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
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 10, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, November 12, 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 to insert a zipper into a small cotton bag with a lining and learn hand-sewing techniques.
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.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:00pm
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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
3D scanning is a digital design process that enables the creation of detailed and accurate models of real-world objects. Join us for an introductory look into this technology, which is used extensively in engineering, architecture, historic preservation, and video game development. We will demonstrate the use of our handheld Artec Leo 3D Scanner and highlight some recent projects that have been created with it.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
Step up your snacking game by creating a custom-engraved snack board! We'll personalize a bamboo snack board using Adobe Illustrator design software and our Fusion Pro laser cutter. Then head to the teaching kitchen to learn some tips and tricks while you fill the board with yummy snacks!
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 17, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 17, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - 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 keychain.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hybrid kitchen and makerspace class! We'll start in the kitchen, making a PA Dutch-style pumpkin pie. While our pies bake and chill, we'll learn some basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create graphics to laser engrave on our pie pan lids. Then we'll return to the kitchen to pick up the pies to take home!
If you have taken an Engraved Pie Lid class at EC50 in the past, please do not register for this class. This class is intended for new patrons/registrants only.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 20, 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. 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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 20, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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 Exploration Commons Laser Certification is required.
Exploration Commons
Friday, November 21, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
More information
Learn the basics of animation in Blender! In this beginner-friendly class, you'll discover how to bring your 3D creations to life using keyframes, the timeline, and simple motion techniques. We'll cover the fundamentals of animating objects, cameras, and characters. Previous Blender experience is required.
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 24, 2025 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Roll for initiative! In this Dungeons & Dragons-themed program, attendees will design custom artwork to be engraved on leather dice trays. Do note that the longer class time is to help give additional time to create and refine your artwork for your project. You may bring custom images with you, preferably on a thumb drive, if you already have an idea in mind.
Registration for this class is for first-time Makerspace program attendees. Please do not register for this program if you have previously taken one of our Makerspace programs.
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 24, 2025 - 4:30pm - 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
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.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this program, you’ll laser engrave winter-themed artwork of your choice onto a piece of clear acrylic and light it up with a provided multi-color LED light stand. Choose from a selection of winter-themed cutout 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.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 4, 2025 - 4:00pm - 7:30pm
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. If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend.
The longer class time is necessary for this program to give ample time for design alterations and customization.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 6, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:30pm
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. If you have previously taken this class at EC50, please do not register so that someone else may have the opportunity to attend.
The longer class time is necessary for this program to give ample time for design alterations and customization.