Bellingham Makerspace Newsletter
January 2022
Hello from the Makerspace! We have exciting news for you.
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Grand Reopening
Bellingham Makerspace will be reopening to the general public on February 2, 2022. We have been partially closed. In the meantime, members who need access to the space can contact our Board President at dan@bmakers.org. We will do our best to accommodate your requests. We’re excited to be preparing Makerspace 2.0, which launches on 2/2/22.
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Makers Making Change Donation
Eighty percent of people living with a disability use some kind of aid or assistive device on a daily basis to increase their independence. However, the cost of many assistive technologies can be prohibitively expensive and people may not be able to acquire the assistive devices they need to fully participate in our communities. For many, the accommodations they need are not often addressed through standard commercial offerings and frequently need customization to be effective. A lack of access to affordable assistive technologies further isolates and marginalizes people with disabilities and limits their full inclusion in our communities. There is an untapped potential in the maker community that can positively impact the lives of people with disabilities.
Bellingham Makerspace’s Mary Elliott is the Washington State Chapter Leader for Makers Making Change, a nonprofit organization based in Canada. Makers Making Change offers a platform for makers to volunteer their time to fabricate a solution for someone in need of assistive technology. Their website, makersmakingchange.com, contains a repository of designs and projects. People with disabilities and their families can request a project that they feel will help address their barriers.
The Canadian government has told Makers Making Change that they can no longer fund events in the United States, so they have donated the contents of their storage locker in Blaine to the Makerspace so that we may continue to serve people with assistive technology needs. The locker contains Arduinos, soldering irons, and other equipment. Bellingham Makerspace is deeply grateful for this donation and opportunity.
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What is AmazonSmile?
AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones. When you shop with AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. You can choose from over one million organizations to support.
How do I shop with AmazonSmile?
To use AmazonSmile, simply go to smile.amazon.com on your web browser or activate AmazonSmile in the Amazon Shopping app on your iOS or Android phone within the Settings or Programs & Features menu. On your web browser, you can add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping with AmazonSmile.
For all of the Amazon shoppers out there, please support the Bellingham Makerspace using AmazonSmile. It really does help!
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Stay Informed
Whether you are a volunteer, member, or just want to know what we are doing at the Makerspace, stay informed by joining our SLACK channel.
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Excited about being a maker and interested in being part of Bellingham Makerspace? Our Board of Directors is working to create job descriptions as we begin searching to add several Board members and another Operations Manager. More details are forthcoming, but for now, if you are interested, please send an email to info@bmakers.org with a few paragraphs about why you think you are a good fit for the role and attach your resume or CV. Thank you!
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The marketing committee needs help and with the Board's permission we are calling on members and volunteers to form two committees to work with us improve the Makerspace.
Membership Committee
The marketing committee and the Board of Directors need assistance learning how we can improve membership retention, attract new members, and improve the Makerspace. We are asking for members and volunteers to form a committee to research this issue an act as a liaison to the Board of Directors.
Events Committee
In 2022, we plan to host one large event each quarter and join in on community based events. We need members and volunteers to form a committee to assist the marketing committee in planning our events and researching events that we can participate in.
Please email amelia@bmakers.org if you are interested in forming a committee.
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Northwest Free Repairs
Do you have items that need repairs? Northwest Free Repairs offers free repair services twice a month from 1:00-3:30pm at the Makerspace. This includes January 9 and 23. Bellingham Makerspace will be open for these events.
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Intro to Screen Printing
Interested in printing your own t-shirts? In this class, you will learn to use the Makerspace’s screen printing equipment using our pre-made screens. You will be able to choose from a number of designs and select your own colors and t-shirt blank. You will also learn to use the screen printing press and flash printer, as well as how to clean the equipment and station. This class is Wednesday, February 2 from 4:30-6:00pm. Sign up here.
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Intro to 3D Printing
Would you like to learn how to use a 3D printer? In this class, you will 3D print and assemble a fidget spinner. Using Cura, students will learn to slice a 3D design, adjust printing parameters, start a 3D print, and troubleshoot common problems. Members will be able to use the 3D printers at the Makerspace after taking this class, which is Sunday, February 6 from 3:00-4:00pm. Sign up here.
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Intro to the Laser
Would you like to learn how to safely operate the Makerspace laser cutter? Our laser cutter is extremely powerful, versatile, and large. Members can use it to cut a variety of flat materials and to engrave dozens of others. This class will teach you how to safely operate the laser, recommended materials, and safety rules and regulations. Each student will cut and engrave their own acrylic keychain. Makerspace members can use the laser for personal projects after taking this class, which is one Monday, February 7, 14, 21, or 28 from 6:00-7:00pm. Sign up here.
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Jason Davies: From Maker to Seller
Jason Davies, one of Bellingham Makerspace’s founders, teachers and operations managers, is now selling creations at the Makerspace. He took the time to answer a few questions about his journey from maker to seller.
His first memories as a maker were as a child, handing tools to his father, who built a log splitter on an old boat trailer when Jason was six. “I was always disappointed in my artistic skills and felt I could never realize the thing that was in my head using my skillset until I learned how to use digital design tools like Photoshop and Illustrator. When I paired those tools with a vinyl cutter, 3D printer and laser cutter, it opened up a new world for me. I could design on the computer and make a real thing in real life!”
Jason teaches classes in using the laser cutter, one of his favorite tools. “I love to find any excuse to use the laser cutter. I keep thinking of new ways to use it! I’m usually cutting 1/8-inch plywood to make store displays, art objects, Christmas ornaments and signs for around the Makerspace.” He also teaches classes in the vinyl cutter and vector graphics. He helps develop other teachers and classes. You can sign up for classes here.
Jason is planning several programs at the Makerspace, including “a vocational and skill-training skateboard-making program for at-risk youth as well as a group that makes needed items for rescue animals (like 3D printed wheelchairs and carts).” If you want to help, contact Jason at jason@bmakers.org.
Jason makes gifts for friends and family that later develop into products to sell. One of his most popular projects have been “custom car emblems that reference fictional starships” including an emblem of “FALCON: Millennium Edition.” His brother loved the gift. Jason has sold them on Esty. There are also some for sale in the Makerspace retail center. He is also selling laser-engraved gifts and a finger-labyrinth with a Lord of the Rings theme, pictured below.
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If you are a Bellingham Makerspace member and would like to sell your work at the Makerspace, see this document. To sign up, submit this form
Jason closed on an encouraging note. “Making stuff is fun and your fellow Makerspace members are an invaluable resource to help you along the way. Bring in your projects; ask about other’s work. Our maker community is a FANTASTIC asset for collaboration, learning and inspiration. Take advantage!”
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Intro to Screen Printing
Intro to CNC Routers
Intro to the Vinyl Cutter
Intro to the Woodshop
Intro to 3D Printing
Intro to the Laser
Intro to Vector Graphics
Intro to 3D Printing for Kids
Intro to CNC Sign Making
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Feb 2 4:30pm
Feb 2 6pm
Feb 3 6pm
Feb 4 6pm
Feb 6 3pm
Feb 7, 14, 21, or 28 6pm
Feb 10 6pm
Feb 13 3pm
Feb 14 6pm
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