A Note from Savannah Shanley, Events Manager

Guest Contributor: Savannah Shanley

Hey Mixxer Makers! 

Spring is the time for renewal, and there is nothing I love more than seeing you all with the new projects you come out with from our classes every day at Mixxer! Whenever I think I’ve seen all the ways a particular class project can turn out, someone creates something completely unique during the next class. No matter how simple a project might start out I’m amazed by how our class takers transform it into their own. 

When someone takes a class here at Mixxer, they get to experience a little package full of the maker magic I see happening all day, every day. In just a few short hours, a collection of raw materials or a blank computer screen, or an unused machine transforms into something cool and unique. Classes give folks the opportunity to play, something adults so rarely get to do! With the encouragement of our fantastic instructors, folks have the freedom to get creative and, most importantly, make mistakes. 

As counterintuitive as it may sound, the best instructors encourage mistakes as part of learning. They guide their students through the process of working through the mistakes that get made and end up with a gorgeous and unique project nonetheless. Maybe I’m biased, but I do think our instructors are some of the best at this. Even when things go off the rails, they work through it with grace and humor. Some of my favorite moments watching classes is when laughter erupts from a mistake getting worked through! 

If you want to come make some mistakes with us, sign up for our NEW Classes Newsletter to get our latest classes right to your inbox! AND if you really want to make my day take the short survey after subscribing to the newsletter. 

Class Newsletter

Don’t forget that if you see a class that doesn’t fit your schedule, reach out about requesting the class on your time!

Want to become an instructor and help folks get through the mistakes they make? Reach out to me at savannah@wsmixxer.org! 

Happy making!

-Savannah Shanley, Events Manager

Director’s Note: March 2025

Spring Tool Sale: Building Community, One Tool at a Time

Spring is here, and so is Mixxer’s Spring Tool Sale! More than just a fundraiser, this event is about strengthening our creative community—ensuring that everyone, regardless of financial means, has access to the tools and resources they need to bring their ideas to life.

Every tool, every supply, and every dollar raised helps support Mixxer’s mission: providing a space where people of all backgrounds can learn, create, and innovate together. Whether you’re an experienced maker looking to upgrade your shop or a beginner eager to start a new craft, this sale is the perfect opportunity to find quality tools at great prices—all while supporting Mixxer’s programs and workshops.

What Can You Donate?

We’re accepting new and gently used tools and materials across multiple creative disciplines, including:🔹 Woodworking & Metalworking🔹 3D Printing & Electronics🔹 Leatherworking & Sewing Supplies🔹 Jewelry Making & Metalsmithing🔹 Art & Crafting Tools and Supplies

Not sure if your items are a good fit? Give us a call at (336) 265-7362 or check out our donation list on our website: www.wsmixxer.org/toolsale.

By donating and shopping, you’re not just investing in tools—you’re investing in the creativity and ingenuity of makers right here in Winston-Salem. We can’t wait to see you at the sale—let’s build something great together!

– Elaine Lamson, Executive Director

Call for Makers!

The 2025 Asheville Maker Faire is a free event happening on April 5 from 10-3 at the Mission Health / A-B Tech Conference Center located at 16 Fernihurst Dr, Asheville

https://asheville.makerfaire.com/

Makers make the Faire – we know that, and we are extremely grateful that you are considering donating your time and talents to make this event a success!

The Asheville Maker Faire is looking for exhibits from area makers that are:

• fun,

• informative,

• educational,

• engaging,

• inspiring,

• amazing,

• safe,

• and especially exhibits that are hands-on or interactive in some way!

Other than that, we’re open to a wide array of exhibit types – making can take many forms (tech, ceramics, textiles, food, craft beer or soda, etc.), and we are excited about having many of them at the Asheville Maker Faire.

If you would like to exhibit at the Asheville Maker Faire, please fill out the application  below (we know it asks a lot of questions, but they really help us plan for a great Faire).  There is no charge for exhibitors, and we may even be able to reimburse you for consumable supplies (contingent on availability of funds).  Commercial exhibitors are allowed, but please understand that the number of commercial booths will be very limited.

What will you need to bring? 

Your enthusiasm and patience, your project or activity, and any materials needed to help explain your project or do your activity.  Most of the Faire will be indoors, but there will be some outdoor spaces if needed.  If you want to be outdoors, bringing a tent canopy in case of rain (or to give you shade if it’s beautiful and sunny) is recommended, as well as four concrete blocks to serve as weights for your tent.  If you can’t rustle up a tent and/or concrete blocks, let us know on the application and we will try to track some down.

We are planning to provide lunch and snacks, but a refillable water bottle might be a good idea as well.

The Asheville Maker Faire will be held from on Saturday April 5, 2025 at A-B Tech.

If your exhibit will include anything that is, or could be construed to be, a weapon, make sure you let us know so we can talk to A-B Tech’s Dept. of Public Safety to see if it will be allowed.

What can you expect us to provide?

We will have volunteers to help you unload and set up for the Faire (and man your booth if you need to take a short break during the Faire).  We will also have a 6′ table and two chairs for each standard booth.  If you need more, please let us know.  We will make sure electricity is available and WiFi. (There will be places on the application to tell us what you need).  We will also plan to provide lunch and snacks.  And of course, you can expect our heartfelt thanks – without you, the Asheville Maker Faire couldn’t exist!

Finally, the application will ask you to upload a photo of your project and a photo of yourself or your group, so you may want to have those ready before starting (you can save the application at any time to finish it later).  If you don’t want to upload a photo of yourself or your group, you can use a logo or even just use the photo of your project again.

What is Maker Faire?

Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these "makers" to show hobbies, experiments, projects.

We call it the Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth - a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness.

Glimpse the future and get inspired!

https://asheville.makerfaire.com/