Come learn about the jewelry bench! You will learn: each tool’s role in the jewelry-making process, from cutting and forming to soldering and polishing. We will cover fabrication/smithing workflows as well as casting.
This class will provide wood shop users with foundational skills in woodworking including planning, materials, marking, skills, and tool use.
Students will be introduced to the TC Maker wood shop mindset and safety expectations. Learn how to plan a successful project with a focus on construction methods and joinery. Select wood, measure and mill materials, and learn order of operations and assembly. Finally, we'll cover wood finishing including finish options and technique.
Each of the four sessions will last two hours and start with a lesson portion. If we have any extra time, the instructors can help answer questions and consult on projects.
The workbench, clamps, vices, measuring tools, squares, chisel, hand plane, bandsaw, table saw, jointer, planer, sanding station, and more.
Clothing suitable to the wood shop. Wear close-toed shoes and avoid loose, dangling clothing and accessories.
Eye and hearing protection is required. Dust masks and eye/ear protection are available to borrow but bringing your own is recommended.
Whether you are a brand new member of Twin Cities Maker, or have been a member for a really long time but haven't been in the shop for awhile, attending a new member orientation will get you up to speed on the policies, guidelines, and culture of Twin Cities Maker.
Signup, download a copy of our handbook, and come to session. During orientation you get to meet some new people, have all your questions answered, and get acquainted with Twin Cities Maker policies, guidelines, and culture.
Orientation lasts for about 1 hour with time after for questions and support for any issues.
After you have completed orientation you will receive your fob to access the facility, which will be activated once have paid all membership fees.
If you are going to be working in the woodshop be sure to sign up for woodshop orientation immediately following this class. Check our orientations calendar to register.
All New Members are required to Pre-Register for this Orientation.
If you cannot attend an in person orientation, please reach out to membership@tcmaker.org so that we can work out special arrangements.
Wood Shop Orientation is a required orientation for all woodworkers.
During Orientation we will cover basic shop safety guidelines along with best practices that are necessary to use the wood shop at Twin Cities Maker!
https://wiki.tcmaker.org/en/shop_departments/wood_shop
Get started welding! In this class, students will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with both MIG and TIG welding with steel and stainless steel. Subjects covered will include setting up the machines, material selection, safety, technique, and what makes a quality weld.
No prior experience necessary!
Patrick Grace has 8 years of MIG/TIG welding experience and is certified in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. He has worked for mass production companies as well as on military ships and submarines.
Questions or trouble signing up for this class? Email ceramics@tcmaker.org.
Through this 6-week intermediate hand-building course, students will deepen their knowledge of clay through presentation on pottery terminology, technical processes, and hands-on projects and activities.
Topics covered include types of clay and when to use them, clay harvesting and production, cones (what are they?), slump and hump molds, intermediate surface decoration techniques (mishima, slip marbeling, etc.), and hand-building functional ware.
The skills acquired in this course will serve as a continuation of your hand-building foundation on which you may take more advanced classes and/or learn in open studio time.
Come ready to get messy. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty; don't worry about clay on your clothes - it washes right off! Most importantly, come ready to have fun!
NOTE: *This class is required for ceramics studio members who do not pass or do not attempt the wheel-throwing sign-off. Members must either pass the wheel-throwing sign off or take the 101 course to wheel throw in our studio. Thank you!*
This class is centered around the potter's wheel. Students will understand the basic tools and materials as well as proper studio safety and clean-up practices. Students will learn to prepare clay for throwing, center the clay on the wheel, open and pull clay walls, and create basic forms like cylinders and bowls. Finally, students will learn how to refine and trim forms, apply surface decoration and glaze, and understand the process of bisque and glaze firing.
The skills acquired in this class will the the foundation on which you can keep building with more advanced classes and/or open studio time.
NOTE: *This class is required for ceramics studio members who do not pass or do not attempt the hand-building sign-off. Members must either pass the hand-building sign off or take the 101 course to hand-build in our studio. Thank you!*
Through the 6-week hand-building ceramics class (101 series), students will learn the fundamentals of working with clay including knowledge and understanding of pinch, slab, coil techniques, and surface decoration. Students will also understand clay properties, how to prevent cracked work, and the proper techniques to glaze application for firing.
The skills acquired in this course will serve as the hand-building foundation on which you may take more advanced classes and/or learn in open studio time.
Learn JavaScript while making algorithmic artwork!
During class, we'll generate SVGs using JavaScript and the library p5js! You'll get the chance to explore different functions, like random and noise to create fun and surprising outputs. Afterward, you'll have learned the basics of using a pen plotter and will take home a small plotted piece of art that you design!
Able to use a web browser and type confidently. No coding experience required!
Your own laptop and charger.
Eric Lewiston is an artist and engineer who has been making algorithmic art for four years. He uses pen plotters as his primary collaborators in making physical versions of his digital art. His work has been featured at Burl Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, MN Nice Art, Glen Arbor Arts Center, and more! He can be found in Studio #406 in the Northrup King Building during open studio times.
After this class you'll have a general understanding of how to operate the screen printing equipment along with the basic principles of screen printing.
Besides learning about the screen printing equipment, you'll learn about shop policies & safety, practical applications of screen printing, how to chose a good image for screen printing, and acceptable surfaces that will screen print well.
Rick Strohmeyer has been a long time member of Twin Cities Maker. After receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arets in printmaking, he has enjoyed sharing his knowledge he has learned while being a a print-maker, painter and general designer.
Learn to weld aluminum! During class, students will get hands-on experience TIG welding aluminum. Subjects covered will include setting up the machines, heat control, common defects, and what makes a quality weld.
Students should have some familiarity with TIG welding before signing up for this class.