This Wednesday, December 14th from 7- 10 PM at the AS220 Labs (on Lucie Way next to the AS220 Printshop), Labs Keymember, Jenine Bressner will be hosting a screening of Handmade Nation, Faythe Levine's documentary about contemporary DIY craft in the U.S. Locals also featured in this film are The Dirt Palace, and Deb Dormody of general awesomeness (If'n Books and Marks and Craftland.)

The movie is one hour long and will be preceded by a slideshow about FAB7, the fascinating international digital fabrication conference that took place this past August in Peru. The screening will be followed by a conversation about the importance of DIY, and how Fab Labs are facilitating that all over the world!

We teach anyone how to make almost anything

The Providence Fab Academy will return for its third year on January 2, 2012 through June 30, 2012. Classes will be held in Providence, RI at AS220 Labs (a personal digital fabrication lab or "Fab Lab").

The Fab Academy is a Digital Fabrication Program directed by Neil Gershenfeld of MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms and based on MIT's rapid prototyping course, MAS 863: How to Make (Almost) Anything. The Fab Academy began as an outreach project from the CBA, and has since spread to Fab Labs around the world. The program provides advanced digital fabrication instruction for students through an unique, hands-on curriculum and access to technological tools and resources.

For the past two years AS220 Labs has collaborated with MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms in offering the Providence Fab Academy. Our lab in Providence is part of a global Fab Lab / Fab Academy network. The Providence branch of the Fab Academy works with other participating Fab Labs and experts from around the wold via a distributed educational model where we pool our knowledge to provide a unique educational experience.

Learn to turn codes into things

At the Fab Academy, you will learn how to envision, prototype and document your ideas through many hours of hands-on experience with digital fabrication tools. We take a variety of code formats and turn them into physical objects.

Students will learn to use the following tools: Epilog Mini Laser Cutter, Roland MDX-20 Milling Machine, and the Roland CAMM-1 Servo GX-24 Desktop Vinyl Cutter, MakerBot 3D printer and a ShopBot CNC router.

The topics covered in this course include: digital fabrication principles and practices, computer-controlled cutting, electronics design and production, embedded programming, 3D scanning and printing, mold making and casting.

Now Accepting Applications for 2012

The Providence, RI branch of the Fab Academy is now accepting applications for the 2012 session taking place from January 2, 2010 - June 30, 2012. The deadline for applications is December 10th. However, applications will be processed as they are submitted and class size is limited. For more information, visit our site here.

If you have any additional questions, contact the Providence Fab Academy Coordinator / Instructor, Anna Kaziunas France at anna@as220.org.

Listen up fellow makers, fabricators, and those who like to work with their hands! We got some exciting new hands-on courses at the labs coming up, check them out below.

Laser Cut Textiles

Learn how to lasercut textiles and make your own Halloween costume while you're at it! This machine enables entirely new possibilities from easily cutting pattern pieces (within 1' x 2' dimensions) to creating new textures, functional decorations, dimensional objects, and even etching images or text onto fabric! This class will also include sewing tutorials for lasercut textile applications. Different techniques will be demonstrated and experimenting will be encouraged!

Part I - October 29th, 1-6PM
Part II - October 30th, 1-6PM
Instructor - Jenine Bressner

Sign up at our online store

Soft Circuits

Soft Circuits I - This workshop is an introduction to soft circuits, including tips on working with conductive thread and guidance on sewing connections between a light and a battery. You will experiment with conductive everyday objects, like metal beads, to make a flickering felt brooch.

Soft Circuits II - This workshop builds upon the skills learned in the Soft Circuits I workshop, but can be taken without any previous experience. In this workshop you will learn how to add multiple lights to a circuit while creating an illuminated bracelet (or cuff) that shines only when worn.

Soft Circuits I - November 5th, 1-4PM
Soft Circuits II - November 12th, 1-4PM
Instructor - Anna Kaziunas France

Sign up at our online store

For questions regarding class schedules and enrollment, contact james@as220.org

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011, 5:30 - 8pm
AS220 Labs, Mercantile Block, 2nd Floor
131 Washington Street, Providence, RI
FREE (buy your own food and drink - it's cheap)
RSVP at Facebook

This month, Providence Geeks is doing something a little different, and coming over to the AS220 Labs to showcase the makers of Rhode Island! A select group of makers from the RI Mini Maker Faire will be giving live, hands-on demonstrations of everything from 3d-printing to robotics building.

Food and drink will be available next door at the latest addition to the Downcity food scene - Mexico!

Get more details at the Providence Geeks Blog

The labs is offering a course next month that features the artist-friendly programming language, Processing. The language was designed to teach computer programming visually rather than cryptically, making it easier for the programmer to understand the building blocks of their program. It is used by a community of electronic artists and graphic/visual designers to make all types of interesting projects (like the picture above).

Here is an example of something you can build using processing:
a processing program that allows you to generate your own typography.

Here at the labs, we think that computer programming doesn't have to be complicated and is accessible to people that aren't computer scientists. Let's face it, computers are awesome and they can do magical things. There is probably an idea brewing up in your head that can be translated into a program and do something awesome - you just need to understand the basic building blocks, and the rest is up to your imagination. The creative programming course will take students through computer programming in a fun and simple way - using the Processing programming language. Students will learn the basics, create a program, and use their program to actually make something!

Evelyn Eastmond, currently a RISD graduate student in the Digital Media program and a graduate of MIT's Media Lab, will be instructing the class. She strives to make learning easy, fun, and interactive. She has worked on the Scratch project, a programming language designed for kids. Check more of her work out here.

The workshop is going to be held over the course of this upcoming weekend, Saturday and Sunday - August 6th/7th from 12-4PM. Enroll Here!

Ever partied with a laser before? Well get ready Providence! This very evening at 7pm join us for the first ever Fab Social at the NEW AS220 Labs at the Mercantile!


WHAT: AS220 Labs Grand Opening Parrrrrtttyyyyyy featuring Math the Band!
WHERE: AS220 Labs at the Mercantile-off Mathewson Street, around the corner from the AS220 Project Space Gallery.
WHEN: Friday, January 7th, 7-10pm (TONIGHT)


See live demos of our awesome rapid prototyping and fabrication tools, meet our keymembers and swap sweet hacks with local nerds and makers! Enjoy tasty treats from AS220 Foo(d), plus Narragansett beer and cupcakes!


Can't wait to see you all here! It's party time FabLab style!

Our very own labs member, Jenine Bressner appeared on the Martha Stewart Show last week, showcasing her glass work skills. The episode also includes a feature on the Maker Fair and digital fabrication.

Check out the video clip here!

For more info on Jenine, check out her website.

Next thursday night, the labs will be hosting a "salvage night". This is a night when anyone from the community can come and go through our junk pile and pick out anything they want. It's completely free, and snacks and refreshments will be provided too. You can come hang out and reminisce over old hardware, or just take things apart for no apparent reason. We will provide some tools for salvaging - screwdrivers, pliers, soldering irons, etc. Come on down and check out what we got!

Here is just a couple of the things you'll find lying in the junk pile:
- old computer parts
- computer chassis
- printers
- scanners
- wire and cables
- and other weird things

When: Thursday, October 21st 7:00-10:00PM
Where: AS220 Labs (2nd Floor, 115 Empire Street)
Why: Because we're moving and we have lots of junk!

For additional information, contact james@as220.org

The labs is offering a series of introductory courses this October. To sign up, just click on the name of the class below.

Introduction to the Laser Cutter
Saturday, October 9th, 1-4pm
Learn how to use this tool to cut or etch wood, plastics, papers or textiles! From 1pm to 4pm we will cover the basics of using the laser cutter safely, techniques for working with different materials, and the software tools for preparing work for the cutter. This is a hands-on workshop; bring a project if you like!

Electronics for Artists 101: Two Weeks
Wednesdays, October 13th and 20th, 7pm-10pm
Have you ever wanted to learned some basic electronics to add to your art? Do you want blinky things? Monster switches? Retro red digital numbers? This is the first of a series of classes designed to teach the basics of electronics to those interested mostly in the practical with just a little bit of the theoretical. EA101 will introduce students to basic electronic components, how to design and prototype simple circuits, and where to go from there.

Open Kit Build Night
Tuesday, October 26th, 7pm-10pm
Buy a cool kit and come build it in our labs! We'll provide the tools and the space. Choose from a dazzling variety of the following kits! TV-b-Gone Minty Boost bring your own container & 9v battery That's right! For the mere cost of parts, you'll walk out of our lab with a blinking, singing, tv-annihilating toy you made yourself!

This is what our June Artist-in-Residence Jimmie Rodgers showed me how to do last week:

It's an Atari Punk Console Noise Dolly! The Potentiometers are in her arms! When Jimmie told me he could turn toys into electronic instruments, my first thought was "Creepy Doll Orchestra." Now I'm one doll closer to realizing my vision. This weekend, I'm going to LASERCUT a little stage for them to play on.
It's Magic! And you can learn it too! This week and next, Jimmie will be hosting a series of workshops for you to learn how to turn your own toys into wonderful oddities.
Did you notice that we also have kits back in stock! You betcha! TV-b-Gone! MintyBoost! Open Heart! Buy a kit then drop by and learn from the master himself. Jimmie is only here for another week and a half! Don't miss out on the magic. Sign up NOW!!

That's right, it is officially GO TIME in the AS220 Labs. So many classes, so many weird and wonderful things for you to learn and see and make....like this:



It's the Open Heart by our Hacker-in-Residence Jimmie P. Rodgers.

For the entire month, Jimmie will be here to show us what he knows, and, to be corrupted by our all powerful and irresistible laser cutter. Look what he made on his first try:



In a few short weeks, Jimmie will be hosting some awesome workshops, like this:

Circuit Bend the Easy Button Tuesday, June 22 7-10pm.

Buy a Kit, Build a Kit Wednesday, June 23 7-10pm.

Atari Punk Console Kit Build Thursday, June 24 7-10pm.

Circuit Bending II Tuesday, June 29 7-10pm.

Buy a Kit Build a Kit Vol.2 Wednesday, June 30 7-10pm.

Or, just stop by any weeknight between 7 and 10 to say hello, hack some stuff and hang out. We'll be here, making stuff like this:

Atari Punk Console:

And talking about Jimmie's hacker space Artisan's Asylum opening June 18 in Union Square in Sommerville!

Resistance is Futile....resistors are plentiful. Get it while the gettin is good!

Greetings from the hacker capital of Rhode Island-It's* QuahogCon*! We've been talking with makers, hackers, thinkers and tinkerers from across the country about how cool it is to be a total nerd.
There's robots and LED's and brain machines and lock pickers and laser cutter goodies all over the place! It's pure magic!
Our comrade John Duksta, fearless leader of DC401 put this whole shindig together and we couldn't be happier to be here!

Students from the FabAcademy are impressing the masses with their gadgets

the Fluxamascanner 3D scanner
Chording Keyboard prototype
Motion sensored skulls with LED eyes
3d casts of moon craters and Pure Data Frequency Modulators
and cute laser cut keychains that amazingly double as bottle openers!!

It's all fun and games here friends! And don't forget about our May classes:

Intro to the Laser cutter
Basic Electronics for Artists
Laser Eastern Woodblock Printing
Hop to it Hackers!! We'll be waiting!

Listen up geeks: you do not want to miss what's goin' down in the labs this Spring. We have new classes and old classics seeking open minds and able hands to help us hack and hot wire our way out of winter. Behold-It's Springtime in the FabLab!

MARCH
13: Intro to the Laser Cutter 10am-1pm $65
18&25: Electronics for Artists 7-10pm $100(includes parts)
20&27: Lasercut a Pinhole Camera 1-4pm $55

APRIL
3: Intro to the Laser Cutter 10am-1pm $65
22: Programming Workshop 7-10pm FREE

MAY
1: Intro to the Laser Cutter 10am-1pm $65
5,9&12: Laser Cut Japanese Woodblock Printing $125
6,13,20&27: Introductory Arduino 7-9pm $200 (includes parts)

Sounds like fun, don't it! Visit our online store for detailed class descriptions and to reserve your spot!
Questions? Comments? Suggestions for super slick hacker savy classes?
e-mail krystal@as220.org

That's right folks, lasercutting is back with a vengance in the AS220 Labs. We're slicing and dicing our way through the dark days of winter, and this is your chance to get in on the fun! Didn't get a spot in this Saturday's sold-out class? Not to fear friends of the lasercutter, there's another class this Monday with 3 spots open!! Can't make it then? Then sign up for Broken Hearts Lasercutting on Saturday Feb.13th or almost-but-not-quite Leap Year Lasercutter on Feb. 27th and get your piece of laser glory. Come on, you know you wanna! Visit the online store to sign up!

The raffled Makerbot has finished its long journey from Providence to Tempe AZ, where it is now ensconced in the workshop of Becky Stern. She writes in her Sternlab blog:

I recently won a raffle for a Makerbot Cupcake CNC machine, which is a DIY 3D printer. The raffle was held by AS220, an awesome hacker/etc lab in Providence. Thanks a million, guys, it works great! You can find the file for the little mushroom that I printed (John Park modeled it) in the Thingiverse.

It's official. This past weekend we hosted Zack Hoeken of Makerbot Industries and NYC Resistor and built a Makerbot with the help of about a dozen workshop-goers over the two days. Reprappers Bruce and Nick Wattendorf arranged the whole event; Nick is shown in the photo above, working on the Makerbot with Zack. The Makerbot we built is #48 in the lineage of Makerbots.

Thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets! We sold a total of 107 tickets, and received a $100 match from board member Brian Jepson (thanks Brian!). The raffle closed at midnight last night, at which point Arley-Rose pulled a name from the glass jar. Drumroll please... and the winner is...

Rebecca Stern of Tempe Arizona.

Congratulations Rebecca!

Check here for a full list of everyone who bought tickets and threw their names in the hat. The current batch of Makerbot kits is sold out, but we will be trying to get an order for the AS220 Labs bot in the July batch.

When: Tuesday, March 10, 4 - 6 pm
Where: Cranston Public Library, 140 Sockanosset Cross Road

Teens! Do you like to tinker? Come join us at the Cranston Public Library for Make and Break: Build a 555 Noisekit! - a workshop designed to inspire you to further investigate electronics technology and technology-based scientific inquiry. An instructor from AS220 Labs will show you how to use an old reliable integrated circuit - the 555 timer - to produce electrifying noisemusik. You will leave with a completed project that that can be plugged into any amplifier, computer speaker, or home stereo. All soldering tools and materials will be provided free of charge.

This program is funded by a YALSA Teen Tech Week Mini Grant!

To register, call 943-9080 x 5

Here's a quick update on what is happening in and around AS220 Labs at the beginning of March, 2009:

New Equipment

Back in mid-November we held a fundraising event to raise money for the "Fab Lab" fabrication equipment. In January we purchased the first large piece of equipment, an Epilog laser cutter. We also did some minor electrical improvements and combined two of the studios on the second floor of Empire Street to accommodate the Fab Lab equipment.

Marc deVinck came up to AS220 last weekend and did a great article for the Make Blog.

PBN photo by Frank Mullen

Ted Nesi of Providence Business News came by last week and interviewed MItch for Providence Business News.