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, April 30, 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.
Let's Start a Podcast!
Thursday, April 30, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 12 - 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.
Yard Signs on the Roland GS-24 Vinyl Cutter
Friday, May 1, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Discover how to use the Roland GS-24 Vinyl Cutter, a machine capable of cutting 24-inch-wide rolls. The cutter is perfect for creating large window decals, signage, and more. In this hands-on class, participants will design, cut, and apply vinyl to a yard sign, leaving with a finished piece to take home.
Intermediate Laser Project: 3D Topographic Maps
Monday, May 4, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to use Adobe Illustrator and the Epilog Fusion Pro laser to create layered, 3D topographical map products. Participants will create a pre-determined example product to bring home. All participants must have previous Adobe Illustrator experience and Laser Certification.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - 9:30am - 12:00pmAges: 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.
Laser Skills: Print and Cut
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - 1:00pm - 3:00pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to print-and-cut with the Epilog Fusion Pro. We will explore how the Epilog's IRIS™ Camera Registration System works for extremely precise cutting and engraving. We will work in Adobe Illustrator to create a print-and-cut file that can be used with the Camera Registration System. Laser certification is required for all attendees. Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator is encouraged.
Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 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.
Intro to CNC
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - 1:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 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 4 to 5 PM.
Sewing Skills: Foundation Piecing Techniques
Thursday, May 7, 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.
Create a Marble Maze with the CNC
Friday, May 8, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:30pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this program we will create a personalized mini-marble maze by utilizing our Carvera Desktop CNC! Basic computer experience is required, but no experience with the Carvera CNC is needed.
Note that the class is strictly for designing your project; they will be fully fabricated by Exploration Commons staff after this class is over. You will then be contacted to come pick up your project once it is completed.
This class does not result in independent CNC use certification.
Custom Wine Glass and Tasting
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:30pmAges: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information
On day one of this class, we will learn some of the basics of the laser's rotary tool to create a design and engrave it onto stemless wine glasses. On day two, we will do wine tasting in the kitchen! You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required. You must also be Laser Certified for this class.
Custom Wine Glass and Tasting
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:30pmAges: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information
On day one of this class, we will learn some of the basics of the laser's rotary tool to create a design and engrave it onto stemless wine glasses. On day two, we will do wine tasting in the kitchen! You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required.
Custom Wine Glass and Tasting
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:30pmAges: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information
On day one of this class, we will learn some of the basics of the laser's rotary tool to create a design and engrave it onto stemless wine glasses. On day two, we will do wine tasting in the kitchen! You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required.
Make and Take: Custom Wine Glass and Tasting
Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 1:30pm - 2:30pmAges: Adults, 21 and older
Class registration and more information
This is a make-and-take for the custom wine glass and then an in-person event for the tasting on May 9th from 1:30-2:30pm. You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required.
Design your own wine glass art and engrave on a wine glass (provided by us) using our Epilog laser cutter! You must be certified to use the laser.
Then, return on May 9th at 1:30pm for our tasting event with Bernie of JeannieBird Baking Company. Come any time before May 9th to engrave your wine glass - no appointment necessary.
Laser-Cut Interlocking Boxes
Monday, May 11, 2026 - 2:00pm - 3:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn how to design and cut interlocking boxes with custom dividers using the laser cutter. This hands-on class will cover the basics of box-making joints, divider layouts, and assembly techniques, giving you the skills to create sturdy, personalized storage solutions.
Making for Seniors: Engrave a Simple Paper Project
Tuesday, May 12, 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 use Adobe Illustrator to create a simple design to be engraved on a small craft paper gift bag and watch your project being made on one of our Epilog laser cutters. 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.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Tuesday, May 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.