CMS Public Newsletter

October Classes and Events at the Claremont MakerSpace

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Greetings Upper Valley Makers:

October is an exciting month with several new classes and events that cover photography, quilting, jewelry making, bridal flower arranging, laser cutting, stick welding and amateur radio. What will you learn this 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.

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.

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Portrait Photography Workshop

Oct. 7, 2024 6 p.m. — Oct. 10, 2024 7 p.m.

This portrait photography workshop will give you more tips, tricks and techniques to better your current skills. The goal of this course is for you to feel more confident behind your camera taking photos of others and critiquing others work! I hope you join us, in an incredibly eye opening journey of the photography world!

Session 1: Tips and tricks for portrait photography, an optional second hour of practice shooting time (this part is not handicap accessible, which is why this is optional!) Get any questions about portrait photography answered!

Session 2*: Group critique of images TAKEN OUTSIDE OF CLASS TIME, troubleshooting any problems, and editing tips/tricks.

*Because this class is for YOU this is subject to change based on what the class wants to get from the workshop!

 

What Students Should Bring With Them to Class:
Digital Camera (DSLR, or Mirrorless), preferably with a detachable lens. A laptop (there are 6 computers available if needed – please reach out if you will need to use one as there is a limited number.)

 

This class meets two times:

Monday October 7, 2024, 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Thursday October 10, 2024, 6:00pm to 7:00pm

 

About the Instructor(s): Lily Kaplan is a recent graduate from Clark University in Worcester, MA, born and raised in Massachusetts. She has been practicing photography for over 10 years. Lily shoots in many formats, including digital, 35mm film, 120 film, large format film, vintage and new age polaroid films. Being behind a camera is a passion, and wants to share that passion by teaching others. 

 

Class Fees: $45 members/ $55 non-members

Materials Fee: none

Prerequisite(s): familiarity with your camera and some photography experience

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Age requirement: Adults (ages 18 and older)

Register for this class now!


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Sports Photography Workshop

Oct. 7, 2024 7 p.m. — Oct. 10, 2024 8 p.m.

This sports photography workshop will give you a better understanding of how to successfully take sports/high-speed images with your DSLR/Mirrorless camera. The goal of this course is for you to feel more confident behind your camera, better your skills, and talk to peers about their photographs! I hope you join us, in an incredibly eye opening journey of the photography world!

Session 1: Learn more skills/tips and tricks for sports photography. Get questions answered about high-speed photography.

Session 2: Peer critique, of images taken OUTSIDE OF CLASS TIME, ask questions and wrap up workshop!

What Students Should Bring With Them to Class:
Digital Camera (DSLR, or Mirrorless), preferably with a detachable lens. A laptop (there are 6 computers available if needed – please reach out if you will need to use one as there is a limited number.)

This Class Meets Two Times:

Monday October 7, 2024 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Thursday October 10, 2024 7:00pm – 8:00pm

 

About the Instructor(s): Lily Kaplan is a recent graduate from Clark University in Worcester, MA, born and raised in Massachusetts. She has been practicing photography for over 10 years. Lily shoots in many formats, including digital, 35mm film, 120 film, large format film, vintage and new age polaroid films. Being behind a camera is a passion, and wants to share that passion by teaching others. 

 

Class Fees: $45 members / $55 non-members

Materials Fee: none

Prerequisite(s): Familiarity with your camera and some photography experience

Skill Level: Intermediate – Advanced

Age requirement: Adult (ages 18 and older)

Register for this class now!


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October Open Electronics Meetup

Oct. 15, 2024 6 p.m. — 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.
 
Tiffany, the electronics shop lead, will be available to help you set up, find parts, and offer support.

Class Fees: Free for members and $5 for non-members.

Materials Fee: None (LED soldering kits and personal soldering irons are available onsite for purchase

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.

Register for this class now!


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CMS Community Quilts

Oct. 17, 2024 2 p.m. — 7 p.m.

Helping hands needed to make warm, comforting quilts! 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.

Our space is reserved from 2pm to 7pm, but 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. The Home Depot is supporting this program by providing storage containers to manage the quilting materials. Other sponsorships are in progress to cover the additional expenses to run this charitable program. 

About the Instructor(s): Michelle Goldsmith has been sewing since she was eight and quilting since she was eighteen. She has experimented with many different sewing, quilting and mixed media techniques. Michelle has had many pieces of her work in shows and juried exhibits.

Class Fees: Free! Please volunteer your time to help this worthy cause.

Materials Fee: none

Prerequisite(s): sewing experience helpful, but not necessary

Skill Level: all

Age requirement: Youth + Adult (15 years of age and older)

Register for this class now!


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Introduction to Plasma Cutting

Oct. 17, 2024 6 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

Plasma cutting is a powerful and versatile means of cutting steel, aluminum, and other conductive materials, for applications ranging from heavy industry to abstract art. In Intro to Plasma Cutting, students will the learn the fundamental processes and techniques for handheld plasma cutting using the Claremont MakerSpace’s Hypertherm Powermax85 – and will get plenty of hands-on practice with the tool. The goal of this class is to prepare students to be certified to use the CMS’s plasma cutter, handheld, independently.  

 

About the Instructor(s): John Lambert is a CMS Shop Lead and a long time mechanic, welder and woodworker. He understands how tools across CMS shops come together to address special project requirements. John has been cutting metal using the plasma cutter for many years and he is certified on the new plasma adapter and cartridge options at CMS.  

 

Class Fees: $40 for members and $60 for non-members

Materials Fee: none

Prerequisite(s): none

Skill Level: beginner

Age requirement: Adult (18 years and older)

Register for this class now!


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Build a Beautiful Cutting Board!

Oct. 18, 2024 6 p.m. — Oct. 25, 2024 8:30 p.m.

Would you like to learn how to use basic shop machinery to make a lovely hardwood serving/cutting board?  Then this is the course for you.  Starting with raw lumber you will learn how to make a useful and beautiful piece that can serve you or a special friend for years to come.

You will learn about wood selection, milling it “foursquare”, and designing a layout.  Then you will practice gluing it up and sanding it (wet and dry) before applying mineral oil and beeswax. 

All tools, materials, and safety gear will be provided – though, students are welcome to bring their own tools and gear.

About the Instructor(s): Peter Gunn is a long time high school history teacher who loves wood from trees to the table.  Eight years ago he began taking woodworking courses and has been practicing steadily ever since.  He loves working on the lathe and with the jointer and planer to reveal the beauty of wood and make useful things.  Learning to make a cutting board encouraged him to develop his skills and nurtured his appreciation of what wood can become.  During the holidays in 2020, when Covid altered so much of our world, he began making cutting/serving boards to raise money for local food pantries.  Over three years and two hundred boards later, he is excited to share his knowledge.  He hopes people will enjoy making something uniquely beautiful and growing their skills and self-confidence in the process.

 

***This class meets twice***

Friday October 18, 2024 6pm-8:30pm

AND

Friday October 25, 2024 6pm-8:30pm

 

Class Fees: $75 CMS members/ $100 non-members

Materials Fee: $25 included in class fee

Prerequisite(s): none

Skill Level: Beginner

Age requirement: Adults only (18 years and older)

Register for this class now!


Image for CMS Amateur Radio Club (W1CMS) Monthly Meetup

CMS Amateur Radio Club (W1CMS) Monthly Meetup

Oct. 20, 2024 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 October 20 at 1 p.m. for our monthly meeting (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: TBD 

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

Register for this class now!


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Spooky Decorative Potion Bottles

Oct. 20, 2024 3:30 p.m. — 6 p.m.

Learn how to make enchanting decorative potion bottles perfect for Halloween! We’ll guide you through the process of transforming ordinary bottles into magical displays filled with interesting, scary, or curious items. Bring your own bottles and weird items, or just bring your playful self and use some of ours. From wax seals to shimmering liquids to aging techniques and spiderwebs, there will be a plethora of things to learn and items to fill and decorate your bottles with. We may even do some sculpting to fill your bottles with strange creatures.

By the end of this class, you’ll have a set of captivating potion bottles ready to add a magical or spooky touch to your Halloween decor. Perfect for parties, haunted houses, or simply to spark the imagination of all who see them!

About the Instructor(s): Ann Campbell is a long time member of the Claremont MakerSpace, who has taught several sewing and craft classes through the years. 

Class Fees: $20 Members  /  $30 Non-members

Materials Fee: $10 (included in class fee)

Prerequisite(s): None

Skill Level: Beginner

Age requirement: All ages. (Under 15 requires a parent partner.)

Register for this class now!


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Make a Silver and Tiger’s Eye Ring

Oct. 21, 2024 6 p.m. — Oct. 28, 2024 7:30 p.m.

In this class you will learn how to make a simple bezel setting for a round cabochon stone (Tiger’s Eye!). After crafting the setting, students will affix it to a silver band ring that they will also learn how to make in this class. After taking this class, students should walk out the door with a finished silver Tiger’s Eye ring and the basic skill set to bezel set stones in the future.

This class is intended both for students who would like to learn the fundamentals of setting cabochons and for students who would just like to come make their own beautiful piece of jewelry for themselves or as a gift. Although no experience is necessary, it will be beneficial to have taken a silver ring class in the past.

This class meets twice:

Monday, October 21, 2024 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Monday, October 28, 2024 6:00pm to 7:30pm

 

About the Instructor(s): Theodore Castellani is a silversmith and commercial fisherman from Homer, Alaska. After working as an instructor at a jewelry studio at Dartmouth college for 3 years, Theodore is now the jewelry studio Shop Lead for the Claremont MakersSpace. 

 

Class Fees: $150 members/ $165 non-members

Materials Fee: $15 included in the class fee

Prerequisite(s): none, but some silver smithing experience would be helpful

Skill Level: adventurous beginner 

Age requirement: Adults only (18 years and older)

Register for this class now!


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Laser Cutter Basics

Oct. 22, 2024 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.

This class will cover the fundamentals of basic laser cutter safety and operation and delve a bit deeper into the intricacies of laser cutter design. Participants will learn to use free online resources and basic laser-cutting techniques to create complex, three-dimensional objects.

Learn how to use the MakerSpace laser cutter to create 3-D objects and take home a four-sided lantern of your own design!

This class is geared towards beginning laser cutter makers or those looking for a refresher. It covers everything required to be certified on the MakerSpace laser cutter.

 

About the Instructor(s): Tiffany Vincent. Tiffany is an artist, maker, designer, programmer, and creator.

Class Fees: CMS Members: $70   Non-Member: $85

Materials Fee: $10 (included in class price)

Prerequisite(s): None

Skill Level: Beginner

Age requirement: 18+

Register for this class now!


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Fall Bridal Bouquet and Boutonniere

Oct. 23, 2024 6 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.

 In this class you will learn how to make a floral bridal bouquet and boutonniere. You will use an array of flowers with fall colors, and beautiful greens as well. This class will teach you the basics of a small bridal bouquet and the steps on how to build one. Once the bridal bouquet is done you will then learn how to create a pin-on boutonniere. This is a great class for those who are interested in the floral industry (specifically the wedding industry) Once you learn a few basics, then it becomes easier to start creating more elaborate bouquets. 

All items needed for this class with be supplied. 

About the Instructor(s): Victoria is the owner and floral designer at Mica Mine Floral in Unity, NH and has been in the floral industry for over ten years. Her love for flowers and creating with them started at a very young age. Victoria loves spending her days picking flowers and harvesting greens outside, and then creating for fun. She also has started a new love, which is guiding others when creating their own floral arrangements. Floral designing is constantly changing so she is always learning and wants to share all that new information with others as well! 

Class Fees: $70 members/ $80 non-members

Materials Fee: $55 included in the class fee

Prerequisite(s): none

Skill Level: all levels

Age requirement: Any age (children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by their adult)

Register for this class now!


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Stick Welding for Beginners

Oct. 25, 2024 6 p.m. — 8 p.m.

Stick welding is the entry level technique to all other welding skills. Whether you’re a beginner, an artist looking for a different medium or just wanting to learn a new skill, this is the place to start!

You will learn the basics of welding safety, how to strike an arc, how to start making the bead on a flat piece of steel and how to continue to strike an arc and carry it to form the bead.

Students should bring to class: Safety glasses, leather boots, and leather gloves.

About the Instructor(s): Sheldon Heselton has an A.S. in Welding Technology from Manchester Community Technical College and he is a certified welding inspector through the American Welding Society. His experience is mostly in stick welding, but he can weld in multiple processes and he does ultrasonic weld testing and magnetic particle weld testing. Sheldon has worked on power plant construction sites, and also inspections for welded bridges and other components at welding shops.

 

Class Fees: $110 members / $120 non-members

Materials Fee: $10 included in the class fee

Prerequisite(s): none

Skill Level: beginner

Age requirement: Youth and Adult (15 years and older)

Register for this class now!


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Amateur Radio Technician Class and Test

Oct. 26, 2024 9 a.m. — Oct. 27, 2024 4 p.m.

If you’ve always wanted to get your Amateur Radio license, now is your chance! Get ready for a two-day deep dive into Amateur Radio on October 26th and 27th. This hands-on class will equip you with essential radio operating skills and prepare you for the FCC 35-question license exam. At the conclusion of the class you will have the opportunity to take the FCC Amateur Radio Technician Class exam and earn your Amateur Radio license.

When:  

Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. with FCC test session at 2:00 p.m.

In preparation for this two-day training class there is some recommended study material and guides: The two-day class is designed to prepare you for the FCC 35 question exam, Basic Amateur Radio operating procedures and protocols.

The following are REQUIRED for the exam:

  • One photo ID and FCC FRN Number*
  • Valid Email Address (for FCC FRN)
  • Test fee of $15 – Cash or personal check (ARRL-VEC )- No credit cards accepted.
  • Prior to taking the exam each person MUST register with the FCC to receive an FRN in CORES (COmission REgistration System). Register and obtain your FRN here: https://www.fcc.gov/new-users-guide-getting-started-universal-licensing-system-uls (Please do this well in advance to the course! You will not be able take your exam without having your FRN Number!  Please bring your FRN number to the Exam Session.  After passing your exam you will be required to pay the FCC $35.00 to receive your license.)

Please reach out should you have any questions: [email protected]

About the Instructor(s): Rob Mather (N1XSS) was first licensed in June of 1996. He is with the American Red Cross as a member of the local Disaster Action Team and has held various roles with the chapter including board member and vice chair for the Green Mountain Chapter American Red Cross. Most of his radio activities today revolve around public service. He is the communications coordinator for the Vermont 100 and Vermont 50 endurance races. These events are fund raisers for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport. The Vermont 100 is a 100-mile running race the covers some of New England’s most beautiful scenery lasting 30 hours. This event requires 30 hours of a net control station and over 50 volunteer radio operators.  

Class Fees: There is no charge for the class however there is a $15.00 fee for the exam that will be collected by the VEs before the exam. (Cash or personal check only. No credit cards accepted.)

ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program Information
The ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program, in effect since April 19, 2022, covers the one-time $35 application fee for new license candidates younger than 18-years old for tests administered under the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (ARRL VEC) program.

The $35 FCC application fee will be reimbursed after the ARRL VEC receives the completed reimbursement form and the new license has been issued by the FCC. The reimbursement check will be mailed to the fee payer.
Additionally, candidates younger than 18-years old would pay a reduced exam session fee of $5 to the ARRL VEC VE team at the time of the exam. The $5 fee is for all candidates under the age of 18 regardless of the exam level taken. Proof of under 18 status is required at the session (what to bring to an exam session).

The Youth Licensing Grant Program is sponsored by ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®.

Age requirement: None

Register for this class now!


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Artist in Residence – Meet the Artist & Open House

Oct. 28, 2024 6 p.m. — 8 p.m.

The Claremont MakerSpace is excited to announce the return of the Artist in Residence program! The program is launching this Fall due to the generous support of Maine Oxy, with a focus on recycled metal art and females in the welding trade. Jane Kolias has been chosen as the metal artist in residence and more will be announced about her residency the week of October 

Come meet Jane, see some of her prior work, and learn about her residency plans this Fall. While at CMS, take a tour and learn about the seven work spaces at CMS:

  • Wood shop: with all the necessary large and small tools for woodworking, plus a CNC Router
  • Electronics lab:  provides tools for small electronics, 3D printers, a laser cutter, and a trinocular microscope
  • 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, Cricut cutter and an embroidery machine
  • Computer lab: large format printer and new photography print options
  • Machine shop:  metrology tools, two manual mills, metal lathe, grinder and a CNC mill 

All shops will be open for tours and members/staff will be on hand to answer your questions.  

This event is FREE. There is plenty of parking next door in the municipal parking garage. Everyone is welcome! Registration is requested but not required. 

Open to all ages, children under 16 years old must be accompanied by their adult.

 

Register for this class now!


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Open Sew-In

Oct. 29, 2024 4 p.m. — 6:30 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.
 
Allison, our shop lead will be available to help with any questions you may have.
 
 

About the Instructor: 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 Maker Space 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 Maker Space. 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. Making a statement and creating beautiful art as a way to open a conversation that leads to a better world, is the cornerstone of Allison’s career as an artist and art educator. 

Age requirement: Adults (18 and older)

Class Fees: Free for members and $10 for non-members.

Materials Fee: None

Register for this class now!


Ongoing Events

These events are ongoing. Registration is currently closed, but these events may be offered again in the future.

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Learning VCarve and the ShopBot

Sept. 23, 2024 6 p.m. — Oct. 7, 2024 7:30 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.