The machine shop is where you can make parts accurate to the thickness of a human hair and strong enough to last generations. Step up your fabrication skills and join us in learning how to use a mill, lathe, and more!

Sample classes that you can sign up for once a member:
Machine Shop 101 - Learn how to safely navigate the shop, as well as the basic use of several powered and hand tools. Please wear long pants and close toed shoes to this class.

1hour/$70.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Metal Lathe Intro - Train on basic use of the metal lathe by turning and fabricating your own part. Practice the safe use of lathe tools while learning basic turning, facing, and drilling operations. Learn about different tools and their applications, speeds and feeds, and the different ways of clamping and securing material. 

2 hours/$140.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Vertical Mill I - Explore the basic functions and operations of milling from a hands-on perspective. Cover the steps of the machine setup and how to properly prepare and setup material for machining. Learn safe operational practices, including selection of endmills and different mill tools, and choosing feeds and speeds. Use the digital readout system to accurately dimension your part and its features.

2 hours/$140.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

CreateIT Lab’s welding classes will teach you everything you need to know in order to safely operate the required machines. Learn and practice safe techniques around building a project you can be proud of while gaining the skills you need to become and expert  in the welding shop.

Sample classes that you can sign up for once a member:
Intro to Welding - This course focuses on MIG welding where students will be introduced to the basics of welding. Subjects covered will include but not limited to welding fundamentals and safety,  machine setup and nomenclature as well as Welding joints and positions.  Long sleeves, pants and closed toed leather shoes are required for this course. All required safety gear is provided.

3 hours/$210.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Advanced welding - This course builds upon the fundamentals taught in the introduction to welding but includes instruction of Tig welding. In this course students will learn the importance of material preparation,  fitup of parts as well as torch nomenclature and techniques required for successful welding. Long sleeves, pants and closed toed leather shoes are required for this course. All required safety gear is provided.

3 hours/$210.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Our wood shop classes teach you how to safely and successfully use our Woodworking department’s hand tools, power tools, and finishing materials. Learn how to make everything from basic household essentials to anything you can dream up.

Sample classes that you can sign up for once a member:
Intro to Wood Shop - Explore the woodshop and the basic tools it offers, including  several powered cutting tools, hand tools, and sanding machines.

1hour/$70.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Table Saw, Miter Saw &  Band Saw basics - Learn the fundamentals of table saw, miter saw, and band saw safety. Arguably the most used machines in the wood shop, the table saw and miter saw are essential for all levels of woodworking. Identify and use each saw’s components for safe setup and operation, while exploring different types of cuts and corresponding blades and techniques. 

1.5 hours/$105.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Introduction to the Wood Lathe - Calling all beginners! Explore turning techniques on the wood lathe, including roughing, shaping beads and coves, drilling, and finishing. Practice safe setup and operation of the wood lathe, and proper use of a variety of turning tools. Walk away with a candlestick holder or spinning top, and gain certification for unsupervised access to the wood lathe.

1.5 hours/$105.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Wood Preparation: Jointer and Planer - Learn the basics of preparing wood for use in woodworking projects. This class will cover safe use of the jointer and planer. Process rough sawn wood by flattening, straightening, and squaring. Practice using the machines by milling wood and then gluing up boards to make a finished cutting board. 

1.5 hours/$105.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Our laser cutting and engraving classes will give you the courage to explore the endless possibilities for inventing and creating with lasers. Learn how to master the software, materials and engraving equipment to create your own designs.

Sample classes that you can sign up for once a member:
Intro to design for laser - Through a combination of guided instruction and independent work, build on existing knowledge of Adobe Illustrator to create and design for laser cutting. Explore features that can be used for laser design including layer use, smart guides, bitmaps, clipping paths, compound shapes and kerf testing.

1.5 hours/$105.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Intro to Laser - Explore various advanced techniques on the large bed universal laser. Learn the basics of laser-created tapering, a fundamental of inlaying one type of wood into another. Press-fit acrylic together using pressure and review double sided and registration techniques for advanced laser design and production.

1.5 hours/$105.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

With top-of-the-line 3D printing technology, our 3D Printing department offers a crash course in understanding and using 3D printers. From lecture classes to hands-on work, our intro and intermediate classes teach the basics in 3D printing. Once you gain an understanding, use the 3D printing equipment to create anything from small toys to useful everyday devices – the only limit is your imagination.

Sample classes that you can sign up for once a member:
Intro to 3D Printing - Learn to use our open-source 3D printers by picking and printing a design from CreateIT Labs’s curated archive of pre-approved project files. Experience simulations of commonly encountered problems and learn how to troubleshoot and adjust the machine for clean, precise prints. Completion of this class gains members unsupervised, free access to our printers for personal use.

1hour/$70.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Modeling software for 3d printing - Fusion 360 is 3-D modeling design software, commonly used by a variety of industries. Learn the basics of navigating and using the software, the various projects and design areas that benefit from the use of Fusion 360, and basic CAD principles. Work to design a basic project of your choosing, available as a file for personal use upon completion of class. NOTE: Basic computer navigational skills are necessary to take and understand this class. BYOD (minimum requirements and need to download before class)

2.5 hours/$175.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Turn your textile-based concepts into reality using CreateIT Labs professional design workspace equipped with commercial grade Juki sewing machines, mannequins, cutting tables and pressers.

Sample classes that you can sign up for once a member:
Sewing Machine Orientation/Basic use & safety - Learn how to independently  and safely use the Juki Straight Stitch and Serger machines. Instruction will be provided on learning machine operations, threading the machines, bobbin winding, adjusting thread tension, selecting correct needles, and how to straight stitch, back stitch and serge.  Studio time to practice is included.

1.5 hours/$105.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Sewing Basics 101 - Create your own tote bag, using skills taught in Orientation class.  Learn about fabric grain lines, how to pin and cut a basic pattern and sew the pieces together to create a finished project

2 hours/$140.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Intermediate 201 - How to read a pattern and ensure it will fit.  Basic draping techniques on a mannequin will be provided if needed. Based on project, buttonhole, zipper, piping and various seaming techniques will be taught.

3 hours/$210.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Our top of the line Avid CNC lets you take your ideas to reality with the precision and accuracy needed for state of the art production.
Sample classes that you can sign up for once a member:
Intro to CNC -  This machine is a beast and should be able to cut through all woods and some soft metals (such as aluminum). In this course we will be exploring the entire process of taking a designed mode and cutting it out. By either using a pre prepared CAM/CAD file or one design in our CAM/CAD for CNC class. In this course you will learn how to  load, initialize, and safely run the machine. We will also be going over: 
•Selecting a cut profile and tooltip. 
•Importing the CAM/CAD file into Mach4 CNC control software
•Changing the tool bit 
•Attaching your workpiece
•Centering and finding the zero point of the workpiece. 
 
3 hours/$210.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Learn the ins and outs of the software and design programs we utilize to take traditional manufacturing disciplines to the next level. Intro courses in Rhino, Adobe Illustrator, and Solidworks will give you the basis of computer-aided design (CAD) principles. CAD programs are incorporated into nearly every department at CreateIT Labs– so with a basic understanding of how the software works, you can create anything you can dream up.

Sample classes that you can sign up for once a member:
Basic CAD - Beginners are welcome in this intro-level class to designing in 3D software. Using Tinker CAD to complete guided exercises, explore the use of shapes, grouping, solids, and holes. Note that to take this class, you must have a computer mouse with a scroll wheel.
1hour/$70.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

Introduction to CAD - Fusion360 is a 2D and 3D design software, commonly used by a variety of industries. Learn the basics of navigating and using the software, the various projects and design areas that benefit from the use of Fusion360, and basic CAD principles. Work to design a basic project of your choosing, available as a file for personal use upon completion of class. NOTE: Basic computer navigational skills and a computer with a mouse are necessary to take and understand this class.
3 hours, 2 sessions/$420.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays

CreateIT Labs ceramic studio is one of the largest in NJ.Learn the basics and then move into advanced classes that include wheel throwing and hand-building. Mix your own glazes, spray them on and fire them up!

Sample classes that you can sign up for once a member:
Beginner/Intermediate Wheel throwing and hand building - This class introduces the student to the basics of wheel throwing.  Students will learn how to center the clay, throw, trim & glaze in an encouraging and fun environment. Instructor will demonstrate the basic techniques & work closely with each student to ensure success.

3 hours, 9 sessions/$450.00/Generally offered monthly on Saturdays 
 

Join us for our 4-week Art Appreciation Workshop! 

Sample classes that you can sign up for once a member:

This workshop will be a survey of Art: past, present, and future. We will explore what is currently happening in the "Art World" and how it connects to the past. "History always constitutes the relation between a present and its past. Consequently fear of the present leads to mystification of the past." -John Berger. The goal of the class is to demystify history and art. A selection of your work will be included in a publication through CreateIT Labs! Want to participate, but will have a hard time making it in-person? This will be a hybrid, in-person and online workshop. Please contact us with questions - call: (908) 517-3737 / email: info@createitlabs.org
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Instructor: Frank May frankmay.net

4 weeks/3 Hours each session,  in-person and online
Mondays 6pm-9pm
$260 (plus material costs)

Join us for our 4-week Collage Workshop! 

Sample classes that you can sign up for once a member:

Join us for Intro to Collage! We will explore making collage, as well as its rich history. "I have always tried to exploit the photograph. I use it like color, or as the poet uses the word." -Hannah Höch. You will learn about variety of collage materials and techniques. We will focus on paper, but mixed media will be encouraged. A selection of your work will included in a group exhibition through CreateIT Labs! Want to participate, but will have a hard time making it in-person? This will be a hybrid, in-person and online workshop. Please contact us with questions - call: (908) 517-3737 / email: info@createitlabs.org
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Instructor: Frank May frankmay.net
4 weeks in-person and online
Tuesdays 6pm-9pm
$260 (plus material costs

Join us for our 4-week Intro to Filmmaking Workshop! As well as making a series of short films, we will study the history of Cinema.

Sample classes that you can sign up for once a member:

"The Hollywood movies are more like novels, and the kinds of films I make are more like poems" -Stan Brakhage. You will develop a mini-mobile studio, utilizing your smartphone as a base. By the end of the course you will possess all the hardware and software needed. A selection of your work will be featured in the next CreateIT Labs Film Festival! Want to participate, but will have a hard time making it in-person? This will be a hybrid, in-person and online workshop. Please contact us with questions - call: (908) 517-3737 / email: info@createitlabs.org
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Instructor: Frank May frankmay.net


4 weeks/3 hours each session,  hybrid in-person and online
Wednesdays 6pm-9pm
$260 (plus material costs)

Join us for our Intro to Sculpture Workshop!

Sample classes that you can sign up for once a member:

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"To see is to think, and to think is to see." -Richard Serra. The class will create both small and large scale work. You will work with a variety of media to make a series of sculptures. Works will be both free standing and wall relief. We will explore scale, form, and texture. You will learn about and take inspiration from the greats of art history. A selection of your work will be included in a group exhibition through CreateIT Labs! Want to participate, but will have a hard time making it in-person? This will be a hybrid, in-person and online workshop. Please contact us with questions - call: (908) 517-3737 / email: info@createitlabs.org

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Instructor: Frank May frankmay.net

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4 weeks in-person and online

Thursdays 6pm-9pm

$260 (plus material costs)

Join us for our 4-week Painting Workshop! 

Sample classes that you can sign up for once a member:

We will explore the history and evolution of in painting. This class will be a survey of mainly portrait, still life, figure, landscape, and abstraction. We will work with a wide variety of painting techniques and methods of making a picture. You will be exposed to art history develop your special visual vocabulary. You will develop a body of work that will be part of a special exhibition through CreateIT Labs! Want to participate, but will have a hard time making it in-person? This will be a hybrid, in-person and online workshop. Please contact us with questions - call: (908) 517-3737 / email: info@createitlabs.org
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Instructor: Frank May frankmay.net
 
4 weeks/3 Hours each session,  in-person and online
Fridays 6pm-9pm
$260 (plus material costs)