The Makerspace
A Makerspace is a community center where tools are provided to design, engineer, fabricate and learn. All skill levels are welcome and it offers a safe do it yourself environment where failure is just another step in the learning process. Learning may be self-directed or instructor led, and Exploration Commons will provide the staff and guest instructors to assist with all learning styles.
Who may use the Makerspace
The Makerspace is for ages 8 – Adult. Children ages 8 – 11 may work with an equipment certified adult in the use of some machines in the space, but may not operate themselves. Children ages 12 – 15 may operate machinery with the assistance of an equipment certified adult. Persons aged 16 and older may operate any of the available equipment. An Exploration Commons/Library card is required to use makerspace equipment and all users must be certified to use select equipment.
Programs held in the Makerspace will be led by an instructor and may also have age restrictions depending on the equipment used or content of the program. An Exploration Commons/Library card is not required to attend programs.
Will there be a cost to use the Makerspace?
The use of the space is free. However, there will be a cost for some materials if required (filament, wood, acrylic, etc). There will also be programs where we need to charge to recoup expenses.
Hours and Staffing
The entire space will be open and staffed Monday - Thursday, 9 AM - 8 PM, Friday - Saturday, 9 AM - 5 PM.
Upcoming Classes and Programs
Laser Cutting Refresher
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class 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 Exploration Commons Laser Certification is required.
Understanding 3D Models: What Can I 3D Print?
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will review the basics of what to look out for in 3D models that you would like to have 3D printed. We will review several models using the 3D modeling software Tinkercad and the 3D printer software PrusaSlicer.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Boxy Zippered Pouch (Class 4)
Thursday, March 19, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Practice adding a zipper to a sturdy, boxy pouch known as a Dopp bag. You will learn about adding a zipper to fully lined bags, using edge stitching, and how to box corners.
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
You can take Level 1 classes in any order, but beginners will benefit most by taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Adobe Illustrator: Beyond the Basics
Thursday, March 19, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Wanting to go more in-depth with your design techniques using Adobe Illustrator? Then this is the class for you! We will cover tools, tips, and tricks that go beyond our standard intro classes.
We recommend taking the Intro to Adobe Illustrator class before attending this program.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Friday, March 20, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Saturday, March 21, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Open Sewing Studio (Reserve a Sewing Machine)
Saturday, March 21, 2026 - 10:00am - 2:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Custom Engraved Leatherette Journals
Monday, March 23, 2026 - 4:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend.
Intro to Web Design: Two-Part Class
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of web design by exploring both HTML and CSS.
Day 1 focuses on HTML, covering essential elements like headings, paragraphs, links, images, and forms to build the basic structure of a web page.
Day 2 introduces CSS, where participants will learn how to style their pages using colors, fonts, layouts, and responsive design techniques. By the end of the program, attendees will have created a simple, styled web page—an excellent starting point for their web development journey!
Next Steps with Onshape
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - 4:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Intro to Vacuum Forming: Maryland Flag Chocolate Mold
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on class, we will discuss some aspects of 3D design that are important to designing for mold creation and learn how to use Exploration Commons' Vaquform machines to create a mold. Then, we'll head to the teaching kitchen to make a chocolate Maryland flag with our newly created molds.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Bucket Bag (Class 5)
Thursday, March 26, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn to sew a round base into a medium-sized bag and finish the incorporated 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:
- basic 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 will benefit most by taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Design an Augmented Reality Scavenger Hunt Game with Delightex
Thursday, March 26, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Augmented reality allows us to combine digital elements with real-world objects. Join us to learn how to create and code a simple augmented reality scavenger hunt. Using Delightex (formerly Cospaces Edu), we will walk through a facilitated project build you can share with family and friends.
Custom Engraved Leatherette Journals
Friday, March 27, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend.
Custom Teacup and Chai
Saturday, March 28, 2026 - 1:30pm - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Join special guest instructor Garima Chaturvedi in this hands-on traditional chai class. We’ll use design software and our Fusion Pro laser cutter to engrave custom designs on wooden teacups and then head to the kitchen for tea tasting.
Welted Pockets: Sewing Basics
Monday, March 30, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to add clean, professional-looking welted pockets to your handmade garments! In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll practice the step-by-step process of creating single and double welts. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their sewing skills and add a tailored touch to jackets, pants, skirts, and more.
Intro to Web Design: Two-Part Class
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of web design by exploring both HTML and CSS.
Day 1 focuses on HTML, covering essential elements like headings, paragraphs, links, images, and forms to build the basic structure of a web page.
Day 2 introduces CSS, where participants will learn how to style their pages using colors, fonts, layouts, and responsive design techniques. By the end of the program, attendees will have created a simple, styled web page—an excellent starting point for their web development journey!