Tag Makerspace

Fuel Creativity, Find Wellbeing

jeanboone1 Leave a comment
The photograph depicts a tray of colorful watercolors next to two paintbrushes and a pile of painted papers, against a background of golden twinkle lights.

by Jean B.
January is a time for new beginnings, offering both promise and uncertainty. It’s appropriate that we mark International Creativity Month in January because creating something new can simultaneously revitalize us and relieve stress. Research shows that engaging in creative activity enhances both mental and physical health, boosting our immune systems, countering depression, expanding brain connections, and reducing anxiety. When you immerse yourself in a creative task — whether it’s art, music, dance, writing, crafting, woodworking, needle arts, puzzling —your emotions find release, self-esteem grows, worries can fade. An act of creation provides a sense of control, accomplishment, joy, and optimism.

Are you ready to try something new? Do you have a creative impulse but need some ideas, support, tools, instruction? HCLS has resources you can use by yourself at home, or alongside others in our six lively branches. Spark your creativity in the New Year!

Unwind and Align
For adults. Register at bit.ly/wellness_mil
Sat, Jan 18 | 1 – 3 pm
HCLS Miller Branch
Experience seated Qigong breathwork, guided meditation and mindfulness, sound healing, and Reiki energy in an informal, open setting. Facilitated by Janice B. Wellness & Friends.

Two people, wearing white safety goggles, peer into the laser cutter at HCLS Glewood Branch.
12/18/24 – Creative customers make individual snowflake ornaments at HCLS Glenwood Branch + Makerspace.

CREATE AT THE LIBRARY

  • Reserve the recording booth at the Glenwood Branch makerspace and sing your heart out! Or use the laser engraver and 3D printer to create personalized objects (materials must be purchased).
  • In the Builders Barn, a variety of materials invite children to create.
  • Visit the DIY Center at the Elkridge Branch for instruction in all kinds of arts, from sewing machine skills to painting to woodworking.
  • Join groups at various branches for crocheting, knitting, coloring, crafting and camaraderie. Look out for occasional craft supply swaps at Central Branch if you’re changing hobbies to clean out the old and stock up for something new.
  • Dance, sing, play and experiment at every branch with the children in your life when you attend one of our many children’s classes.

BORROW FROM THE LIBRARY

  • Ukuleles! Borrow a kit that includes an ukulele, tuner, and case. (Then take online lessons through Artistworks, described below.)
  • How-to-books! Want to try out drawing Manga? Origami? Cooking? Woodcarving? You’ll find help on our shelves.
  • Framed works of art! Get inspiration for your own masterpiece by borrowing art from the Central and Glenwood branches.

LEARN ONLINE at hclibrary.org:

  • Explore ArtistWorks, a vast library of free self-paced online video classes, taught by Grammy Award-winning musicians. Among the many options: country vocals, jazz drums, flute, clarinet, bluegrass guitar – and of course, ukulele!
  • Discover HCLS’ YouTube channel featuring your favorite library staff as they demonstrate how to make stuff from DIY crafts, to children’s projects, to art techniques.

Jean is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at HCLS Central Branch. She loves talking about books with people of all ages, but especially enjoys leading the Heavy Medals book club for fourth and fifth graders, exploring award-winning books of all genres. 

An off-white canvas bag that says Carpe Librum (seize the book) with two books peeking out of the top.

Crafting with the Cricut

Kimberly J Leave a comment
A variety of crafted items promoting reading: a canvas bag, a reuable water cup with straw, a tall candle in glass, a navy blue Tshirt, and a

by Kimberly J.

I’ve always treasured the homemade things that my mom made throughout my childhood: from my Strawberry Shortcake costume to a bunny rabbit whose dress matched mine… from a hand-drawn board book to my senior prom dress. If it was special to me, it probably came from her heart. While I inherited her love of crafting, I did not inherit her patience or skill with a sewing machine! Even so, crafting and creating is my happy place. I’ve had to find different creative endeavors, and one of my favorite tools for crafting is the Cricut machine.

The Cricut is a computerized machine which cuts a design into a wide variety of materials. It is basically a desktop CNC machine designed to cut thin materials. The Cricut can be used to cut paper to make cards, paper flowers, or gift boxes. It can cut vinyl to make stickers, signs, and stencils. Or it can cut heat transfer vinyl to decorate fabric like bags or shirts. That’s just the tip of the iceberg!

In 2022, the Glenwood Branch + Makerspace added a Cricut machine to its available equipment. Since then, it has been used to create custom sweatshirts, tote bags, candy dishes, coasters, socks, water bottles, cards, jewelry, and more. One customer used it to customize the back of her child’s team jerseys, and each got to pick a fun nickname to use for the season. Another used it to make a sign for the front of their neighborhood little library. I even used the draw and cut feature to cut magnetic sheets and paper, giving some personality to the carts around our branch.

The short end of four book carts with punny names: Cart Vader, Orson Scott Cart, Cart Blanche, and Groucho Cart.

To use the Cricut, customers can bring in any materials that they wish to cut, then use the library’s machine to make it happen. The library has a paid subscription to the Cricut Design Space App. This means using the Makerspace computers to create a project gives customers free access to thousands of graphics, fonts, and designs. To see a demonstration of how to use the Cricut at Glenwood Branch, view the YouTube video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2cSwSplryE

There are also regular project-based Cricut classes taught at Glenwood Branch + Makerspace for anyone who is a little hesitant to just start using the machine on their own. During class, each student designs on a computer and cuts their project from start to finish. This allows everyone to learn how to use both the software and the machine. To find a list of upcoming Cricut classes, click this link: https://bit.ly/HCLS_Cricut

An off-white canvas bag that says Carpe Librum (seize the book) with two books

Of course, at the library you can always find a few books to get you started:

Kimberly J is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the HCLS Glenwood Branch. She enjoys reading, photography, creating, crafting, and baking.

Black and white photo of a bridal party standing in front of a window.

Preserving Memories

Kimberly J 1 Comment
Black and white photo of a bridal party standing in front of a window.

By Kim J.

It has been more than 30 years since I’ve been able to view my family’s old home movies. They have been trapped on old camcorder tapes and shuffled from box to bin, from attic to basement. Which is why when I saw the Glenwood Branch +Makerspace digital memory station, I knew what my first project was going to be. I dug out one of many old boxes of VHS tapes and got to work – my memory is fickle, and it took seeing these videos to remember details from my childhood. For instance, I’d forgotten that my brother used to cart me around on the back of his tricycle – with my Cabbage Patch doll in tow, of course!

Two kids on a tandem tricycle

The digital memory station features the ability to preserve memories from old media. Using the VHS player and accompanying cassette adapter, home movies can be recorded using the station’s computer. One thing to keep in mind is that this can be a lengthy process. Converting videos to a digital file takes at least as long as the video itself… plus processing time. However, being able to see and share these memories again has been priceless. The only supplies required are the video, a storage device to take the digital files home, and time. A staff member is always stationed in the Makerspace who you can ask for help getting the project started.

If you want more information, watch the video that explains the VHS conversion process, step-by-step. Find it here: https://bit.ly/Glenwood-VHS

The other big draw at the memory station is the fast photo scanner. This little device can scan photos at a speed of up to 1 per second. In addition, it can be set up to scan both sides of each picture simultaneously. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would need that feature – but looking back through my scans, I found that it had captured the writing on the back of each of my photographs. My mom meticulously recorded details that have been lost to my memory. She had very distinct handwriting… and since she passed nine years ago, each of these images is a treasure to me.

Handw"Kimberley, Studen of the Month, Spet 1990, 2nd grad - Miss Bellott, Principal - Mr. Dabney

I was worried about my grandmother’s wedding picture being bent since it is already a little worn around the edges. For items like Polaroids or fragile photos, there is a flatbed scanner right next to the fast photo scanner. This can auto-detect as many images as will fit on the glass – so at least each one doesn’t have to be scanned individually.

Black and white photo of a bridal party standing in front of a window.

Step-by-step instructions on how to use the photo scanners can be found here: https://bit.ly/Glenwood-Photos

There is no charge to use any of the equipment at the digital memory station – but if a USB or CD is needed to store the digital files, they are available to purchase at the customer service desk. There is no appointment system – the digital memory station is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To check and see if it is available, call the Glenwood Branch at 410.313.5577.

Kimberly J is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the HCLS Glenwood Branch. She enjoys reading, photography, creating, crafting, and baking.

Signs advertising a 3D printer and laser cutter engraver, with examples of projects created by them on the shelves beneath, including keepsake ornaments and 3D printed flowers.

Expressing Your Creativity

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by Sahana C.

With the start of the new year comes the chance to start afresh, to explore new interests or hone old skills, and to follow through on resolutions that allow you to unlock your creativity. What better place to get inspired than the library? Across our branches, we’ve got innovative technology and tools to make your creative visions come to life. From the Makerspace at Glenwood Branch to the DIY Education Center at Elkridge Branch all the way to the A/V Lab at Savage Branch, there’s plenty to inspire your imagination.

Signs advertising a 3D printer and laser cutter engraver, with examples of projects created by them on the shelves beneath, including keepsake ornaments and 3D printed flowers.
Creations from the Makerspace at HCLS Glenwood Branch.

The Makerspace at Glenwood is a one-stop shop for all things design. With tinker bins, there’s opportunity for crafting and inventing in all sorts of innovative ways. The 3D printer is a professional grade machine and with a Glowforge, Cricut, large-format printer, a digital memory station, and a recording booth, there’s plenty to explore. The Makerspace area serves people ages eight and up, but for younger folks, the Builder’s Barn is a great place to bring designs into life. While some of the Makerspace products have associated costs for materials, you can design from start to finish. You can take Makerspace classes at Glenwood Branch. If you don’t have time to make your project, though, the Maker-To-Order system allows for HCLS staff to print or cut your fully designed files.

The photograph centers the customer service desk at the Elkridge branch's makerspace, with a wheelbarrow, ladders, and an array of books and tools to the left and behind, and a dolly and other equipment to the right.
The DIY Education Center at HCLS Elkridge Branch.

The DIY Education Center boasts a vast collection of tools for all ages, ranging from baking, biking, camping, crafts, gardening, or home improvement. The instructors are always excited to help those interested in engaging with the available tools at DIY classes held at Elkridge. The DIY Education Center even has a studio, a “mess-friendly” classroom, and a workspace. To borrow from the DIY collection, you must have a DIY library card, available to those 21 and older, who live, work, or attend school in Maryland.

Library customers stand outside a recording booth, which contains a microphone and a set of headphones draped over the mic stand.
Recording booth in the A/V Lab at HCLS Savage Branch.

The A/V Lab at Savage Branch also boasts a recording booth and 3D printer. During regular A/V Lab hours, a staff member can answer basic questions about the computer software. You can use the instruments in place, and as always, classes cans help familiarize you with each tool. Schedule a one-on-one appointment at the Savage Branch & STEM Education Center page on hclibrary.org.
If you want to find out more about how to unlock your creativity at the library this year, check out our classes, and visit us at the Makerspace, the DIY Education Center, or the A/V Lab.

Craft Works
For adults. Register here.
Let your creativity shine in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Each month, learn about different art media and explore new techniques.
Classic Book Flowers
Tue Feb 8 2-3:30 pm Central Branch.

A/V Lab
For teens and adults. Registration preferred here.
Drop-in to use the equipment in the A/V Studio. Record and mix music or create and edit movies with the help of a HiTech instructor. Walk-ins welcome.
Every Wednesday 5 – 7 pm Savage Branch.

Book Earrings and Charms
For teens & adults. Register here.
Make unique jewelry inspired by your favorite books.
Tue Feb 27 7 – 8:30 pm Elkridge Branch.

Sahana is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the Savage Branch. They enjoy adding books to their “want to read” list despite having a mountain of books waiting for them already.

The photograph depicts a tray of colorful watercolors next to two paintbrushes and a pile of painted papers, against a background of golden twinkle lights.

January is International Creativity Month

jeanboone1 Leave a comment
The photograph depicts a tray of colorful watercolors next to two paintbrushes and a pile of painted papers, against a background of golden twinkle lights.

by Jean B.

Are you ready to stir up your creative juices, push your comfort zone, and generate some innovation in your life?   

Experts agree: creativity is in all of us. It’s something you can boost and develop at any age. The ways we encourage creativity in children — with open-ended exploration, unstructured time, stories and story-telling, and playful experiences — are strategies available to all of us.   

But where to begin? It may feel risky to commit to an unfamiliar activity and expensive to invest in all the necessary equipment and supplies. Don’t worry – just look to your library! Not only are our buildings filled with books about everything under the sun (including how to be creative), but HCLS also offers instructors, speakers, experiences, tools, facilities, and spaces that alleviate the cost of trying something new.  

You might start by changing your environment. Make your imagination soar by putting a Picasso on your wall or streaming music you’ve never heard before. At our Central and Glenwood branches, you can borrow new, inspiring art every six weeks, then attend art classes at the Elkridge DIY center to create a personal masterpiece. Borrow a ukulele, then join a jam session of the Savage Ukes or use a recording booth at Glenwood to stretch those creative muscles even further. Once you are inspired by the masters, you may find it easier to produce something yourself. 

If your imagination produces more than your home equipment can support, come to HCLS for maker tools and machinery. At Elkridge Branch’s DIY Center you might borrow a sewing and embroidery machine and create beautiful textiles. At Glenwood Branch’s Makerspace, access a 3D printer and laser cutter engraver, or just play around with building toys like LEGOS, K’nex, and planks. If you get inspiration from sharing with others, you can join fellow makers at a Pins and Needle Arts class at Central Branch or Miller Branch, where conversation fuels creativity and learning. 

Young creators can get inspired at the library, too! Borrow some puppets from the HCLS toy collection to retell familiar stories and produce original tales. Visit the Glenwood Branch Builders Barn, where children enter a material-rich space to explore, discover, and create. Check out the children’s and teen’s class schedules to find art, engineering, music, and technology offerings to feed every kind of passion.

Happy Creative New Year! 

Papermaking Lab! 
Monday, January 9, 6 – 7:30 pm          
HCLS Miller Branch
Ages 11-18.
DECLUTTER then CREATE! Shred, blend, and mix to transform those old notebooks and paper into beautiful new papers! (We’ll have recycled paper, too). Experiment by adding seeds for plantable paper or denim scrap. Come back during the Wednesday Wellness class (drop-in, no registration required) on Wednesday, January 11 from 4 – 5 pm to turn your paper into a gratitude journal.

Registration suggested, drop-ins allowed if space permits. Register here.

Get to “Snow” the Laser Cutter Engraver 
Wednesday, January 11, 6 – 8 pm
HCLS Glenwood Branch
Step up your craftiness with the Makerspace! Using the laser cutter engraver, create custom snowflakes. Learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator, then send your project to be cut. Absolute beginners welcome; all materials supplied.

Ages 11 and up welcome; any participant under 18 years of age must have a parent/guardian present. Register here.

Artapalooza! 
Wednesday, January 18, 2 – 4 pm  
HCLS Miller Branch
Ages 11-18.
Spend your early dismissal day creating! Let your creativity soar in an open studio art space. We provide the supplies, you bring the imagination.

Registration preferred, drop-ins allowed if space permits. Register here (registration opens Monday, January 11 at 2 pm).

Goal Setting With Vision Boards 
Wednesday, January 18, 1 – 3 pm  
HCLS Savage Branch
Ages 11-18.
Start 2023 off right with some personal goal setting. We discuss and share different areas we’d like to improve in as well as areas that we are doing well in, then create vision boards. 

Drop-in.

Ingenious Inventions! 
Wednesday, January 25, 7 – 7:45 pm 
HCLS Miller Branch
Ages 6-10.
Don’t let history be a mystery – learn about some inventions. Includes stories, activities, and a craft. 

Ticket required. Tickets available at the children’s desk 15 minutes before class.

Slime Cafe
Monday, January 23, 3:30 – 4:15 pm
HCLS Central Branch
Ages 6-10.
Read a yucky story and learn how to combine different ingredients with a basic slime recipe to create your own unique slimes. Materials provided (unscented shampoo, corn starch, and food coloring). Dress for mess. 

Registration required.  Register here (registration opens Monday, January 16 at 3:30 pm).

A collage of the ornaments and practical items made with the laser cutter, including a Seussical 2022 ornament with the Cat in the Hat's hat, a blue snowflake, a buffalo against a backdrop of trees and mountains, two pumpkin silhouettes that say "thankful" and "grateful," a keychain that says "I luv you Dad," tropical floral earrings, and a cookbook or tablet stand.

Love for the Laser Cutter

Kimberly J Leave a comment

by Kim J.

A collage of the ornaments and practical items made with the laser cutter, including a Seussical 2022 ornament with the Cat in the Hat's hat, a blue snowflake, a buffalo against a backdrop of trees and mountains, two pumpkin silhouettes that say "thankful" and "grateful," a keychain that says "I luv you Dad," tropical floral earrings, and a cookbook or tablet stand.

I’ve been a crafter all of my life. I make costumes and throw elaborate birthday parties. My first thought when I see something beautiful in a store is usually, “Can I make that?” I love to create handmade gifts, produce decorations for birthdays, and design personal touches for my home. The laser cutter/engraver (Glowforge) at HCLS Glenwood Branch + Makerspace is the latest tool in my crafting repertoire. Among the many things I’ve been able to make are jewelry, decorations, gifts, cake toppers, valentines, teacher appreciation keychains, and an LED light. My favorite things that I’ve made are keepsakes that engrave my son’s drawings and a lighted archway that I made to try and replicate the schwibbogen that are sold in Germany.

A picture of a German Schwibbogen village scene made with the laser cutter. The photograph consists of a village with homes, a church, lampposts, and fir trees, surrounded by an arch that has more cottages and fir trees, against a blue background resembling the sky.

What is a Laser Cutter/Engraver? 

This machine allows you to put a piece of material like leather, wood, or acrylic in the machine and it carves out your product using laser light. Glowforge is the name brand for the Laser Cutter Engraver at HCLS Glenwood Branch + Makerspace. 

What materials can it cut? 

At HCLS, we only allow Proofgrade materials in the machine – Glowforge sells proofgrade materials, which are certified to be laser safe. These materials also have pre-assigned settings in the machine – telling the laser exactly what power and speed it needs so cuts and engravings produce exactly how they should! Proofgrade materials include hardwood, acrylic, draft board, plywood, veneer, and leather, among others.

A yellow and green laser cutter atom with the words "Happy Birthday" in the center, atop a science-themed birthday cake with Erlenmeyer flasks and icing atoms as decor.

How can I get Proofgrade Materials? 

The Glenwood Branch has a selection of materials to purchase directly from the library, including many colors of acrylic and several finishes for hardwood, plywood, and veneer. Alternately, you can purchase directly from the site, shop.glowforge.com, or from local craft stores that carry Proofgrade materials.

A child's handmade stick-figure drawing of a family with their dog, and the laser cutter's reproduction of it as a wooden ornament, with the year "2022" inscribed at the bottom.

What kinds of things can I make?

The photos in this post are all things that have been made in the Makerspace with the Laser Cutter/Engraver. There is so much room for creativity and customization. Your design can be high-tech – you can create an .svg from scratch with interlocking or overlapping pieces to construct 3D artwork. Your design can also be low-tech – you can convert a line art drawing, photograph, or handwriting sample into a custom-engraved keepsake. You can also browse premade designs in the application and send them with customized engravings, or you can use the application to create a design using graphics, text, and shapes.

Two snowflake earrings made with the laser cutter.

How do I get started?

If you want to see a quick intro video, you can watch on HCLS’s YouTube channel here. You can also register for upcoming make-it and take-it classes at Upcoming Laser Cutting Classes. Someone is always available in the Makerspace to help you get underway. Anyone under 18 who wishes to use the laser cutter must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Kimberly J is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the HCLS Glenwood Branch. She enjoys reading, photography, creating, crafting, and baking.