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. In addition to CCPL staff, we will be working with outside presenters from various industries, professors from Carroll Community College and McDaniel College, Carroll County Public Schools faculty, and local interns and volunteers. Our community has much to offer and we will require their expertise and support to make Exploration Commons a success.
Upcoming Classes and Programs
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 5, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Photoshop. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required!
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This program is for those completing the final step of our online embroidery machine certification training. You must complete the online training and pass the quiz before registering. Registrations from individuals who have not completed the online training will be canceled.
Here is a link to our certification page where you can take the online training for the embroidery machine:
https://explorationcommons.carr.org/makerspace/equipment-trainings.asp
If the class is full or doesn't meet your schedule, you may still schedule your in-person practical session via the form on our equipment training page. These sessions are offered to make scheduling easier for some participants.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to use traditional and updated techniques and tools for preparing and cutting fabric. You will leave with the confidence to use a rotary cutter and mat as well as traditional cutting tools. This is a beginner-friendly class; no sewing experience is required.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - 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 key chain.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
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 Laser Certification is required.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 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 2 will be in the EC Teaching Kitchen to fill your gift box with Peanut Butter Fudge and Pecan Brittle.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Book nooks are fantastical small-scale dioramas that people tuck into their bookshelves for added whimsy. In this class, we will use Adobe Illustrator to create files of the nook space itself, the hidden slot for lights, and tiny additions (fences, shelves, etc) to add to the nook. We will then use the laser cutter to cut all of our pieces. You will take these home to assemble, paint, and complete your nook for your own shelves!
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Properly fitting and sewing in sleeves is a challenge for beginning sewists. Learn the necessary steps to sew set-in sleeves without puckers. You will practice these skills by inserting sleeves into a 1/2-scale woven bodice sample.
Class Prerequisites and Required Skills
- Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
- thread a sewing machine, wind a bobbin, and troubleshoot tension issues
- sew straight and curved seams while maintaining consistent seam allowance
- know how to read and work with a pattern and cut fabric with care and accuracy
- have a basic understanding of different fabric types and have sewn with a few different types
- have experience sewing a regular zipper
Required Materials
- A sewing machine and materials will be provided.
About Beginner Sewing Level 3: Intro to Garment Sewing
This set of classes introduces new or less experienced sewists to beginner sewing information and resources, along with hands-on experiences.
This series introduces the following information and skills:
- insert a set-in sleeve
- sewing a collar with a lapel
- sewing a trouser fly
- sewing the fitted waistband
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on session where we create and engrave a simple wood project on Exploration Commons' Iconic CNC Router. Previous basic computer experience is required. No experience with the CNC Router or design software is needed.
This class does not result in independent CNC use certification.
Exploration Commons
Monday, May 12, 2025 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn some of the basics of Blender, an open-source 3D modeling software. Participants will walk through the user interface and controls while making a small project.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 13, 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 project to be engraved on anodized aluminum and 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, May 13, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn about the three main types of lapels and how to sew the most common type, a notched lapel. You will practice these skills by inserting sleeves into a 1/2-scale woven bodice sample. The lapel is the collar of a coat or jacket.
Class Prerequisites and Required Skills
- Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
- thread a sewing machine, wind a bobbin, and troubleshoot tension issues
- sew straight and curved seams while maintaining consistent seam allowance
- know how to read and work with a pattern and cut fabric with care and accuracy
- have a basic understanding of different fabric types and have sewn with a few different types
Required Materials
- A sewing machine and materials will be provided.
About Beginner Sewing Level 3: Intro to Garment Sewing
This set of classes introduces new or less experienced sewists to beginner sewing information and resources, along with hands-on experiences.
This series introduces the following information and skills:
- insert a set-in sleeve
- sewing a collar with a lapel
- sewing a trouser fly
- sewing the fitted waistband
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - 4:00pm - 6:30pm
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
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get further 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 stitching, and how to use webbing to make bag handles. Apply these skills and more to make a lined canvas tote bag with coordinating 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:
- basis 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 might benefit most from following the Class 1, 2, and 3 sequence.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - 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
Friday, May 16, 2025 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the world of 3D modeling and designing. In this introductory class, we will review the computer-aided design (CAD) software Autodesk Fusion by diving into the fundamentals and techniques for making a simple object.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 17, 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.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 17, 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, May 19, 2025 - 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This intermediate-level laser design class focuses on creating designs and navigating unique settings on pre-painted paper canvases.
The longer class time is necessary for this program due to the long print times on this material. Fusion Pro Laser Cutter Certification is required prior to attending this program.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Have the makerspace programs sparked your creativity, but you're hesitant to jump into your own independent project? Ready to move beyond step-by-step projects and bring your ideas to life? Over the course of two months, you will design and fabricate a project with guided support from staff.
During the orientation session, we'll discuss project ideas, create goals, and set reasonable expectations for completion. You will work on this project on your own time and have access to up to two one-on-one sessions to review progress, discuss challenges, and get support for moving forward.
This session specifically focuses on projects using vinyl cutters, laser cutters, CNC machines, or 3D printers. Participants are responsible for providing or purchasing any materials needed for their project.
Special Note: All participants using the laser cutters or Iconic CNC machines for their projects must be certified before this program.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, we will review the basics of what to look out for in 3D models that you would like to have 3D printed. We will review several models using the 3D modeling software Tinkercad and the 3D printer software PrusaSlicer.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn to sew a sample version of the trouser fly and the difference between a fitted waistband and a straight waistband before completing a pair of trousers.
Class Prerequisites and Required Skills
- Exploration Commons' Sewing Machine Certification
- thread a sewing machine, wind a bobbin, and troubleshoot tension issues
- sew straight and curved seams while maintaining consistent seam allowance
- know how to read and work with a pattern and cut fabric with care and accuracy
- have a basic understanding of different fabric types and have sewn with a few different types
- have experience sewing a regular zipper
Required Materials
- A sewing machine and materials will be provided
About Beginner Sewing Level 3: Intro to Garment Sewing
This set of classes introduces new or less experienced sewists to beginner sewing information and resources along with hands-on experiences.
This series introduces the following information and skills:
- insert a set-in sleeve
- sewing a collar with a lapel
- sewing a trouser fly
- sewing a fitted waistband
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 24, 2025 - 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hybrid kitchen and makerspace class! We'll start in the kitchen, preparing a traditional Quiche Lorraine. While our quiches bake, we'll learn some of the basics of Adobe Illustrator as we create graphics to engrave on our pie pan lids. Then we'll return to the kitchen to pick up the quiche to take home!
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
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
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 - 5:00pm - 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
Thursday, May 29, 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. Expand your sewing skills by adding a zipper to a small storage bag. You'll insert a zipper into a small cotton bag with 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:
- basis 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 might benefit most from following the Class 1, 2, and 3 sequence.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, May 29, 2025 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
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 CoSpaces Edu, we will walk through a facilitated project build you can share with family and friends.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, May 31, 2025 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Usher in the start of summer with a customized charcuterie board filled with healthy summer snacks! We will begin by creating a custom design and engraving it on our board. Then, we will head to the kitchen to fill our boards with breads, veggies, fruits, and other fun, healthy summer snacks.
If you have taken a charcuterie or snack board class at EC50 in the past, please do not register for this class. This class is intended for new patrons/registrants only.