2026 Schedule

Block Printing 101: Carve your own stamp!

Hands-On Workshop

Learn the basics of block printing by designing & carving your own unique rubber stamp. Leave with a finished print of your design as well as your carved stamp block, which you can continue to use on paper, fabric, clay, and other surfaces! This is a fun and low-stakes workshop that welcomes adults and adult-accompanied children.

Instructor

Jacqueline Gavin

Throw a Pot 1-on-1!

Hands-On Workshop

One on one pottery wheel experience to make a small pot

Instructor

Wendy James

Wendy James is a retired high school pottery teacher. She is also a painter and photographer. She shares Western Avenue Studio 207 with her husband John Brickels.

Fun with Fused Glass

Hands-On Workshop

Learn how fun and easy it is to create with fused glass. See a demo of cutting and the tools of the trade. Make your own pendant or keychain chain (pick up at LM after firing).

Instructor

Roberta Bizier

The fused glass class is run by local artist Roberta Bizier. Her whimsical one-of-a-kind fused glass art is inspired by nature and includes jewelry, suncatchers and display pieces.

Some items are created using recycled glass and found objects. In addition to creating, Roberta enjoys teaching children and adult glass classes at Periwinkle Glassworks in Groton and selling her art at Serendipity in Hudson.

Hand Mending

Hands-On Workshop

Learn basic hand mending skills including sewing on buttons, reinforcing button holes, and patching holes in knit or woven garments. Bring your own items to mend, or practice on scraps provided. This is a drop in workshop where skills will be taught as needed and requested. So, feel free to pop in between your other classes to fix up those pesky items that have been sitting in your to be mended pile for far too long. See you there!

Instructor

Natalie McCollam

Natalie McCollam is a multi passionate creative who loves to learn and teach crafty skills. She most strongly identifies as a fiber artist as she crochets, knits, embroiders, sews, and drafts her own clothing patterns. That said, she just loves making things! At Lowell Makes, you’ll see her in FAMM, the Woodshop, at the laser cutter, on the big blue couch spending time in the community, and attempting to avoid the temptation of learning yet another craft in all of the wonderful shops she’s yet to explore. Natalie is a believer in the arts and crafts movement. She is passionate about making, and surrounding herself with, beautiful and useful objects. Moreover, she loves supporting other artists’ work, both financially and through supporting the development of each other’s skills. Natalie is an artist’s artist and she can’t wait to see what you create!

Baking Chips with Furnace Tracker

Demonstration

This is demonstration of how use the basic functions of Furnace track to make your own chip tune music.

Instructor

Skippy Sund

Chaos Bookery is a local used bookstore focused on events and sharing ideas.

Gel Plate print making

Hands-On Workshop

Make art prints from laser prints using gel plate transfer method

Instructor

Peter Crowell

Bunkerhillstudios.com peterjamescrowell.com

Buttercream frosting flowers

Hands-On Workshop

People who come to the class will see me create a frosting flower with piping bag, flower tip, and a icing nail…then get a chance to make their own frosting flowers and place them on a cupcake that they get to take and eat.

Instructor

Sara Rushton

Cutting Board Making

Hands-On Workshop

Learn how to make both end grain cutting boards/butcher blocks.

Instructor

Evan Nahabedian

I’m a hobby woodworker who began woodworking right here at Lowell Makes back in August. I’ve found a lot of enjoyment in creating interesting pieces and pushing my skills to new levels with new and more complex patterns.

I’ve recently started selling my work and creating custom projects for customers. To keep up with my latest projects feel free to follow my Instagram account.

My available products can be found on my Facebook marketplace profile.

Discussion about 3D Printing

Demonstration

This will be an introduction to those wanting to know more about the technology.

Instructor

Dana Kelley

Yo-Yo Basics

Hands-On Workshop

Winding -> Sleeper -> Walk the Dog -> Rock the Cradle

Instructor

Brendan Luchen

Brendan Luchen is a versatile professional with expertise in software development, game design, and creative expression. Based in Greater Boston, he is a full-stack engineer with a passion for building games, apps, and other creative projects. His work emphasizes a blend of technical precision and artistic creativity.

He holds certifications in Cybersecurity Fundamentals and Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals from IBM (both issued in 2024) and Portable Nuclear Gauge Safety & U.S. D.O.T. Hazmat Certification from APNGA. Professionally, he has contributed to projects such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and has experience architecting scalable microservices using Kotlin and designing resilient database systems.

Beyond his technical skills, Brendan describes himself as a “limericksmith” and enjoys activities like baking, Starcraft, travel, and Aikido. He approaches coding as both a craft and a medium for problem-solving, striving to integrate his diverse experiences into his professional growth.

Magnet making

Hands-On Workshop

1. Draw a picture or color a premade sticker and 2. trim your art
3. laminate picture you make
4. then stick a magnet back and trim

Instructors

Emma Rushton and Sara Rushton

Make a Magnetic Cross Stitch Needleminder

Hands-On Workshop

Essentially, we will be using plastic canvas, felt and magnets to make a needle minder. This is useful for holding your needle during embroidery or sewing projects, and can serve as decoration for your fridge when not in use.

Instructor

Harmonie Snow

Principles of Speaker and Headphone Design

Demonstration

I will be going over considerations when designing and building speakers and headphones, with foci including volume, porting, choosing drivers, and so on. Attendees can do a simple sketch design for a pair of two-way speakers that I will turn into a CAD file and send to them afterwards.

Instructor

Penny Ruby

Making a wooden bowl from a log

Demonstration

Basic techniques for turning a wooden bowl on a lathe with be demonstrated along with information about the tools, the lathe and accessories needed.

Instructor

Jim Richard

How to Sew a Blind Hem

Hands-On Workshop

This workshop will teach folks how to sew a blind/invisible hem by hand and on a sewing machine.

Instructor

Andee Wilcott

Andee Wilcott is a lifelong maker who learned to sew as a kid alongside her sister by their grandmother, starting with doll clothes and eventually graduating to garments, accessories, and a short stint as an alterations seamstress. She loves making things with her hands and rarely sticks to just one craft. Her creative adventures have included jewelry making, mixed media art, woodworking, and plenty of sewing projects.

When she’s not in maker mode, Andee is a Principal Partner at A+R Media Studio, where she helps small businesses get their digital ducks in a row. The studio works with businesses to align their brand, website, and marketing so everything works together.

Electronic trinkets with python

Demonstration

Empower small projects with tiny computers

Instructors

Ray Tice

Nago Snow

Gary Cutbill

Wine Glass Charms

Hands-On Workshop

In this Skill Share you will learn how to make 4 colorful wine glass charms to impress your friends!

Instructor

Jan Goplerud

How to use a Cricut and Heat Press

Demonstration

I will demonstrate how to use a Cricut machine to cut iron on vinyl to apply to tote bags with a heat press. I will also show how the Cricut can cut fabric and that fabric, with a heat and bond interfacing, can be applied to fabric as an applique technique.

Instructor

Kelly Verrill

Design & Make a garden lantern

Demonstration

CAD and CAM, utilizing CNC

Instructor

Shawn Ashe

Underglaze Transfer Class

Demonstration

Want to elevate your Ceramics designs!? In this class we will go over underglaze transfers. Step by step instructions with all the tips and tricks that you will need to level up your work!

Instructor

Katie Burnette

3D Modeling a Cosplay Sword in Fusion360

Demonstration

Demonstrating how to 3D model a cosplay prop in Fusion360

Instructor

Savage Suon

Savage is a Cosplay Fabricator who specializes in making armor, weapons, and props. They are efficient in designing and building custom projects for clients, bringing their creations to life. Besides working with foam and paint, 3D modeling and 3D printing are their top focuses. Instagram: @Savage83

Modern Kite Making

Hands-On Workshop

Modern kites are constructed with lightweight materials such as hollow carbon fiber tubes, ripstop nylon, polyester, and a variety of connectors. Hundreds of styles are possible.

Instructor

Glenn Davison

Hand Embroidery for Beginners

Hands-On Workshop

Participants will learn the principles of embroidery as well as several stitches that will enable them to create a multitude of projects

Instructor

Robyn Crowe

Robyn Crowe, MA and NH Realtor, Custom T-shirt Quilts and Embroidery

Workshop for Bad Artists

Hands-On Workshop

Take the stress of perfectionism out of the way from enjoying journaling, doodling, and being creative. I taught a workshop in college on fun ways to show people they are creative and build confidence with their art by doing exercises like: close your eyes and draw for 1 minute, start a drawing and pass it on, and other forms of journaling. My goal is to have people connect with themselves creatively by seeing who they are on paper. At the end of each drawing I will ask a few people to share what they drew for fun.

Instructor

Hunter Berube

Hunter Berube is a Lowell-based artist, grant writer, and filmmaker. An honors graduate of Suffolk University’s Broadcast Communications & Film program, Hunter’s strongest skill set is his love for community. He prides himself on lifting others up through the arts. Some of Hunter’s films include “Cigs and Gigs”, “Mayor of Lowell”, and his next short film coming soon is “Sugar and Dope.” Connect with Hunter on Instagram @hunterberube

Making mortise and tenon joints by hand

Hands-On Workshop

Participants will learn to cut and fit simple mortise and tenon joints using markers, saw and mortise chisels.

Instructor

Russ Tanner

Macrame

Hands-On Workshop

Beginners can start by learning f main knots: the lark’s head, square knot, spiral half knot, double half hitch, and wrapping knot.

Instructor

Linda Sar-Chanthanasinh

Spider plant bonsai

Hands-On Workshop

Creating a bonsai type spider plant.

Instructor

James Dayog

So You Want to be a Comic Book Creator

Hands-On Workshop

This is a workbook style overview of how to create (beyond the writing and art) Comics and Graphic Novels. From the layout to the printing of becoming a self-published comic book creator. Or what is required to find an agent and publisher.

Instructor

Mary Dumas

Mary Dumas is the creator behind the Studio Book Works in Western Avenue Studios. When not creating comic books she has artist tables at many comic book shows. She has been a participant in Massachusetts Independent Comix Expo (MICE) and Small Press Expo (SPX) as well as Boston Fan Expo, Awesome Con, Terrific Con and many more New England and East Coast events. Her creations include The Lucky Ones: a WW2 Story, based on a unit trained at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. First Date is a Q+ riff on the Romeo and Juliet story. Extreme Retirement and Wrong Dragon are her newest creations.

Roll Up Rolags

Hands-On Workshop

Blend a variety of wool into a custom color and create a rolag off the carding board. A rolag can be used for needle felting, spinning, weaving, and other fiber art. Each rolag is as unique as the individual making it!

Instructor

Cristina Gonzalez

Introduction to Cyanotypes

Hands-On Workshop

An introduction to the cyanotype printing process, a camera-less photographic printing process that uses the power of the sun to create beautiful blue prints.

Instructor

Liz Wood

Liz Wood is an artist and educator based in Lowell, MA. In addition to traditional photography, Liz works with handmade photographic processes, collage and sculpture. For general inquiries please visit their website at LizWoodPhoto.com.

A Wire Bonsai Workshop – Kaism Crafts

Hands-On Workshop

I transform/ taking cold industrial wires ( copper/ aluminum) into everlasting wire bonsai tree sculpture. Every piece is hand- twisted from a single strand or bundle of hundreds with a pair of pliers , ensuring that no two tress are ever identical- creating a permanent piece of nature for décor/ gifts.

Instructor

Kimheang Chhay

Self- Taught. Hand-Twisted. Everlasting. I’m Kim, the hand behind Kaism Crafts. Since 2019, I have obsessed with the challenge of turning rigid wire into immortal organic forms. I’ve been perfecting the art of the wire bonsai – one twist at a time. Every tree I create is entirely hand- twisted- no glue, – no solder, just the mechanical tension of the metal/ wire. Through my workshops, I share the secrets I’ve learned over the years and now I’m pulling back the curtain on my self- taught process to help others to find their own creative ‘twist.’

Heart Bag

Hands-On Workshop

Crafters will create a patchwork heart, made of fabric and ribbons. The patchwork heart will be glued to a canvas tote bag. Each piece of the heart represents one the sixteen characteristics of love as delineated in 1 Corinthians 13. Only basic skills of cutting and glueing required.

Instructor

Cynthia Peatfield

I am the author of “Crafts with a Christian Message”, published by Westbow Press a division of Zondervan Press. Each of the crafts can be made in about an hour, with no crafting experience. They are all closely tied to the scriptures.

Although the book has detailed instructions for each craft, including how to prepare for and teach it to a class, I will gladly offer my assistance to anyone who wants to host a craft event in a home or larger facility.

Watercolor for Everyone

Hands-On Workshop

Good experience teaching watercolor to all age levels. I can offer some basic exercises and fun projects to get students interested in watercolor.

Instructor

Ivan Orlinsky

I am a water color artist and enjoy plein air painting when I can get outside. There is something about capturing the elements in the moment, that cannot be created in the studio. Many times, I will use the paintings from outside for further work in the studio.

Contact: Phone: (978) 866-6403 Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Iorlinsky
https://westernavenuestudios.com/listing/ivan-orlinsky/

Additional background information:
Seven years Watercolor teacher – Lexingtion HS Continuing Education program
Two years President of the Chelmsford Art Society
Arts League of Lowell – member Art Show selection committee
Newton Watercolor Society
New England Watercolor Society
Brush Art Gallery and Studios – Lowell MA
Studio (375) Western Avenue Studios – Lowell MA

Knitting

Hands-On Workshop

Creating fabric by weaving loops using needles.

Instructor

Karlana Fronk

Curious About AI? Come Explore What It Can Create

Hands-On Workshop

AI is starting to appear everywhere. In school, at work, and in everyday tools. The interesting question is not whether it exists. The interesting question is what you can make with it.

This interactive session invites kids, teens, and adults to experiment with AI as a creative partner. Participants will explore how a few words can turn into music, images, stories, and new ideas. The focus is curiosity, imagination, and learning how to guide these tools in thoughtful ways.

Together we will explore:
• How AI can turn ideas into creative outputs
• How asking better questions changes what AI produces
• Ways to use AI for art, music, storytelling, and experimentation
• Why human creativity and judgment are still the most important ingredient

No technical experience required. Just bring curiosity.

Participants will leave with a better understanding of what AI can do today, how to experiment with it creatively, and how to use it in ways that support learning and imagination.

Instructor

Beth Zukowsky

Beth Zukowsky is the cofounder of AI Between Worlds, where she helps organizations and individuals use AI in thoughtful, practical ways. Through workshops, training programs, and advisory work, AI Between Worlds helps leaders and professionals move from AI curiosity to real capability while keeping human judgment at the center.

Beth also enjoys introducing families and young learners to creative AI tools that support exploration, learning, and imagination. Her work focuses on helping people understand how to use AI well so it becomes a tool for creativity, productivity, and better decision making.

Soap Making with Michele

Demonstration

Demo with soap making with Michele.

Instructor

Michele Albert

I make creative luxury skincare with sensitive skin in mind, helping you fall in love with your skin & reviving it back to a healthy state. Your skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated & it doesn’t have to be insanely expensive either…Just try my products & I promise your skin will thank you for it!

Website: https://bombshellcreationssoaperyllc.com

How to get started with carving wood

Demonstration

Have you ever thought about trying your hand at wood carving, but don’t know where to start? This session will introduce basic concepts, tools, and techniques with a short demonstration including wood selection, sharpening, work holding, and basic cuts.

Instructor

Rob Carver

The Eastern Mass. Guild of Woodworkers is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of excellence in the woodworking community through the sharing of information in the art, techniques, and business of woodworking. We strive to accomplish these goals in order to promote and foster interest in our craft to the general public as well as to both aspiring and skilled woodworkers.

For more information, visit www.emgw.org

Sharpening: Means to an Edge.

Demonstration

The Traditional Woodworking Interest Group (TWIG) of the Eastern Massachusetts Guild of Woodworkers will conduct it’s regular, monthly conversation live and in-person during this Skill Share session. In the session, we will demonstrate ways to sharpen woodworking hand tools – planes, chisels, spokeshaves, scrapers, and others. Methods, techniques, tips, and tricks shared by the TWIG members will accompany the demo.

Instructor

Wyatt Mills

The Eastern Mass Guild’s TWIG meetings (normally held monthly via Zoom) are an informal, open conversation where we share our experiences finding, using, and caring for hand tools. And frequently the discussion turns to other aspects of woodworking. Group experiences vary; some members use hand tools and methods frequently, others turn to them to augment and refine machine work. With a focus is on the effective and efficient use of a tool, discussion typically starts with a current challenge or experience faced by one of the members. The conversation from there invariably uncovers a wealth of tips and information from the group.

Blending Furniture Forms with Sculpture and Social Practice

Demonstration

Furniture Maker and Artist Aspen Golann will be discussing her role at The Chairmaker’s Toolbox juxtaposing her respect for traditional furniture with her advocacy for equity and inclusion.

Instructor

Aspen Golann