Makerspace with Heather
- Heather
- Jun 16
- 4 min read
Actress Mary Lou Cook once said that “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.”
All of these, except the rule breaking, can be done in the Thibodaux Branch Library’s Makerspace. Ever had the idea to make something but didn’t have the equipment to carry it out? Buying the equipment is not an option either. Well, look no further than the Thibodaux Library’s Makerspace – a place where your crafting and creating dreams can come true.
Sponsored mostly by Friends of the Library, this space is filled with crafting and creating equipment that is available to you at little to no cost. Exactly what equipment is available in the Makerspace? Well, I’m glad you asked!!! Come with me as we explore the Thibodaux Library’s Makerspace.
Most of the equipment in our Makerspace as well as reservation and usage information, cost of use, equipment user guides and example projects can be found on our website at https://www.lafourche.org/makerspace. Most of this equipment can be used with the help of a library staff member by reservation or on your own if you have knowledge of the equipment or a select few can be checked out from our Makerspace Library of Things (https://www.lafourche.org/makerspace-library-of-things).
Our Makerspace equipment can fall into one of five categories: Sewing, Cricut Tools, Die Cutting, Maker equipment, and Lagniappe. Some of the equipment can fall into more than one of these categories, but for the sake of this blog we will use these categories.
Sewing: An art form that goes back to prehistoric times, sewing can be done for necessity (repair), creation, or other purposes. Our Makerspace has equipment that can accommodate these forms of sewing and more.
Sewing Machines – These can be used for most projects and are very beginner friendly.
Brother Overlock 1034 D Serger – This nifty machine can finish off those seams and create professional looking edges on any garment or sewing project.
AccuQuilt Go! – Thinking about making a quilt but need to put out numerous pieces of fabric. The AccuQuilt can help. This die cutting machine can save time and frustration when cutting out quilt pieces.
Grommet Press – This handy press makes it easy to put grommets (or eyelets) into your sewing projects.
Biased Tape Maker – If you need biased tape for a project and don’t have any on hand or don’t want to purchase any, you can use this maker to turn scrap fabric into biased tape.
Cricut: This brand of machines has been around since 2005 and has expanded to now only include the cutting machine but other equipment that can be used for many different types of projects.
Cricut Maker – These machines are smart cutting machines that can be used to cut projects from a variety of different materials including paper and vinyl.
Cricut EasyPress – The piece of equipment is a compact and more accessible version of heat press. It can be used to adhere heat-transfer vinyl or other materials to fabric or can be used for ironing purposes.
Cricut EasyPress Mini – The mini press has the same function as the EasyPress just for smaller projects.
Circuit Hat Press – This handy press’s curvaceous shape and its round hat pressing form makes it perfect for adhering iron-on vinyl, patches, or other materials to any kind of hat.
Cricut Mug Press – This press is made especially for bonding images printed with infusible ink, a form of sublimation, onto mugs.
Die Cutting: From the original form invented in 1977 to newer technology involving lasers, the Makerspace has something for everyone when it comes to die cutting.
Ellison 1000 Die Cut Machine – Despite it not being used as often anymore due to other newer model we still have an old-school die cut machine with several dies to choose from.
Sizzix Big Shot Plus – On a smaller scale we have this piece of equipment that can cut or emboss a variety of materials and is perfect for making homemade cards.
Glowforge Plus 3D Laser Printer – This innovative piece of equipment uses a laser to cut or engrave a variety of different materials and can be used to computer a plethora of different projects.
Makers: This form of Makerspace equipment is used to assist creative individuals who like to create unique objects or projects.
Button Maker – This device is used to turn ordinary photos or printouts into wearable buttons. There are also parts for the maker that can make magnets as well.
Xyron Create-a-Sticker Machine – This machine is used to add adhesive to items turning them into stickers.
Xyron Creative Station Lite – Depending on what cartridge you have in this machine, it can create stickers, magnets, or laminate items used for crafting.
MakerBot Replicator+3D Printer – The MakerBot, which we have nicknamed Max uses heated filament to create objects from nothing.
Lagniappe: The last of the equipment in the Makerspace didn’t exactly fit into any of the categories so they are a little something extra.
addiEgg and addiExpress Knitting Machines – These machines assist in the art of knitting and can be used to make a variety of projects. The addiEgg is smaller and is mainly used to make i-cords while the addiExpress is larger and can make a variety of items including hats and socks.
Fellowes Comb Binding Machine – This easy-to-use machine allows you to bind documents, reports, or any other type of printable paper product.
Huion LA3 LED Light Pad – This device puts light behind anything you put on top of it. It is mostly used for tracing, drawing, or transferring images.
The Thibodaux Library’s Makerspace is filled with many items that can make it easier or more convenient for you to fulfill your creating or crafting dreams. We hope to see you soon! Come create with us! - Heather, Thibodaux Branch Manager
