All Past Events

During the program, participants will go through tool introductions, both as a group and independently with guidance. These digital badges serve as a record of the participant's progress in completing the required safety orientations for different tools. The goal of the program is to earn 12+ badges with at least two in each of the focus areas (wood, metal, textiles, digital), and complete a project in each section that can be presented in a show-and-tell session during graduation.

Learn more about the program here.

This event is for Makeaven members only: Spring Garden Cleanup & Planning Party 🌱
Join us in the sunshine as we get our community garden and garden patio ready for the season! We'll be pulling weeds, prepping soil, and sprucing up the space—plus dreaming up what we want to grow and build this year. Whether you’ve got a green thumb or just love getting your hands dirty, come lend a hand and help shape this shared space.

MakeHaven and Spruce Coffee are teaming up for a free monthly workshop! Join us at Spruce Coffee (952 State Street) April 21 at 7:00 PM to learn to make your very own origami mobile. Supplies and instruction will be provided, we hope to see you there!

Be a MakeHaven Hero! Join us at The Fundraising Factory—your one-stop shop for building an awesome fundraising page to support MakeHaven during The Great Give! Whether you’re a Great Giver or just starting out, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to create your personal fundraising page and share your love for MakeHaven with the world.

Ready to bring your designs to life with 3D printing? Join us for this group badging event, designed to help members confidently complete their in-person check-out on MakeHaven’s 3D printers. Together, we’ll walk through the check-out process by creating a small, personalized print. Working in a group makes the experience more approachable and provides an opportunity to connect with fellow makers!

Calling all artists, doodlers, and creative minds! Sketchbook Social is a laid-back, welcoming space where you can draw, sketch, and share ideas with fellow creatives—whether you work on paper, digitally, or in any other medium. Bring your sketchbook, tablet, or favorite tools and enjoy a relaxed, judgment-free atmosphere to create, experiment, and connect.

Master the essential tools of the woodshop and earn your Woodshop badge in this hands-on class. Learn how to safely and effectively use the miter saw, planer, and jointer while completing the Woodshop badge requirements. By the end of the session, you’ll have the confidence and certification to access these tools independently at MakeHaven.

Trivia Mixer Meetup
Join us for a free and fun-filled trivia afternoon where you help shape the game! Every player gets to suggest a category, so expect a wild and wonderful mix of questions—from pop culture to pasta shapes. Bring your brain, bring a friend, and get ready to play!

In this red-hot workshop, discover the wonders of induction forging by creating a custom BBQ fork or a magic wand. Under the guiding hands of our expert, you'll unlock the secrets of shaping steel with an induction forge, basic hammer techniques, and a touch of wizardry. No experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and a desire to transform steel into something magical.

Ready to earn your Sewing Machine Badge and create something cozy? Join us for this group badging event, designed to help members confidently complete their in-person check-out while crafting a functional and fun microwavable rice neck pillow.

Join us for a mesmerizing journey into the art of laser lantern making! Bring your unique design ideas to life as you learn the ins and outs of utilizing a laser cutter to intricately craft your lantern masterpiece. In this hands-on class, you'll not only design and cut your lantern but also master the basics of wiring to bring your creation to life with a warm, radiant glow.

What’s the difference between cement and concrete? What do all of the letters mean on the bags of mortar? Why are my bricks cracking after they’ve been just been repointed?

Join Adam for an inspiring gathering with members of the local woodworking community! At this meetup, we'll come together to brainstorm, share projects, and exchange ideas in a welcoming and collaborative environment.

Embark on a creative journey into the world of stained glass with our beginner-friendly workshop. Learn the renowned "Tiffany" method, encompassing designing, cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering techniques to craft your own unique glass panel. This hands-on class is tailored for beginners, offering step-by-step guidance to ensure everyone masters the essential skills. By the end of the workshop, each participant will proudly take home their completed stained glass creation.

Learn how to safely and effectively use the waterjet cutter while completing the Waterjet badge requirements. In this hands-on session, you’ll design and cut a custom metal keychain, gaining practical experience with the tool. By the end of the session, you’ll have the skills and certification to independently operate the waterjet cutter at MakeHaven.

Embark on your woodworking journey with A Cut(ting Board) Above the Rest, where the art of crafting meets the practicality of creating a custom, handmade piece. Whether you're new to woodworking or looking to elevate your kitchen game, this introductory class led by Akeera is the perfect opportunity to delve into the world of woodcraft.

Dive into the world of sewing with our four-hour beginner workshop at MakeHaven! This hands-on class is designed for newcomers eager to learn the essentials of sewing in a supportive and creative environment. You’ll explore the history of sewing, understand the operations of a sewing machine, and discover various fabric types and their uses. By the end of the workshop, you’ll practice basic hand stitches and even start a simple sewing project. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby or add a skill to your DIY toolkit, this workshop is the perfect starting point.

An exclusive, members‑only 45‑minute tour of Creature Feature Toys on -- see their setup for silicone casting and mold‑making up close.

Ready to earn your Screen Printing Badge and create your first print?
Join us for this group badging event, designed to help members confidently complete their in-person check-out while diving into the creative world of screen printing. Working in a group setting makes the process less intimidating and more collaborative!

Dive into the world of metalworking with the Bridgeport Manual Mill class, where safety meets the art of basic metal milling operations. This class equips participants with the essential skills to master the Bridgeport Mill, a standard manual knee-type vertical milling machine, while creating a functional and stylish project: a pair of metal 6-sided dice.

Discover the artistry of rug tufting, a creative process where participants will sketch a pattern on a cloth, then use a tufting gun to inject the yarn into the cloth.

Take your branding and marketing skills to the next level with our advanced Branding & Marketing Master Class. This comprehensive workshop is designed for those looking to dive deep into the art and science of building a strong brand identity and executing effective marketing strategies. Participants will learn how to balance creative storytelling with data-driven approaches to ensure their brand resonates with the right audience. The curriculum covers everything from market analysis and consumer behavior to cutting-edge digital marketing techniques and social media engagement. By the end of this class, you’ll have a powerful toolkit to elevate your brand’s presence and drive growth.

Discover the joy of crafting your own pens in our engaging 3-hour workshop! One of the most common items in everyday life is the pen, and making one yourself from wood and acrylic is a rewarding experience that anyone can achieve.

In this red-hot workshop, discover the wonders of induction forging by creating a custom BBQ fork or a magic wand. Under the guiding hands of our expert, you'll unlock the secrets of shaping steel with an induction forge, basic hammer techniques, and a touch of wizardry. No experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and a desire to transform steel into something magical.

Learn the fundamentals of MIG and TIG welding while completing the Welding badge requirements. This hands-on class will teach you to safely and effectively use welding equipment, focusing on basic techniques and proper setup. You can choose to earn your badge for MIG welding, TIG welding, or both during the session. By the end of the class, you’ll have the skills and certification needed for independent access to welding equipment at MakeHaven.

Join us for a hands-on class where creativity meets sustainability! In Sustainable Scrap Quilting, you’ll learn how to transform fabric scraps from our shop into a cozy quilt that will keep you or a loved one warm. This class is a great way to recycle fabric pieces that would otherwise end up in a landfill, while gaining essential quilting skills.

Embark on a journey into the world of 3D design with our "Mastering SOLIDWORKS: Fundamentals of 3D Part Modeling" workshop. SOLIDWORKS stands as the industry standard for 3D design, and this workshop is your gateway to unlocking its vast potential. Whether you're charting a course for a STEAM career or simply eager to dive into the realm of 3D modeling, this fundamentals module is tailored for those new to 3D solid modeling.

Radio license exam

Add a touch of creativity to your candles with this fun and unique workshop! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn to paint vibrant designs directly onto candles using colored wax, creating a personal and burn-safe masterpiece. Whether you’re going for whimsical flair or elegant simplicity, this is the perfect opportunity to explore a new art form while crafting something truly special.

Unlock the capabilities of CNC with VCarve Pro, an intuitive software designed for creating and cutting parts on a CNC Router. VCarve Pro empowers you to produce intricate 2D patterns, offering profile, pocket, drill, and inlay toolpaths. Dive into the world of v-carving textures and explore the limitless possibilities of importing and machining Vectric 3D clipart or single model files.

Ever wondered what a tiny drop of pond water or a slice of onion really looks like up close? Join us for a free, hands-on meetup at MakeHaven, where we'll introduce the compound microscope and take a deep dive into the hidden details of a prepared slide.

Master the essential tools of the woodshop and earn your Woodshop badge in this hands-on class. Learn how to safely and effectively use the miter saw, planer, and jointer while completing the Woodshop badge requirements. By the end of the session, you’ll have the confidence and certification to access these tools independently at MakeHaven.

Trivia Mixer Meetup
Join us for a free and fun-filled trivia afternoon where you help shape the game! Every player gets to suggest a category, so expect a wild and wonderful mix of questions—from pop culture to pasta shapes. Bring your brain, bring a friend, and get ready to play!

Discover the artistry of rug tufting, a creative process where participants will sketch a pattern on a cloth, then use a tufting gun to inject the yarn into the cloth.

Step into the world of metalworking with our comprehensive lathe workshop, where safety meets precision and creativity knows no bounds. This hands-on class covers all the essentials of lathe operation, from safety protocols to basic machining techniques, empowering you to bring your metalworking dreams to life.

Discover the joy of crafting your own pens in our engaging 3-hour workshop! One of the most common items in everyday life is the pen, and making one yourself from wood and acrylic is a rewarding experience that anyone can achieve.

Join the brewing community to make beer!

Explore the craft of screen printing in this engaging, hands-on workshop. Start with a live demonstration of screen creation, where you’ll learn how to prepare and set up designs. Then, try your hand at printing your own designs using pre-made screens. Ideal for beginners or those curious about trying a new creative technique, this workshop offers a chance to combine practical skills with artistic expression, resulting in custom prints to take home.

Join Adam for an inspiring gathering with members of the local woodworking community! At this meetup, we'll come together to brainstorm, share projects, and exchange ideas in a welcoming and collaborative environment.

A life-threatening injury can happen anytime, anywhere. Knowing how to stop severe bleeding can save a life in the critical moments before emergency responders arrive. In this Stop the Bleed training, participants will learn and practice essential bleeding control techniques, gaining the confidence to act in an emergency.

Ready to earn your Sewing Machine Badge and create something cozy? Join us for this group badging event, designed to help members confidently complete their in-person check-out while crafting a functional and fun microwavable rice neck pillow.

Discover the artistry of rug tufting, a creative process where participants will sketch a pattern on a cloth, then use a tufting gun to inject the yarn into the cloth.

Embark on your woodworking journey with A Cut(ting Board) Above the Rest, where the art of crafting meets the practicality of creating a custom, handmade piece. Whether you're new to woodworking or looking to elevate your kitchen game, this introductory class led by Akeera is the perfect opportunity to delve into the world of woodcraft.

Embark on your woodworking journey with A Cut(ting Board) Above the Rest, where the art of crafting meets the practicality of creating a custom, handmade piece. Whether you're new to woodworking or looking to elevate your kitchen game, this introductory class led by Akeera is the perfect opportunity to delve into the world of woodcraft.

Radio license exam

Ready to bring your designs to life with 3D printing? Join us for this group badging event, designed to help members confidently complete their in-person check-out on MakeHaven’s 3D printers. Together, we’ll walk through the check-out process by creating a small, personalized print. Working in a group makes the experience more approachable and provides an opportunity to connect with fellow makers!

Calling all knitting and crochet enthusiasts! Join us at MakeHaven for our monthly gathering, meticulously orchestrated by Denise, one of our esteemed textile facilitators.

Join us for a hands-on class where creativity meets sustainability! In Sustainable Scrap Quilting, you’ll learn how to transform fabric scraps from our shop into a cozy quilt that will keep you or a loved one warm. This class is a great way to recycle fabric pieces that would otherwise end up in a landfill, while gaining essential quilting skills.

Looking for a great introduction to woodworking? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create a stylish and functional 8.5x11 frame from start to finish. Guided by a seasoned instructor, you’ll explore essential woodworking techniques, including measuring, cutting, assembling, and finishing. Walk away with a beautiful, handmade frame to showcase your favorite artwork, photos, or documents—perfect for your home or office.

Master the essential tools of the woodshop and earn your Woodshop badge in this hands-on class. Learn how to safely and effectively use the miter saw, planer, and jointer while completing the Woodshop badge requirements. By the end of the session, you’ll have the confidence and certification to access these tools independently at MakeHaven.

After the Second Sunday hang, come help make our woodshop sparkle! Will have pizza and lots of high fives afterwards.

Learn how to safely and effectively use the waterjet cutter while completing the Waterjet badge requirements. In this hands-on session, you’ll design and cut a custom metal keychain, gaining practical experience with the tool. By the end of the session, you’ll have the skills and certification to independently operate the waterjet cutter at MakeHaven.

Trivia Mixer Meetup
Join us for a free and fun-filled trivia afternoon where you help shape the game! Every player gets to suggest a category, so expect a wild and wonderful mix of questions—from pop culture to pasta shapes. Bring your brain, bring a friend, and get ready to play!

Discover the joy of crafting your own pens in our engaging 3-hour workshop! One of the most common items in everyday life is the pen, and making one yourself from wood and acrylic is a rewarding experience that anyone can achieve.

Join us for a special Valentine’s Day workshop where creativity meets love! In this festive session, you’ll craft a beautiful set of heart-shaped earrings and a matching pendant, perfect as a heartfelt gift or a unique accessory for yourself. Personalize your jewelry with a wide array of decorations and colors, and learn the art of resin jewelry making under expert guidance.

Join Adam for an inspiring gathering with members of the local woodworking community! At this meetup, we'll come together to brainstorm, share projects, and exchange ideas in a welcoming and collaborative environment.

Unlock the capabilities of CNC with VCarve Pro, an intuitive software designed for creating and cutting parts on a CNC Router. VCarve Pro empowers you to produce intricate 2D patterns, offering profile, pocket, drill, and inlay toolpaths. Dive into the world of v-carving textures and explore the limitless possibilities of importing and machining Vectric 3D clipart or single model files.

Annual MakeHaven Member Meeting

Learn how to safely and effectively use the waterjet cutter while completing the Waterjet badge requirements. In this hands-on session, you’ll design and cut a custom metal keychain, gaining practical experience with the tool. By the end of the session, you’ll have the skills and certification to independently operate the waterjet cutter at MakeHaven.

Discover the artistry of rug tufting, a creative process where participants will sketch a pattern on a cloth, then use a tufting gun to inject the yarn into the cloth.

Transform your vision of New Haven into wearable art! Join us for drop-in design sessions where you can create your entry for the New Haven T-Shirt Design Competition in a relaxed, creative environment to work on your submission.

In this red-hot workshop, discover the wonders of induction forging by creating a custom BBQ fork or a magic wand. Under the guiding hands of our expert, you'll unlock the secrets of shaping steel with an induction forge, basic hammer techniques, and a touch of wizardry. No experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and a desire to transform steel into something magical.

Interested in polymer clay? Come hang out for a brief demo and some work time with other artists. This month I'll demonstrate the Skinner blend - Judith Skinner's elegant solution to graduated colors.

Discover the artistry of rug tufting, a creative process where participants will sketch a pattern on a cloth, then use a tufting gun to inject the yarn into the cloth.

Embark on your woodworking journey with A Cut(ting Board) Above the Rest, where the art of crafting meets the practicality of creating a custom, handmade piece. Whether you're new to woodworking or looking to elevate your kitchen game, this introductory class led by Akeera is the perfect opportunity to delve into the world of woodcraft.

Explore the world of bookmaking in our two-session workshop! From journals to artist's books, learn how to create unique containers for your thoughts, drawings, and more using repurposed materials. Led by experienced instructors, this hands-on course will teach you essential bookmaking techniques while encouraging experimentation and creativity.

Discover the joy of crafting your own pens in our engaging 3-hour workshop! One of the most common items in everyday life is the pen, and making one yourself from wood and acrylic is a rewarding experience that anyone can achieve.

Welcome back to re-X Clinic series where we reduce, reuse, redesign, reclaim materials before recycling or sending tired items to landfills. This month we are gathering ideas for 2025. What would you like to learn in order to reduce emissions in your daily life?

Learn the fundamentals of MIG and TIG welding while completing the Welding badge requirements. This hands-on class will teach you to safely and effectively use welding equipment, focusing on basic techniques and proper setup. You can choose to earn your badge for MIG welding, TIG welding, or both during the session. By the end of the class, you’ll have the skills and certification needed for independent access to welding equipment at MakeHaven.

Calling all knitting and crochet enthusiasts! Join us at MakeHaven for our monthly gathering, meticulously orchestrated by Denise, one of our esteemed textile facilitators.

During the program, participants will go through tool introductions, both as a group and independently with guidance. These digital badges serve as a record of the participant's progress in completing the required safety orientations for different tools. The goal of the program is to earn 12+ badges with at least two in each of the focus areas (wood, metal, textiles, digital), and complete a project in each section that can be presented in a show-and-tell session during graduation.

Learn more about the program here.

Step into the world of metalworking with our comprehensive lathe workshop, where safety meets precision and creativity knows no bounds. This hands-on class covers all the essentials of lathe operation, from safety protocols to basic machining techniques, empowering you to bring your metalworking dreams to life.

Explore the world of bookmaking in our two-session workshop! From journals to artist's books, learn how to create unique containers for your thoughts, drawings, and more using repurposed materials. Led by experienced instructors, this hands-on course will teach you essential bookmaking techniques while encouraging experimentation and creativity.

Ready to bring your designs to life with 3D printing? Join us for this group badging event, designed to help members confidently complete their in-person check-out on MakeHaven’s 3D printers. Together, we’ll walk through the check-out process by creating a small, personalized print. Working in a group makes the experience more approachable and provides an opportunity to connect with fellow makers!

The Foundations of Fabrication (FoF) program is an expansive course that covers 15 disciplines over 4.5 months.

Master the essential tools of the woodshop and earn your Woodshop badge in this hands-on class. Learn how to safely and effectively use the miter saw, planer, and jointer while completing the Woodshop badge requirements. By the end of the session, you’ll have the confidence and certification to access these tools independently at MakeHaven.

Trivia Mixer Meetup
Join us for a free and fun-filled trivia afternoon where you help shape the game! Every player gets to suggest a category, so expect a wild and wonderful mix of questions—from pop culture to pasta shapes. Bring your brain, bring a friend, and get ready to play!

In this red-hot workshop, discover the wonders of induction forging by creating a custom BBQ fork or a magic wand. Under the guiding hands of our expert, you'll unlock the secrets of shaping steel with an induction forge, basic hammer techniques, and a touch of wizardry. No experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and a desire to transform steel into something magical.

Join Adam for an inspiring gathering with members of the local woodworking community! At this meetup, we'll come together to brainstorm, share projects, and exchange ideas in a welcoming and collaborative environment.

Ready to earn your Sewing Machine Badge and create something cozy? Join us for this group badging event, designed to help members confidently complete their in-person check-out while crafting a functional and fun microwavable rice neck pillow.

Learn how to safely and effectively use the waterjet cutter while completing the Waterjet badge requirements. In this hands-on session, you’ll design and cut a custom metal keychain, gaining practical experience with the tool. By the end of the session, you’ll have the skills and certification to independently operate the waterjet cutter at MakeHaven.

Take your branding and marketing skills to the next level with our advanced Branding & Marketing Master Class. This comprehensive workshop is designed for those looking to dive deep into the art and science of building a strong brand identity and executing effective marketing strategies. Participants will learn how to balance creative storytelling with data-driven approaches to ensure their brand resonates with the right audience. The curriculum covers everything from market analysis and consumer behavior to cutting-edge digital marketing techniques and social media engagement. By the end of this class, you’ll have a powerful toolkit to elevate your brand’s presence and drive growth.

Take your branding and marketing skills to the next level with our advanced Branding & Marketing Master Class. This comprehensive workshop is designed for those looking to dive deep into the art and science of building a strong brand identity and executing effective marketing strategies. Participants will learn how to balance creative storytelling with data-driven approaches to ensure their brand resonates with the right audience. The curriculum covers everything from market analysis and consumer behavior to cutting-edge digital marketing techniques and social media engagement. By the end of this class, you’ll have a powerful toolkit to elevate your brand’s presence and drive growth.

Calling all knitting and crochet enthusiasts! Join us at MakeHaven for our monthly gathering, meticulously orchestrated by Denise, one of our esteemed textile facilitators.

Join us in growing the MakeHaven community by spreading the word about MakeHaven!

Join us for a festive workshop where you’ll craft your own resin winter ornaments—perfect for adding a personalized touch to your holiday décor or gifting to loved ones.

Welcome back to re-X Clinic series where we reduce, reuse, redesign, reclaim materials before recycling or sending tired items to landfills. This month we are gathering to make reusable "fabric" from soft plastic. You will be able to make a tote bag from your fabric, and the pattern that the instructor will share.

Discover the artistry of rug tufting, a creative process where participants will sketch a pattern on a cloth, then use a tufting gun to inject the yarn into the cloth.

Dive into the world of metalworking with the Bridgeport Manual Mill class, where safety meets the art of basic metal milling operations. This class equips participants with the essential skills to master the Bridgeport Mill, a standard manual knee-type vertical milling machine. The Bridgeport name is synonymous with quality, making it a staple in machine shops across the nation.

In this red-hot workshop, discover the wonders of induction forging by creating a custom BBQ fork or a magic wand. Under the guiding hands of our expert, you'll unlock the secrets of shaping steel with an induction forge, basic hammer techniques, and a touch of wizardry. No experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and a desire to transform steel into something magical.

Discover the joy of crafting your own pens in our engaging 3-hour workshop! One of the most common items in everyday life is the pen, and making one yourself from wood and acrylic is a rewarding experience that anyone can achieve.

Create a unique polymer clay ornament perfect for holiday decorations or to enjoy all year round! This hands-on class is designed to teach you the essential skills needed to craft your own beautiful ornaments using polymer clay canes. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience, this workshop is an excellent way to unleash your creativity.

Explore the art of self-expression and storytelling in this life-centered writing workshop. Designed to help you uncover and develop your unique voice, this session draws inspiration from personal experiences and observations of the world around you. Whether you’re new to writing or looking to reconnect with your craft, this engaging workshop will set you on a path to creating authentic, heartfelt pieces that reflect your individual perspective.

Join Adam for an inspiring gathering with members of the local woodworking community! At this meetup, we'll come together to brainstorm, share projects, and exchange ideas in a welcoming and collaborative environment.

Join us for a mesmerizing journey into the art of laser lantern making! Bring your unique design ideas to life as you learn the ins and outs of utilizing a laser cutter to intricately craft your lantern masterpiece. In this hands-on class, you'll not only design and cut your lantern but also master the basics of wiring to bring your creation to life with a warm, radiant glow.

Calling all knitting and crochet enthusiasts! Join us at MakeHaven for our monthly gathering, meticulously orchestrated by Denise, one of our esteemed textile facilitators.

Discover the artistry of rug tufting, a creative process where participants will sketch a pattern on a cloth, then use a tufting gun to inject the yarn into the cloth.

Discover the joy of crafting your own pens in our engaging 3-hour workshop! One of the most common items in everyday life is the pen, and making one yourself from wood and acrylic is a rewarding experience that anyone can achieve.