DIY Fidget Spinners and Cheese Boards: Kids and Adults Can Expand their Mind at New Maker Space
MindCraft Makerspace, a new business at Stanley Marketplace, is inspiring the next generation of makers and doers with a space chock-full of awesomeness.
Within the 2,300 square foot space on the second floor of Stanley, you’ll find a “digital fabrication lab,” a workshop, classrooms and even retail spaced filled with DIY toys and hobby materials. When I was there, I saw emoji pillows, fidget spinners and several other fun gift ideas.
Working on a project at Minecraft
Owner Brenda Lane has a lengthy background in education and is also the owner of eXLearning in Lowry, which offers tutoring and academic support. Brenda knew she wanted to expand on her existing enrichment and academic programming so that children — and adults — could gain exposure to creating through technology.
“This is a DY generation,” Brenda says. “I want to propel kids’ abilities to create and manufacture so they can go after jobs and careers that may not even yet exist. They can get exposure to CAD, programming, coding, fabrication and manufacturing here. Adults can also come to prototype an idea they may have.”
The space is host to 10 3D printers, in addition to laser cutters, vinyl cutters, sewing machines and lots of workshop tools for drilling, sanding, soldering and more.
If you’re scared to use new equipment, don’t worry. The staff has been extensively trained and safety is always top of mind. All participants will undergo training to use the equipment correctly and safely.
3D Printer at Minecraft Makerspace
Brenda hired several makers with backgrounds ranging from engineers, certified teachers, certified drone pilots, computer gurus and artists to teach workshops, run camps, host birthday parties, help with homework and assist makers who rent out equipment time through a gym-style membership.
The hands-on workshops and events include themes like “LED Fashionista,” “Tinker Labs,” “Intro to 3D Printing – Fidget Spinners,” and “Intro to CAD.”
Looking for a kid-free couple hours? The tinker labs are offered on a drop off basis and are typically every Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. The price is $30 per child ages 5-10, and they offer a 50% sibling discount. For the wine lovers, there’s even a Wine Craft class where you can make and engrave your own cheese board, spreaders and coasters while sipping some vino.
You or your child will have so much fun in the maker space that you won’t even realize you’re learning valuable tech and creative problem-solving skills.
Deal Alert: Mention Stapleton Scoop and save 10% on the Sept. 21 adults-only Wine Craft “Laser Sipping” class. Visit https://mindcraftmakerspace.com/calendar/ for more information.
