December is here, which means it's time for the holiday season! If you're looking for the perfect gift, a quick trip to the Makerplace may be just what you need. We've created a list of some of the easiest items that can be made at the Makerplace in a short amount of time. The Makerplace, located at 112 N. Belmont Ave., is home to more than 40 different types of equipment, all available free of charge. From laser cutters to 3D printers, you won't run out of ways to handmake the perfect gift for your loved ones.
There are costs for materials used to produce items on some equipment. Find instructions on how to use the equipment mentioned here at ahml.info/makerplace/equipment.
Custom Holiday Mugs
Family photos, someone's name or even a delicious hot chocolate recipe - just about any design you can think of can be printed - or hand-drawn! - onto a mug using the Makerplace's Cricut Mug Press. If you have an already-prepared design, all you will need to do is upload it onto Canva, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator (all of which are available on Makerplace computers). Once the design is uploaded, print it onto sublimation paper using the Makerplace's Sublimation Printer, and then complete using the mug press. The Makerplace also provides access to sublimation markers - these can be used to hand-draw designs directly onto sublimation paper. Afterwards, use the mug press to finish the mug.
Gift-wrapping Station
All throughout December, if you create a mug at the Makerplace, you'll also be given a gift box to put it in for no extra charge. What should your next step be? Try out the Makerplace's holiday gift-wrapping station. While supplies last, the Makerplace will also provide ribbons that can be used for holiday gift packaging.
Holiday Gift Labels
Not only can you make a custom gift and then package it at the Makerplace, you can also use templates Makerplace staff have created to put together festive gift labels and tags. You can find ready-made templates on the Makerplace's sticker printer station. Once you've decided which design you want for your gifts, use the Primera LX610 Sticker Printer/Cutter to easily print your labels.
Custom Apron
Looking for even more gift inspiration? It is easy to create all sorts of holiday gear and presents using the Makerplace's Cricut Design software. When you have your designs ready-to-go, you can use the Cricut Maker 3 Cutting Machine to cut vinyl, fabrics, leather, paper and other materials. This machine is great for holiday T-shirts, holiday cards, paper and more. You can also use the Cricut EasyPress Heat Press Machine to heat-transfer vinyl, infusible inks and other heat-transfer fabric appliques. Both pieces of equipment can be used to create a holiday apron for the chef in your life and many other customizable gifts.
Adobe Illustrator Drop-in
Thursday, December 11, 6-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 17, 1:30-3 p.m.
Makerplace, 112 N. Belmont Ave., Flex Space 2
Need help creating the perfect gift? Learn more how to use Adobe Illustrator and get your personal project questions answered. Bring in any files you're working on at this drop-in workshop.
We're Here to Help
If you are a new maker, you can also schedule a one-on-one session with Makerplace staff to help you get started. One-on-one sessions are for library cardholders only. Learn more about the Makerplace at ahml.info/makerplace.