Author: Greg Maino

  • Adobe Illustrator Workshops: Spring/Summer 2026

    Adobe Illustrator Workshops: Spring/Summer 2026

    Adobe Illustrator is a powerful design program that is ideal for creating and manipulating vector graphics for laser and vinyl cutting, plasma cutting, and many other manufacturing and digital fabrication applications.

    Unlike raster-based programs that store images as pixels, Illustrator works with mathematical paths and curves, meaning designs can be scaled to any size without losing quality or sharpness — a critical advantage when precision is required.

    Illustrator’s robust set of tools allows designers and fabricators to create clean, exact outlines, intricate patterns, and complex shapes that translate directly into machine-readable files.

    Features like the Pen tool, PathFinder operations, and node editing give users precise control over every anchor point and curve in a design. And other tools make it relatively easy to convert art made via more traditional methods into digital formats ready for high volume reproduction. Illustator supports industry-standard file formats such as .SVG, .DXF, .EPS, and .AI, which are widely accepted by laser cutters, vinyl plotters, plasma tables, CNC routers, and waterjet machines.

    Here at Generator we offer regular Illustrator workshops to help anyone learn the fundamentals of vector design and get the most out of Adobe Illustrator for their making, fabrication, and design projects.

    Whether you’re new to the software, looking to sharpen existing skills, or seeking help with a specific project or challenge, our offerings have you covered.

    Illustrator Skills Workshop – $75

    The first option is an introductory skills workshop for never-evers, or users who are relatively new to Illustrator. The goal of the intro workshop is for participants to leave with a strong foundation in essential Illustrator tools/skills/shortcuts so they can efficiently create or modify designs for use with Generator’s laser, vinyl, and plasma CNC machines. We’ll slowly step through the entire interface touching on best practices and the most common tools. If there is time at the end we can dig into project specific questions.

    Illustrator Project Support – $20

    The second option is a project support workshop where individuals can receive help working through specific challenges or processes. This option is great if you’re wrestling with a tricky vector, trying to clean up a design for cutting, or just want another set of eyes on your work.

    Spring/Summer 2026 Schedule

  • 2026 Bike & Gear Repair Series

    2026 Bike & Gear Repair Series

    Join some of Burlington’s favorite organizations at Zero Gravity for a fun, FREE, hands-on, community powered Bike & Gear Repair Series on the following dates:

    • Tuesday, April 28th from 4-8pm
    • Wednesday, May 20th from 4-8pm
    • Thursday, June 18th from 4-8pm

    Got a bike that needs some love? A jacket with a battle scar? A pack that’s held together by hope and one good strap… We’re here to help you fix it!

    In a world that’s quick to throw things away, choosing to repair is a small act with a real impact. Every stitch, patch, and tune-up keeps good gear out of the landfill and removes it from the endless cycle of replacement. Rather than extracting additional resources to make something new, let’s focus on extracting as much life as possible from what we already have!

    So, clear your schedule, round up your broken stuff, and meet us at Zero Gravity on Tuesday, April 28th, Wednesday, May 20th, and Thursday, June 18th!

    FREE Bike Repair

    Volunteer mechanics from Generator, Local Motion, Old Spokes Home, Champlain College, and VMBA will be providing basic tune-ups (safety checks, brakes, shifting, etc). Think of it as a wellness visit for your wheels. We won’t have spare parts on hand, so it’s more spa day than surgery, but we’ll do our best to get you rolling smoothly.

    Shout out to Local Motion, Champlain College & VMBA for providing bike parking and extra mechanic muscle!

    FREE Gear & Clothing Repair

    Generator will be showing up again with sewing machines, scrap fabric, and other supplies. Torn jacket? Busted buckle? Fraying pack straps? Drag it all in. We’ll be offering basic repairs like patches, snaps, and stitches for free.

    The Sandbox will also be on-site offering simple repairs and hi-vis safety patching! They’ll fix what they can, and can help make arrangements for more complex repairs outside of the event.

    NOTICE: More complex fixes likely won’t be free, but anything coming through this event will receive a discount at The Sandbox.

    EZ Breezy Bike Ride with Local Motion >> Tuesday, April 28th

    Kick off the evening of Tuesday, April 28th with a special edition of Local Motion’s beloved community bike ride ending right at Zero Gravity for the Bike & Gear Repair Fair! The group will meet at 5:30 PM at Local Motion’s Trailside Center (1 Steele St) and head out for a casual 5.5 mile ride around Burlington. The pace will be easy, the vibes chill, and there will be music along the way. This group rides together, and no one gets left behind. Click Here To Learn More

    Hang Out & Hydrate

    All of this goes down at Zero Gravity, home to some of the best beer and food in Burlington. Come for the repairs, stay for the pint and good company.

    Bike Maintenance Workshops @ Generator

    And don’t miss out on our low cost Bike Maintenance Workshops at Generator. These are 2.5 hour sessions where we teach you how to take care of common maintenance and repair tasks on your own. We currently have sessions scheduled on Monday, May 11th, Tuesday, June 2nd, and Wednesday, July 1st from 5:30-8pm, $20/non-members & free/members.

  • Meet Our 2026 JumpStart Cohort!

    Meet Our 2026 JumpStart Cohort!

    Ahead of our upcoming JumpStart Expo & Pitch Night, we are excited to introduce our newest cohort of Generator entrepreneurs! 

    These nine talented makers were selected to participate in 2026 JumpStart Business Bootcamp, a 13-week entrepreneurship program facilitated by business coach Emily Eley. This incredible crew has been meeting weekly since mid January, setting goals, crafting prototypes, and fine-tuning their business models. 

    Don’t miss the JumpStart Expo & Pitch Night coming up on Wednesday, April 8th where you can listen to each entrepreneur pitch their business and share a bit about their journey. Click Here to RSVP!

    This program is made possible with support from M&T Bank.

    Gioia

    Sophie Bodnar & Liv Fauver

    Gioia is a chair designed to honor the full experience of feeding your baby. Be it nursing, pumping or bottle feeding, each form asks something different of a parent’s body, and no chair on the market truly supports the ideal postures for all three. Gioia is our answer to that. A chair that supports the forward lean posture pumping requires, while also meeting the full range of feeding positions a new parent moves through and is beautiful enough to grow with your family long after your pumping days are behind you.

    Lunch Brake Bike Bags

    Josephine Bunnell

    I design, sew, and sell bike bags out of Burlington, VT. Lunch Brake bags balance durability and functional construction with dreamy, playful colors. They are made to spend all day on the bike with you, everywhere you go. It can be tricky to find a bag that will stand up to real use and dirty riding while also having some style. Lunch Brake is a locally made option to fill this gap, selling products made and tested by a cyclist for cyclists.

    Crescencia

    Nadine Demers
    crescenciavt.com, @crescencia_vt

    I make bold and colorful bags and accessories handcrafted using fabric scraps and upcycled materials. I’ve been developing waxed canvas outerwear as a natural alternative to plastic fabrics and forever chemicals common in outdoor gear. Everything I make is expressive and playful, designed to last, be repaired, and slow the cycle of buying and discarding.

    Stix-N-Bitz Construction Toolkit

    Marcia Gauvin
    stixnbitz.com

    Stix-N-Bitz is a wooden construction set for young engineers to construct strong, complex open-ended designs. Other construction sets break easily under the rigorous structural testing which kids put them through. Stix-N-Bitz constructions are strong, sturdy and durable.

    The Neon Brain

    Ciaran Gilmore

    I hand draw and design SILENT and discreet fidgets with a focus on function, feel, and aesthetics. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, my fidgets are a take everywhere tool to focus the mind and can even be used as a visual guide for box breathing.

    Chord Blocks

    Rae Kantrowitz
    chordblocks.com, @chordblocks

    Chord Blocks turn music theory into something you can hold in your hands. Stack blocks to form chords, sequence them into songs, and discover how harmony works — one block at a time.

    Keldi

    Jon Roberts

    Keldi makes physical interfaces that communicate through motion and form. One product in development is a kinetic flower you “water” with your good habits. It keeps your progress visible at a glance, without pulling you back into an app through constant notifications.

    Cravn Jewelry

    Meredith White
    cravnjewelry.com, @cravnjewelry

    Upcycled Plant Hangers, Simply Designed. A modern way to display your plants. Made from upcycled leather or vinyl deadstock, these hangers are lightweight yet sturdy, holding plants securely while adding a refined, architectural element to your space.

  • Makers In Action: Whistle Parties!

    Makers In Action: Whistle Parties!

    Get Involved: Volunteer Whistle Parties!

    Community is built through action, and Generator has two upcoming opportunities for you to show up, connect with neighbors, and make a real difference.

    #1 – Whistle Packing Party: Tuesday, March 3 from 4-7pm

    Generator has been busy 3D printing thousands of safety whistles to distribute across Vermont, helping communities stay protected. Now we need your help! Please consider volunteering with us to tie strings on whistles, fold instructional zines, and package everything up for mass distribution.

    The finished whistle packs will go to African Americans Living in Vermont (AALV), Vermont Professionals of Color (VT-POC), and other organizations in Burlington, Montpelier, and throughout the state.

    It’s simple, meaningful work — and a great chance to connect with our community and take care of our neighbors.

    Drop in anytime and stay as long as you’d like. Everyone and all ages are welcome.

    Thank You Volunteers! We prepared 2500 Packets during this event!

    #2 – Whistles + Sign Making: Saturday, March 21 from 9am-Noon

    On Saturday, March 21st, ahead of the No Kings Protest on March 28th, we will be gathering again to build as many whistle packages as we can.

    This time, in addition to the whistle packaging work, we will also have a sign-making station to help everyone gear up for the No Kings Protest the following weekend. Please plan on bringing your own cardboard and any extra paint you might have! Generator will have paint, markers, stencils, and more on hand, and staff to assist with the laser and vinyl cutters if you interested in taking your poster to the next level!

    Whether you’re coming to package whistles, make a sign, or both, you’re welcome here.

    RSVP: March 21 Whistle & Sign Party, 9am-Noon

    Together, let’s keep our community safe!

    If you aren’t able to attend, but would like to support this effort please consider making at donation to our Makers-In-Action Fund to help cover the cost of supplies.

  • Wood Carving Series with Barbara Sauer-Davis

    Wood Carving Series with Barbara Sauer-Davis

    Wood Carving Kitchen Series with Barbara Sauer-Davis

    Join experienced woodworker Barbara Sauer-Davis of Wolf and Wood Thrush for an intimate exploration of traditional hand-tool wood carving.

    This five-workshop series invites you to slow down and reconnect with the meditative rhythm of hand carving. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some woodworking experience, you’ll learn to create beautiful, functional kitchen utensils from locally sourced wood, guided by Barbara’s expert instruction and deep appreciation for the craft.

    Each workshop focuses on a different essential kitchen tool, building your skills as you master the fundamental techniques of wood carving—from initial shaping and hollowing to finishing touches that bring out the wood’s natural beauty. You’ll work with traditional carving knives and hook tools, learning proper hand positioning, grain direction, and the satisfaction of creating something useful and lasting with your own hands. Take one, or take them all… It’s up to you!

    Wood Carving Workshop Schedule:

    Each piece you create will become a treasured kitchen companion and a reminder of the craft tradition you’re now part of.

    All skill levels welcome. Tools and materials provided. Leave with a finished piece and the knowledge to continue carving at home. Individual workshops do not depend on each other, take any one, or any combination of workshops that make sense for you.

  • Upcoming Events: Methods & Means, and Make & Mend!

    Upcoming Events: Methods & Means, and Make & Mend!

    Join us at Generator for two evenings of sharing, learning, and making! Whether you’re curious about how things are made or passionate about fixing what’s broken, these community gatherings are designed to celebrate and share the knowledge, skills, and creativity contained within our maker community.

    A big thank you to Sophia DiLibero for helping us plan and host these events!

    Make & Mend – Thursday, March 19

    Bring your broken items and DIY gift ideas to our Make & Mend community gathering! This event is another experiment in coming together, connecting with each other, and exchanging ideas.

    The plan is to meet in the Great Hall and connect people with broken items to individuals with appropriate repair skills. This event is also an opportunity to show off previous fix-it victories, and share ideas and examples of projects that would make useful or meaningful gifts for friends and family.

    Whether you’re patching jeans, reviving electronics, or brainstorming your next homemade creation, this is your chance to learn from fellow makers and show off your repair wins. Come ready to share what you know and leave with new skills and inspiration.

    What: Make & Mend Repair & DIY Gift Event
    Where: Generator Great hall
    When: Thursday, March 19
    Time: 6-9pm
    Cost: Free

    If you are planning to attend, you can just show up, but we’d prefer if you RSVP’d below. This will help us gauge whether this is a good idea or not and ensure we are properly prepared. Please also consider bringing some snacks to share.

    RSVP > Make & Mend
    Thursday, March 19

    Methods & Means – Thursday, February 26

    Ever wondered how different people approach certain tasks or projects? Methods & Means is a show-and-tell type of event where our community members are invited to pull back the curtain on their approach to a particular process.

    This is an experiment, and there are no rules or expectations on what should be shared, or how to share it. Take us through some slides, set up a demo, do an interpretive dance… It’s your choice!

    No Topic Is Off Limits
    Tell us about how you approach using 3D printing to create molds for slip casting ceramics… Walk us through the steps and ingredients necessary to make the most awesome cup of hot chocolate… Or explain the theory and reasoning behind how you organize files on your computer.

    The Format Is Simple
    Share your methods, reveal your means, and give us a little glimpse of your inner-nerd so we can appreciate the passion behind the maker/doer! Each person will have ~20 minutes to use however you want. We’re planning for 10-15 minute presentations followed by discussion… But please don’t let our lack of creativity limit your plan.

    Interested in Sharing?
    We are currently seeking ~6 community members interested in presenting. If you have a thing you’re passionate about—be it practical, whimsical, or anywhere in between—we’d love to hear from you.

    Please contact Sophia at [email protected] to share your theme and reserve a spot.

    Current Lineup

    1. Greg Maino – The Perfect Oreo Dunk
    2. Patrick Fahey – A Simpleton’s Guide to Sharpening Tools
    3. Bjorn Peterson – Design Rabbit Holes
    4. Neil Shah – Oru Woodstove Monitor
    5. Jim Hodson – Developing Agreement via App
    6. Sam Francis – Papier Mache Masks
    7. Lux – Creativity Through Spontaneity
    8. Aurora Calderon – Craft Switching Thru The Seasons
    9. Greg Maino – The Art of Making Good Bad Decisions

    What: Methods & Means Show & Tell Event
    Where: Generator Conference Room
    When: Thursday, February 26
    Time: 6-9pm
    Want To Present: Contact  [email protected]
    Cost: Free

    If you are planning to attend, you can just show up, but we’d prefer if you RSVP’d below… even if you are presenting. This will help us gauge whether this is a good idea or not and ensure we are properly prepared. Please also consider bringing some snacks to share.

    Over & Done
  • Healing Through Making: FREE Sewing Workshop To Support Breast Cancer Patients

    Healing Through Making: FREE Sewing Workshop To Support Breast Cancer Patients

    Come help the Generator community fabricate shower bags for the UVM Medical Center Oncology Unit!

    Join us for a two-day community sewing event to support breast cancer patients recovering from surgery. Shower bags allow patients to shower hands-free while managing post-surgical drains—a small comfort that makes a meaningful difference.

    Dates: Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14
    Time: 10:00am–2:00pm
    Cost: FREE

    Basic sewing experience is helpful but not required—there are tasks for everyone. We have limited sewing machines, so please bring one if you can.

    Donations needed: 100% cotton fabric, ribbon, thread, and sewing machine needles.

    This project was inspired by Lyn Coupal, a two-time breast cancer survivor. “After my second surgery, the hospital gave me a shower bag so I could bathe safely and independently,” Lyn shared. “These small items make a big difference—but they’re not always available.”

    Drop in anytime! We need volunteers to help sew, cut fabric, iron, assemble, and package bags.

    Sign Up To Volunteer

    Questions or Donations? Contact [email protected]

  • Membership Referral Program – November & December

    Membership Referral Program – November & December

    Refer a Friend and Earn Free Membership!

    Active Generator members can earn free membership by referring new and returning members during the months of November and December.

    Benefits:

    • Current Members: 2 weeks of free membership per referral
    • New Members: $40 off their first month

    How to Participate:

    Current Members
    Email [email protected] to request your personalized referral code.     Share it with potential members throughout November and December. We’ll track code usage and apply your rewards during the first week of January.

    New Members
    Use a referral code when signing up to save $40 off your first month. Only one code per person is allowed.

    Eligibility Requirements:

    • Current members must maintain continuous membership through the promotional period to receive rewards. Memberships that expire or lapse during November-December are not eligible for rewards.
    • Any non-member can use a referral code whether they are a new member, or a returning member.
    • Referral discount can only be used in conjunction with our standard monthly membership. Student memberships, volunteer memberships, and rental products are not eligible.

    Email [email protected] to request your personalized referral code today!

    If you have any questions please reach out to [email protected], or [email protected].

  • Community Survey Fall 2025

    Community Survey Fall 2025

    Help Us Improve the Generator Experience!

    At Generator Makerspace, our community is at the core of everything we do. As we continue to grow and evolve, we want to make sure we’re providing the tools, resources, and programs that matter most to you—our members, visitors, and the wider maker community.

    That’s why we’re reaching out today to ask for your help.

    Why Your Input Matters

    Generator exists to serve the diverse needs of makers, artists, entrepreneurs, hobbyists, and curious minds throughout our community. Whether you spend multiple hours each week at our facility, are someone who drops in occasionally for a specific project, or are a curious neighbor who’s been thinking about exploring what we offer—your perspective is invaluable.

    Your feedback will help us understand:

    • Which tools and equipment are most essential to your projects
    • What types of classes and trainings you’d like to see offered
    • How we can better support your creative and professional goals
    • What barriers might be preventing you from using the space more fully
    • What new programs or resources would enhance your maker journey

    Take Our Brief Community Survey

    We’ve created a short survey that should only take a few minutes to complete. You’re welcome to fill it out anonymously if you prefer, but we hope you’ll consider sharing your contact information because we’re offering some fantastic prizes as a thank you for your time.

    Enter to Win Amazing Prizes

    Everyone who provides basic contact information will be automatically entered into our raffle to win the prizes listed below:

    • (1) Six Months of FREE Generator Membership
    • (2) Three Months of FREE Generator Membership
    • (1) Free Generator Tool Training
    • (1) Free Generator Workshop
    • (1) PinBox 3000: DIY Cardboard Pinball Game

    Our survey period ends Sunday, October 19th. Prizes will be awarded shortly thereafter.

    Take Generator’s Community Survey

    Thank you for being part of the Generator community. We can’t wait to hear your ideas so we can make this space even better. If you have questions about the survey or want to share additional feedback please rreach out to us at [email protected].

  • Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Generator’s Upgraded Electronics Lab

    Ribbon Cutting Celebration: Generator’s Upgraded Electronics Lab

    Upgraded Electronics Lab Ribbon Cutting!

    Join us for the grand opening of our newly upgraded Electronics Lab, made possible through funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration in partnership with LaunchVT.

    The enhanced lab features state-of-the-art tools, expanded workstations, improved safety features, and specialized power supplies designed to support innovators, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists working on cutting-edge electronic projects—including those utilizing GaN (gallium nitride) semiconductors for energy-efficient power electronics.

    Come celebrate this milestone in Vermont’s growing tech and maker communities!

    The event will include guided tours of the new lab and networking opportunities with members of Vermont’s manufacturing, creative, and entrepreneurial communities.

    Event Details

    Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
    Time: 2:30 PM
    Location: Generator Makerspace, 40 Sears Lane, Burlington, VT
    Cost: Free and open to the public
    Refreshments: Cash bar provided by Zero Gravity Brewery

    RSVP Today