Submitted by MPL Public Services Associate, Lisa Devins-Horohoe
When you think of the library, you probably picture books and magazines, right? Well, let me tell you, Manitowoc Public Library has so much more to offer! Join us at Manitowoc Public Library in the Idea Box on Friday, March 27, from 2-4 PM for the latest Make It At MPL—Digitize and Design: Old Film to Glowforge Ornaments.
Now, if you’re wondering what the Idea Box at Manitowoc Public Library is all about, it’s our awesome makerspace where Teens and Adults can dive into hands-on learning and creativity. We’ve got some really high-tech gear like a Sound Booth, a Prusa CORE One 3D Printer, Sewing Machines, and yes, a Glowforge!
What’s a Glowforge? It’s basically a super cool desktop “laser printer” that cuts, engraves, and scores designs into materials like wood, leather, and acrylic. Think of it as your Digital Craft Buddy that helps you make personalized signs, jewelry, and all sorts of home décor. At Make It At MPL—Digitize and Design: Old Film to Glowforge Ornaments, you’ll get to digitize your old filmstrips and slides, and turn those digital images into beautiful wooden ornaments using the Glowforge! Not sure how to digitize? Don’t worry—we’ve got a Kodak Scanza that makes it super easy. Just pop your negatives or slides in and it snaps a photo in about half-a-second!
To join in on the fun Make It At MPL: Digitize and Design on March 27, bring your own filmstrips or slides. Each of you will get to make one ornament, but it’s a good idea to bring a few options to work from just in case! High-contrast photos work best for engraving, by the way. And if you want to take home a digital file of your scanned images, bring a flash drive! We even sell them for $5 at the Service Desk if you don’t have one at home.
Just a heads up—space is limited for Make It At MPL: Digitize and Design: Old Film to Glowforge Ornaments and you need to register for this event. Registration opens on Friday, March 13, at 9 AM, so head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/photo-ornaments then to secure your spot. Also, you need to be 18 or older to join in.
So, dig out those old slides and filmstrips tucked away in your basement or closet and come hang out with us at Manitowoc Public Library for some creative fun at Make It At MPL!—Digitize and Design: Old Film to Glowforge Ornaments. The great thing is that no previous experience is needed. And you can check out everything that Manitowoc Public Library’s Idea Box Makerspace has to offer while you’re creating your ornament. Still have some questions? Just call the Library at 920-686-3000 and ask away! We can’t wait to see you there!
