🇺🇸 · Claremont Makerspace · Cortney Nichols
Greetings Upper Valley Makers: We have an exciting list of upcoming classes at the Claremont MakerSpace that we think might interest you. 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. Paint a Community Mural – Morning Session Sept. 12, 2026 10 a.m. — noon As part of his summer residency at CMS, artist John Garoutte is designing a large 16 x 8 foot mural and inviting the community to come and help paint it. The painting process uses a paint by number approach so no experience is required, and youth 10+ are invited to participate with parents/adult guardians. The painting will be done outside in the parking lot, but will move indoors if rain is forecasted. There are two sessions on September 12th, one in the morning from 10am-noon and another in the afternoon from 2-4pm, so participants are invited to sign up for one or both. This is a free community event, and the finished mural will be placed along the new Claremont Art Walk at the end of September. CMS is grateful this Summer 2026 artist residency was sponsored by Canam Bridges . Please note that all our events have a minimum number of registrants required so don’t wait to sign up! About the Instructor(s): Artist | John Garoutte is a self-taught mural painter and illustrator from Charlestown NH, who often works from memory, creating 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 the walls in Springfield and Ludlow VT, and in Lebanon NH. 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. Age requirement: Ages 10-16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian Register here! Paint a Community Mural – Afternoon Session Sept. 12, 2026 2 p.m. — 4 p.m. This is the option to register for the afternoon community mural painting session from 2 – 4 PM. Register here! Intro to Mid Arm Quilting Machine Sept. 13, 2026 4 p.m. — 6 p.m. This class is designed for people looking to learn how to use our mid-arm quilting machine, a Brother Dream Quilter 15. It can be used to quilt all sizes, from baby quilt to king size. Participants will learn the parts of the quilting Machine; how to wind a bobbin and thread the machine. We’ll learn how to change the needle and insert the bobbin; how to operate the quilting machine. We’ll put a quilt on using the special clamps and tension it properly. Everyone will take a turn sewing. The cost of the class includes a one on one follow-up certification session. Members may use the machine on their own after passing the certification. Class Fees: $80 for members/$90 for non-members Register here! Learn Vectric VCarve and the ShopBot Sept. 14, 2026 6 p.m. — Sept. 28, 2026 8 p.m. Have you ever wanted to design and cut a wooden part using a computer-controlled router? This is your opportunity to learn how this is done. The ShopBot is a computer-controlled router that can cut various materials with a high degree of precision. This 3-session series of classes will teach students how to design wooden parts for cutting on the ShopBot. These sessions are intended to get you proficient in designing parts using the Vectric VCarve Pro software and then cutting parts on the ShopBot. The process starts using 2D design techniques in VCarve. Once the design is complete, it is used to create toolpaths to cut parts on the ShopBot. The class will walk students through this two-step process in detail. After these sessions, the successful student will be well-prepared for certification on the ShopBot. Note that this series of classes are open to both CMS members and the public. If you have not taken this class previously, you can register online. If you have taken this class previously, you can register to take this class as free review session. To take the review class for free, email: info@claremontmakerspace.org and request a free registration. Don’t delay, the available free registration seats are limited. Please note that this class is three sessions: September 14th, 21st, and 28th from 6-8 pm Class Fees: $120 for members/$150 non-members Register here! Make Fused Glass Panels Sept. 15, 2026 6 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. Learn how to create your own 4” × 4” suncatcher panel. Once the panel has been melted together, we will attach hooks so you can display it in a window in your home. The class begins with a quick instruction, then you’ll move to your own area to play and explore, making colorful designs. After class, your panel will go through a kiln cycle to fuse everything together. Panels are typically ready about 2 to 3 weeks after class and will be available for pickup at the MakerSpace after firing. Ages 12+, with an adult registered & paying to participate in the class as a student. (No unaccompanied minors & no unpaid attendees) Class Fees: $125 for members/$145 non-members Age requirement: Minimum age is 12. Students under 18 must be accompanied by a paying parent/legal guardian (No unaccompanied minors & no unpaid attendees) Register here! ShopBot Open Studio Sept. 16, 2026 6 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. This class is for CMS members who are certified to use the ShopBot. Students will be able to ask the instructor questions about using the ShopBot. Potential topics include: Designing a form tool in the Tool Database. Minimizing the time required to run a toolpath. Getting started with Carving on the ShopBot. How to use layers to organize drawings and Toolpaths. Securing your project to the spoil board. So, if you have a burning question on how to use the ShopBot, come join us. Register here! CMS Community Quilts Sept. 17, 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. Register here! Wazer Open Studio Sept. 19, 2026 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. Stop by the Wazer Open Studio to learn about the water jet and get certified to use it. Tool Lead Judy Hawkins completed the many months of maintenance to get the machine cutting accurately and she developed best practices to maintain it. CMS has a supply of the garnet abrasive material, so there is no cost in the near term to use the Wazer for your projects. This is a free member-only event. Please bring your own materials and a SVG file for the shape you want to cut. Free for 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! CMS Amateur Radio Club (W1CMS) Monthly Meetup Sept. 20, 2026 1 p.m. — 3 p.m. The Claremont MakerSpace has an Amateur Radio club! Before makers, hackers, and DIY, there was Amateur Radio. This Month’s Presentation: MeshCore: Off-Grid Text Messaging Without Cell Service Join Bill Stearns, KC1ROJ , to learn about MeshCore, a license-free and subscription-free radio system for sending text messages without cell service or Wi-Fi. With repeaters, these inexpensive radios can communicate over surprisingly long distances. Bill will talk about how MeshCore works, what’s already in place in Vermont and New Hampshire, and then help you set up a radio and try it yourself. Bill will have 12 free radios available for attendees . Claremont Makerspace members and registered attendees will get priority, so advance registration is encouraged. No MeshCore or radio experience is needed. Bring a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to connect to your radio. Presented by: Bill Stearns, KC1ROJ , is a ham radio enthusiast, computer security professional, and cybersecurity instructor from Lebanon, New Hampshire. He has been experimenting with mesh radio technologies for several years and enjoys exploring practical ways to build resilient, community-based communications systems. One of his current projects is expanding the MeshCore repeater network to make longer-distance, off-grid text communication possible across Vermont and New Hampshire. Register here! Open Sew-In Sept. 22, 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. Register here! Macrame Keychains: Learn Foundational Knots Sept. 22, 2026 6 p.m. — Sept. 22, 2026 8 p.m. Learn the foundational knots of macramé while creating a personalized keychain to take home. Participants will practice essential techniques, including attaching cord, tying square knots, creating spiral knots, adding beads, and finishing a project securely. The class will focus on building practical skills that can be used for future macramé projects. Participants can select their cord colors and customize their keychain as they become more comfortable with each technique. No previous macramé experience is required. All materials are provided. Class Fees: $50 for members/$60 non-members Register here! Make a Custom Engraved Cutting Board Sept. 23, 2026 6 p.m. — Sept. 23, 2026 8 p.m. Discover what you can create with the laser cutter while making a personalized cutting board of your own! In this hands-on experience, we’ll introduce you to the possibilities of laser engraving and guide you through personalizing a small bamboo cutting board. Engrave a handwritten family recipe, custom artwork, a favorite phrase, or your name to create a one-of-a-kind piece to take home. A small bamboo cutting board is provided for each participant (blank extras will be available for purchase during the class). Have a cutting board of your own that you’d like to personalize? Bring it along! This workshop is also a great way to add a special finishing touch to a cutting board made at the Claremont MakerSpace, including one created in one of Peter Gunn’s cutting board classes. No laser-cutting experience is needed. You’ll get an up-close look at how designs are prepared and engraved and see the laser cutter in action. While this workshop does not provide laser cutter certification, it’s a fun, accessible introduction to the many creative possibilities this tool offers. Class Fees: $50 members. $65 non-members Register here! Machine Shop Open Studio Sept. 25, 2026 3 p.m. — 6 p.m. Stop by the Machine Shop to meet the new Shop Lead Ernie Gray and learn about the classes he plans to teach. If you are already experienced with the equipment in this shop, you can stop by to be certified on the manual mill, metal lathe and grinder during the open studio times. Please register in advance. This is a free member-only event. About the Shop Lead: Ernie is a retired toolmaker with 5 decades of experience in the machine shop both in leadership and technical roles across the globe, and across many industries. He has used a long list of machines from industry leading manufacturers. Ernie will re-activate the machine shop, provide a training program and recommend capital improvements. He is also a ham radio operator: w1mrq. Register here! Mural Painting 101 Sept. 26, 2026 3 p.m. — 4 p.m. Want to paint a mural, but not sure where to start? Come learn the ins and outs of how to paint large-scale artwork. We’ll be learning the doodle-grid method, which is a simple way to scale artwork of any size. We will using a 4×8′ board for this example, taking a picture of a Minion and accurately scaling up to demonstrate. This method can be used to create signage, paint wallpaper in your home, transfer drawings and photos to canvas, and of course, paint murals from a mock-up both large and small. We will also discuss some of the finer points of mural painting, such as wall surfaces, what materials to use, surface preparation, sealing, techniques, and much more! Class Fees: $15 for members/$25 non-members Register here! Photography Club Sept. 28, 2026 5:30 p.m. — 7 p.m. We are a 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 everyone thanks to our sponsorship with FujiFilm Dimatix Register here! FREE Workplace Soft Skills Training Oct. 5, 2026 2 p.m. — Oct. 7, 2026 5 p.m. 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, October 5th and 7th from 2 – 5 pm Register here! Embroidery Basics: Stitch Your Own Design Oct. 5, 2026 6 p.m. — Oct. 5, 2026 8 p.m. Learn the foundational skills of hand embroidery while creating a personalized piece to take home. Participants will learn how to prepare an embroidery hoop, thread a needle, start and secure their thread, and maintain consistent stitch tension. Through guided practice, the class will explore beginner-friendly stitches such as the running stitch, backstitch, satin stitch, and French knot. Participants can choose from a prepared embroidery kit or create their own design using the available colors and materials. No embroidery experience is needed. The focus is on learning practical techniques, experimenting with color, and building the confidence to continue stitching independently. Please note that all our classes have a minimum number of registrants required so don’t wait to sign up! Class Fees: $50 for members/$60 non-members Register here! Scam Landscape Lecture with AARP Oct. 6, 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! Introduction to Gouache and Materials Oct. 7, 2026 6 p.m. — Oct. 14, 2026 8 p.m. This class will teach you the gouache paints, materials used for the medium, color mixing, and basic brush techniques. Beginning of each class will go over a small exercise before creating an image of a pumpkin that I will demonstrate or if you have an image you would like to work on is most welcomed. This is a TWO session class: October 7th AND October 14th from 6 – 8 pm Class Fees: $40 for members/$60 non-members Register here! Make a Custom Table Runner Oct. 10, 2026 9:30 a.m. — 5 p.m. Come weave a table runner inspired by a season, a holiday, or your home decor. No experience needed. Looms will be provided for this day long class running from 9:30 – 5:00 and you will leave with a finished table runner. Class includes your own loom for the day plus individualized instruction to ensure success. A selection of weaving yarns will be available for purchase at the start of the class. Please bring scissors, lunch, beverage, snack and a happy attitude. Materials provided by instructor. $20 due the day of class. Class Fees: $100 for members/$120 non-members Materials Fee: $20 NOT included in the class fee, please bring cash What Students Should Bring to Class: Bring scissors, lunch, beverage, snack and a happy attitude. Materials provided by instructor. $20 due the day of class. Register here! CMS Community Quilts Oct. 15, 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! Jewelry Class: Ancient Engineering Make a Fibula Oct. 15, 2026 6 p.m. — Oct. 16, 2026 8 p.m. Long before the safety pin, there was the fibula. Part jewelry, part fastener, and part ingenious little mechanism, fibulas were used for centuries to secure clothing while also showing off the wearer’s style. In this two-session class, we’ll explore how these ancient objects work and use their clever mechanics as inspiration for our own contemporary designs. You’ll leave with finished pieces, new wire-forming skills, and an appreciation for a remarkably clever design that has survived for thousands of years. No jewelry or metalworking experience is necessary. All tools and materials are provided. Class Fees: $40 for members/$60 non-members Register here! Learn to Sew: Craft a Huggable Chicken Oct. 23, 2026 5:30 p.m. — Oct. 23, 2026 8:30 p.m. Need a little comfort? Make a soft, huggable chicken that will always be ready for a cuddle! This beginner-friendly sewing class is designed to be fun, approachable, and forgiving—even if you’re brand new to sewing. We’ll start with a simple version using one fabric for the body, with optional wings. You’ll practice sewing gentle, curved seams that are very forgiving, making this a great project for building confidence at the machine. No need for perfect stitching—this chicken is charmingly handmade! More experienced sewists can take the project further by piecing the body, adding embroidery, experimenting with fabrics, or trying other embellishments and variations. Come ready to sew, experiment, and leave with a huggable chicken that’s uniquely yours! Class Fees: $10 for members/$20 non-members Register here! History of Fiber Arts: From Traditional Craft to Modern Making Oct. 26, 2026 6 p.m. — Oct. 26, 2026 8 p.m. Explore the fascinating history of fiber arts and discover how crochet, knitting, weaving, embroidery, sewing, and macramé have connected people across cultures and generations. This class is designed for curious makers, history enthusiasts, and creative learners who want to uncover the stories behind handmade traditions. No previous experience is required. Beginners, experienced crafters, and anyone curious about fiber arts are welcome. Participants will learn, share ideas, and leave with a mystery craft book to inspire their next creative project. Class Fees: $50 for members/$60 non-members 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. Intro to TIG Welding Sept. 17, 2026 6 p.m. — Sept. 24, 2026 8:30 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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🇨🇦 · Maker Kids · Samantha Dinelle
September 11, 2026 On a MakerKids PA Day, your child arrives to a full day of hands-on STEM: two morning “Making” blocks, a park trip and lunch at midday, two afternoon Making blocks, and a Parent Show & Tell at pickup. Before Care (8-9am) and After Care (3:30-5pm) are available for early drop-off or late pickup. Key takeaways Camp hours are 9:00am-3:30pm, with Before Care (8-9am) and After Care (3:30-5pm) add-ons Kids get four Making blocks across the day, broken up by snack breaks, lunch, and a park trip Every PA Day ends with a Parent Show & Tell , so you see exactly what your child built Ontario school boards can schedule up to seven PA days per year , and MakerKids runs camp on all of them Why Do PA Days Need a Plan? Ontario Regulation 304 lets school boards designate up to seven Professional Activity Days per school year, and boards like the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) schedule all seven for elementary students in the 2026–2027 calendar. That’s seven days parents need to fill with something better than a screen. What Does a Typical PA Day Look Like? Camp runs 9am to 3:30pm, with Before Care starting at 8am for early drop-off. After sign-in, kids dive into two Making blocks before lunch, broken up by a snack and screen break. Midday brings lunch followed by a park trip to burn off energy outdoors. The afternoon mirrors the morning: two more Making blocks with a snack break in between, then a Parent Show & Tell at pickup so you see exactly what your child built. After Care covers you until 5pm if you need it. The four Making blocks rotate through coding, robotics, Minecraft, 3D printing, and other hands-on builds tied to that day’s theme. Screen breaks and a park trip keep the day active, not just screen-on-screen. Do I Need to Pack Lunch? Yes. Pack a nut-free lunch and two snacks (one for each break). Kids head outside for the park trip right after lunch, so a light, easy-to-eat meal works best. What if I Need Before or After Care? Before Care runs 8-9am and After Care runs 3:30-5pm, both bookable alongside your PA Day camp spot. Sign-in for Before Care and drop-in coverage for After Care both happen at the same location as camp. Where Are PA Day Camps Located? MakerKids runs PA Day camps at Bloor West (2451 Bloor St. W), Leaside (1661 Bayview Ave), and Fowler Drive near Erin Mills in Mississauga (1900 Fowler Drive). Book Your Child’s Next PA Day Spots at each location fill up fast, especially around report card and conference PA days. Check the upcoming PA Day dates and reserve your child’s spot at your nearest MakerKids location. FAQ What age group are PA Day camps for? MakerKids PA Day camps welcome kids ages 6-13 (Grades 1-8), grouped by age and skill level. Can I drop my child off before 9am? Yes. Before Care runs 8-9am and can be added when you book your PA Day spot. What will my child actually build? Projects vary by date and location, and can include coding, robotics, Minecraft, 3D printing, or AI-based builds. Each day includes four dedicated Making blocks. Is there a screen-time limit during camp? Camp balances hands-on Making blocks with a park trip, lunch, and two screen breaks, so kids aren’t on a screen the whole day. Do you offer PA Day camps at every location? PA Day camps run at Bloor West, Leaside, and Fowler Drive (Mississauga). Confirm availability for the specific PA Day date at your preferred location. What happens at pickup? Every PA Day wraps with a Parent Show & Tell from 3:15-3:30pm, where your child shows you what they made that day. The post What to Expect in PA Day Camps appeared first on MakerKids .
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