u/Fragrant-Monitor4349

If you always run out of steam at the finishing stage, or you're genuinely not sure what separates an oil from a varnish from a polyurethane, this one's for you.

Generator Makerspace is hosting a nontoxic wood finishing seminar this Wednesday, May 20th from 6 to 8:30pm. The evening includes a presentation, hands-on samples, live demos, Q&A, and finishing stations where you can try a few methods yourself.

We'll also answer the important questions, like whether shellac is actually made from bugs (it is) and what finishes are safe to use indoors.

Open to ages 16 and up.

What: Nontoxic Wood Finishing Seminar
When: Wednesday, May 20th from 6-8:30pm
Where: Generator Makerspace, Burlington, VT (Map)
Cost: $50 (cheaper for members)

Learn More:
https://app.glueup.com/event/demystifying-nontoxic-wood-finishing-175819/

Methods & Means >> Tuesday, May 26th, 6–8pm, Free

Methods & Means is a show-and-tell type of event for the process-obsessed. Hosted at Generator Makerspace, join us to learn from community members as they pull back the curtain on their approach to a particular process. Then stick around afterwards for more geeking out.

May's Presenters Include:

• Erin Ostreicher — Metalsmithing With Natural Materials
• Samara Fantie — Committing To The Bit, From bolt of inspiration to finished project
• Sophia DiLibero — TBD
• Open spot — This could be you!

Want to present? We'll give you ~15-20 minutes and no restrictions. Show slides, do a demo, or dance an interpretive dance... It's your call. Email membership@generatorvt.com to claim the last spot.

This event is free to attend.

Learn more at: www.generatorvt.com/methodsandmeans

Generator Makerspace has teamed up with the Stern Center For Language and Learning to offer a FREE screening of Gone Guys on Tuesday, May 14th from 5-7pm

Gone Guys explores a “quiet crisis” in our communities, hidden in plain sight: the increasing disengagement and isolation of boys and young men. Set in rural Vermont, this documentary brings national data to life highlighting the struggles faced by boys and young men and sets the stage for a meaningful conversation.

The film will be followed by refreshments and a group discussion lead by youth and community educators – Shaun Stephens, Stern Center Speech Language Pathologist, and Mason Merriam, Generator Director of Facilities & Operations.

What: Gone Guys (Film)
Where: Generator Makerspace, 40 Sears Ln, Burlington, VT
Date: Thursday, May 14th
Time: 5-7pm
Cost: FREE... but please RSVP at the link below.

RSVP HERE > https://app.glueup.com/event/film-screening-gone-guys-179309/

Applications for Generator's BIPOC Scholarship are now open.

Twice a year, Generator gives away makerspace access and technical education through their BIPOC Scholarship program.

Recipients receive 6 months of complimentary Generator Membership (August to January) and a $400 to spend on trainings!

If your creative, academic, or professional pursuits could benefit from access to tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, a woodshop & metal shop, a jewelry studio, sewing studio, and graphic and 3D design software this opportunity may be for you!

The deadline to apply is Monday, June 8th!

Learn more and apply at: www.generatorvt.com/bipoc-scholarship

Do you know what separates an oil from a varnish from a polyurethane? Is shellac really is made from bugs? Curious what finishes you can use in a Low or NO VOC environment?

This seminar will break down myths, slow down the process, and help you find enjoyment in the finishing process.

There will be a presentation, live demos, hands-on samples, Q&A, and finishing stations so you can try it yourself. 

Open to ages 16 and up.

What: Nontoxic Wood Finishing Seminar
When: Wednesday, May 20th from 6-8:30pm
Where: Generator Makerspace, Burlington, VT (Map)

Learn More:
https://app.glueup.com/event/demystifying-nontoxic-wood-finishing-175819/

Generator Makerspace in Burlington is hosting a sewing machine maintenance workshop for anyone interested in keeping their machine running smoothly and reliably.

You bring your own machine and we'll show you how to open it up, clean it out, oil and grease the right spots, fix your thread tension, and then put everything back together and check to ensure everything is working properly.

This is a great opportunity if you have a machine that is making strange noises, skips stitches sometimes, or just isn't performing as reliably as you might want.

What: Sewing Machine Maintenance Workshop (ages 14+)
Where: Generator Makerspace in Burlington, VT
Date: Wednesday, May 13th
Time: 6-8:30pm
Cost: $40.00

Learn More > https://app.glueup.com/event/sewing-machine-maintenance-workshop-174341/

Green Up Day is happening this weekend on Saturday, May 2nd!

Everyone should consider finding an event happening nearby, or getting out in your own neighborhood to pick up litter and debris from roadsides, trails, and public spaces.

If you're in Burlington, Generator Makerspace will be hosting a neighborhood clean up event from 9am-1pm at their location at 40 Sears Ln.

This is a great opportunity to tidy up our shared spaces after winter and get to know the Generator community.

If you'd like to come out and help please RSVP at the link below so we can make appropriate food plans.

Thank you!

Generator Green Up Day RSVP
https://app.glueup.com/event/green-up-day-2026-173918/

Generator Makerspace at the south end of Pine Street has a bunch of fun workshops coming up. Check out the list below, and learn more HERE.

• Wed, Apr 29, Darning 101: Clothing Mending, 6-8:30pm
• Fri, May 1, FPV Racing & Forum, 6-10pm
• Wed, May 13, Sewing Machine Maintenance Workshop, 6-8:30pm
• Thu, May 14, Wood Carving: Cooking Spoon, 5:30-8:30pm
• Tue, May 19, Adobe Illustrator Workshop, 6-8pm
• Wed, May 20, Nontoxic Wood Finishing, 6-8:30pm
• Tue, May 26, Intro to CAD: Fusion 360, 5:30-8pm
• Wed, May 27, Intro to Relief Wood Carving, 5:30-8:30pm
• Mon, Jun 1, FPV Drone Racing & Forum, 6-10pm
• Tue, Jun 2, Bike Maintenance Workshop, 5:30-8pm

Get your bike and/or gear repaired tomorrow from 4-8pm at Zero Gravity in Burlington.

Learn more: https://generatorvt.com/2026-bike-gear-repair-series/

Generator Makerspace is looking for 1–2 volunteers to help capture members at work, workshops in session, and all of the other things that make it such an awesome place!

If you enjoy photography or video and want to develop or flex those skills while supporting Generator, we'd love to hear from you. Hours are flexible and the subject matter is pretty cool! 

These positions would be part of our volunteer program and would receive all of our existing volunteer benefits including discounted or complimentary membership. No equipment is necessary as we have our own photo/video equipment. 

If interested please contact [**communications@generatorvt.com**](mailto: communications@generatorvt.com)