of Zesty Cranberry Sauce. Each dish will serve eight to ten people.  

Note: Registration for all three sessions of this program will open on Tuesday, November 12 at 9 AM.

Gingerbread Cream Pie and Pie Lid Engraving
Exploration Commons
Saturday, November 30, 2024 - 1:00pm - 4:45pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hybrid kitchen-makerspace class! We'll start in the kitchen, preparing all the components for a delicious gingerbread cream pie. While our ingredients cool, we'll learn some of the basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create graphics to engrave on our pie pan lids. Then we'll return to the kitchen and assemble the pies to take home!

Cooking for Wellness: Warm Holiday Salad
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 2, 2024 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Balance out all the heavy comfort foods with a unique salad infused with lots of holiday flavor and dense nutrition. Enjoy making this recipe while we discuss healthy eating over the holidays. This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.

Cooking Together: Cinnamon Rolls
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 2, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this group cooking class, we will make quick-rise cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting from scratch. One registration is good for up to 4 attendees, with a minimum of 2 per group. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Each group will make one recipe.

Creating Jewelry with Makerspace Technology
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - 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. 

Holiday Sewing: Reversible Stocking
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make a reversible holiday stocking in this class. Get further acquainted with the sewing machine and basic sewing tools. In this class, you will learn about:

• sewing curves
• trimming and notching to ensure a smooth outer surface
• how to incorporate a hanging tab 

Apply these skills and more to create a 12" x 18" reversible stocking with a mock cuffed top and hanging tag. Instructions for personalizing your stocking will be included. 

Prerequisites:

• Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC sewing machine certification

Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.

Intermediate Laser Cutting: Designing Custom Puzzles
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this intermediate-level laser design class, we will demonstrate and teach users how to design their custom-cut puzzles using different tools in Adobe Illustrator and Epilog's laser cutting software. 

Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.

Holiday Creations: Design and Engrave a Gift Box
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Customize your own gift box design on our Epilog Fusion Pro laser. 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.

Holiday Sewing: Reversible Stocking
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Make a reversible holiday stocking in this class. Get further acquainted with the sewing machine and basic sewing tools. In this class, you will learn about:

• sewing curves
• trimming and notching to ensure a smooth outer surface
• how to incorporate a hanging tab 

Apply these skills and more to create a 12" x 18" reversible stocking with a mock cuffed top and hanging tag. Instructions for personalizing your stocking will be included. 

Prerequisites:

• Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC sewing machine certification

Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.

Yule Log
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 10:30am - 2:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, participants will learn how to make a Yule Log, also called a Buche de Noel. This traditional holiday dessert features a chocolate cake with whipped cream filling, which is rolled and decorated to look like a log! Each participant will take one Yule Log home. 

Create a Personalized Wood Holiday Ornament
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 5, 2024 - 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 the basics of using Adobe Illustrator to design for the laser, and then you'll watch your ornament being made. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.

Homemade Holiday Peppermint Patties
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 6, 2024 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Create your own delicious confections for the holidays in this hands-on cooking class.

Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 7, 2024 - 2:00pm - 4:30pm
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.

Intermediate Laser Cutting: Engraving Painted Canvas
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 9, 2024 - 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This intermediate-level laser design class focuses on the differences between 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.

Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Wood Gift Tag
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 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 create a simple wood gift tag 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.

Intro to Unreal Engine
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Unreal Engine is a collection of tools for game development, content creation, and real-time simulation. In this program, you'll explore the basics of Unreal Engine through an interactive hands-on experience.

Plant-Based Dishes for the Holidays
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will prepare and taste some plant-based dishes that are perfect for the holiday season.