MakeHaven has a lot to explore, and it can be hard to know where to start.
GEMS (Guided Exploration of Makerspace Skills) is a 10-week guided introduction to MakeHaven that gives you a structured way to explore the space, learn useful tools, earn badges, and get comfortable making.
As a cohort of 10 people max and your coach, you’ll explore the major areas of MakeHaven: digital fabrication, woodworking, metalworking, and textiles. Along the way, you’ll complete the safety training and hands-on checkouts needed to earn badges on a selection of equipment and use what you’re learning to make projects in each area.
No previous experience is required.
Upcoming Cohorts
Pick a start date below to register. Every cohort runs 10 weeks: two 2-hour evening meetings each week, plus shop hours - and costs $285 (sliding-scale pricing available).
How GEMS Works
Meet with your cohort and coach for 10 weeks. Each week includes one 2-hour instructional session and one 2-hour guided shop session.
During instructional sessions, you’ll learn new tools and skills, work toward MakeHaven equipment badges, and get hands-on experience in different disciplines.
Guided shop sessions give you dedicated time to practice, work on your projects, and get help when you need it. Your coach stays with the cohort throughout the program, helping you navigate MakeHaven and connect what you’re learning from week to week.
Over the 10 weeks, you’ll explore wood working, metal working, digital fabrication, textiles and 2D/3D printing.
10-Week Schedule
| Week(s) | Focus Area | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction 🗓️ | Meet your cohort, learn the program's goals and expectations for participants. |
| Weeks 2-3 | Digital Fabrication 💻 | Learn Digital Fabrication Overview and Inkscape Introduction. |
| Weeks 4-5 | Woodworking 🪚 | Hands-on woodworking basics. |
| Weeks 6-7 | Metalworking 🛠️ | Learn Metalworking by using the grinder and MIG welder to create a simple steel object. |
| Weeks 8-9 | Textiles 🧵 | Develop sewing skills: use the sewing machine to sew and decorate a fabric project. |
| Week 10 | Graduation 🎓 | Celebrate your accomplishments! |
Badges You'll Earn
MakeHaven uses badges to show that you’ve completed the safety orientation and hands-on checkout required to independently use specific equipment. Once you’ve earned a badge, you can continue using that equipment as a MakeHaven member after GEMS ends.
By the end of the program, you’ll have explored several of MakeHaven’s disciplines and learned how to use a range of equipment safely.
You’ll also have experience making projects with different tools and materials, a collection of MakeHaven equipment badges, and a much better sense of how to use the space on your own.
F.A.Q.s
Who can join the GEMS program?
GEMS is designed for new members looking to dive into the maker community, but established members are also welcome to join and explore.
Do I need prior experience with tools?
No prior experience is needed! GEMS is an introductory program perfect for beginners who want to get hands-on.
Can I join if I'm not a MakeHaven member?
A MakeHaven membership is required to participate in GEMS, as the program is centered around using the space and earning badges.
Are materials provided?
Your ticket includes materials for the program-planned projects. You are always welcome to bring your own, if there is something special or specific you'd like to use.
Your coaches
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