What is Creative Solutions?
The Penticton Public Library has launched a new initiative to empower patrons to learn new skills, be creative and make things while having fun!
A makerspace is like a creative playground where people can come together to make things. It's a place filled with tools and equipment, like 3D printers, computers, and crafting tools, that anyone can use to turn their ideas into real objects. The Penticton Public Library has makerspace equipment available for patrons to use in the library.
The 3D printer and the Cricut Maker 3 may be booked by patrons after completing an online course and meeting with staff for a 1:1 session. Must be over 12 years old to use the equipment on your own.
The sublimation printer and heat press are available by appointment with staff guidance.
If you have questions or would like to book an appointment, please fill out the form below. You can also contact us by phone: (250) 770-7781 Ext.7792 or by e-mail: techhelp@pentictonlibrary.ca
Equipment
The Bambu Lab P1S 3D printer is available by appointment for public use in the library. There are a few steps to complete before you can book time on the 3D printer.
- Have a valid Penticton Public Library Card or a BC One Card.
- Take the online course. Niche Academy will ask you to create an account, please use your full name and email address that matches your library membership.
- Book a 1:1 session with staff. During this session you will be able to ask questions and have staff guide you through your first 3D print.
There are a few steps before booking time with the 3D printer.
- Find a model to print. You can create your own model or download one from a 3D model sharing website (links below)
- Use Bambu Studio software to prepare the model for printing. By slicing the model, you will be able to gather information on printing time and weight.
- Be prepared to pay $0.10 per gram according to Bambu Studio. The library only accepts cash.
Bambu Lab
3D Model Sharing websites
Make your own 3D models
More tutorials can be found here:
LinkedIn Learning (Free with your library membership)
Additional Niche Academy Tutorials
The Cricut Maker 3 is available by appointment for public use in the library. There are a few steps to complete before you can book time with the Cricut.
- Have a valid Penticton Public Library Card or a BC One Card.
- Take the online course. Niche Academy will ask you to create an account, please use your full name and email address that matches your library membership.
- Book a 1:1 session with staff. During this session you will be able to ask questions and have staff guide you through your first project.
There are a few steps before booking time with the Cricut Maker 3.
- Design your project using Cricut Design Space.
- Ensure that the project is ready by clicking "Make" and double checking the layout.
- Ensure that the library has the required tools and that all materials have been gathered. You may need to purchase materials on your own.
The library has limited materials available for purchase. Currently we have:
- Cardstock (Letter - 8.5x11 inches) $0.50 each.
- Vinyl (12x12 inches) permanent or removeable $4.00 each includes transfer tape.
Cricut Design Space is free to download and is available for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.
More information and a link to download Cricut Design Space can be found at: design.cricut.com
*Note: At this time, Cricut Design Space is not available for Chromebook.
Once you have Design Space installed on your device and open it, you will see two options: Product Setup or Sign In, click on Sign In.
If you already have an account, you can sign in now. If you are setting up an account for the first time, click on the Create Cricut ID tab.
It is free to sign up for a Cricut ID and is required to use Cricut Design Space. All of you projects and images can be saved with your Cricut ID, allowing you to access them from any device running Design Space by simply signing in.
If you are using a shared device, you might want to sign out of Cricut Design Space. In Design Space, on the top right side you will see an arrow next to your name, click on that to open the menu. At the bottom of the menu, click on Sign Out.
BONUS: Cricut Design Space can be downloaded onto the library's internet computers. When the computer restarts, the program and any saved files will be deleted. Not to worry, anything saved in Design Space will still be there when you sign in to your Cricut ID. Don't forget to save your work!
Sublimation printing is a process used to transfer colourful designs onto various surfaces, such as fabrics or ceramics. Here's a simple explanation of how it works:
- Design Creation: First, a colorful design is created on a computer using graphic design software.
- Printing: The design is then printed onto a special kind of paper using sublimation inks. These inks have the unique property of turning into a gas when heated without passing through a liquid phase.
- Transfer: The printed paper is placed on the surface of the item to be decorated (e.g., a T-shirt or a mug). Both the paper and the item are then subjected to heat and pressure using a heat press machine.
- Sublimation Process: Under heat and pressure, the sublimation inks on the paper turn into a gas and are absorbed by the surface of the item. The inks then solidify, becoming a permanent part of the material.
- Result: The end result is a vibrant, high-quality, and durable print that is integrated into the material rather than sitting on top of it. This process is particularly popular for customizing clothing, promotional products, and personalized gifts.
In summary, sublimation printing involves turning ink into a gas to embed a design into the material through heat and pressure, resulting in a vibrant and long-lasting print.
The library has a sublimation printer that will print on letter sized (8.5 x 11 inches) sublimation paper. The cost to print is $1.50 per page. The library also has a heat press to transfer your designs onto various surfaces. The sublimation and heat press are available by appointment with staff guidance.
The library has a heat press available by appointment with staff guidance.
A heat press is a versatile tool used for applying designs, graphics, or decorations to various items through heat and pressure. Here are some common uses for a heat press:
- Custom Apparel
- Sublimation Printing
- Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) Applications
- Heat Transfer onto Fabrics
- Hat and Cap Printing
- Promotional Products
- Mug and Drinkware Printing
- Plate and Dish Printing
- Canvas and Art Prints
- Home Decor
- DIY Crafts
- Event and Team Merchandise
The heat press comes with eight different attachments or platens designed for specific items or surfaces:
- Flat Platen (38 x 38 cm or 15 x 15 inches)
- Plate Presses (12.5 cm or 4.9 inches AND 15.5 cm or 6.1 inches)
- Hat/Cap Press (14 x 8 cm or 5.5 x 3.1 inches)
- Mug Press attachments:
- Standard Mug (275ml or 9 fl. oz. AND 325ml or 11 fl. oz.)
- Flared Mug (larger on top) (350ml or 12 fl. oz. AND 500ml or 17 fl. oz.)
Creative Solutions Upcoming Programs
BYOD: Bring Your Own Device
