Are you having a creative itch lately? Looking for materials or software to design a logo, t-shirt for a new business, or simply explore top-notch technology? Then look no farther than the Makerspace at the America House, where you can find a variety of equipment, software, and materials to use for your latest project. The space is very accessible, and tech specialists are here to answer any questions you have on the equipment. And, best of all, becoming a member is a piece of cake! Just stop by the reception desk to get your free membership card in 10 minutes.
If that’s not enough to convince you to become a member, here are seven insanely cool things you can do at the Makerspace:
Compose and produce music
You can produce the next biggest hit at the Makerspace using the M-Audiio Keystation 61, a piano-station electronic musical keyboard, along with software installed on iMacs like Garage Band or Logic Pro X.
Design a t-shirt
Do you have a cool idea for a t-shirt, hat, or bag design that you want to bring to life? Then consider stopping by the Makerspace to use the Thermopress MyPrint, a device that allows you to create, design, and transfer any design on fabric.
Record an audiobook or podcast
Do you want to unleash the power of spoken word and transform any writing you have into an audiobook? America House collaborates with “Books that Talk,” an initiative that seeks to increase the number of audiobooks for Ukraine’s specialized libraries and schools for visually-impaired children, to bring you a free space with equipment to record audiobooks.
Print out 3D objects
Try your hand at 3D printing, one of the latest and groundbreaking tech innovations, by using the 3D printers and scanners available to make prototypes* or replicate objects in different materials such as wood, bronze, copper, or FilaFlex.
Play virtual reality video games
Do you wonder what it’s like to play a game in virtual reality. Fulfill that curiosity at the Makerspace by borrowing the Samsung Gear VR handset, which is compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S6 phone. Watch 360 videos, play VR games, or even develop a VR idea you have!
Design stickers
Looking to design stickers for your business or simply for decoration? Use the Cameo Silhouette Vinyl Cutters at the Makerspace to design and cut your own stickers.
Draw with a tablet
Do you enjoy drawing, but want to draw with clearer graphics instead of sticking with the usual pencil and paper? Do you want to design design graphics for stickers or t-shirt design or create animation? Then be sure to try out the Professional Graphics Tablet, which allows you to draw illustrations or animations by hand with a pen-like stylus.
You can learn more about America House Makerspace equipment here.
Stop by the Makerspace, ask the staff for help, become tech-savvy* person, and make your ideas happen!
Vocabulary
creative itch - desire to start a creative project
piece of cake - easy
accessible - open
tech-savvy - knowing about technology
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yuri Nesen is a student at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C. studying Global Business, Diplomatic Studies, and Arabic. He enjoys watching animated movies, running and exploring new places, and he is a complete dessert fanatic.