MakerStation | Alton

decorative

Designed for curious creators of all ages, MakerStation is a self-guided do-it-yourself workspace equipped with a 3D printer, sewing machine, Cricut® cutting machine, and button maker.

How It Works

  1. Prepare your ideas and design files before you visit. Review the design specifications for the equipment and prepare your design file before you come to the branch.
  2. Drop in any time during branch open hours. The equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis—no appointment is necessary.
  3. Visit staff at the service desk to get started. You’ll need to read the MakerStation Terms of Use and sign a waiver, purchase any necessary materials, and receive instructional materials to review.
  4. Start creating! Print, sew, cut, and create using one of the four pieces of equipment in the MakerStation.

The equipment is free to use, but you will need to purchase materials such as filament for the 3D printer, vinyl for the Cricut, and button materials for the button maker. We only charge for materials at cost. For the sewing machine, makers will need to bring their own suitable fabric.

Come prepared to use the equipment independently to make the most of your maker experience. We offer free introductory sessions on how to use the equipment. 

Safety is our top priority inside the studio, and we ask you to follow the directions provided by our staff when using the tools, technology, equipment, and space.

Equipment & User Guides

Please read the equipment information and user guides to help support your project planning and creation. If you have questions about using the equipment, please give us a call:

3D printer

Print three-dimensional objects from your digital designs.

Hardware: Creality Sermoon D3

Please make sure your design is in one of the following file formats: .STL, .OBJ

Project Size:

  • 12" length x 10" wide x 12" high maximum
  • The project must be able to print in seven hours.

Production Cost: $1.25 per 15 minutes of print time

Materials: Filament is provided by BPL. We cannot accommodate requests for specific filament colours, nor can users supply their own.

Project Ideas: Key chains, jewelry, replacement parts, action figures, ornaments

Learning Links

button maker

Create customized 1.5” buttons. Draw or print your designs at home or in the library. Use the die cutter to punch out your design, and then assemble your button using the button maker.

Project Size:

Materials must be purchased from BPL.

Materials Cost (includes tax):

  • Pin-back button: 25 cents/button
  • Magnet-back button: 80 cents/button

Project Ideas: Custom-designed buttons, magnets, name tags, school club pins

Learning Links

Cricut

Cut or draw on a variety of materials using an electronic cutting machine. Pronounced cricket.

Hardware: Cricut® Air 2

Software: Cricut Design Space

Custom designs can be created using CorelDraw or any other vector editing program.

Artwork should ideally be vector-based to provide the best results. The highest-quality raster-type image is the next preferred media type. 

Please make sure your design is in one of the following file formats:

  • PNG, JPG, SVG, DXF, GIF and BMP

Project Size: 12" x 12" maximum

Bring your own materials or purchase from BPL.

Materials Cost (includes tax):

  • Vinyl: $2/foot (black & white)
  • Transfer paper: $1/foot (black & white)
  • Card stock: 50 cents/12”x12” sheet (black & white)

Project Ideas: Labels, gift tags, greeting cards, invitations, paper flowers, wall decals, cake toppers, vinyl stickers

Learning Links

sewing machine

Stitch fabric and other materials with thread.

Hardware: Janome SUV1108

Materials:

  • You must supply your own fabric.
  • White or black thread is provided free of charge.

Project Ideas: Tote bags, scrunchies, pouches, pajama pants, dish towels, stuffies,
throw pillows

Learning Links