Some incredible forces behind Prototype put together this valuable piece discussing the maker spaces we have come to know and love. Use the link provided in the last slide, or check out the link in our bio to read the full piece—we couldn’t recommend it more!
#makerspace #feminist #community
Just a few more seats left!
This Saturday immediately after SOLDERDAY IS FOR THE BABES:
~INTRO TO MESHTASTIC~
In the past 6 months, Meshtastic has evolved from being a curiosity for computer nerds, to a practical communications platform for hyperlocal, ultra-resilient community crisis management and disaster recovery. This is great news for communities and computer nerds, but not so much for ordinary people who just want to understand how the dang things work. This workshop assumes no prior technical experience and guides participants through assembling, programming, configuring, and using Meshtastic nodes based on Heltec v4 and T114 chipsets. Participants are encouraged to bring their own Meshtastic kits if they have them, but if not, kits will be provided for use during the workshop. Come learn how a $30 handheld radio can help connect you to your friends, family and loved ones even when electricity, cell networks, and Internet services are all unavailable!
INSTRUCTOR BIO Dani is a lifelong computer nerd whose day job involves cybersecurity of critical civilian infrastructure. In her free time she enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and hacking.
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Sign up at link in bio or at prototypepgh.org/events
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This Saturday!!
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Sign up at link in bio or at prototypepgh.org/events
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Many newcomers to electronics are intimidated by the notion of soldering and are excited to find it much less demanding than they had expected. Participants in this workshop will construct through-hole circuits designed to build confidence with soldering while also demonstrating practical electronics essentials. Students will be provided a basic soldering station + supplies, as well as a project to solder with detailed instructional guide. A brief introduction and overview will be followed by a hands-on period with the instructor providing assistance and feedback as necessary. Come learn how to use the hot pointy thing what melts the wire to make circuits stick together good!
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Dani is a lifelong computer nerd whose day job involves cybersecurity of critical civilian infrastructure. In her free time she enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and hacking.
Head over to our Open House x Sharpsburg on Sunday (12-2p) and then get into Make & Take 3d Printing right afterwards (2-4p)!
The workshop will introduce the basics of 3D printing, provide a practical demonstration of how to operate our 3D printers (Prusa, and Creality Ender), and will walk out with an object you printed. No prior experience needed!
~To sign up for one or both, go to prototypepgh.org/events or link in bio~
Pictured: @prince.pwuppy
Prototype is excited to participate in @remakelearningdays this year with our upcoming workshop, Make & Take: Laser-Cut Keychains. Sign-ups are live on Eventbrite for this event - Thursday, May 14th, 6-8 PM in our Oakland makerspace!
Find out more about Remake Learning Days and check out the full schedule of events at /southwesternpa/
#remakedaysSWPA #remakedays
Don't miss the fun!
Applications close for the next cohort of Maker to Manufacturer this THURSDAY, April 16th. If you're interested in a job in advanced manufacturing, this opportunity is for you!
APPLY HERE:
prototypepgh.org/steponup
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Step On Up is our manufacturing workforce development program launched in March 2025, with support from the Block Center at Carnegie Mellon University and the Build Back Better initiative to support women, people with marginalized gender identities, and low-income communities to gain makerspace and manufacturing training.
This free 6-month program provides participants with makerspace training at Prototype PGH followed by manufacturing training at Protohaven in Point Breeze and New Century Careers in the South Side. Workshops take place from 5-8 PM on Thursday nights.
Participants are provided with on-site childcare, transportation reimbursement, and meals during training. The program culminates in a Career Fair with local manufacturing companies.
Sign up at link in bio or at prototypepgh.org/events!
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Sewing 101: Make Your Own Tote Bag
Sunday, April 19th, 1-3pm
460 Melwood Ave
Come make your own custom fabric tote bag! All supplies and materials will be provided; participants are highly encouraged to bring their own sewing machine if you have one. Pattern is customizable to size, with two sizes prepared ahead of time: "grocery tote" and "book tote" size. This 2-hour workshop will cover everything from picking out fabric, cutting, and sewing your tote bag!
Participants should have a basic knowledge of using a sewing machine. No other experience is necessary. This is the perfect next step to take after taking Gene's "Sewing Machines for Absolute Beginners" class at Prototype! INSTRUCTOR BIO
Gene Anderson (they/he) is a self-taught sewist and quilter, and the creator/facilitator of Trans Tailoring at Prototype. Gene is the creator of The Jilt and several machine-sewn quilts, as well as a local bookkeeper, plant dad, and part-time queer brunch host; as well as teaching sewing classes at Prototype, he is actually the current director of Prototype as well!
Come join us for a night of camaraderie and fun! We will have a selection of board and card games of all types for people to enjoy. If we have groups interested in tabletop RPGs, we can facilitate a one-shot adventure or organize a regular campaign. Feel free to bring your own games as well! Designing, building, and of course playtesting games is also heavily encouraged!
FACILITATOR BIO
Charlie Koch is an amateur game designer and gaming aficionado. Whether it's video games, board games, tabletop RPGs, or just fun logic puzzles, Charlie is engaged in all manner of strategy, storytelling, and fun!
{RSVP at prototypepgh.org/events!}
About the meetup:
IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES: K-5 EDITION is an informal meetup where young kids and their grownups can play board games, card games, build puzzles, make zines or comics, or plan projects together using the laser cutter, screen printing equipment, or 3D printers at Prototype.
About participant age groups:
IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES is held twice a month on Saturdays:
For grownups with younger children (approximately 5-9 years old), the meetup is held from 10am-Noon on the 1st Saturday of each month at Prototype x Oakland.
For grownups with older children (approximately 10-14 years old), the meetup is held from 1-3pm on the 3rd Saturday at Prototype x Sharpsburg.
Grownups must stay and participate with their children. No drop offs allowed.
About the instructor:
Erin Oh is a mom to three kids, an adjunct faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University, and Founder of Prototype PGH. The intention of this workshop series is to create space for kids and their grownups to spend quality inter-generational time together through games and project based learning.
(Sign up at prototypepgh.org/events or at link in bio)
Make & Take A Keychain (Laser Cutter Clearance) x Oakland
Sunday, March 29th
12-2pm
RSVP at prototypepgh.org/events or go to link in bio
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Learn how to use the xTool laser cutter at Prototype x Oakland!
In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of how to send vector designs to the laser cutter, how to operate the laser cutter, and will walk out with an object you laser engraved and cut. No prior experience needed!
After attending this workshop, Prototype members will be cleared to use the laser cutter in our Oakland location on your own.
You do not have to be a Prototype member to attend this workshop.
For any questions about this workshop, contact Hana at [email protected].
