By Maureen Wilson —
The end of the semester has been on everyone’s mind lately, but there’s nothing more relaxing than simply taking a step back and creating something instead of cramming for final exams. In this TEC Lab event, hosted recently on the Middletown campus, participants had a wide selection of gifts they could make in preparation for this giving season. Besides, is there anything more heartfelt than a handmade gift?
At this workshop, there were tables set up for bead art and bracelet making. Another table had plenty of items participants were able to personalize, such as water bottles, wallets, puzzles, coasters, pencil cases, tags, mouse pads, and magnets, just to name a few. Specifically, for the winter season, there were also options to make your own ornament and examples from previous years that served as helpful models.
Like always, the event was free and using the machines, such as the sublimation printer, heat press, vinyl cutter, wood burning pens, and engravers, came at no cost to participants. However, if you are interested in using these tools outside of this open house and upcoming events, you can book the lab for up to two hours online during library hours. Charges can vary depending on what you’re working on, and if you’ll be using library resources. For example, tote bags are $4.00 while keychains will set you back a mere $1.00. That’s why it’s important to check out the workshops, since these items are complementary and the library staff can show you how everything works.
The upcoming workshops will be announced once the spring semester begins. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, check your email for the occasional update, or check library’s website here for additional details about the TEC Lab Makerspace Workshop schedule.
Happy holidays!