WooHoo!

We're setting up our new screenprinting shop this week at the Fredericton Makerspace. 

Screenprinting - sometimes called silk-screening - is a process of applying inked artwork to paper, t-shirts, tote bags and other things. As a makerspace member - you'll be able to use this equipment to create your own custom screenprinted products.

So how can you use this new shop?

• make custom t-shirts for your family reunion, special friends, or a birthday celebration
• test drive your own small business selling your unique artwork on paper, fabrics, coasters & more
• experiment with different screenprinting techniques to develop your unique style

Artist Philiip LeBlanc will be hosting an Introduction to Screenprinting workshop at the Fredericton Makerspace this weekend:
Saturday, May 9th
Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Cost: $30.00
Pre-registration required: 

Don't miss out - Get your ticket now!
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/introduction-to-screenprinting-tickets-16794796689

While it may sound a little strange to consider paper a high tech material, it's definitely time for us to be imagining creative new ways of doing things.

Creative technologist, Coralie Gourguechon conducts workshops exploring the intersection between paper crafts and electronics.

Imagine walking down Charlotte or York Street and seeing a box on someone's lawn with a "Little Free Library" sign on the front. You can't resist opening the door and browsing the selection of books inside. The sign clearly invites you to "take one and return one in exchange". 

This delightful approach to a community book exchange first appeared in a Los Angeles Times news story about three years ago. The Little Free Library concept has since spread across the US and around the world thanks to book lovers who want to share their passion with their communities.

This is just the type of walking-friendly idea that brings neighbours together and one the city of Fredericton could certainly embrace. All it takes is ONE person to start a movement. What are you waiting for?

Everyday, thousands of shipping pallets are 'retired' after a single use - a one way trip from a manufacturers' warehouse to wholesale or retail outlets. As a result, these pallets are often free for the taking by anyone who wants them.

Up-cycling shipping pallets into furniture has turned into a passion for many people and a business for others like Donna Zang. It all started when she built a wine rack for her brother. Since then, she's been building and selling wine racks, end tables and coffee tables at prices between $50 and $250 per piece.

Not bad considering she can get the wood for free.

Drop in and take to the makers current building pallet furniture at the Fredericton Makerspace.

Have you got what it takes to design, build and operate a robot in a weekend?

This grueling team competition is open to High School and University students. It all starts with  a Friday evening info session where you discover the tasks your robot must accomplish.

You have all day Saturday to design, build and test your robot so don't plan on getting much sleep.

Sunday is showtime - when the teams compete against each other for the top prize - and bragging rights of course.

The Sunday competition is open for public viewing in the Dineen Auditorium (Head Hall) .

Got a drawer full of old T-shirts that don't fit anymore?

Why not turn them into tote bags for carrying your beach gear,  children's toys or your groceries?

This Instructable by sewmargaretsew guides you through the steps for this easy-to-do recycling project. They're machine-washable, strong and reusable.

You can keep one in your car or even your purse to have handy when you need it.

Fredericton Makerspace has a sewing machine and serger available for use. If you want to learn to use these machines, we can get you started.

As winter sets in we all start to think about the cost of heating our homes. 

Capturing and managing the heat from the sun - called 'passive solar heating' - is one the most inexpensive and sustainable ways to reduce your carbon footprint and heating bills. 

Solar air heaters - sometimes called 'pop can heaters' are a great DIY project. There are hundreds of design ideas, how-to videos and articles online to get you started.

If a portion of your home gets direct sunshine on it for several hours during the day, why not make the most of it and capture all that free heat.

Here's a brilliant idea - literally! - a step-by-step guide on how to turn that bunch of old phone chargers in your junk drawer into cool and useful LED Lamps.

Instructables has an unlimited supply of how-to ideas from practical to the truly whacko. If you consider yourself a hard core 'Maker' then you've already got this site bookmarked.

Many people want to make things - but simply lack the confidence to get started. 
Why not take the first few steps:

1. Look around sites like Instructables for inspiration.
2. Start thinking about how you'd do it.
3. If you don't feel you have the ability to do it all, bring it to the Makerspace and meet makers who can help you.