Open Works
Projects for Makers
Learning a news skills is a lot of fun, but it’s also a challenge. As much as we want to just pick up and start creating that big project we’ve been planing, there’s usually a few steps between learning how to operate a tool safely and feeling comfortalble and creative with it. Here are a few resources to help find some fun and reward projects so you can keep building those skills.
Wood
Boxes
Boxes are a great project for beginners and experienced woodworkers because they’re a great way to practice some foundational technique and you have a useful item when you’re done. This straightforward tutorial video for WoodWorkWeb is nice because of how easy it scales, giving you a lot of options when it comes to materials.
If you’re looking for more box designs, Fine Woodworking has a whole series of projects that focus on learning through making boxes.
Kreg Tools Project Library
Kreg makes a variety of tools like pocket hole jigs, saw guides, and router accessories. They also have a sizable library of projects on their website. Unsurprisingly, their projects feature a lot of the tolls they make, but don’t worry, this isn’t a Kreg commercial! Our woodshop has just about any tool you’d need to complete a project from their library. Their projects range from beginner to advanced and include a furniture styles and ideas.
They even have some plans for a quick, $30 rustic bench that can be made in one afternoon.
Laser Cutter
Looking for some laser cutter ideas? Maker and youtuber Greylightening has put together this whirlwind tour of 40 different project and is a great place to start looking the variety of different ways to use the laser cutter to create!
Metal
Learning to weld opens up a world of possibilities. Maker Audreyobscura of instructables and Echo Echo Studios put together this great guide to making this sleek metal stool. It practices cutting, welding, grinding, and finishing and results in an attractive piece of furniture.
CNC Router
The folks at CNCSouced have put together this great list of 7 Cool & Useful CNC Router Projects. The projects vary in size and complexity and include a jigsaw puzzle, a ukulele, some creative shelving, a teddy bear coin bank, CNC scissor chairs, a cryptic calendar, and a equatorial sundial. Looks like there’s a little something for everyone!
Also, be sure to check out ShopBot’s youtube page. They don’t have much by way of project tutorials, but they have hours of instructional content.
Digital Embroidery
Machine Embroidery Geek as a great list of project ideas with tips for beginners along with a bunch of other resources.
Open Works Weekly 4/7/23
Increasing Digital Equity Beginning this Spring! A number of different neighborhoods throughout central Baltimore will be able to charge their devices and access WiFi thanks to our partnership with the Central Baltimore Partnership (CBP). The 29th Street Community...
Open Works Weekly 3/31/23
Do you want to bring your young person into the Textiles shop to sew with you? It's time to get them youth certified! Combined with our new youth membership option, we now offer a portable sewing machine class that prepares you and your young person for working...
Open Works Weekly 3/24/23
We've got just TWO of our 105 micro-studios left! Small but mighty, each comes with fast wi-fi, an optional workbench, and conference room privileges. But the best part is joining up with the fascinating and wide-ranging creative community! And have we mentioned the...
Open Works Weekly 3/17/23
TODAY! Join us at 10:30 with your little one for story time with Mrs. Abigail! Grab a coffee from our friends at Black Acres and enjoy songs, stories, and activities. While you're in, it would also be a perfect time to register any older siblings for Maker Camp 2023....
Open Works Weekly 3/10/23
One of our FAVORITE things to do is connect makers with opportunities! There are a lot coming up in the next few weeks -- check out the links below for accelerators, competitions, and vending opportunites.+ The inaugural Make/Space Accelerator is now accepting...
Open Works Weekly 3/3/23
Enrollment is OPEN for Maker Camp 2023! We are offering 5 weeks of half-day summer camp exploring drones, digital design, and fabrication skills for ages 8-15. All 5 weeks sold out last year, so don't wait! Scholarships are always available here. Not sure about...
Open Works Weekly 2/24/23
Today is the 3rd day of our EPIC wood shop reorganization! We are busy cleaning, labeling, engraving, inventorying, pegboarding, and moving machines to improve member experience. It will take another week or so to wrap up final touches. Going forward, each tool will...
Open Works Weekly 1/12/23
There are still a few open spot for official premiere of the Black Butterfly Dream Lab with Dr. Lawrence Brown. Participants will play the board game Urban Cipher, view a history exhibit, examine Baltimore City's budget, and literally build a more equitable...
Open Works Weekly 1/6/23
It's been quite some time in the planning process, but the cafe take-away window is finally up and running! Currently open from 8–9am, you can now grab take out from Black Acres Roastery just a few short steps away from the ample parking along Greenmount Ave. As part...
Open Works Weekly 12/23/22
Just a few quick things before we close up for the break. We're closing early today, at 3:00pm due to staff being out sick, and will be closed, as planned through 1/2/23. We want to encourage everyone to stay safe and healthy out there. We also wanted...
Station North Arts Walk
TONIGHT!!! 5–8PM Tonight is Station North Arts Walk’s Spotlight on Greenmount West and Open Works will serve as a hub with a maker’s mart, food vendors, and music from DJ Trillnatured. Registration is not required, but appreciated. Maker Vendors...
Open Works Weekly 6/24/22
Today, we’re graduating the first cohort of the Baltimore Sewn Trades Training Program!!! Congrats to Kay, Ellie, Jody, Will, T., D., and Devan! It’s hard to sum up all the hard work and detailed learning that went into completing this program, but the slim binder...
The Boutique Life at Open Works
Number one perk of writing the Open Works newsletter is the opportunity to go around asking our talented members a bunch of questions about their work. Last week I had a chance to sit down and chat with Samantha Montgomery from The Boutique Life, one of our resident...
Open Works Weekly 5/13/22
Are you interested in computer-aided design, CNC routers, 3D printing, laser cutting, or making furniture? The Makers Unite CAD Training program teaches AutoDesk Fusion 360, use and operation of our CNC (computer numerical control) wood routers, and basic woodworking...
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