Date: June 5, 2024
Location: Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, 550 30th Street Suite 101, Newport News

Join us this summer for Makers Gonna Make! During this summer series, we will also offer guided projects so that you can get hands-on experience with 3D printing, laser cutting, and garment design! All materials will be provided and our staff will be there to guide you step-by-step to complete your project! These sessions are $20 each and that covers the cost of the materials. Pizza and beverages will also be served. Spots are limited to 8 seats/session. Although these sessions are designed for adults, youth ages 12+ are welcome to join with a parent/guardian (parent/guardian must remain with their child).

Dates (Wednesdays, 5:30-8pm):

  • June 5, 3D Printed Phone Stands: Get ready to dive into the world of 3D printing as we whip up our own custom phone stands! We'll be using Tinkercad, a 3D modeling software, to dream up our designs and then watch them come to life layer by layer with the help of our 3D printers. Participants will choose the color and size of their phone stands, which will be printed using PLA filament.
  • June 12, Design your own tote bag and matching pencil case: It's time to unleash your inner fashionista and tech whiz as we create custom tote bags and matching pencil cases using Canva, a graphic design software, and our direct-to-garment printer! From funky patterns to personalized slogans, the possibilities are endless - let's turn our ideas into wearable masterpieces! Participants will leave with 1 canvas tote bag and 1 pencil case with their custom, full color design.
  • July 10, Stationary Set: Say goodbye to boring stationery and hello to personalized pizzazz! We'll be laser engraving our way to stationary stardom with notebooks and penl sets. Get ready to add some flair to your desk with our customized creations! Each participant will leave with a laser-engraved notebook and a set of 5 custom pens.
  • July 24, 3D Printed Plant Pots: Get your green thumbs ready as we craft some out-of-this-world plant pots using the magic of 3D printing! From funky shapes to quirky designs, we'll be bringing our indoor gardens to life in style. Participants will design their plant pots using Tinkercad and will get to decide the size and color of the finished plant pot, which will be printed with PTEG filament. Please note: 3D Printing takes some time and participants will need to pick up their finished plant pots after the program.
  • August 7, Laser-cut Lamps: Let's light up the room with our own custom laser-cut lamps! Get ready to channel your inner designer as we experiment with different materials and patterns to create the ultimate mood lighting for your space. Lamps will be cut out of 1/8 in Birch Wood and lit with an LED light strip.
  • August 21, Custom Puzzles: Get ready to puzzle it out with our UV printed and laser-cut custom puzzles! We'll be printing vibrant images onto our puzzle pieces and then using laser cutting magic to create unique shapes. It's puzzle time, let's get cracking! Participants are encouraged to bring their own photos (digital files only, you can put them on a thumb drive or save them somewhere you can access them from the iLab) to add to your puzzle! Puzzles will be full color, up to 12x24 inches in size. Please note: Depending on the volume of the projects, participants may have to pick up their finished puzzle after the program ends.

Registration for these guided sessions will open in May. Until then, you can express interest by completing this survey. Once registration opens, you’ll get first dibs at registering!