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: Sew a Reversible Drawstring Bag (Class 8)
Thursday, February 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 sew a channel onto a fully lined bag and insert drawstrings that will close the bag. Learn about using different fabric combinations to add visual interest and how to use 'boxed bottom' techniques to create a sturdy base.
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, February 5, 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.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Friday, February 6, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Illustrator. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required.
Beginner Cricut: Custom Valentine's Day Card
Monday, February 9, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Put your Cricut skills into practice or learn the basics of design with this beginner-friendly class. Explore numerous design techniques, tool options, and specialized materials available for custom card creation. Each attendee will design a custom Valentine's Day card to bring home.
Making for Seniors: Introduction to 3D Printing and Design with Tinkercad
Tuesday, February 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 3D design project to be printed on Exploration Commons' 3D printers. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with 3D printing or design software is needed.
Edge-Lit Acrylic Signs: Valentine Edition
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
We're taking a twist on everyone's favorite edge-lit signs class! Choose from a selection of Valentine-themed cut-out designs for your acrylic sign. These bright and colorful projects are a way to display a message or add flair to your room, desk, or workspace. In this program, you’ll laser engrave Valentine-themed artwork of your choice onto a piece of clear acrylic and light it up with a provided multi-color LED light stand.
Intro to Laser Cutting
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 - 5:00pm - 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.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Thursday, February 12, 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 sewed, 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.
Introduction to Onshape & 3D Printing
Saturday, February 14, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class 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 keychain.
Laser Cutting Refresher
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 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 Laser Certification is required.
Engraved Metal Business Cards
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 - 4:00pm - 6:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will be engraving a metal business card using Adobe Illustrator to create a simple design with text and graphics. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification. You may bring custom images with you, preferably on a thumb drive, if you already have an idea in mind.
Sewing Skills: Foundation Piecing Techniques
Thursday, February 19, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basics of quilting techniques, like String, Strip, and Crazy Quilting, in foundation piecing to create unique fabrics to use in your projects. Foundation fabrics will be provided along with scrap pieces.
Students are invited to bring their own scrap fabrics as well.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
Soundscaping: Intro to FL Studio and Roland Keyboard
Thursday, February 19, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:30pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn the basics of music creation with an intro to FL Studio and a look into a few of the unique features of our Roland FP-90X keyboard.
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Saturday, February 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, February 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.
Intro to CNC
Saturday, February 21, 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 - 1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.
Completion of the Online CNC In-Person Prerequisite is required prior to attending this program.
Intermediate Laser Cutting: Photoshop for Laser Engraving
Monday, February 23, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class we will focus on editing photos in Adobe Photoshop to get the best results with our Fusion Pro and Fusion Edge laser engravers.
Laser certification is required prior to attending this program.
Making for Good: Finksburg Branch Garden Tags
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
The Finksburg Branch of CCPL needs our help! Their gardens are overfilled with many types of plants, and our task is to create engraved metal plate tags to identify them. Put your laser skills to use in this Making for Good class, where all items will be used so the community can enjoy learning more about the Finksburg Branch Garden. All attendees must be laser-certified to participate.
Making for Good: Finksburg Branch Garden Tags
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:00pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
The Finksburg Branch of CCPL needs our help! Their gardens are overfilled with many types of plants, and our task is to create engraved metal plate tags to identify them. Put your laser skills to use in this Making for Good class, where all items will be used so the community can enjoy learning more about the Finksburg Branch Garden. All attendees must be laser-certified to participate.
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.
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.