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
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Make a Thread Catcher (Class 1)
Thursday, February 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 about various fabric stabilizers and how to interpret and follow directions. Practice 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:
- 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 from taking the first three classes, Class 1, 2, and 3, in sequence.
Laser Engraved Coated Metal Pet Bowl
Thursday, February 26, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Gain experience with laser engraving curved objects in this class as you engrave an 18-ounce coated pet bowl. We'll work in Adobe Illustrator to create our designs. Then we'll move to the laser for engraving, where we'll discuss using a jig versus rotary and the limitations of both when engraving.
Only one bowl of each color is available for this class. Bowl color selection will be first come, first served at the time of the class. Exploration Commons Laser Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Hybrid Embroidery Machine Certification
Friday, February 27, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:00amAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This program is for those completing the final step of our online embroidery machine certification training. You must already have the sewing machine certification and have completed the online training and passed the quiz before registering. Registrations from individuals who have not completed the online training or don't have our sewing machine certification will be cancelled.
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.
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.
Let's Start a Podcast!
Friday, February 27, 2026 - 3:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class 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.
Intermediate Laser Project: Multi-Layered Wooden Mandalas
Monday, March 2, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Flex your Adobe Illustrator skills in this intermediate laser class. Participants will use more advanced design tools to create a layered wooden mandala to bring home. Laser certification is required for this class.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - 4:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 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.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Make a Canvas Tote (Class 2)
Thursday, March 5, 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 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:
- 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.
Laser Cutting Techniques: Jigs and Templates
Thursday, March 5, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how jigs and templates can make repeat laser projects faster and easier. In this hands-on class, you will make a simple jig for the laser and create a matching template in Adobe Illustrator. Laser certification and familiarity with Adobe Illustrator are required before registering.
Intro to CNC
Saturday, March 7, 2026 - 10:00am - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This one-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our new Makera Carvera desktop CNC machine. This class will cover project design utilizing Makera's congruent software, MakeraCAM, along with other compatible software available at Exploration Commons. There will be a break from 12 to 1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.
Making for Seniors: Create a Simple Slate Laser Cutter Project
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: Adults
Class 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 slate laser cutter project 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.
Making Movies: Intro to Premiere Pro
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 15 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
See what's behind the silver screen in this introduction to Adobe's high-end video editing software, Premiere Pro! We will cover everything from basic editing tips and tricks to some cool tucked-away features in the program. So, if you have ever wanted to start getting into video editing, this is the class for you!
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basics to feel comfortable using a sewing machine. This introductory-level class includes the EC sewing machine certification necessary for many other classes and/or independent sewing machine use in the makerspace.
If you've never touched a sewing machine or a sewing needle, or if it's been years since you've sewn and you need a refresher on the basics, then this class is for you.
Prerequisite: None
Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.
Intro to MakeraCAM
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class we will go over utilizing MakeraCAM, the base design software that we teach for using our Carvera CNC! So if you are interested in becoming more familiar with the user interface and available tools, this is the class for you!
The CNC certification is NOT required for taking this course.
Introduction to Arduino
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Microcontrollers are everywhere and are often the unseen heroes of our modern world. From coffee makers to elevators, and even the television remote control, microcontrollers can be programmed to fulfill a variety of simple tasks. The Arduino platform makes working with microcontrollers easy, fun, and offers a way to get started in electronics. Join us for a workshop where we'll explore various beginner Arduino projects using components from the Arduino education kits available for use in the makerspace.