classes & Programs
Class, Safety Course, and Workshop Schedule
CLASSES & PROGRAMS / SCHEDULE
Below you will find all scheduled classes, safety courses, and workshops we have coming up in the next few months. If there is no sign-up button next to a class or workshop, that means it is full.
Only classes that are currently on the schedule will display, but you can find detailed descriptions of all the classes, safety certification courses, and workshops down below. Feel free to email or call us with any questions, about a class or workshop that isn’t currently on the schedule.
Not sure where to start? Learn more about our programing.
Note: All adult classes are available for makers ages 16 and up. Any student under 18 must co-register with a parent or adult guardian
Have you tried the MindBody app? It’s a great way to view the schedule, sign-up for classes, and make payments.
Class and Workshop Schedule
Class Descriptions
Safety and Certification Course Descriptions
CNC Router
CNC Router 1 Shop Safety
This class focuses on the fundamentals of designing for the ShopBot CNC Router, often used in industry and art to carve and cut a variety of sheet goods including plywood, melamine, foam, HDPE plastic, and aluminum. Learn the basics of 2D software and 2.5D cutting, and take your idea straight to the machine safely.
Required prior to using the CNC machines in the digital fabrication shop during open work hours, this 6-hour course provides an extensive overview of the ShopBot CNC routers digital fabrication shop as well as best practices for working in a community shop.
Basic computer literacy skills essential for a meaningful experience.
Approved materials for this session include wood (up to 1” thick for cutting, up to 3” for engraving, 96×48” bed size).
This class is offered in either two, 3-hour sessions or one, 6-hour session.
Location: Computer Lab & Digital Fabrication Shop
Cost: $85
CNC Router 2 Shop Safety
CNC Router 2 Skill Show: Laguna SmartShop CNC Router This class focuses on the machine fundamentals of functioning the Laguna SmartShop CNC Router in the digital fabrication shop and gives you the safety certification to use machine during open shop hours. CNC 1 Safety Certification REQUIRED prerequisite. Skills shows will be held in groups of 4 or less and must be completed to receive shop and/or machine access. Prerequisite: CNC 1
Laser Cutter
Laser Cutting 1 Shop Safety
Required prior to using the BOSS laser cutter machines in the digital fabrication shop during open work hours, this course provides an overview of the laser cutters as well as best practices for working in a community shop.
Laser Cutting Safety focuses on the fundamentals of designing for 60w and 100w CO2 Lasers, commonly used in industry and art to engrave and cut a variety of material. Learn the basics of 2D software and take your idea straight to the machine safely.
Instruction lasts approximately one hour with time for questions, and additional time to create and cut your design. Approved materials for this session include wood (up to 1/4” thick for cutting, up to ½” for engraving, 24×36” bed size), acrylic, and heavyweight paper such as cardstock.
Basic computer literacy skills essential for a meaningful experience.
Wood Shop
Wood 1 Shop Safety
Required prior to taking any other woodworking classes and using the shop during open work hours, this course provides an overview of the wood shop, covering basic safety and how-to for several of the most user-friendly machines, as well as best practices for working in a community shop.
This class is the first of two wood shop safety and certification courses that will get you checked off to use the majority of the woodshop including the table saw, miter saw, bandsaw, drill press, stationary sanders.
Wood 2: Jointer, Planer, Router
This class is the second in the woodshop certification and safety series and introduces the jointer, planer, and router table. It covers how each machine can help you prepare wood for your projects and which order of operations will give you the best results. These tools are key for resurfacing and dimensioning rough sawn and reclaimed lumber into flat, smooth, and usable boards. Completion of this intensive grants you access to use these machines during open work hours.
Prerequisites: Wood 1
Required prior to using the lathe in the woodshop, this course provides an overview of the lathe’s operation, safety and material requirements as well as best practices for working in a community shop. Turn your way to spindles, bowls and orbs.
Prerequisite: Wood 1 needs to be completed before shop access is granted. Classes can be taken out of order.
Metal Shop
Metal 1 Shop Safety
Required prior to using the metal shop during open work hours, this course provides an overview of the metal shop and supplemental class offerings. It covers safety and how-to for using the drill press, angle grinders and other machines and best practices for working in a community shop.
Metal 3: Mig Welding
This class teaches the basics of MIG welding, focusing on how to move beyond sticking metal together and how to start getting even, controlled beads.
It covers an introduction to metal alloys, material preparation, amperage, wire speed, and weld pattern. Get experience with various material thickness and weld joints. Come away with the confidence to make strong and consistent welds. Tools used: MIG welder, angle grinder, stationary sanders.
Required before access to the welders.
Prerequisites: Metal 1
Metal 4: Tig Welding
Teaches the basics of TIG welding, a helpful technique for highly controllable welds on a wider range of materials than MIG processes. The class uses mild steel, but the TIG welding can be applied to stainless, bronze, and aluminum. This versatile welder can be learned by any skill level and is especially useful for aesthetic welds on anything from tiny projects to larger furniture. Tools used: TIG welder, angle grinder, stationary sanders.
Prerequisites: Metal 1
CNC Plasma Cutter 1 Safety
This safety and certification course gives you a run through of the CNC plasma cutter in the metal shop from file to machine, giving you the confidence to launch into CNC metal-working at Open Works.
This full day intensive class covers machine operation and technical troubleshooting when outputting a file.
It’s important to have basic computer literacy skills and familiarity with design software as this course focuses primarily on machine function rather than file design. The program used to execute the files, Torchmate, is only accessible on one computer, Rhino allows larger accessibility and ease.
Classes occur either two weeks in a row on the same day depending on the session enrolled.
Prerequisite: Metal 1
Textiles
Sewing 1 Shop Safety
Required prior to using the textiles shop during open work hours, this course provides an overview of how the textiles shop and industrial grade Juki sewing machines function.
It covers safety and how-to for using our industrial-grade lockstitch, serger and walking foot sewing machines with hands-on instruction as well as best practices for working in a community shop. You walk away with the certification and access to the space, confidence to use the machines and a sewn pencil bag from the workshop.
For CNC embroidery machine training and machine access, please take the CNC Embroidery Safety and Certification course.
Embroidery 1 Shop Safety
Take your ideas, design, and embellishment work to the next level by learning the basics of our Melco computerized embroidery machine in this 2-day safety class.
Ideal for beginners and required before open shop access to the CNC embroidery machine, this 2-day class covers preparing images for the machine and machine use, processes and troubleshooting with plenty of guided instructor time.
Quilting Machine 1 Shop Safety
Required prior to using the Bernina Longarm Quilting Machine in the Digital Textiles shop during open work hours, this course provides operational, safety and troubleshooting instruction for free motion (manual) operation of the machine.
We’ll cover:
Cleaning and oiling
Needle and presser foot installation
Bobbin winding and tension
Threading
Loading the quilt top, batting and backing
The Bernina stitch regulator (BSR)
Basics of free-motion quilting techniques
Best practices for working in a community shop
Open Works is proud to partner with Domesticity Fabric Shop & Studio! Once completed Quilting Machine 1 Shop Safety at Open Works or at Domesticity, you’re checked off to use the Bernina Longarm Quilting Machine at either location.*
https://www.shopdomesticity.com/
*Please note that Open Works and Domesticity have different machine reservation systems, machine rental pricing and staff support and may have some additional requirements (such as a quiz or BYO bobbins, etc) before use.
Software and CNC operation is covered in Quilting Machine 2: Q-matic.
Quilting Machine 2: Q-matic
Explore the longarm quilting automation system and designing your own sewing patterns in the second of our Quilting Machine classes.
This course goes over Q-matic operation as well as introduces the design software for creating patterns.
Touch PC mounted to the side of the frame
Commands at your fingertips
Art & Stitch and WiFi included
One-touch quick belt release system
More than 600 designs included
Open Works is proud to partner with Domesticity Fabric Shop & Studio! Once completed Quilting Machine 1 Shop Safety at Open Works or at Domesticity, you’re checked off to use the Bernina Longarm Quilting Machine at either location.
https://www.shopdomesticity.com/
*Please note that Open Works and Domesticity have different machine reservation systems, machine rental pricing and staff support and may have some additional requirements (such as a quiz or BYO bobbins, etc) before use.
Prerequisite: Quilting Machine 1 Shop Safety
Take your ideas, designs, and embellishment work directly to fabric, T-shirts and mugs by learning the software, mechanics and processes of our direct to garment printer, fabric pre-treat, dye-sublimation & heat press machines in this 4-hour class.
Ideal for beginners and required before member access during open shop hours, this class covers preparing fabric for the direct to garment printer, fabric compatibility and file type and material loading for processes and troubleshooting with plenty of guided instructor time. Leave with a honed or newfound knowledge of these machines and a T-shirt demonstrating the process. See below for machine specifics:
- Epson SureColor F2100
- Epson SureColor F570
- Vevor 5-in-1 Multifunctional Digital Heat Press
- Mister T1 Ecofreen
Cost: $90
Please not that this class does not give access to the quilting machine, MELCO digital embroidery machines or the sewing machines.
Workshops, Skills, and Software Course Descriptions
Quilting Basics
Quilting Basics is a fun and approachable introduction to the rich tradition of quilting! In this one day workshop, our very own Jeff Peck will walk you through the fundamentals of quilt design and construction as you make your very own placemat-sized quilt.
4 hours
Cost: $85
Upholstery
Upholstery BasicsTired of that ripped and coffee-stained cushion on your dining room chair or ottoman?
Learn basic skills and techniques of modern upholstery at Open Works to give you the confidence to take on that upholstering project.
This class will go over some history of the upholstery craft and train you use tools, hardware, foam, fabric and other materials to create a cushion to match your style and comfort.
Leave the class with your own upholstered CNC routed footstool (14×10.5×11″).
Some onsite fabric options available, participants encouraged to bring their own fabric of choice.
Prerequisites: None
Cost: $120
Interested in scholarship opportunities? Email education@openworksbmore.com or call 410-862-0424.
Adobe Suite
Adobe Illustrator
This course covers graphic design for creating vector graphics. Learn to set up images for print or web, make logos, file type basics, the difference between vector images and bitmap images, and create and alter your own drawings. Learn the tools, shortcuts and techniques to create files that are ready for web, print, vinyl cutting, CNC embroidery and more!
Basic computer literacy skills essential for a meaningful experience.
Adobe InDesign
This 3-hour class covers graphic design for publishing basics. Learn to set up documents and art boards, layout type and graphics, create template layouts, prepare files for print or web, and import files generated in Photoshop and Illustrator. This course will give you the skills to make professional-grade postcards, flyers, brochures, zines, books, and more.
Basic computer literacy skills essential for a meaningful experience.
Adobe Photoshop
This skill class covers graphic design basics using this image editing and designing software. Learn to alter and resize images, file type basics, color-correct, remove dust spots and blemishes, and delete unwanted elements. Give yourself the foundation for the next tiers of the Adobe Creative Cloud: Illustrator and InDesign.
Basic computer literacy skills essential for a meaningful experience.
3D Printing
3D Printing
This course will lead you through the basics of using the 3D printers at Open Works, covering several methods of creating and downloading 3D models, proper file preparation, common causes of failed prints, and operation for our Ender 3 Pros. Basic computer literacy skills essential for a meaningful experience.
Vinyl Cutting & Large Format Printing
Vinyl Cutting & Large Format Printing
This class gives you a run through of the vinyl cutter, a 36”-wide full-color Epson roll plotter and an 18”-wide Epson photo printers, bringing your design from file to machine in the digital media lab at Open Works. Wonderful for creating signage, stickers and art prints.
Basic computer literacy skills essential for a meaningful experience.
Finishing Techniques & Tools - Spray Booth & Sandblaster
Finishing Techniques & Tools – Spray Booth & Sandblaster
This course will lead you through the operation of the spray booth and sandblaster at Open Works as well as reviewing some common materials and techniques for metal and wood surface treatment.
Papercutting Basics (virtual workshop)
Space requirements
- A chair and space at a table
- Good lighting so students can see their work
- Access to a device to log into Zoom meeting
- Printer to download templates ahead of time in preparation for class**
Materials:
- Papercutting Templates- designed by Annie Howe -Annie can Provide PDF’S to download and or we can mail re printed templates to those who want to purchase the “Material Kit”
- Cutting Knife/Exacto knife You can use whatever cutting knife you like best! Annie strongly suggests a knife that can fit #11 size blades. Like This one or this one either one works just great!
- Cutting mats
- Blades- size#11 blades that fit a hand help exacto knife
- Pencils
- Drawing Paper 70# drawing paper suggested
Material kit includes: templates, pencil, exacto knife, cutting mat and may be purchased from the Open Works’ online store: https://www.openworksbmore.org/products/papercutting-basics-kit/ or Annie Howe’s website: https://anniehowepapercuts.com/shop
*Annie Howe is a Baltimore based papercut artist. Her intricate papercuts are used for a variety of projects including illustration, surface design and three dimensional work. She is a graduate of Maryland Institute College of Art.
With over 10 years of workshop teaching experience, Annie leads workshops for small groups, large groups, young and old, artists and non- artists. Annie teaches at museums,
Don’t see the class you are looking for? Contact us to find out about other options.
Class Policies
Lateness
Arrivals 20 minutes late or more will not be admitted into class and registration is not transferable.
Appropriate & Safe Attire
To avoid accidents with machinery, please avoid wearing loose clothing, pull back hair and scarves, wear closed-toe shoes.
Wear a mask covering both your nose and mouth.
Enrollment
Open Works must have at least 3 participants enrolled in the class 48 hours prior to start date in order to run the class.
Inclement Weather
Open Works follows Baltimore City Government schedule for closures. Classes will run according to this schedule unless otherwise informed by Open Works staff.
Cancellation
In order to exchange or be reimbursed for class fees, it is your responsibility to notify Open Works at least 24-hours in advance of class start date.
Make it Happen at Open Works
Looking for something else? Open Works has all the tools and resources you need to bring an idea to life, learn a new skill, find a space for your new business and so much more.
Contact Us
1400 Greenmount Ave,
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410) 862-0424
frontdesk@openworksbmore.com
Hours of Operation
M-F 9am to 9pm
S-Su 9am to 5pm
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