The Bellingham Makerspace is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit creative workshop, a community tool and skill sharing space whose mission is providing access and supporting learning to use tools and technology to make almost anything. The Makerspace has completed their relocation and renovation, and are now proudly open once again to the public in a new, larger location in Bellis Fair.
Tools and capabilities include woodworking, 3d printing, laser cutting and engraving for wood and acrylic, vinyl cutting for stencils and stickers, large format printing, electronics workbenches, sewing machines, CNC machining, metalworking, ceramics, and screen printing.
Regularly scheduled classes are open to the public and teach how to use tools and technology to make things and complete creative projects. There is a large open classroom, small class sizes, and opportunities for teachers who are interested in sharing their skills with the community.
Monthly membership provides access to the makerspace, online resources, computers, and discounts on classes. Membership also helps keep the machines in good working order for the community to use.
The new location offers studio space for artists and craftspeople to have designated studios of their own, with worktables, chairs, and locking storage. There is ample display space, and a high visibility to walk through traffic for members to sell their wares. Design services, consultations, and limited production runs for individual projects can also be provided.
The Makerspace is a volunteer run organization, and volunteers earn great perks including free classes, membership and tool discounts, and being a part of a vibrant community. The volunteers and community represent all walks of life, and is inclusive of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. New volunteer applicants are always being accepted.
The Makerspace is first and foremost a community of makers with a deep connection to Whatcom County. This group has participated in and held events for many like-minded organizations, such as the Spark Museum, Technology Alliance Group, Makers Making Change, Linux Fest, and many others, and done large scale community beautification projects such as the Garden Sphere and the PSE fence mosaic on Boulevard.
During the recent Covid-19 PPE shortage, the organization, after being approached by the hospital and the county, took initiative coordinating alternative medical equipment. The location became a hub for providing materials, sterilization, and distribution of cloth masks made by hundreds of volunteers working for local sewing groups from home. Supporters also used 3d printers along with help from local businesses such as Lithtex NW and Windermere to make clear face shields, and the ReStore assisted with fabrication of Tyvek isolation gowns.
The Bellingham Makerspace began life in 2014 as the Bellingham Foundry. For several years it was located at the Technology Development Center by the waterfront. It relocated in February to our new and improved location in Bellis Fair, unit 618, adjacent to Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Public hours are from 1:00 to 6:00 pm, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 12:00 to 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Members may request approval to work outside of these hours as well. On the website, bellinghammakerspace.org, members can schedule time on tools and anyone can sign up for classes, apply to volunteer, or find contact information to learn more.
It has been a challenging and rewarding journey towards reopening, but after many months and the great work of dedicated supporters and volunteers, the Bellingham Makerspace is ready to provide this invaluable resource to our local community once again. It provides the tools, the space, classes, and a community of makers, so that you can bring great ideas to the Makerspace and turn them into realities!
Join the Bellingham Makerspace and start making great things today.
Learn, Make, Share!