Intro to Lightburn: Laser Control Literacy

Shop Area: Metal Shop

Minimum Age: 9 years old and older

Want to use the laser to make your dream project a reality? Lightburn is the key! Come learn how to use this incredibly flexible software, and soon that beam of light will be dancing at your command! During this class, you'll learn several ways to get your project into Lightburn, get oriented to the Lightburn workspace, learn about the tools and data in the toolbars and some of the major ways to use them to refine your designs, and the workflows you'll need to go from digital design to physical objects. You’ll learn some handy keyboard shortcuts, some mouse tricks, and how they can make your process easier. Time permitting, we will use Mixxer’s Rabbit laser to cut small projects designed in class. Bring your ideas, designs, and questions, and let's get your laser dancing - with Lightburn!

BYOL (bring your own laptop), or borrow one of Mixxer’s!

Bonnie Toney’s passion has been creating beautiful things since she was first able to hold a pencil and paintbrush. She got interested in gems and jewelry in elementary school, and sold her first pair of earrings at age 11. A lifelong learner with diverse interests, Bonnie has pursued many types of artistic expression, and it’s not unusual to find several different disciplines contributing to a single piece. Bonnie ran a successful facepainting business for 20 years, in addition to teaching, creating her own art, and raising a family. 

A move to North Carolina in 2013 gave Bonnie the chance to spread her wings artistically, pursuing both traditional metalsmithing and metal clay with vigor. She is currently an instructor at Sawtooth School for Visual Art in Winston-Salem and has taught students of all ages at various venues in the Piedmont Triad. Her work is available at multiple locations in the area, including the Sawtooth Gallery in Winston-Salem, the Southwinds Gallery in Kernersville, and the GreenHill Center for NC Art Gallery in Greensboro. Bonnie was the Featured Artist in the Summer 2024 issue of Metal Clay Today. She is also an enthusiastic participant and exhibitor in the Arts & Health at Duke program. Follow Bonnie on social media to see more of her work and her techniques. 

“I find inspiration in nature, and in artistic traditions like Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts movement. Elegance of line speaks to me, and I find the interplay of light and color fascinating. I find joy in the creative process, and I love to help others find their joy.”

Find her at:

www.toneydesigns.com

www.instagram.com/toneylady

https://www.facebook.com/ToneyDesigns/

This class is for makers 9 years old and older. Makers under the age of 16 are required to be accompanied by an adult. For any questions please email workshops@wsmixxer.org

Workshops must meet a minimum number of registrations. Mixxer may cancel workshop 48 hours prior to start time, if minimum is not met. Should you need to cancel your registration, 48 hours notice is required to request a cancellation, refund or credit to future workshop date.