We have some fantastic new workshops to announce. Our last instance of these all filled quickly! Also, the shop will be closed on Labor Day (Monday, Sep. 2nd).
Thank you for being a part of our shop!
Mike Kapetan, a master sculptor with an extensive background in the academic, spiritual, and scientific realms of art, brings his knowledge and passion to this six part workshop.
This deep dive into Wood Carving will include the tools you need to get started, the knowledge to use and maintain them effectively, and two projects you'll work on and take home with you!
Barbara Keys of Sewing Crazy is joining us for an afternoon to help you learn to maintain your sewing machine!
Cleaning, oiling, and troubleshooting minor problems will be covered.
This is a hands-on, bring your (working) sewing machine and everything needed to run it (power cord, bobbin, etc).
Join Ella in a four-part, hands-on series designed to safely introduce you to the most popular tools in our wood shop. With each tool we'll follow up with steps for you to build a classic, three legged milk stool!
Whether you're a beginner eager to learn new skills or an experienced woodworker seeking access to these tools, this series offers something for everyone.
Limited to just three participants, this series ensures personalized attention and hands-on learning!
Join Nova and Pam in a hands-on, four-part series designed to teach you to safely use the most popular tool at Maker Works! Beginners and existing users will get a fantastic onboarding learning the 50 Watt Epilog Laser AND a number of accompanying tools and materials!
Day 1: Get checked out on the laser and create a custom hardwood version of our classic 5" ruler.
Day 2: Learn the rotary tool and media blaster to customize your own drinking glass.
Day 3: Create a custom (bring your own photo) wood puzzle and learn the value of a good mask!
Day 4: Explore box making software and create a custom engraved box.
Four projects, plus a month membership to use the tools beyond the class! Class runs Sundays 10:15 am - 12:15 pm, Sep. 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th.
Limited to just six people - register here!
Whether you're interested in helping keep the shop clean, help repair community items, introduce household tools to young adults, or prepare a thousand car bodies for The Great Maker Race, we've got a number of friendly options. Learn more, and sign up here!
A huge thank you to Annick for helping teach our Household Tools workshop, and all the amazing volunteers at Fix-It-Friday!
FREE: Tours, Classes, and Repairs!
Thank you Kiwanis!
Free Tours
Last year Maker Works ran over 150 free tours of the shop. Over the next 12 months we're hoping to double that with support from Kiwanis!
Take a tour as an individual, or request one for your group!
Free household tools class
Maker Works offers an 'Intro to Intro to Household Tools' workshop that typically costs $80 / person. With support from Kiwanis we're able to provide free access for individuals, and make them available on request for groups!
Free Repairs
We estimate over 100 household items were repaired last year. Saving money, reducing waste, and emphasizing repair! Thanks to Kiwanis, we're able to continue running this activity every third Friday of the month!
These opportunities happen thanks to Kiwanis and the volunteers that help! Find out how you can volunteer here, or sign up to be notified about volunteering here!
Cleaning, Pizza, and Game Night
Saturday, September 7th!
A huge THANK YOU to the dozen people that came out in August to improve the loading dock, and Three Little Piggies BBQ for providing some seriously delicious food. Let's do it again!
Shop Cleanup!
It's time for a clean-up in the loading dock! Join us 4pm - 6pm on Saturday, September 7th to get dirty and clean-up the Metal Shop.
Pizza!
We were told that offering pizza increases the likelihood you will sign up to help clean shop!
Rumor has it there may be BBQ as well : )
Game Night!
4pm - 11pm, all ages, all are welcome!
Bring and share a game and snacks, or take advantage of Randy's impressive library. Free and open to all ages!
September Classes and Beyond!
Classes are posted on the website through September! Ready to learn? No membership required!
Choose your class and sign up today.
Don't see a date that works for you? Use the 'Request a Class' button to let us know your availability and we'll match you up with an instructor!
What's YOUR favorite online resource?
Thanks to your feedback, we had some nice additions and updates to our semi-hidden Materials & Resources page!
Next up, tell us your favorite online resource for information! Web sites, articles, youtube channels, tiktok videos, etc. Let us know!
Thank YOU Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor!
Thanks to a grant from the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor, Maker Works is able to:
Expanded Community Partnership Support (coming soon!)
Kiwanis has been a huge resource to the Ann Arbor community and beyond for over 100 years. We are thrilled to have their support!
As always, you can also support shared access to resources by:
Taking a class or starting a membership!
Sharing this newsletter with someone you know
New sponsorship opportunities to support the shop are coming soon, let me know if you'd like to be first to know!
Thank you!
Josh Williams