YOUNGSTERS can have a FabLab summer with a range of sessions and workshops aimed at unleashing their creativity.
Throughout August, The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, South Shields, is giving them the chance to create everything from clocks to keyrings with state-of-the-art laser and vinyl cutters at its FabLab.
And, to complement the venue’s acclaimed Monsters! exhibition – featuring a whole host of scary mythical and legendary creatures – the sessions begin with monster-themed laser fun on 14 and 23 August.
Children aged nine to 14 can not only design their very own monster but bring it life in the shape of coasters and keyrings using the latest laser cutting technology.
On Thursday 16 August, the same age group can turn their hands to T-shirt making, designing their own, bespoke logo and seeing it transformed into a unique item of clothing.
Then, on Tuesday 21 August, they can learn how to make a fully working clock with help from the team of experts at FabLab @ The Word, which is sponsored by BT.
They will begin with designing their timepiece and the session includes all materials, including the clock mechanisms, they need to create their own clock to take home.
Finally, all ages are welcome to attend two drop-in sessions being held at FabLab @ The Word in August.
On Wednesday 15 and Thursday 30, anyone is welcome to call in between 1pm and 4pm with a design they have created and see it made into a keyring, coaster or head phone tidy on the facility’s laser cutters.
Monster Laser Fun, on 14 and 23 August from 1pm to 3.30pm costs £12.50 per person, T-shirt Making on 16 August, from 1pm to 4pm costs £12.50 per person (+£4 if FabLab provides the t-shirt) and Clock Making, on 21 August from 10am to 4pm, costs £18 per person.
The drop-in sessions on 15 and 30 August are free but there is a charge of £4 for every item made.
For more information: www.theworduk.org, www.facebook.com/worduk, www.twitter.com/theword_uk