🇺🇸 · Claremont Makerspace · Cortney Nichols
Greetings Upper Valley Makers: The weather is hinting that spring is finally on the way and hopefully March will be out like a lamb. It is still rainy and chilly though so sign up for a class or event today and come to the Claremont MakerSpace to learn a new skill, create something interesting, or just meet new people. Stay tuned for our Earth Week events coming next month. For most classes and events, CMS MEMBERSHIP IS NOT REQUIRED. That said, members receive a discount on registration and there are some classes/events that are for members only (this will be clearly noted in the event description). Class policies (liability waiver, withdrawal, cancellation, etc.) can be found here . All of our classes depend on minimum registrations to run so please don’t wait to sign up! If you are interested in being added to a waitlist for a certain class please email: classes@claremontmakerspace.org . Instructors: Interested in teaching a class at CMS? Please fill out our Class Proposal Form . Tours: Want to see what the Claremont MakerSpace is all about? Contact Us to schedule your tour where you can learn about all the awesome tools that the CMS offers access to, as well as how membership, classes, and studio spaces work. Upcoming Events Events that are currently open for registration. Open Sew-In March 17, 2026 4 p.m. — 7 p.m. Bring your sewing projects and supplies and have fun visiting with other fiber artists and enthusiasts. Work on your projects in our roomy and comfortable sewing department. We have plenty of table space and 5 Singer heavy duty sewing machines, irons, ironing board, and a variety of sewing notions to use in the Fiber Arts Studio. All Levels are welcome. While assistance is available, participants interested in using the MakerSpace equipment should have a basic working knowledge. Allison and Tammie our shop leads will be available to help with any questions you may have. Registration is required. Class Fees: Free for members and $10 for non-members. Register here! CMS Community Quilts March 19, 2026 1 p.m. — 6 p.m. Helping hands needed to make warm, comforting quilts for Baby Steps in Claremont! Only basic skills needed. Do you know how to use a sewing machine, iron, or rotary cutter? This is not a quilting class, but we will guide you along through the whole process of making twin and crib size quilts for those in need in our area. Please come when it is convenient for you, even if you can only spare an hour. Sponsorship: All materials are provided thanks to a generous donation from a local quilter. Many thanks to Mascoma Bank for sponsoring the program to provide studio space and additional supplies. The Home Depot is supporting this program by providing storage containers to manage the quilting materials. Class Fees: Free! Please volunteer your time to help Baby Steps, a very worthy cause. Register here! Spring Open House March 21, 2026 10 a.m. — noon Join us for our Spring Open House at Claremont MakerSpace on Saturday, March 21st from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm . This is an excellent opportunity to explore our facility, learn about our programs, and see firsthand how our community-powered makerspace supports creativity, skill-building, and workforce development. Guests will enjoy guided tours, live demonstrations, and the chance to meet our staff, dedicated volunteers, and talented makers. Whether you are interested in membership, classes, volunteering, or simply curious about what we do, we welcome you to stop by and experience the MakerSpace in action. Pre-registration is encouraged. Register here! CMS Amateur Radio Club (W1CMS) Monthly Meetup March 22, 2026 1 p.m. — 3 p.m. The Claremont MakerSpace has an Amateur Radio club! Before makers, hackers, and DIY, there was Amateur Radio. Join us on March 22nd at 1 p.m. for our monthly meeting (usually every third Sunday). You do not have to be a licensed ham to participate, just bring your curiosity and energy! Everyone is welcome! Each month, we feature a presenter (45 minutes to an hour), and after we adjourn to MakerSpace’s Digital Fabrication and Electronics Lab for open-time kit building, sharing, studying, and socializing. This Month’s Presentation: CW: The Original Wireless Barry Whittemore (NF1O) will present CW: The Original Wireless . Before there was SSB or digital, there was Morse code — and a lot of people would argue it’s still one of the best ways to get on the air. He’ll spend some time talking about where CW came from, why it still matters, and what keeps people coming back to it. He’ll be bringing several different keys along, so you can see the differences and maybe even give one a try. Presented by: Barry Whittemore (NF10) Barry has been licensed since 1977 (as WB1EDI). He is a Navy Veteran and has held Novice(1977), Technician(1977), Advanced(1983), and Extra Class(1994). He became NF1O in 2010. He has earned WAS, WAC, and DXCC with 100W and indoor dipole. He presently has 318 (316 current) countries confirmed. He has 9BWAS, 9BWAC, and 9BDXCC all with 100 W from a city lot in Manchester! He’s now on a mountaintop lot in Unity. What is Amateur Radio? Amateur Radio (often called ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics, and communication together. People use Amateur Radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It’s fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need. Free for all! Register here! Make and Take Metal Art March 26, 2026 5 p.m. — March 26, 2026 8:30 p.m. Spring is coming and we are all thinking about spending more time outside and in our gardens. Have you thought about enhancing your garden space with metal art? In this class you will choose a horseshoe-based project. You will learn how to prepare and create a piece of metal art to enhance your garden or living space. There will be a choice of horseshoe-based beginner project. *Prerequisite for this class is the Intro to MIG welding class or permission of the instructor. You must come with basic welding skills. Welding skills will NOT be taught in this class. If you have not taken it you may sign up for the March 12th class here: Intro to MIG Welding Please note that all our classes have a minimum number of registrants required so don’t wait to sign up! Class Fees: $65 for members/$75 non-members Register here! Claremont MakerSpace Creatives Meet-up March 29, 2026 1 p.m. — 4 p.m. Looking for a space to focus on your art, connect with other serious makers, and recharge your creative energy? The CMS Creatives Meetup is a dedicated time for artists, designers, and makers who are committed to their craft. Bring your current project —whether it’s sketching, digital art, painting, writing, or any other creative pursuit—and work alongside a community of like-minded individuals. This is not a casual drop-in for dabblers; it’s a supportive environment for those who take their creativity seriously and want to grow in the company of peers. Expect inspiration, honest conversation, and the motivation that comes from making in public. Coffee will be provided to keep the ideas flowing. Come ready to create, connect, and contribute. The leader for this session is long time member and creative Michelle Goldsmith Class Fees: FREE for all Register here! Photography Club March 30, 2026 5:30 p.m. — 7 p.m. Agenda: Presentation: TBD for this month! one of our members will present on a topic of interest to the group. Open image share and questions: everyone gets an equal share of the meeting. Plan on 5-15 minutes per person depending on attendance: bring 1-2 images you made to share with the group, or your questions for the group about gear, shoot ideas, computer editing, or whatever else has been on your mind lately. About the Club We are a new group of amateur and professional photographers meeting regularly to learn from each other, practice our craft, and develop the community of photographic artists, commercial photographers, and visual storytellers around Claremont and the Upper Valley. Meetings are free for CMS members, and open to the public with a fee to support operations at the MakerSpace. Each meeting is led by one of our members and focuses on a topic of interest chosen by the group: from technical workshops on shooting techniques, to photo critique sessions, gear show & tells, photo walks, and whatever else we come up with together. Class Fees: Free for members/$10 for non-members Register here! Small Business Roundtable April 9, 2026 5 p.m. — 7 p.m. Join the Claremont MakerSpace’s first Small Business Roundtable event for an evening filled with valuable information and networking opportunities for new and experienced small business owners. This free, drop-in style event is a great chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and speak directly with experts that work with small businesses every day. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone doing business. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights and make meaningful connections. Pre-registration is greatly appreciated. Register here! Weaving for Your Home April 18, 2026 9:30 a.m. — 5 p.m. Starting with an empty loom (provided) and your own creative imagination we will set up the warp on the loom. Sample patterns will be provided if you are more of a rule follower. Next learn the basics of weaving; winding a shuttle, hem stitching the ends, and keeping smooth edges and tension. Then spend the rest of the day with rhythmic movements, light conversation, and meditative weaving. Students may choose either a pair of coordinating placemats or a single table runner. No experience needed. Bring scissors, lunch, beverage, snack, and a happy attitude. Class Fees: $100 for members/$120 non-members Materials Fee: $20 NOT included in the class fee above, PLEASE BRING CASH Register here! FREE Wheelchair Repair Clinic April 18, 2026 10 a.m. — 1 p.m. We are excited to partner with Assistive Technology in New Hampshire (ATinNH) part of UNH’s Institute on Disability and Kevin Levesque of REM ( REM – Lovingly Restored Medical Equipment ) who is volunteering his expertise in wheelchair repair, to host a no cost wheelchair repair clinic. In order to assure that we have the correct parts and pieces for each wheelchair, we ask that you preregister and let us know what brand your chair is and what needs to be repaired or replaced by March 23rd. This will give ATinNH the lead time to order any parts we may need to make to make the repairs that you need. This is a free event but pre-registration is required. Register here! Claremont MakerSpace Yard Sale and Open House May 9, 2026 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. Join us at the Claremont MakerSpace for a lively spring Yard Sale and Open House event! This special event will feature a wide variety of handcrafted goods, creative projects, and gently used items for sale by our talented members—both active and returning. CMS will also offer surplus tools, equipment, and supplies for sale, with proceeds supporting our nonprofit mission. While you shop, take advantage of our open house to explore the space, meet makers, and learn more about our classes and membership. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, a great deal, or a chance to get inspired, this community event is not to be missed! Rain or shine—we’ll be outside if the weather is good, or indoors if not. If you are a current or on-hold member at CMS and would like to sell items please reach out to cortney@twinstatemakerspaces.org Register here! Just Missed These classes are currently full at time of writing. If you are interested, please check the event’s page; spots occasionally open up. Keep an eye on this newsletter to see when these classes are offered again. Learn VCarve and the ShopBot March 4, 2026 6 p.m. — March 18, 2026 8 p.m. Intro to TIG Welding March 14, 2026 9 a.m. — March 18, 2026 8:30 p.m. Ongoing Events These events are ongoing. Registration is currently closed, but these events may be offered again in the future. Dolls from your Heart “Make dolls for children in shelters through Enchanted Makeovers” March 14, 2026 1 p.m. — March 21, 2026 4 p.m. Intro to Spindle Turning March 16, 2026 10 a.m. — March 17, 2026 1 p.m. Happy Makin’! We are grateful for all of the public support that our 501(c)(3), non-profit organization receives. If you’d like to make a donation, please visit the Support Us page of our website.
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