MakerSphere’s ‘Make-Learn-Do’ series introduces the Woodshop

October 6, 2026  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

Inside the MakerSphere Woodshop. Courtesy photo

Looking to introduce the craft of woodworking to more people in the community, the folks at the MakerSphere Woodshop have scheduled multiple opportunities this fall for people to explore the shop, learn how to use the tools, and make easy projects in one session.

MakerSphere announces a new series of one-night woodworking events and open shop hours designed to for woodworkers of all skill levels. Called “Make – Learn – Do,” the sessions offer three different ways to get involved in woodworking: Make It in One Night, Tool School, and Open Shop.

“Most people don’t have their own fully outfitted woodshop, nor do they want to invest in a garage full of tools that won’t get used regularly,” explained MakerSphere Program and Operations Manager Toni Flynn.

The nonoprofit arts organization’s woodshop is designed to be a community resource for both making and learning. Located at 1727 Guptil Road in the former Waterbury Ambulance station near the town highway garages, it offers a space to work, a variety of tools, and instructors to provide knowledge.

This fall, there are several opportunities for new and experienced woodworkers. Make It in One Night workshops are project-based sessions where participants will get to build a simple project in one evening. No experience is needed and tools are provided. The projects will be a hands-on experience to create picture frames, wine bottle holders, serving trays, and more.

At the MakerSphere WoodShop, Kelley Hackett uses a drill press as shop steward Jason Fisher looks on. Courtesy photo

“You can enjoy time in the shop and leave with a finished project and the great satisfaction of making something with your own hands,” Flynn said.

For those ready to learn, Tool School nights will offer instruction on various woodworking tools. “For beginners, the woodshop can be an intimidating place. Equipment and machines require knowledge and confidence to use safely,” Flynn explained.

Tool School nights will educate beginners in a supportive environment, with each date focusing on one or two commonly used woodworking tools, covering safe operation, what the tool can do, and how it is typically used in woodworking projects.

Another group of dates on Wednesdays and Sundays will offer Open Shop hours, geared for people who already have some woodworking experience but don’t have the space, tools, or machines to tackle a project at home. Open Shop time is meant for people with basic woodworking experience to work independently with staff available to help locate tools, answer general questions, and offer advice.

The overall goal is to introduce more people to the Woodshop as a place where community members can connect, gain skills, work on projects, and enjoy time creating, Flynn explained.

Registration is required for all programs. Fees for Make it in One Night, held on Thursday nights in November and December are $75 for an individual, $125 for a pair working together. Tool School sessions, starting Oct.15, also on Thursdays, are $25. Open Shop hours start Oct. 7 will be on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings for $20 per visit.

More and registration information are online at makerspherevt.com/woodshop. Learn more at makerspherevt.com.