To register for a class, click on the class to go to the event details page.
If the class is full, fill out a Request a Class form to request additional classes.
Physical computing is a practical way of making software and hardware work together using key tools like micro-controllers, sensors, and actuators. It lets a computer system sense the real world and react to it. There are many examples where physical computing concepts are used, like robots, drones, self-driving cars, home automation, wearable technology, electronic arts, etc.
This course is intended to introduce young makers to some of the components that make up physical computing and show them how to create useful or creative things with them. Participants will learn how to use a version of Python specifically intended for microprocessors called CircuitPython. They will learn how to program the microprocessor to communicate with breakout boards containing motion, distance, position, light, etc. sensor and actuators like DC motors, servo motors, etc.
They will learn by doing hands-on small projects via 6 classes, each class will build on what they learn in previous classes. In the course, participants will train on several tools that will empower them to work independently at home. They will be encouraged to research on-line for project ideas, replicating and expanding on other people's designs.
Students can expect to do projects using components like: Raspberry Pi Pico 2W micro-controller, Ultrasonic Range Sensor, Micro Servo Motor, Dual H-Bridge Motor Driver Controller, N20 DC Motors, 9-DOF IMU, Rotary encoders, and 240x135 color TFT display.
The course is intended to serve High School Students (grades 9-12). Middle School students in grades six through eight may participate, but they must be with a parent.
The course assumes some basic coding experience, ideally with Python.
Each student must bring a Windows 11 laptop that is Internet-enabled and the user has administrator rights. Everything students need will be on their laptop and the microcontroller. In the first class, students will be shown how to install needed tools. There will be a cloud site where they can pull down working code if needed. The instructor will have their own laptop, projected onto a large screen, so students can follow along.
This course will meet in the basement electronics shop at the Leesburg location.
Participants are required to fill out a waiver form - https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj or have a completed waiver form on file.
No-shows will not receive a refund or makeup class. If you cannot attend the class and it is at least 3 days before the event, please log in to www.makersmiths.org to cancel your registration and receive a refund, unless otherwise specified in the event description. If you cannot attend the class and it is less than 3 days before the event, please contact the instructor; you may be able to request a refund.
Questions? Contact the instructor: Jeff Irland
If the class is full, click here to request additional classes.
Purcellville Work Day
On the first Saturday of each month, Makersmiths Purcellville has a work day. This is a great opportunity for Makersmiths members to complete their monthly volunteer hours. It is also a chance to meet other members!
Please arrive at 9am and we should wind down our work at 12:00PM (noon). The list of jobs that need to be completed are posted in Slack (General) a day or two before the work day- so be sure to check the Makersmiths Slack General Slack channel. There are times we need people to come with string trimmers or other maintenance items.
For specific questions, please contact Dave Painter.
Get to Know Your Cricut by Making a Haunted Halloween House
There are so many fun things you can make with a Cricut cutting machine. In this family-friendly Cricut class, we will learn how to select, download and cut out a haunted house template to make a haunted house for Halloween. We will use templates for mini houses that are free from Lucy Foxcroft's website.
This is a family-friendly event so for every registered adult, bring a child or two as helpers. A variety of paper and glue craft resources will be available to help you design and build your haunted house. Feel free to bring items such as fairy lights, and Halloween-themed objects from the Dollar Store. For those that want to enter their completed project on Lucy Foxcroft's contest website, there are prizes to be won! You will learn more about that in this workshop.
We will meet in the classroom of the lower building. If you are new to Makersmiths, please fill out the form online, go to:
https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
If the class is full, click here if you’re interested in a future class.
Questions? Contact the instructor: Diane.Painter@makersmiths.org
This class is for those who have already taken the CO2 Laser Basic Red Tool class on the Thunder Lasers.
This training will show you some of the advanced uses of the Nova 51 (at Leesburg) and the Nova 24 (at Purcellville) along with safety considerations. After this class you will be authorized to use the advanced features of the CO2 laser cutters.
This class will NOT cover the CO2 laser rotary tool. This is covered in a separate red tool class.
This class will NOT cover the fiber laser located in the Purcellville lower building. This is covered in a separate red tool class.
During the class, the following will be covered:
Prerequisite: You must complete the CO2 Laser Basic Red Tool class prior to taking this advanced class.
This session will be held at the lower building at the Purcellville location.
No refunds will be given for cancellations within 3 days prior to the class.
Questions? Contact the instructor Jon White
This introduction to MIG Welding workshop is for adult beginners (ages 18 and older). It will familiarize you with out MIG welders, set up, and making some sample welds. Beginner - Gas Welding recommended as a prerequisite. All materials and equipment will be provided, but you will need to be wearing full coverage clothing (long sleeves, long pants, closed toe shoes or boots). We have welding helmets and gloves.
To be signed off to use the MIG welding equipment independently, you must complete this red tool workshop as well as demonstrate proficiency in operating the equipment.
Please meet in the Green Room for initial instruction and then we will move to the welding area.
New to Makersmiths? Please fill out the Waiver form at https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
Due to the advance preparation of materials there can be no cancellations or refunds on this workshop. No-shows will not receive a refund or makeup class. If you cannot attend the class and it is at least 3 days before the event, please log in to www.makersmiths.org to cancel your registration and receive a refund, unless otherwise specified in the event description. At the left side of the top menu bar, click on your name. This will take you to your membership profile screen. Click on events under contact details. Click on the registration date of the event you want to cancel. At the top of the screen, click on cancel registration and follow the prompts.
Click here if you’re interested in future classes.
Questions? Contact Jim Waldron the facilitator.
Basic Soldering for Electronics [PILOT]
We'll be assembling a practice PCB while discussing the basics of soldering. This class is meant to be a trial run for a future, larger class. There will be no charge for this class since we will be using leftover material and taking notes on what works and what doesn't for the class.
This class is appropriate for beginners. The class will cover the basics - terminal, splices, through-hole and some surface mount.
All tools and materials will be provided (a board and some components and wires for assembly).
To cancel your registration for this class, you must contact the instructor. Refunds will only be given for extenuating/unforeseen circumstances, which does not include forgetting the class time/date/location.
Questions? Contact the instructor Bobby Comellas.
If the class is full, click here if you're interested in a future class.
We are an all-volunteer-run, non-profit organization providing knowledge, space, equipment, community & programs to enable you to learn, design, make, launch, work and play. We are adult enthusiasts, young adults and kids learning, playing and making, entrepreneurs prototyping new products and concepts, and finally, community organizations taking part in the maker movement. Our members share over 3,000 square feet of workrooms with a CNC mill, 3D printers, ceramics studio, welding, blacksmithing, woodworking and metalworking tools, meeting space and more. We are also gearing back up to offer classes and project workshops on a variety of topics such as blacksmithing and welding. Come tell us what you'd like to see! We'd like to invite you to come by for a mini-tour and chat during Open House hours on Tuesday nights from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Come poke around, ask questions, see what other members are working on. We're friendly and casual.
We're at 785 S. 20th Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. Enter at the 2nd gate, drive down the hill, past the Lower Building, and up the hill to the main entrance of the Upper Building.
If you want to get going right away, you can join us by visiting this page: Makersmiths Join Us Page Hope to see you soon, maybe next Tuesday. In the meantime, if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask! Contact info@makersmiths.org
In this red tool training class in the main room at Makersmiths Leesburg, Makersmiths members will learn how to use the Roland LEF2-200 UV Printer and print on a 4x4 ceramic coaster.
After completing this class, you will be authorized to use the UV Printer independently.
No prerequisite skills are required and all materials will be provided.
You will learn how to:
You are welcome to bring an image you would like on your coaster! Just make sure it’s on a portable USB drive!
No refunds will be given to cancellations within 3 days prior to the class.
New to Makersmiths? If you have not filled out the online waiver form, please go to https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
Questions? Contact the instructor John Carter.
Welcome to the world of 3D Printing at Makersmiths, whether you have been printing for years or this is your first foray into the topic, you will leave with the ability to send prints to our Bambu X1C machines.
This class will introduce you to the Bambu X1C printers, powerful all in one machines that can print a variety of materials and multicolor printing. We will go over Bambu studio and Bambu Handy as well as what materials your can print with. Suitable for beginners and a great refresh for those who haven't printed in a while.
On completion of this red tool class, you will be authorized to use the Bambu X1C Printers at both Leesburg and Purcellville unsupervised.
This class will meet in the 3D Printing room at the Leesburg location.
Please note
New to Makersmiths? Please fill out the Waiver form prior to class - https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
No refunds will be given to cancellations within 3 days prior to the event.
Questions: Contact the instructor John Carter.
October meeting only - Knife sharpening demonstrations
The October Monthly Membership meeting will be held in-person at the Leesburg location.
Please come to the membership meeting because there will be live demonstrations of different knife sharpening techniques.
Members will have the option to participate in the meeting virtually (see log-in information below), but the knife sharpening demonstration will be in-person only.
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Makersmiths members meetings are held on the first Wednesdays of the month, starting at 7:30 pm for about an hour.
The monthly membership meetings are virtual:
meet.google.com/ubz-ykxr-kiu
Dial-in: (US) +1 304-609-2532
PIN: 114 333 983#
See you soon! Questions? Contact info@makersmiths.org.
We are an all-volunteer-run, non-profit organization providing knowledge, space, equipment, community & programs to enable you to learn, design, make, launch, work and play. We are adult enthusiasts, young adults and kids learning, playing and making, entrepreneurs prototyping new products and concepts, and finally, community organizations taking part in the maker movement. Our members share over 3,000 square feet of workrooms with CNC mills, 3D printers, a 100 watt laser cutter, woodworking and metalworking tools, meeting space, storage space and more. We are also gearing back up to offer classes and project workshops on a variety of topics such as butcher block cutting board building, Arduino and RaspberryPi programming, and sewing. Come tell us what you'd like to see! We'd like to invite you to come by for a mini-tour and chat during Open House hours on Thursday nights from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Come poke around, ask questions, see what other members are working on. We're friendly and casual. We're at 106 Royal St SW, Leesburg, VA 20175 or search Google Maps for "Makersmiths" for directions.
If you want to get going right away, you can join us by visiting this page: Makersmiths Join Us Page Hope to see you soon, maybe next Thursday. In the meantime, if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask! Please email: info@makersmiths.org
While many of the tools in the two locations perform similar tasks, the tools in Leesburg are homeowner/hobbyist in size while the tools in Purcellville are industrial sized. Red Tool training for woodworking in Purcellville is divided into three classes: Red Tool Woodworking-Basics; Red Tool Woodworking-Advanced; and, Red Tool CNC. We will meet in both the Green Room and woodshop for this event.
This course covers Red Tool Woodworking – Basics
Prerequisites - Must be 18 or older and have an interest in woodworking.
Class size is limited to four students. The class is a minimum of two hours but may take longer depending on attendee’s previous experience.
The class will start in the Green Room with a presentation and discussion covering shop etiquette, layout, hours, rules, material storage, and safety. Class will then move into the wood shop where various machines will be demonstrated. Members will get an opportunity to practice on each machine. The machines covered in this class are; Panel Saw, Table Saw, Miter Saw, Drill Press, Spindle sander, 12” Disk Sander, Downdraft Sanding Table, and Dust Collector.
To prepare for class, please do the following:
New to Makersmiths? Prior to coming to class, please sign this online waiver form: https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
No-shows will not receive a refund or makeup class. If you cannot attend the class and it is at least 3 days before the event, please log in to www.makersmiths.org to cancel your registration and receive a refund, unless otherwise specified in the event description. At the left side of the top menu bar, click on your name. This will take you to your membership profile screen. Click on events under contact details. Click on the registration date of the event you want to cancel. At the top of the screen, click on cancel registration and follow the prompts.
If you cannot attend the class and it is less than 3 days before the event, please contact the instructor; you may be able to request a refund.
If the class is full, click here to request an additional class.
Contact the instructor for questions: John Borden
We are looking for youth in grades 3-5 to join our elementary wind turbine team. The Makersmiths KidWind wind turbine team will be coached by Makersmiths member, Blair Marendt. The team will meet on Saturday mornings in Makersmiths' Purcellville lower classroom and will participate in the Northern VA Regional KidWind Challenge, an all-day event, TBD.
Parents must sign this waiver form and indicate the student's name and grade. To fill out the form online, go to: https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
Questions? Contact Blair Marendt
Since 2018, Makersmiths has sponsored KidWind teams. What is KidWind? It is an initiative to teach youth about renewable energies as they go through an engineering process of designing, building and testing wind turbines or solar projects. PBS filmed our teams a year ago and we were featured on the This American Land TV series. Meet our teams by viewing: https://vimeo.com/995471444
We are looking for youth in grades 6-8 to join our middle school wind turbine team. The Makersmiths KidWind wind turbine team will be coached by Makersmiths member, Chris Rodgers. The team will meet on Saturday afternoons in Makersmiths' Purcellville lower classroom and will participate in the Northern VA Regional KidWind Challenge, an all-day event- TBD in March.
Questions? Contact Chris Rodgers
The wooden bowl is a reflection of both utility and beauty: an inspiring craft form to experience. Learn the safe operation and technique to turn wooden bowls on the lathe utilizing carbide tools. This class is focused on technique, rather than being project-based. Although most students will leave with finished items, this is not the primary goal. The most important thing is that students leave with an understanding of the lathe and a good set of techniques to continue in their turning practice. The following will be covered: - How to prepare the bowl blank using the bandsaw. - Different ways to mount a blank to the lathe via worm screws or faceplates. - Carbide tool handling - Creating a mortise - Shaping the bowl exterior design - Forming the rim - Clearing the interior - Sanding and finishing
This is not considered a Red Tool sign off class.
Please watch the video Turning a Bowl with Easy Wood Tools prior to class.
All materials and supplies will be provided.
Safety requirements: Wear closed-toed shoes, short sleeves, and eye protection (bring yours or use ours).
Optional (we have some you can use if needed): Hearing protection, particle filter, or dust mask.
We will meet in the woodturning shop at the Leesburg location.
Questions? Please contact the instructor Ken Fuentecilla.
Makersmiths, Inc. members wishing to use the tools in the woodworking shop in Purcellville must complete a course of orientation and training and demonstrate competence with each tool before their name will be placed on the approved list of machine operators.
Completion of red tool training in Leesburg does NOT permit you to use the tools or shop in Purcellville. While many of the tools in the two locations perform similar tasks, the tools in Leesburg are homeowner/hobbyist in size while the tools in Purcellville are industrial sized.
Red Tool training for woodworking in Purcellville is divided into three classes: Red Tool Woodworking-Basics; Red Tool Woodworking-Advanced; and Red Tool CNC.
This course covers Red Tool Woodworking – Advanced
Prerequisites - Must be a member of Makersmiths, be 18 or older and have completed Red Tool Woodworking-Basics.
Class size is limited to three students. The class is a minimum of two hours but may take longer depending on attendee’s previous experience.
The class will start in the Green Room with a presentation and discussion covering wood and machine terminology, machine manuals and other resources, rules, and safety. Class will then move into the wood shop where various machines will be demonstrated. Members will get an opportunity to practice on each machine. The machines covered in this class are; 12” Jointer, 22” Planer, 37” Belt Sander, and 20” Band Saw.
Are you a new Makersmiths member? Are you an older member who needs a refresh? If you said yes to either of these than come on by for our New Member Orientation.
We will go over everything you could possibly ever need to know about the organization and have knowledgeable members on hand to answer questions.
All members must attend a New Member Orientation in order to be granted independent access to the Makersmiths facilities.
Questions: Contact Jennifer Chu.
Learn how to make your own wooden pen from start to finish!
In this class, students will receive an introduction to the process of making a turned pen. You will turn a pen on a lathe and take the pen home with you. All materials for this class will be provided.
Class fee includes all tools and supplies (e.g., pen kit, wood) for turning a pen.
Prerequisites: Red Tool class for the Wood Lathe and Leesburg Wood Shop.
Safety: Wear closed-toed shoes and short sleeves. Bring eye and hearing protection (bring yours or use ours).
We will meet in the woodturning shop at the Leesburg location. We will use the woodturning shop and the woodshop.
If you are new to Makersmiths, fill out an online waiver form prior to coming to class: https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
Questions? Please contact the instructor Dave Hamrick.
Woodturning is a fun, absorbing activity. Once you learn the basics of turning, you’ll want to develop your skills with the lathe. This sign-off class is necessary to use the lathe and a prerequisite for future woodturning project classes.
This course at Makersmiths-Leesburg is NOT a project class, but focuses on spindle turning.
We will meet in the woodturning shop.
The class will focus on the following:
Roughing gouge Spindle gouge Parting tool
You won’t become an expert with one course, but I hope you will (re)discover that turning is fun and adds a new dimension to your portfolio of woodworking skills.
No prerequisites to fulfill prior to this class, but it is important to follow these safety requirements: Wear closed-toed shoes, short sleeves, and eye protection (bring yours or use ours).
This is the red tool class for our newest printer, the BN2-20! The BN2-20 is a commercial quality sticker printer but also so much more.
In this class you will learn the basics of using the machine safely and what it is capable of. You will learn to print stickers using white vinyl and how to laminate for durability. We will go over the print and cut feature, kiss cut, perf cut, lamination, and file setup using Adobe illustrator. Files can also be prepped in additional programs which we will go over including Flexi design studio which is a specialized program installed on the computer.
In this class, each student will print a set of stickers (about 5-6) using Versaworks. Each student will prep, print, laminate, and cut their stickers.
After this class, students will be authorized to use the BN2-20 independently.
A separate, advanced red tool class will cover additional media, such as heat transfer vinyl, banners, printable fabric, clear and holographic sticker material, as well as using the white ink available and when it's useful.
The instructor will provide images to choose from. There are a variety of images and more may be added. If you would like to bring your own artwork, please bring a computer with Adobe Illustrator or a flash drive with the image and the instructor can prep the file during the class for you. You can use the computer at the main room while other students are working and the instructor will be available to assist. Please note that those using the prepared files will get first priority to print.
You will receive a handout with steps that will also be available anytime after and will be updated occasionally. You will also be given access to the sample sticker library files and a prep file that will assist with easier prep in Adobe Illustrator.
You will take home a set of durable waterproof stickers that can be put on just about anything.
Prerequisites: None. Be ready to participate and learn!
The class will meet in the main room at the Leesburg location.
New to Makersmiths? Prior to coming to class, please sign this online waiver form: https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj.
We are thrilled to announce our sewing social at Makersmiths Leesburg, a gathering that promises to be a celebration of creativity and community for sewing enthusiasts of all levels. Join us every second Wednesday of the month as we come together to share our love for the craft, learn from each other, and forge lasting connections in a welcoming and inspiring environment. Whether you're a beginner looking to pick up tips or a seasoned pro eager to showcase your skills, our sewing socials offer a space for everyone to come together and stitch their way to new friendships and endless inspiration.
Please remember to bring your own sewing machine, along with cutting tools, pins, measuring tape, and a project you've been wanting to tackle to our upcoming sewing event. Whether you're working on a new garment, a home decor item, or simply want to practice your stitches, having your own sewing machine allows you to create and craft to your heart's content in the company of fellow sewing enthusiasts So, pack up your gear, grab your project, and join us for a productive and creative sewing session where you can bring your vision to life with all the tools you need at hand.
All skills are welcome. If you are new to sewing or have been sewing for decades, we hope you will join us in the main room for our "sewcial" - get it?
New to Makersmiths? Please fill out this waiver: https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
Questions? Please contact Amy Copley.
This red tool CnC course basic will cover the safety and operation of our "Big Red" CnC machine in Makersmiths Leesburg. During the session, students will make a take-home plaque. Upon completion of this course, you'll be authorized to start using Big Red on your own.
We will meet in the classroom and the Big Red Room.
Pre-requisites: Bring a laptop with the program VCarve installed (optional, but it will be very helpful). You should have knowledge of vector graphics. This class will cover their conversion to G-code and safety/setup and operation of Big Red to make the object.
Questions? Contact the instructor Tom Hill.
This is a monthly meeting of the Scheduling Committee.
The Scheduling Committee is responsible for:
The monthly meetings are open to all Makersmiths members.
If you are interested in joining the Scheduling Committee, please attend a meeting to see how you can lend a hand.
We will meet in person in the basement classroom at Leesburg. To attend virtually,
Questions? Please email the Scheduling Committee chairperson Jennifer Chu.
Makersmiths, Inc. members wishing to use the tools in the metal shop in Purcellville must complete a course of orientation and training and demonstrate competence with each tool before their name will be placed on the approved list of machine operators.
This course covers Red Tool Metalworking – Basics
Prerequisites - Must be 18 or older and have an interest in metal working.
The class will be held in the metal working room at Makersmiths in Purcellville. Members will have an introduction to the metal working room and will be introduced to each of the tools in the metal working room. A handout will be provided.
No-shows will not receive a refund or makeup class. If you cannot attend the class and it is at least 3 days before the event, please log in to www.makersmiths.org to cancel your registrationto ask for a refund. At the left side of the top menu bar, click on your name. This will take you to your membership profile screen. Click on events under contact details. Click on the registration date of the event you want to cancel. At the top of the screen, click on cancel registration and follow the prompts.
If the class is full, Click here to wait list a class.
Contact the instructor for questions: Dave Painter
Red Tool Introduction to the Axidraw Pen Plotter
The AxiDraw is a simple desktop CNC used to guide a pen (or another implement mounted in the pen holder) along the set of vector lines, curves, and paths that you ask it to follow. It is capable of drawing essentially anything that can be composed from a set of lines.
Check out penplotterartwork.com to see just some of what can be done with these machines.
In this class, you will:
All materials will be provided.
While a basic knowledge of Inkscape software is helpful, it is not required.
This Red Tool class is a prerequisite for anyone looking to use the Thunder Laser Nova 51 (at Leesburg) or Thunder Laser Nova 24 (at Purcellville) CO2 laser cutters.
This training will show you the basic usage of the Thunder Laser Nova 51 and the Thunder Laser Nova 24 along with safety considerations. After this class you will be authorized to use either CO2 laser cutter - Nova 51 in Leesburg and Nova 24 in Purcellville.
This class will NOT cover the rotary tool or the advanced features of the CO2 laser cutter. These will be covered in separate red tool classes.
This class will NOT cover the fiber laser located in the Purcellville lower building. This will be covered in a separate red tool class.
This class will go over how to use the machines safely, but does not go into detail on project designs or the advanced features of LightBurn.
While not necessary, it is highly recommended that participants familiarize themselves with vector drawing and LightBurn to help them get more out of the class. Participants will learn to make a material test swatch or key ring.
During the class, the following will be addressed:
Prerequisite: None, though watching some YouTube videos about LightBurn will help you get more out of the class:
Electronics, AI, & Cloud Night at Makersmiths
This is a combined meetup for electronics in general, as well as AI and Cloud technologies in particular.
Bring your ideas, questions, or projects-in-progress — whether it's a Raspberry Pi running TensorFlow, a cloud-based automation project, or just something cool you saw online that you want to unpack with others.
No formal presentations, just shared curiosity and conversation. Come to learn, teach, brainstorm, or just hang out with fellow tech enthusiasts.
Everyone is welcome — beginners to experts, coders to creatives. Let's explore the future together. Bring a project. Bring a question. Bring a friend.
We will meet in the Electronics Shop in the basement classroom at the Leesburg location.
If you haven't filled out the waiver form, please fill it out here - https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj.
The hosts for Electronics, AI, & Cloud Night are Oliver Arend and Rob Donahue.
Frame Shop Red Tool Class
This red tool workshop will be held in the Craft Room, lower building at Makersmiths-Purcellville. We will go over safety and basic operation of the frame shop tools including the multi-material cutter, frame chopper, and underpinner.
Participants will need to bring a pencil/pen, eye protection, and gloves for handling glass. No previous experience is needed. The instructor will provide molding, acrylic, and glass.
If parents want to register minors for this class, they need to contact the instructor prior to registering to ask for permission.
Additional courses on mat cutting, glass cutting, and finish framing can be taken after completing the red tool course.
If new to Makersmiths, please fill out the Waiver form at https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
General Public members completing this class must be with a Makersmiths member as a guest in order to use the frame shop equipment in the future.
Future classes will include finish framing and picture mat cutting.
If this red tool class is full, click here to request an additional class.
To cancel your registration for this class, you must contact the instructor. Refunds will only be given for extenuating/unforeseen circumstances, which does not include forgetting the class time/date/location. No-shows will not receive a refund or makeup class. If you cannot attend the class and it is at least 3 days before the event, please log in to www.makersmiths.org to cancel your registration and receive a refund, unless otherwise specified in the event description. If you cannot attend the class and it is less than 3 days before the event, please contact the instructor. You may be able to request a refund.
Questions? Contact the instructor, Dawn Martin.
Members of Clarke County Economic Development and Tourism will meet with members of Makersmiths to learn about the structure and governance of our nonprofit organization. They will also tour the Makersmiths Purcellville site.
For those coming to this meeting, please note that all participants are required to fill out a waiver form - https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj or have a completed waiver form on file before visiting Makersmiths-Purcellville.
For questions, contact: Diane.Painter@makersmiths.org mailto:Diane.Painter@makersmiths.org or Michelle Ridings Director of Economic Development & Tourism
This holiday card-making workshop uses Cricut software and Cricut Maker cutting machines. Makersmiths has a Cricut Maker 3 at MS-L, and the instructors will also bring their machines to use. This make-and-take workshop is appropriate for beginners or even seasoned cutting machine users.
We will be meeting in the crafts area at Makersmiths-Leesburg.
To prepare for the class, please bring your own laptop so you can save the files you create to reuse once you learn how to use the Cricut Maker 3. Please be sure you have Cricut Design Space software preloaded on your laptop.
In this workshop, we will provide a variety of cardstock, printed holiday paper, glue, and pre-made envelopes. We will have three stations. At one station, participants will learn to use an embossing tool with the Cricut Maker to make a holiday card. At another station, participants will learn how to import a photo into Design Space to create a flattened SVG image to use to make a holiday card. Have an image ready to import into the computer or email it to diane.painter@makersmiths.org if you want to use your own image.
At the third station, we will make simple holiday cards using images in Design Space, create cards that you can take home, and also make one to leave for a community service project where the cards will be distributed during the holiday season to those living in an assistive or rehabilitative setting in Leesburg.
At each station, after your card file is ready to cut out, you will learn the differences between cut and score lines. Once you have cut all your pieces, you will assemble and glue them onto a card base and choose a pre-made envelope to glue together.
New to Makersmiths? Please fill out this online waiver form: https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
If the class is full, click here if you're interested in future classes.
Questions? Contact the instructors Diane.Painter@makersmiths.org or Colleen Borley borleyc@gmail.com
Basic Woodworking Skills Tea Lights
This is a fun and simple project for those who have completed the MSP Basic Woodworking class to practice using the table saw, drill press, and various sanders. Each participant will choose a tea light style to create a set of three tea lights for holiday decorating and/or gift-giving. Class cost includes materials.
Questions? Contact the instructor, Dave Painter
The monthly Board of Directors meeting is open to all Makersmiths Members.
All Members are welcome and encouraged to attend, but motions, votes, participation in discussion are for Board Members.
Please join the meeting if you’re interested in what we’re voting on, committee reports, etc.
The meeting google code is https://meet.google.com/cih-ehxi-wbc.
The meeting agenda as well as minutes from past meetings can be found on the wiki - http://wiki.makersmiths.org/display/MAK/2023+Board+Meetings.
Questions: Contact the chairman of the Board - Evin Grano.
Woodworking Skills Building Class
This is a fun and simple project for those who have completed the MSP Basic Woodworking class to build your Bandsaw Skills. Each participant will use the table saw, band saw, and spindle sander while learning how to make an adorable Christmas-themed figurine. The instructor will explain how to download all the plans to make a full set of reindeer, Santa, and Santa’s sleigh so participants can make the full set later on their own.
Come lend a hand at our monthly work party in Leesburg. Many hands make lite work, and that gives us more time to meet new friends and see what each other are making. What are we working on? Often something new, but you can bet it's gonna include -
Be a part of it! We'd love for you to register for this event so we can better organize for projects and lunch plans, but we are also 100% fine with you just dropping by.
This is a great way to contribute your mandatory 2 hours of volunteer time per month. With good company, the time flies by!
If you have any questions, please email John Carter.
Let's turn a tea light candle holder on the lathe! Learn the safe operation and technique to turn a wooden blank on the lathe utilizing carbide tools into a candle holder. The following will be covered: - Mount a blank to the lathe via worm screws. - Carbide tool handling - Creating a mortise - Shaping the exterior design - Clearing the interior to hold the tea light candle - Sanding and finishing
All materials and supplies will be provided including the tea light candle.
No prior experience required.
Must be at least 16 years old to participate.
This is the Leesburg High School KidWind SOLAR Team coached by Dan Schmidt and Gary DuFour. Students in this group are in grades 9-12. The team will be meeting from 1pm-4pm on Sunday afternoons in the downstairs Leesburg Makersmiths classroom and in the main room as needed.
Since most participants are returning to KidWind from last year, they will be pre-registered with parents sent notification to pay the registration fee online. Registration for any new high school solar team member will open when all returning students are registered and openings are available.
All parents of new team members must sign this waiver and include the name and grade of the child participating in this group. Complete the Waiver Form prior to coming to class. To fill out the form online, go to:
Questions? Contact Dan Schmidt.
Woodworking Skills-Building Class
This is a fun and simple woodworking class for those who have taken the MSP Basic wooodworkng class to help you build your table saw skills. You will learn how to create six-sided wooden snowflakes using the table saw. Tied with a ribbon and a wire hanger, the snowflakes make wonderful tree ornaments.
The Gourd Group hosted by Makersmiths' member, Glenda Skelley, will meet the second Saturday of every month in the Purcellville lower building classroom.
This group is dedicated to educating others on on growing, drying, and crafting with gourds. Look for future workshops and educational demonstrations for our members.
Questions? Contact Glenda Skelly.
This beginner blacksmithing workshop is to designed to hand forge three Jingle Bells. Starting with a blank of steel you will heat and hammer the three Jingle Bells. These are forged bells that retain their 'brute de forge' finish, but sound great. All materials will be provided. Please wear long sleeves and long pants.
If you are new to Makersmiths and have not yet signed a waiver, please go online and fill out the waiver at https://waiver.fr/p-NVPOj
If the class is full, please click here to request a future class.
In case of inclement weather (snow, high winds, or temperatures of freezing or below) we can either reschedule or refund. No-shows will not receive a refund or makeup class. If you cannot attend the class and it is at least 3 days before the event, please log in to www.makersmiths.org to cancel your registration and receive a refund, unless otherwise specified in the event description. If you cannot attend the class and it is less than 3 days before the event, please contact the instructor; you may be able to request a refund.
Contact the instructor, James.Waldron@makersmiths.org
Make sure to check out next months class options as well!
Leesburg Location106 Royal St SWLeesburg, VA 20175
Open House Every Thursday 6 - 8 PM
Purcellville Location785 S. 20th St.Purcellville, VA 20132
Open House Every Tuesday 6 - 8 PM
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Makersmiths is a 501(c) non-profit organization