Learn VCarve and the ShopBot

Back by popular demand!  We are planning a set of three training sessions for users to learn the VCarve software application and the ShopBot.  The VCarve application by Vectric is used to design parts, which are cut by the Shopbot.  The ShopBot is a computer-controlled router that can cut various materials with a high degree of precision.  These three training sessions are intended to get you proficient in using these systems.  After these sessions, the successful student will be well-prepared for certification on the ShopBot.

Please note: This class meets for three sessions on the following dates:

March 05, 2024 6:30 – 8:00 pm

March 12, 2024 6:30 – 8:00 pm

March 19, 2024  6:30 – 8:00 pm

Session 1, VCarve part 1:

The first session will introduce the user to 2D design using Vectric VCarve.  We’ll start with a review of user interface and progress to using its CAD features draw parts we plan to make.  The use of various drawing tools will be discussed in addition to managing and importing vector files.  We will use these drawing tools in VCarve to design a sign.

Session 2, VCarve part 2:

The second session will introduce the selection of router bits and how to control the chip load of the bit in the ShopBot.  We will also review router bit management using the tool database.  When our sign design is complete, we will discuss the CAM features in VCarve and construct tool paths.  We will learn how to save and export these toolpaths for cutting the sign in the ShopBot.

Session 3, Using the ShopBot:

This session will start with a review of the safety features of the ShopBot.  This will be followed by a discussion of the machine components, holding down the work piece and setting the X, Y and Z axis.  Finally, we will discuss the workflow used to manage the created toolpaths and, finally, cut the sign we designed in class.

Bring to class: A note pad and pen or pencil. A laptop computer may be useful to help the student following the class

About the Instructor(s): Russ Scaduto received his doctorate from Indiana University and then spent 34 years at the Penn State University College of Medicine where he conducted research and taught graduate and medical students.   Retirement in 2018 brough Russ to New Hampshire, where he joined the Claremont Makerspace to further pursue his woodworking hobby.  In the Spring of this year, Russ was juried in as a craftsman in the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen.

Class Fees: \$20 members/ \$40 non-members

Materials Fee: none

Prerequisite(s): none

Skill Level: beginner

Age requirement: Adult (18 and up)

“Art Adventures” will give Elementary School Artists (ages 6-12) an opportunity to observe, explore, investigate and create their own masterpieces inspired by some of the greatest human achievements in the world of art and the natural world.

Students will:

• look at great works of art from different cultures and time periods.
• discuss important events and inventions of the day.
• hear stories, myths and legends.
• make connections and develop critical thinking skills.

Most importantly, we will have fun learning, creating and will bring forth something of value in ourselves.

** This class is for students ages 6-12 **

Week 1)
We will look at a poster of a Chinese Dragon Plate and learn about these mythical creatures. We will hear a folk legend about children who saved their village with kindness. Students will make paper figure self portraits, and 3D paper dragons.

Week 2)
We will look at a Korean Scroll Painting and discuss what we notice. Using unusual objects everyone will create their own black and white nature scrolls.

Week 3)
Everyone will choose from a variety of Asian paintings and prints to use as inspiration for their own artwork. We will do thumbnail sketches to develop our visual presentation. We will choose our favorite or favorites and draw a detailed picture using ebony pencils, exploring value in shades of grey.

Week 4)
Inspired by our drawings from the previous week, we will use pastels and begin to learn about colors and composition. Using acrylic paint we will begin painting our canvases.

Week 5)
We will finish our paintings and begin planning our own stories. We will continue to learn about color and composition and we will talk about what makes a compelling story.

Week 6)
Students will create their own single signature story book. It can be a picture book or they can use words and pictures. The children will host a little art exhibit the last 20 minutes of class and share their accomplishment with their friends and family.

About the Instructor(s): Allison Zito received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of the Arts. Her artwork has been exhibited in numerous museums including The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA, The Delaware Art Museum, The Pennsylvania State Museum in Harrisburg, and The Philadelphia Museum of Art.  Allison has decades of teaching experience, having taught a variety of classes at The Philadelphia Museum of Art, at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, PA, and at the University of Pennsylvania Morris Arboretum. She has taught Studio Art in the Upper Valley at AVA Gallery and Art Center, Craftstudies at Hanover League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, ArtisTree, and Claremont MakerSpace with stunning results.  Allison Zito was awarded The Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 for her work as an artist and art educator. In 2019 Allison was awarded an Artist in Residency at The Claremont MakerSpace. There she created an art installation addressing the issue of Global Warming and she organized a symposium on site, to inspire positive action within the greater community. Allison created two local public art murals in 2021, one for The Sullivan County Conservation District in Unity and Allison created the Bee and the Monarch Medallions on the Lebanon Art Tunnel Way Pollinator Mural. Creating beautiful art in an effort to open a conversation that can inspire hope and action for a better world. This the cornerstone of Allison’s work as an artist and art educator.

This class meets for 6 sessions

• March 6, 2024 3:30p.m. to 5:30p.m.
• March 13, 2024 3:30p.m. to 5:30p.m.
• March 20, 2024 3:30p.m. to 5:30p.m.
• March 27, 2024 3:30p.m. to 5:30p.m.
• April 3, 2024 3:30p.m. to 5:30p.m.
• April 10, 2024 3:30p.m. to 5:30p.m.

Class Fees: \$170 members/ \$190 non-members

Materials Fee: \$60 (included in the class fee)

Prerequisite(s): none

Skill Level: beginner

Age requirement: Age 6-12

Fusible applique is a fun, easy way to add to your quilts, make colorful pillows or bags, and patch clothing! We will experiment with shapes and decorative stitiching using double sided webbing that becomes an adhesive with heat. Students will go home with a variety of samples that they can refer to for future projects.

About the Instructor(s):  Michelle Goldsmith has been sewing since she was eight and quilting since she was eighteen (no, she’s not doing the math for how long ago that was). She has experimented with many different sewing, quilting and mixed media techniques. She has had many pieces of her work in shows and juried exhibits.

Class Fees:  \$15 members/ \$25 non-members

Materials Fee: \$10 (included in the class fee)

Prerequisite(s): Students should be able to sew by hand and machine

Skill Level: beginner

Age requirement: adults ages 18 and up

Join us for an immersive journey into the fascinating world of photography. This introductory course is designed for beginners eager to explore the art and science behind capturing captivating images. Through a combination of theory and hands-on practice, you’ll gain a solid understanding of fundamental photographic principles and techniques.

Students need to bring a DSLR or a camera with changeable lenses

****THIS CLASS MEETS FOR THREE SESSIONS****

March 9, 2024 11:00am to 1:30pm

March 23, 2024 11:00am to 1:30pm

April 6, 2024 11:00am to 1:30pm

Course Syllabus

Session 1: The Basics of Photography and Visual Storytelling (2 hours)
Understanding your camera: Explore different camera types, their components, and basic functionalities.

Exposure triangle: Delve into the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for achieving well-exposed photographs.

Composition techniques: Discover the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, and other composition principles to create visually compelling images with narrative potential.

Introduction to storytelling: Understand how photography can convey stories, emotions, and messages through imagery.

Hands-on practice: Engage in practical exercises focusing on capturing images that tell a story or evoke emotions.

Session 2: Lighting, Genre Exploration, and Image Selection (2 hours)
Reviewing captured images: Analyze and discuss the images taken during the previous session, emphasizing storytelling elements.

Lighting fundamentals: Explore the impact of natural and artificial light on storytelling in photography and techniques for utilizing light to enhance narratives.

Portrait and landscape photography: Introduction to different genres and their specific considerations in storytelling.

Continued hands-on practice: Apply techniques discussed, focusing on storytelling through images suitable for printing, and receive guidance from the instructor.

Selecting images for printing: Learn about the process of selecting images suitable for printing and preparing them for the print.

Session 3: Printing, Photo Editing, Story Development, and Critique (2 hours)
Printing workshop: Introduction to basic printing techniques; select images for printing and learn about the printing process.

Introduction to photo editors: Explore basic photo editing tools and techniques to enhance images for storytelling purposes.

Story development: Understand the narrative potential within a series of images, sequencing, and creating a visual story suitable for printing.

Critique session: Share and discuss your visual stories, review printed photographs, edited images, receive constructive feedback on storytelling aspects, and learn from peers.

About the Instructor(s): 

After graduating with a fine arts minor and assisting in teaching photography classes during his undergrad Ellis Boettger transitioned into a role as a photographer and social media manager in a college communications department. After a few years, he has rediscovered his passion to teach. He’s now back as a part-time photographer, driven by his love for teaching and sharing expertise in photography.

Class Fees: \$120/Members, \$160 Nonmembers

Materials Fee: \$10 (included in the class fee)

Prerequisite(s): none

Skill Level: beginner

Age requirement: 15 years and up

The Claremont MakerSpace has an Amateur Radio club! Before makers, hackers, and DIY, there was Amateur Radio.

Join us on March 13 at 6 p.m. for an open build night. Our usual monthly meeting (every third Sunday) coincides with the Contoocook valley Radio Club 2024 Hamfest/Flea Market on Sunday March 17 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jenniker Community School Cafetorium. Learn more here: http://www.k1bke.org/

Our event is rescheduled this month and is a little different! We will be in the MakerSpace’s Digital Fabrication and Electronics Lab for open-time kit building, sharing, studying, and socializing.

This Month’s Presentation: N/A

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.

How is Amateur Radio used?

Amateur Radio is used for a variety of recreational and service-related activities. Amateur Radio operators, also called “hams,” use Amateur Radio equipment to engage in two-way personal communications with other hams, as well as:

• Aid communication during public events, such as parades and road races
• Act as a vital communications link during emergencies and disasters
• Advance their technical skills and build their own radio components (ever wanted to talk to an astronaut in orbit?)
• Participate in competitive events and earn awards in contests

Who can become a ham?

Anyone of any age who is not a representative of a foreign government can be an Amateur Radio operator in the US. Before you can get on the air, you’ll need to be licensed and know the rules to operate legally. In the US there are three license classes — Technician, General, and Amateur Extra. The Claremont MakerSpace has resources and support available to help you learn and prepare to take your exam.

You can learn more about amateur radio here: arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio

Prerequisite: Intro to MIG welding class.

In this class you will create a fun& whimsical introductory metal art project using mostly repurposed/scrap metal. You will learn to see shapes and textures of metal objects through a new set of lenses. You will have instruction/ guidance on safe use of various metal shop tools to shape and refine your creations. You will use the MIG welding skills learned in the previous class to connect the parts of your project. The instructor will present a couple of introductory level projects to choose from.

Students must bring to class: leather work boots, leather gloves and safety glasses that fit

About the Instructors:

Jo Ann Clifford is a Master Teacher and Metal Artist. She has been creating metal Art in her home studio and at The Claremont Maker Space for several years. She is a past Artist In Residence at CMS and has shown her work regionally. She loves to teach and inspire others to try something new in a fun and supportive environment.

Class Fees: \$60 non-members, \$40 members.

Materials Fee: \$15 materials fee to be collected by the instructor at class time.

Prerequisite: Must have completed Intro to MIG Welding at the Claremont MakerSpace.

Learn the art of bookbinding! In this class you will learn the techniques and process of making a one-of-a-kind handmade coptic stitch notebook with a Claremont MakerSpace twist: We’ll start at the laser cutter where we’ll cut out wooden covers with custom designs. Then, we’ll learn about the Coptic binding method. This unique binding method is one of the oldest in human history, dating back as early as the second century. It allows the book to lay flat when opened, making it great for sketchbooks. The final notebook measures 5.75” x 8.75” when done. Students are welcome to bring their own paper (you’ll need 50 sheets), otherwise a selection of papers/printer paper will be provided.

This is a great class for a beginner or young person (with an adult partner) interested in laser cutters, books, or hand-sewing.

About the Instructor(s): Tiffany Vincent. Tiffany is one of Claremont MakerSpace’s Digital Fabrication Lab Shop Leads and is interested in all things making.

Class Fees: \$40 for members. \$60 for non-members.

Materials Fee: \$10 (included in price)

Prerequisite(s): None

Skill Level: Any

Age requirement: Youth and adult (15 years and older). Under 15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian partner