Members event: Intro to pyrography

Thursday 23rd January 2025, 4pm

Image credit: Phil Parker, Flickr

An informal introductory session by Meg, who will show interested members how to use her pyrography tool with a wire nib. Pyrography is the art of burning a freestyle design into wood using a pen-like tool with an electrically-heated nib.

Meg is very kindly contributing her pyrography tool to Machspace! We already have some user-friendly pyrography equipment that comes with changeable nibs, but this new machine is more technical and more advanced, so it will be a “training required” item.

As training is required for this pyrography tool, it will only be usable by members, so this is a members-only event and Machspace will not be open to the public.

For more details, pop into the Machspace WhatsApp group or email us (hello@machspace.org).

Open event: Making a wheel of the year

Saturday 1st February 2025, 12-2pm

A wheel of the year marks the seasons changing – the food that grows at different times of year, what we can forage in the hedgerows, the moon cycles and the zodiac, as well as the celebrations that mark these changes. Come and have a go at making your own.

Free to enter, no booking or membership required. Pay what you feel to join in with group crafting. Refreshments and materials provided.

As it’s an open day, Machspace will be open to the public, and we invite you to read our open day rules before attending.

Facebook event: Click here.

Open event: New year, new zine!

Thursday 2nd January 2025, 1-4pm

New year, new zine! Come hang out in the hinterland of the first days of the new year, the perfect time for some reflective, creative, making time. Contribute to a collective zine all about the tarot card for 2025 – the hermit – or make your own zine to mark your transition into the new year… or about whatever you like. Materials provided, tarot cards around, but if there’s anything you’d like to work with, bring it along. Come for the first half hour or so for some guidance and prompts, or drop in any time to just get making.

As it’s an open day, Machspace will be open to the public, and we invite you to read our open day rules before attending. It’s pay-as-you-feel to participate in open day activities, and anyone can visit to explore Machspace for free, though donations are always welcome. There will also be pay-as-you-feel refreshments.

See the Facebook event.

Machspace winter festivities update

Good evening! I have two important things to announce.

The sad one first: tomorrow’s Winter Party open day (Saturday 21st December, 2-4pm) as listed on our calendar will no longer be going ahead due to director unavailability.

However, we hope this makes up for it: there are now abundant Christmassy snacks and some spiced berry cordial on the coffee table, and you are very welcome to help yourself!

Tasty food and drink

    That’s dark chocolate mint sticks, tiffin, chocolate macaroons, chocolate coins, and three different brands of mince pies (two gluten and dairy free, one luxury). 🤩

    Machspace will continue to be open to members with key fobs 24/7 over the Christmas period, so if you want to do a bit of last-minute laser-cutting for presents there’s still time.

    Happy holidays everyone, from all of us at Machspace!

    Event: Open Day – Lino Printing & Collograph with Pat

    Saturday 15th February, 12–2pm

    Pat will lead us in a lino printing and collograph workshop. All materials provided.

    As it’s an open day, Machspace will be open to the public, and we invite you to read our open day rules before attending.

    It’s pay-as-you-feel, so anyone can attend regardless of income, and donations are very welcome. There will also be pay-as-you-feel refreshments.

    See the Facebook event.

    Open event: laser cutter refresher drop-in

    Saturday 4th January 2025, 2-4pm

    Note that it’s not the usual 12-2pm!

    So you’ve been trained on the laser cutter, but you can’t quite remember what your trainer said about [vitally important detail], this open session is for you. Anyone can come in and see the laser cutter in action, have a cup of tea, do a bit of [comfy portable craft] – but there will be a fairly confident-ish laser cutter enthusiast on hand to answer your questions.

    As it’s an open day, Machspace will be open to the public, and we invite you to read our open day rules before attending. It’s pay-as-you-feel, so anyone can attend regardless of income, and donations are very welcome. There will also be pay-as-you-feel refreshments.

    See the Facebook event.

    Event: Open Day – Batik with Iolo & Penny

    Saturday 7th December 2024, 12–2pm

    Penny & Iolo will be hosting a batik open day: please come down and join! Batik is a printmaking technique using hot wax and cold dyes.

    We will have some materials for experimentation but you are welcome to bring your own. The technique works on anything natural, but is best on cottons or silk. White or pale fabric encouraged. No experience necessary and donations to the space welcomed. For further questions please write to @ouroborosgummy or @pennytristram

    As it’s an open day, Machspace will be open to the public, and we invite you to read our open day rules before attending.

    It’s pay-as-you-feel, so anyone can attend regardless of income, and donations are very welcome. There will also be pay-as-you-feel refreshments.

    See the Facebook event.