Makerspace workshops… at home!

Hands-on learning experiences have been one of the many things we’ve gone without because of COVID this past year. The Libraries Makerspace has come up with a creative solution.

“Makerspace Hands-on Workshops at Home” allow you to have an online, hands-on lesson in eTextiles, embroidery, 3D design and more from the safety of your own home. When you register, we send you a materials kit so you can follow an onscreen instructor in a maker activity. The workshops are designed for beginners, so no advance experience is necessary. It’s a fun way to learn a new skill.

The Eastman University Engagement Fund has generously supported the spring semester of workshops with a $5,000 award. The Eastman funds will be used to purchase supplies and packaging and to defray shipping costs. They will also be used to pay student employees who will help lead the workshops.

A complete listing of Libraries Makerspace workshops, with details about how to register and receive at-home kits, is here. Workshop descriptions are below:

Getting started with 3D design
In this workshop we teach the basics of 3D design using Tinkercad, a free, online CAD program. Participants will design a keychain along with the instructor. They will be able to submit their design for 3D printing and we will mail them the results.

Creating new realities at home
In this workshop we teach the basics of the WebVR framework to create 3D, VR-ready scenes in your web browser. Each participant will receive a Google Cardboard VR headset compatible with most phones.

Getting started with eTextiles
In this workshop we teach the basics of electronic circuits and hand sewing. Participants follow along with the instructor as they sew a simple circuit with an LED, battery, and metal snap that serves as a switch. Participants receive a kit that includes conductive thread, sewing needle, felt fabric, battery, battery holder, and LEDs.

Getting started with hand embroidery
In this workshop participants follow along with the instructor as they hand-embroider a geometric wolf. Participants receive a kit that includes embroidery floss, a hoop, cloth, and the pattern.

Getting started with technical drawing
In this workshop we teach the basics of using a set of calipers to accurately draw an object. Participants follow along with the instructor as they take accurate measurements and then recreate them in a sketch and in 3D. Participants receive a kit that includes a 3D printed object to measure and recreate, a ruler, and a set of calipers.