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
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.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 8, 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
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - 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 use Adobe Illustrator to create a simple design to be engraved on cork. Then 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Laser Certification Required! Join us for a quick pop-up class to engrave paper gift bags. Each participant will get two gift bags (5" x 3" x 8.5") to engrave on our laser. Great practical practice to keep your laser skills fresh!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 11, 2025 - 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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 and separator stitching, and how to incorporate handles. Apply these skills and more to make a sturdy canvas tote bag with lining that transports multiple bottles.
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
Do not register if you do not have our independent sewing machine certification.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 11, 2025 - 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 some of the basics of using Adobe Illustrator and the shape builder tool, and then you'll watch your ornament being laser cut. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 12, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
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
Monday, December 15, 2025 - 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Check out the in-the-hoop projects you can do on the Bernina 535 Embroidery Machine. In this demo class, learn how you can use the embroidery machine to make bookmarks, gift tags, greeting cards, zipper bags, stuffed toys, photo frames, and more. We will review the different in-the-hoop projects available in our OESD design collection, discuss where to find additional files, and walk through an in-the-hoop project.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get acquainted with the sewing machine and basic tools of the trade. Learn how to work with decorator-weight fabrics and sew a boxed corner. Students will also learn about finishing techniques and custom labeling. Apply these skills and more to make a sturdy, reversible fabric gift basket or bread basket.
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
Do not register if you do not have our independent sewing machine certification.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Put your Cricut skills into practice, or learn the basics of vinyl design with this beginner-friendly class. Each attendee will get a reusable plastic screw-top bottle to adhere their design. Great for yourself or for a gift!
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Customize your own gift box design on our Epilog Fusion Pro Engraver. 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.
This will be a two-part project. Part 1 will be in the EC Teaching Kitchen making and decorating gingerbread cookies. Part 2 will be in the EC Makerspace to engrave your gift box.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, December 18, 2025 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Customize your own gift box design on our Epilog Fusion Pro Engraver. 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.
This will be a two-part project. Part 1 will be in the EC Teaching Kitchen making and decorating gingerbread cookies. Part 2 will be in the EC Makerspace to engrave your gift box.
Exploration Commons
Friday, December 19, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 14 - 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.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 20, 2025 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
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.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 22, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Soldering is fun and fundamental to a wide assortment of maker electronic projects and modern technology. From simple light-up LEDs to complex robots, solder is the glue that holds the technological world together. Join us for a hands-on project where you will assemble and solder your very own simple circuit.
Exploration Commons
Monday, December 22, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator and design for the laser engraver while we create a design for a cork trivet. Participants will then get to see their trivet being engraved. Great for gifts!
This class does not result in independent laser use certification.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, December 27, 2025 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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
Monday, December 29, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, we will be engraving a tumbler 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.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, December 30, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
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.