The Idea Zone is a collaborative do it yourself space for ages 12 and up that hosts a combination of programming and open shop time for makers in the Cherry Valley area. We are here to help support builders, inventors, and crafters of all skill levels. Bring your creativity and explore what we have to offer: hands-on crafts, high tech machinery, and experiential art.
Hours
The Idea Zone is open four days a week. Please consult our event calendar for any in-house programming that may result in the Idea Zone being closed for drop-in use.
Hours are as follows:
- Wednesdays – 10am to 7pm
- Thursdays – 10am to 7pm
- Fridays – 10am to 4pm
- Saturdays – 10am to 4pm
Equipment
Equipment is available to all patrons on a walk-in basis, subject to availability.
Cutting Machine – Design online and cut designs on vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, paper, cardstock and more with the Idea Zone’s Cricut Maker 3.
Sublimation Printer – Print out your design on the Idea Zone’s Epson F170 sublimation printer. Then use one of the heat presses to transfer that design to coasters, tees, mugs, and more.
Heat Press – Use the 15”x15” HPN heat press with a Cricut or sublimination printer to transfer your designs to clothing, tote bags and other flat items.
Mug/Tumbler Press – The HPN mug press has full wrap-around and top-to-bottom capabilities for 11 or 15 oz mugs. It can also handle three different sized skinny tumblers – 16 oz, 20 oz, and 30 oz.
Sewing Machines – The Idea Zone’s four Janome My Style 100 sewing machines are ready for your use to make fabric items come to life. Irons, black or white thread and basic sewing supplies are provided. Fabric is not provided.
Laminators – The Idea Zone has two laminators for use in the Idea Zone. The GBC Ultima 65 laminates items up to 27” wide, while the GBC Ultima 35 laminates items up to 12” wide.
Button Maker – Turn your hand drawn or printed design into a pinned button. The Idea Zone has a 1.5” hand press American Button Machines button maker. The pin-back buttons work best with standard copy paper.
ChompSaw – The Idea Zone’s Chompsaw makes cutting cardboard a breeze. Use this safe tool to make a prototype or a fantastic fort.
Easypress Mini – The Cricut mini press is ideal for small iron on projects like baby items, hats, shoes, and more.
Other Machines and Tools:
- 3D Pen
- Allen wrench set
- Art supplies
- Cinch Book binding
- Crochet hooks
- Handheld cardboard tools
- Happy Planner punch
- Household tool set
- Knitting needles and looms
- Paper cutters
- Paper punches
- Paper scorer
- Precision screwdriver set
- We R Memory Keepers Envelope Punch Board
Supply Prices
The Idea Zone is free for anyone to use; however, there is a fee for certain supplies. Please note that supplies are limited; the Idea Zone is not designed for mass production.
Costs of Supplies:
- 3D Printing – $0.10/gram inclusive of any supports
- Button Makers – $1.00 for five 1.5″ button forms
- Cricut:
- Heat transfer vinyl – $1.50 for a 12″x12″ sheet
- Vinyl – $1.00 for a 12″x12″ sheet
- Transfer sheets – $1.00 for a 12″x12″ sheet
- Laminator – $0.50 per foot
- Printer:
- 8 1/2″ x 11″ B/W – $0.15
- 8 1/2″ x 11″ Color – $0.25
- Sublimation Printer:
- 8 1/2″ x 11″ – $0.25
- 8 1/2″ x 14″ – $0.50
- Sublimation Blanks:
- 11 oz coffee mug – $2.50
- Rubber coaster – $0.50
- Ceramic coaster – $1.00
- 20 oz tumbler – $4.00
Idea Zone Policies
The Idea Zone is a self-directed area with the expectation that users will complete designs and projects on their own. Idea Zone staff have a working knowledge of all equipment and are there to provide information, help troubleshoot problems and answer questions.
- The Idea Zone is available to users ages 12 and up.
- The Cherry Valley Public Library Code of Conduct applies to all Idea Zone users.
- Idea Zone users must be aware that participation may result in risk of personal injury or harm. Users of the space and its equipment release the library, its employees, volunteers, committees and Board of Trustees, from and against any and all liability, loss, damages, claims, or actions (including costs and attorney’s fees) for bodily injury and/or property damage, to the extent permissible by law.
- Food and drink are not allowed in the Idea Zone.
- Idea Zone users may reserve and use equipment in two-hour increments. Equipment must be used for lawful purposes. Users must abide by all applicable laws (including copyright law: Title 17, U.S. Code and patent law: Title 35: U.S. Code), as well as library policies. Idea Zone staff reserve the right to decline any project request for any reason.
- Idea Zone users are expected to clean and organize their station when finished.
- Idea Zone users are required to complete training before using equipment. Users cannot use certain pieces of equipment (i.e., heat press, sewing machine, etc.) without training.
- Idea Zone users are responsible for any damage to equipment. Fees will be determined by the cost to fix or replace parts or equipment.
- Idea Zone users cannot modify hardware or software, or install new programs onto library computers. Users may bring their own laptops or tablets. One on one appointments can be made with Idea Zone staff to learn more in-depth operation of software and hardware.
- There may be fees associated with Idea Zone supplies. We do not issue refunds for unused supplies. Idea Zone staff must approve any outside materials and reserve the right to refuse certain materials, tools, etc.
- Idea Zone users are responsible for their own materials, supplies, and projects. NO storage is available on site.
- Idea Zone programs and services may be prioritized for Cherry Valley Public Library cardholders in good standing.
- The Podcast Studio is only available for Cherry Valley Public Library cardholders in good standing.
- The library is not responsible for how items created in the Idea Zone are used. Nor can we guarantee project quality, equipment availability or stability, confidentiality of designs or specific delivery times.