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
Friday, October 25, 2024 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Time to celebrate the spooky season with a custom laser-engraved tumbler! No previous laser experience is required.
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 28, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Come learn how to use the Roland GS-24 Vinyl Cutter, which can cut 24-inch wide rolls by however long you want! This machine is like the Cricut Maker but can create larger projects like window decals. Participants will learn how to operate the machine, what materials it accepts, and the software required to use it.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 31, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - 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
Thursday, October 31, 2024 - 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Want to spice up your Halloween night decor? In this class, we will 3D model our own ghostly figures that can be rigged up to everyday electronics to create a one-of-a-kind spooky nightlight!
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to insert zippers like a pro! This technique-based workshop will cover three types of zipper installations: regular, lapped, and invisible.
Class Prerequisites and Required Skills:
- Intro to Basic Sewing Skills and/or have EC sewing machine certification
- can thread a sewing machine and wind a bobbin
- can sew items together with different seam allowances
- understand the purpose of back-stitching
Materials: A sewing machine and all necessary materials will be provided.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Do you want to get into podcasting but don't know where to start? 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
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Ready to take your 3D design skills to the next level? In this comprehensive, hands-on session in Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) platform, we will explore the sketch tools available for creating the foundations of our 3D designs.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 7, 2024 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
We will discuss precision techniques to improve your laser project outcomes. Topics will include centering-point alignment, printed registration marks, using jigs or templates, and the importance of maintaining a settings notebook. Exploration Commons Laser certification is required prior to attending this program. This class is appropriate for individuals who have made their own projects on the laser.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 7, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Step up your fall snacking game with this two-session hybrid makerspace/teaching kitchen class! On day one, we'll use design software and our Fusion Pro laser cutter to make a custom fall-themed or winter-themed charcuterie board. Head to the kitchen on day two to learn how to arrange your charcuterie board artfully. One registration covers two people working collaboratively to design and arrange a single charcuterie board.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, November 9, 2024 - 2:00pm - 4:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Ready to take your 3D design skills to the next level? In this project-based session in Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) platform, we will dive further into fundamental 3D modeling techniques for creating functional designs.
Previous Onshape experience is strongly recommended.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - 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 create a laser engraved cork project 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, November 12, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, participants will learn how to use Cricut Design Space and a Cricut machine to create and assemble a multi-colored vinyl sticker. All materials will be supplied, and no previous Cricut experience is required.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 9:30am - 11:30am
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on session where we create a marble maze on Exploration Commons' Iconic CNC router. Previous basic computer experience is required, but no experience with the CNC router or design software is needed.
This class does not result in independent CNC use certification.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - 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
Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Step up your fall snacking game with this two-session hybrid makerspace/teaching kitchen class! On day one, we'll use design software and our Fusion Pro laser cutter to make a custom fall-themed or winter-themed charcuterie board. Head to the kitchen on day two to learn how to arrange your charcuterie board artfully. One registration covers two people working collaboratively to design and arrange a single charcuterie board.
Exploration Commons
Friday, November 15, 2024 - 10:00am - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This one-day CNC certification class will introduce you to the design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC Router. We will focus on project design and the VCarve software in the morning session. We will cover machine use in the afternoon, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. There will be a break from 12 - 1 PM between the morning and afternoon sessions.
All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training before attending this program.
At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons' CNC machine. Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the CNC router independently.
Exploration Commons
Saturday, November 16, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:30pm
Ages: 14 - 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 current sewing project in the company of others. A volunteer will be available to answer questions or provide feedback during this program.
Sewing machines are only available for those certified for independent use. You may bring your own sewing machine to this class; you must have working knowledge of how to operate your machine.
Note: This is not an instructional class; no materials will be provided.
Exploration Commons
Monday, November 18, 2024 - 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
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - 9:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Welcome to the exciting world of 3D design and modeling! In this comprehensive, hands-on session in Onshape, a powerful cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) platform, we will dive into the fundamental concepts and practical techniques needed to design for 3D printing.
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Get familiar with embroidery machines and the tools and materials you need to create a successful project. Through both lecture and demonstration, learn about Exploration Commons' Bernina 535E Embroidery Machine, types of hoops and stabilizers, and use of embroidery motifs. Attendees may schedule an appointment to complete the Embroidery Machine Independent Certification after completing this class.
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
3D scanning is a digital design process that enables the creation of detailed and accurate models of real-world objects. Join us for an introductory look into this technology, which is used extensively in engineering, architecture, historic preservation, and video game development. We will demonstrate the use of our handheld Artec Leo 3D Scanner and highlight some recent projects that have been created with it.
Exploration Commons
Thursday, November 21, 2024 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Start your Unity and C# journey with Unity's Create with Code. This class will begin with a review of the course. Then, you will dive into Unit 1 and create a driving simulator by importing assets, simulating gravity, mapping player controls, and more.
While this class only covers Unit 1, participants will be shown how to continue the course independently.