Claremont MakerSpace Classes and Events
Greetings Upper Valley Makers: We have launched our first ever “Entrepreneur in Residence” pilot program as part of our workforce development initiatives and are so excited to announce Donald Franks II as the first EIR. You can find out more about the program and the pilot here: Claremont MakerSpace Launches Entrepreneur in Residence Pilot Program – The Claremont MakerSpace . Donald’s business is called 22 Frets, please check it out here: Home | 22 Frets | Guitar Bass repair lessons and custom builds 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. Crochet for Beginners Aug. 3, 2026 6 p.m. — Aug. 3, 2026 8 p.m. Learn the fundamentals of crochet in a relaxed, beginner-friendly class. Students will learn basic stitches, how to hold a hook and yarn, read simple patterns, and begin a small project they can continue at home. No prior experience is needed. Class Fees: $40 for members/$50 non-members Register here! Mandala Dot Painting Aug. 3, 2026 6:30 p.m. — Aug. 10, 2026 7:30 p.m. Discover the meditative art of mandala dot painting in this relaxing and beginner-friendly workshop. You’ll learn basic techniques to create stunning, symmetrical designs using simple tools and vibrant colors. No prior experience needed—just bring your creativity and leave with a beautiful, hand-painted mandala of your own. All materials provided. Please note that this is a two-session class Monday, August 3rd AND August 10th Class fee $80 for members/$100 non-members Register here! Meet the Artist & Open House Aug. 6, 2026 5 p.m. — 7 p.m. The Claremont MakerSpace is excited to announce mural artist and illustrator John Garoutte is the Summer 2026 Artist in Residence! John is a self-taught mural painter and illustrator from Charlestown, NH. Often working from memory, John creates whimsical portraits of New England life and the landscape that surrounds it. He has been painting murals in the area since 2021, and can be found on walls throughout Vermont and New Hampshire. John was drawn to murals as a means to bridge the gap between having art behind glass in a museum, and having art be accessible to everyone. Come meet John, see some of his work, and learn about his residency plans during a Meet the Artist event scheduled Thursday August 6th, from 5pm to 7pm at the Claremont MakerSpace. Follow John’s work here . Also, CMS is proud to announce this summer program is sponsored by Canam Bridges , with their US facility located here in Claremont. Canam Bridges is the North American leader in the design, fabrication and construction of steel bridges and structures for the highway, railway and industrial markets. They were involved in the opening of the makerspace in 2018 to help build out our welding studio, and we are excited to renew the partnership and promote the welding trades in this region. While at CMS, take a tour and learn about our workspaces: Wood shop: with all the necessary large and small tools for woodworking, plus a CNC Router Jewelry studio: covers tools needed for shaping, texturing, enameling and soldering Metal shop: everything needed for working with metal, cutting, shaping, MIG, TIG and Stick welding, plasma cutting Fiber arts studio: sewing machines, mid-arm quilter, looms, textile dyeing area and an embroidery machine Electronics lab: provides tools for small electronics, 3D printers, a laser cutter, and a trinocular microscope Photography lab: large format printer, photography printer, heat treat, studio lighting and light box equipment Machine shop: metrology tools, two manual mills, metal lathe, grinder and a CNC mill. Everyone is welcome and this event is FREE, with light refreshments available. There is plenty of parking next door in the municipal parking garage. Registration is requested but not required. Open to all ages, children under 16 years old must be accompanied by their adult. Register here! Claremont MakerSpace Creatives Meet-up Aug. 9, 2026 1 p.m. — 4 p.m. All of our classes and events require a minimum registration so please don’t wait to register (registration is REQUIRED). Looking for dedicated time to make art, share ideas, and be around other creative people who get it? CMS Creatives Meetup is a relaxed, open studio-style gathering for artists, designers, writers, and makers of all kinds to work alongside one another in a supportive, inspiring space. Bring whatever you’re currently working on: Sketchbooks, digital art, painting, writing, fiber arts, prototypes, or passion projects, and settle in for an afternoon of creativity and conversation. This is a space to focus, experiment, and making progress together. Expect good energy, thoughtful conversation, and the kind of motivation that comes from creating in community. Coffee and snacks will be flowing to help keep the ideas moving. Come make things, meet fellow creatives, and leave inspired. The leaders for this session are long time members and creatives Michelle Goldsmith and Tiffany Vincent. Class Fees: FREE for all Age requirement: Must be 16 or older Register here! August Open Electronics Meetup Aug. 11, 2026 6 p.m. — Aug. 11, 2026 9 p.m. Bring your electronics projects and supplies and have fun visiting with other Electronics Enthusiasts. Work on your projects in our stocked Electronics and Digital Fabrication Lab. In addition to the MakerSpace’s soldering irons, diagnostic tools, and parts library, there will be some LED soldering kits and soldering irons available for purchase as well. Hang out, finish your projects, think about future projects, and just enjoy being around other electronics enthusiasts. Paul Davis, the Electronics Shop Lead, is here to help folks get started, locate tools and parts, and support a fun, collaborative environment. Attendees are encouraged to share knowledge, but please note this isn’t a repair service, and there may not be anyone available for one-on-one troubleshooting. Class Fees: Free for members and $10 for non-members. Register here! Make a Colorplay Scarf Aug. 15, 2026 9:30 a.m. — 5 p.m. Like coloring outside the lines? This woven scarf lets you design as you go. You will have several color combinations to choose from – one solid, one variegated. Start with an empty loom (provided) and use your creative imagination to warp the loom. Step by step instruction will get you from beginning to end. Spend the rest of the day in spontaneous creative play. The sample will give you some starter ideas and you can take off from there. No experience needed. Bring scissors, lunch, beverage, snack and a happy attitude. Materials provided by instructor. $20 due the day of class. Saturday, August 15, 9:30 – 5:00 Class Fees: $100 for members/$120 non-members Materials Fee: $20 NOT included in the class fee, please bring cash Register here! Foundations of Communication and Productivity in the Workplace Aug. 17, 2026 2 p.m. — Aug. 19, 2026 5 p.m. Foundations of Communication and Productivity in the Workplace Designed and Presented by: Ki Ferland Ideal for new and incumbent workers, this interactive 6-hour training is designed for adult learners in the manufacturing and facilities maintenance sectors. Participants will build practical skills to improve professional communication, manage their time effectively, resolve workplace conflict, and solve problems with confidence. Key Topics – Introduction to Communication – Workplace Communication – Time Management Strategies – Conflict Resolution Skills – Structured Problem Solving Techniques Free training, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED This is a TWO session training, Monday, August 17th and 19th from 2 – 5 pm Register here! Scam Landscape Lecture with AARP Aug. 18, 2026 10 a.m. — 11 a.m. Join us for a free lecture from AARP on fraud and scams. All are welcome! Ever been approached with a fraudulent offer or been a victim of identity theft? The AARP Fraud Watch Network empowers you in the fight with proven resources and tools to help you spot and avoid identity theft and fraud. With a few practical steps, you’ll have the tools needed to protect yourself and family. FREE to all, pre-registration is required Register here! Open Sew-In Aug. 18, 2026 4:30 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! Photography Art Walk Aug. 19, 2026 5:30 p.m. — Aug. 19, 2026 8 p.m. To celebrate World Photography Day and the joy of public art and the City of Claremont, the Photo Club at CMS will host a photo walk around downtown Claremont. Bring your camera and your unique eye, and let’s find some new things to inspire us! Then, we hope you’ll join us at our August Photo Club meeting on 8/24 ( https://claremontmakerspace.org/events/#!event/2026/8/24/photography-club ), where we’ll all show and discuss our photos. We’ll also create a special gallery on the Claremont MakerSpace website with the walk photos. Registration is required, all of our classes require a minimum number of registrations so don’t wait to sign up! Please join us in the Claremont MakerSpace parking lot at 5:30 pm. More information on the Clio app that will be used to follow the Claremont Art Walk: Clio – Welcome Class Fees: Free for all! Register here! CMS Community Quilts Aug. 20, 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! Make a Japanese Rice Style Bag Aug. 21, 2026 5:30 p.m. — Aug. 28, 2026 7:30 p.m. Whether you use this as a project bag or a gift bag, you will leave with a beautiful work of textile art that you created. This version is fully lined, flat bottom, has drawstring closure AND the added feature of having strap with a button, so you can hook it around a bag strap, or, if you use it as a yarn sack, your belt loop if you like to knit or crochet on the go! We will begin by selecting fabrics (use your own or ours) to piece the panels, then add some embellishments, like hand embroidery or decorative patches, to give it your personal touch. After assembling the bag, we will add cording, either purchased or made by you, to cinch it closed. This bag uses basic sewing techniques, including piecing, top-stitching, sewing a (the machine will do all the work for this!) button hole and sewing on a button (the machine can do this, too!) At the first class we will pick fabrics, helping each other with color and placement, and piece the panels. We will discuss embellishments and, if time permits, start on those. Homework between classes is to finish the embellishing. Then at the final class, assembling the bag and adding the cording, either purchased or made by you. Everyone should leave the second class with a completed bag and be more comfortable using some of the features of our new Bernette B38 sewing machines. (If you can’t get there by 5:30, just let us know and come as late as 6:30) Class Fees: $60 for members/$80 non-members Register here! CMS Amateur Radio Club (W1CMS) Monthly Meetup Aug. 23, 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 August 23 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: RandTel: Bringing the Payphone Back Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a payphone work in 2026? Patrick Schlott (KC1DPM) will share the story behind RandTel ( https://randtel.co/ ), from finding and restoring old payphones to connecting them to today’s telephone networks. He’ll talk about the technology, the challenges, and why these classic phones still have a place in communities where reliable communication matters. Presented by: Patrick Schlott (KC1DPM) Patrick is a Vermont electrical engineer and amateur radio operator with a lifelong interest in communications technology. He is the founder of RandTel (Randolph Public Telephone Operating Company) , a volunteer project that restores vintage payphones and puts them back into service using modern VoIP technology. His work has been featured by IEEE Spectrum, NBC Nightly News, and other national media. Register here! Photography Club Aug. 24, 2026 5:30 p.m. — 7 p.m. Agenda: To Be Announced! 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! Macramé for Beginners Aug. 25, 2026 6 p.m. — Aug. 25, 2026 8 p.m. Get creative and discover how a few simple knots can become a beautiful handmade plant hanger. In this fun, beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn the essential knots and techniques used in macramé. We’ll guide you through each step, so no experience is needed. You’ll create a stylish plant hanger from start to finish and learn skills you can use for future projects. Along the way, you’ll pick up helpful tips and techniques while building confidence in your new craft. You’ll leave with a finished project that’s ready to display or give as a handmade gift. Whether you’re looking for a creative night out, a new hobby, or a chance to try something different, this workshop is a welcoming place to start. Bring your creativity, and we’ll provide the rest! Class Fees: $40 for members/$50 non-members Register here! Intro to Mixed Media Collage Sept. 19, 2026 1 p.m. — 3:30 p.m. A mixed media collage is a visual art form that combines various materials—such as paper, fabric, photographs, stamps, cardboard, and found objects—onto a single surface to create a layered, textured composition. Students will leave class with at least on completed college and an understanding of the process. There will probably be time to complete more than one collage. 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 What Students Should Bring With Them to Class: Scissors, old magazines, photos or sayings you’d like to incorporate. Register here! 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.