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
Hybrid Embroidery Machine Certification
Monday, September 21, 2026 - 11:00am - 11:45amAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This program is the final step in our Embroidery Machine Certification process. During this session, participants will demonstrate the skills needed for independent use of the embroidery machine.
Before registering, you must either complete the online Embroidery Machine Use Training or attend the in-person Sewing: Embroidery Machine Basics class. Participants who have not completed one of these training options will have their registration cancelled.
If this session is full or does not fit your schedule, participants who have completed the required training may request a certification appointment through the form on our equipment training page.
Hybrid Embroidery Machine Certification
Monday, September 21, 2026 - 12:00pm - 12:45pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This program is the final step in our Embroidery Machine Certification process. During this session, participants will demonstrate the skills needed for independent use of the embroidery machine.
Before registering, you must either complete the online Embroidery Machine Use Training or attend the in-person Sewing: Embroidery Machine Basics class. Participants who have not completed one of these training options will have their registration cancelled.
If this session is full or does not fit your schedule, participants who have completed the required training may request a certification appointment through the form on our equipment training page.
Laser Project: Leather Pouch
Monday, September 21, 2026 - 5:00pm - 7:30pmAges: 14 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Learn about doing leather projects on the laser! We will design a custom engraving for a small leather pouch using Adobe Illustrator and then engrave and cut our pouches out on the laser. There will be a small amount of hand sewing required to assemble the pouches. All required materials will be provided.
Intro to Basic Sewing Skills (Skill Level 0)
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 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 sewn 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 Engraved Wood Mini Barn Quilts
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 - 10:00am - 12:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Color mapping allows you to specify laser settings based on designated colors within your laser cutting design. Learn the basics of color mapping while creating a simple geometric wood barn quilt design. Previous laser design experience is recommended but not required. This class does not result in independent laser cutter use certification.
Intro to Carvera CNC
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This two-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. The first session may end earlier than the given time.
Successful completion of the Prerequisite Module for the In-Person Carvera CNC Class is required prior to attending this class.
At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons' Carvera CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Boxy Zippered Pouch (Class 4)
Thursday, September 24, 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. 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.
Intro to Carvera CNC
Thursday, September 24, 2026 - 1:00pm - 4:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
This two-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. The first session may end earlier than the given time.
Successful completion of the Prerequisite Module for the In-Person Carvera CNC Class is required prior to attending this class.
At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons' Carvera CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently.
Next Steps with Adobe Illustrator: Image Tracing
Monday, September 28, 2026 - 11:00am - 1:00pmAges: 12 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
In this class, we will be going over the image trace feature in Adobe Illustrator. We will be looking at a few different images and going over the multiple options of image tracing to get the best result for each image. Previous experience with Adobe Illustrator is recommended but not required.
Teen Laser Intro: Engraved Chopsticks and Wooden Box
Monday, September 28, 2026 - 6:00pm - 7:00pmAges: 11 - 18
Class registration and more information
Learn about our laser and engrave your own custom set of wooden chopsticks and carrying case.
Laser certification is not required, but we recommend starting the certification process before class by taking the Epilog Fusion Pro Laser Machine Use and Safety Training online.
Beginner Sewing Level 1: Sew a Bucket Bag (Class 5)
Thursday, October 1, 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 to sew a round base into a medium-sized bag and finish the incorporated handles.
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.
Creating Customized Chocolates: Day One
Thursday, October 1, 2026 - 5:30pm - 7:30pmAges: 16 - Adults, Adults
Class registration and more information
Get festive for fall by learning to create customized chocolates in this two-session class! In session one, we'll create our designs in Fusion 360 and learn about the 3D printing process. In session two, we'll utilize our 3D prints and the makerspace's Vaquform machines to create custom molds. Then, we'll head to the teaching kitchen to learn how to mold chocolate and create our custom chocolates.