Here are 5 ways to get your maker skills going this winter, both from the warmth and comfort of your home and out meeting other makers! Beat the winter blues by learning a new skill this winter. Who knows, you could find your new passion!
These awesome workshops and classes are just what we needed this cold February!
1. Visit the Maker Bean Cafe
The Maker Bean was voted one of the best new café of 2018 by BlogTO! Not only do they sell snacks and coffee, they are also a makerspace AND they run public workshops to learn all sorts of maker activities. If you’re in Toronto this can be a fun activity on a cold day.
2. Attend a workshop at NewMakeIt
At NewMakeIt, you can take an entire course and deep dive into a new skill, or you can visit for a one time workshop like their jewelry making course! This is an awesome local place to learn all sorts of maker skills.
They have ring making courses throughout February, so be sure to check them out! You can even stop in for a one-time certification course to be certified to use their makerspace any time you want.
3. Take a course on Skillshare
If it really is just too cold outside, there are so many amazing makers online! Check out Skillshare for some awesome courses on pretty much any topic, like this introduction to 3D printing course. Even if you don’t have a 3D printer at home, many local libraries now have 3D printers available for use! Skillshare even has a free trial so it is a low-cost way to explore what kind of maker you want to be!
Check out this course on solving problems through product design!
4. Learn from YouTube videos
You can learn almost anything on YouTube nowadays! This is a great free way to pick up a new hobby, like learning a fibre art! The best part about fibre arts is that what you make can help keep you warm during these cold winter months.
Check out this introduction to knitting course!
5. Visit your local library
If you’re looking to learn a new maker skill, my absolute favourite place to start is actually the library! Is it old fashioned? Apparently many people think so…. But is it free and FULL of awesome resources? YEP!
Libraries are great, especially if you are unsure about what type of maker project you want to undertake because this is a low-cost way to explore any type of making. You can check any maker book out of your library for free before you invest any money into your awesome new hobby!
6. Visit STEM MINDS!
We love to share our insights with those who are inspired to make and create! Stop by for a tour or sign-up for a class/workshop and prepare to be inspired!
It may be cold out, but that doesn’t mean we need to just cuddle up and wait for summer to arrive. So check out some of these awesome options to learn how to be a maker this winter!