Below is a list of workshops I have developed for the College of the Desert Makerspace. For each, there is a link to the PDF handout for the workshop. You are free to use these in your Makerspace. Contact me for the .DOCX file.
I welcome the opportunity to teach these workshops at your Makerspace. Please contact me here.
Cricut:
Creating Paper Decorations with Cricut
In this introductory workshop, you will learn to crate elaborate paper and card stock decorations using the Cricut Design Space software. Learn how to find appropriate art work on websites, import into Design Space, customize the design and then use the Cricut machine to precision cut and/or draw the design.
PDF
Creating Greeting Cards with Cricut
This slightly advanced workshop assumes you know the Cricut Design Space software. You will learn how to find fonts on the Web and import them into your system. Then cut and assemble cards and envelopes using multiple sheets of different color papers and card stock. PDF
Roland BN-20 Vinyl Printer:
Using the Roland VersaWorks Program
When you PRINT to the BN-20 printer from Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, the print job is placed into the VersaWorks print queue. In addition to controlling the printer, the VersaWorks projects enable you to resize and crop the image. It stores previous print jobs and their settings enabling you to easily reprint a job. PDF
Making Simple Stickers with the Roland BN-20 Vinyl Printer
This workshop teaches you how to make rectangular or circular stickers using Abode Illustrator.
PDF
Creating Complex Cut Lines for the Roland BN-20 Vinyl Printer
When printing on Heat Transfer Material to create a T-shirt, you often want just the image and/or text. To do so, you need to use the Image Trace function of Abode Illustrator to outline your image and text. This workshop teaches you those techniques. PDF
Laser Cutter:
Using the Universal Laser Cutter Model VLS2.30DT
This workshop teaches you the fine points of using the program that controls the Universal Laser Cutter. PDF
Creating Wooden Boxes, Trays and Organizers with the Laser Cutter
In this workshop, we will use open source software to design patterns for wooden (or cardboard) boxes in your choice of dimensions and styles. Designs and/or text can be etched into one or more surfaces of the box. Some easy assembly will be required. PDF
Creating Jigsaw Puzzles with the Laser Cutter
Turn your favorite photo into a simple or complex jigsaw puzzle using any JPG image you bring on a memory stick or can email in advance. Optionally, bring a 5×7 or 8.5×11 photo printed on ink-jet or photo paper. PDF
Engraving Metal and Wooden Tags with the Laser Cutter
The laser cutter can engrave metal, wood, glass and plastic with text and/or images. In this workshop, you will create metal and wooden tags for your pets, keys, luggage, even business cards. Material will be provided. PDF
Creating Leather Patches with the Laser Cutter
The laser cutter can also cut and etch leather that you can then sew onto your jacket, backpack, purse, or book bag. Bring an image appropriate for a 2 to 3 inch, round, square or rectangular patch. Leather will be provided. PDF
Engraving Glasses and Water Bottles with the Laser Cutter Rotary Attachment
In addition to flat surfaces, the laser cutter can engrave cylinder surfaces such as water or wine glasses, coffee cups and metal water bottles. Water tumblers will be provided, or you can bring your own if you wish. PDF
Creating Objects to Sell with the Laser Cutter
The laser cutter can quickly cut paper, fabric, leather, wood and plastic. It can also engrave these materials (along with glass and metal) with text and/or images. This workshop will provide you with ideas and skills needed to quickly create small, inexpensive items to sell or give as gifts PDF
General Design:
Using Generative AI to Create Images for Your Stickers, T-shirts and Buttons/Pins.
Rather than take images directly off the web, learn how to create unique, one-of-a-kind, copyright free images using generative AI such as Microsoft Create. PDF
Introduction to Tinkercad: Creating Geometric-shaped Vases for 3D printing
Tinkercad is a web-based 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) program that can be used to create complex 3D models necessary for 3D printers. In this introductory course, we will be creating simple geometric shapes appropriate for use as vases. PDF
Tinkercad 2: How to 3D Print Replacement Parts
Need to replace a broken plastic part? In some cases, you can 3D print one. This workshop will show you the basic principles: how to take careful measurements, model in Tinkercad, 3D-print the part, measure resulting print and adjust model if necessary. Experience with 3D printing and Tinkercad preferred. PDF
CNC Router:
Workshop – Making Small Tiki Statues
Learn how to use the CNC Router to make objects out of a block of wood. We start with small Tiki statues since they can be made within an hour, but the principles learned can be used to make larger objects.
PDF
Making Wooden Trays Using a Simple Template
Learn how to scale a very simple template to make wooden trays of various sizes. The principles learned can be used to make other objects. PDF
3D Printing:
3D Printing of Multi-colored Objects
The Bambu printer enables the printing of multi-colored (up to 4 colors) objects. This course will teach you how to use the Bambu software to colorize a STL file. Experienced with 3D printer preferred. PDF
Creating 3D Models to Illustrate Scientific Principles
There are many open-source designs for models that illustrate scientific principles in physics, chemistry, math and health. This workshop will teach you how to find appropriate designs, chose the most interesting ones, print, assemble and present the models. PDF
Creating 3D-printed Lithophanes from a Photo or Image
Lithophanes are 3D printed panels what create an image that’s only visible when lit from behind. This workshop will teach you how to use open-source software to create 3D STL files from your photographs or image files. PDF
Handouts for Various 3D Printers:
Creality CR-10 PDF
Luzbot-TAZ5 PDF
MakerBot Replicator PDF
Saturn Resin Printer PDF
Ultimaker S3 PDF
Fredric Raab 