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
Open Sewing Studio (Bring Your Own Sewing Machine)
Saturday, October 31, 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, October 31, 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.
Tabletop Tuesday: Custom Dice Towers
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 - 4:30pm - 7:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Level up game night with our Tabletop Tuesday programs! In this class, participants will make a custom wooden dice tower using Adobe Illustrator and the Epilog Fusion laser. No prior experience designing or using the laser is required.
Intermediate Laser Cutting: Designing for Different Materials
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 - 2:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This intermediate-level laser design class focuses on the differences between creating designs and navigating unique settings on various materials. Attendees will learn how to optimize their workflow with different types of material.
Exploration Commons Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Engraved Tumblers
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will be engraving tumblers using Adobe Illustrator to create a simple design with text and graphics. You may bring custom images with you, preferably on a thumb drive, if you already have an idea in mind. Previous laser design experience is helpful but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Sewing Skills: Foundation Piecing Techniques
Thursday, November 5, 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.
Seasonal Butter Molds
Friday, November 6, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
In this combination makerspace/teaching kitchen class, learn to create your own custom seasonal butter molds. You will start in the makerspace and use our Vaquform machine along with preprinted festive fall shapes to make a custom mold. We will then head to the Teaching Kitchen to whip up delicious flavored butters and fill our newly created molds. Your final shaped butters will make a fun custom addition for your holiday table.
Intro to Carvera CNC
Saturday, November 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.
All program registrants must complete the Prerequisite Module for the In-Person Carvera Desktop CNC Class before attending this program.
Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the Carvera CNC independently.
Laser Cutting Techniques: Jigs and Templates
Monday, November 9, 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.
Laser Project: Veterans Day Challenge Coins
Monday, November 9, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: Adults
Class registration and more information
Veterans and military enthusiasts, join us in this laser project class as we make a long-standing military tradition, challenge coins! We will use Adobe Illustrator to design a custom challenge coin for laser engraving to take home. No previous design or laser experience necessary.
Sewing Skills: Interfacing Basics
Thursday, November 12, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to use interfacing to improve the structure and finish of your sewing projects. This beginner-level class will introduce common types of interfacing and explain when and how to use them in both garment and project construction. Students will work with different types of interfacing and leave with samples. The class will also review sewing terminology and construction concepts. Resource handouts will be provided.
Class Prerequisites: Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
Required Materials: A sewing machine and all materials will be provided.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Thursday, November 12, 2026 - 1:30pm - 3:30pmAges: 14 - 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.