TinkerMill is so lucky to have so many members dedicated to the betterment of our MakerSpace. These members have are dedicated to making, continually gone above-and-beyond, and need to be celebrated! Learn more about these awesome individuals below.
Want to nominate a TinkerMill Member for the next Member of the Month? Please complete the form at the link here. THANK YOU!
Ed Diamond has been an amazing TinkerMill member since day one, stepping in to help wherever he can and whomever may ask. He has spent countless hours improving our Rapid Pro Shop, and has helped with TM Astronomy, Machine Shop, Electronics and beyond! He brings patience, humor, and a positive attitude to all that he does.
Current Favorite Shop:
“Rapid Prototyping”
Tell us about about what you make:
“Mostly mistakes, usually in public, and sometimes in hardware.
I like to dabble in a little bit of everything—mechanical design, programming, embedded systems, and making tools that make other tools do the thing slightly faster than they were ever intended to. I’ve been building out new classes in the Rapid Prototyping shop, lending a hand with smaller one-off projects around the space (like a custom camera case for Astronomy), and starting suspiciously long conversations about why your print failed halfway through layer 87.
Also, I’ve been trying to teach myself VHDL so I can finish designing my own custom processor architecture. Because nothing says “well-adjusted adult” like rewriting ALUs in your free time.
But more than anything, I try to make spaces—classes, events, weird little hangouts—where TinkerMill members can swap knowledge, build cool stuff, and maybe accidentally start a project they’ll be stuck with for six months. So what do I make? Mistakes. Ideas. Community. A processor that definitely works unless you look too closely.”
How did you get involved at TinkerMill?
“Honestly? I just kinda showed up one day and offered to help. I think I wandered in, saw Tyler moving boxes, and started going with the flow. Now I accidentally run events, teach classes, and have like three ongoing side quests across different shops.
My relationship to TinkerMill is somewhere between “helpful gremlin” and “that guy who keeps making custom PCBs for reasons no one asked about but we’re all weirdly invested in now.”
I didn’t plan on becoming a core member of the community—I just started fixing stuff, answering questions, and slowly realizing that this place runs on the collective chaos of people who do the same.
TinkerMill’s basically like an open-world game where you spawn in, pick up a soldering iron, and suddenly you’re leading a guild.”
What would you say to others about your experiences with TinkerMill?
“TinkerMill is one of the few places where you can casually meet someone who knows way more than you about a thing you didn’t even know existed, and five minutes later they’re teaching you how to do it too.
It’s full of people who have incredibly specific hobbies, deeply niche interests, and a concerning level of enthusiasm—and I mean that in the best way. Everyone’s just out here learning stuff, building weird contraptions, and trying to drag you into their latest obsession with a smile and probably a laser cutter.
My experience with TinkerMill has mostly been: show up, meet cool people, try something new, maybe blow a fuse, learn from it, and then teach someone else so they can blow the fuse slightly more elegantly. It’s a place where curiosity isn’t just encouraged—it’s kind of the whole point.”
Where can you find Ed’s work?
Crystal Hinds is an OG TinkerMill Member! She spent years on the board of directors as our secretary and was an influential part of our executive team. Crystal has worked tirelessly over the years to build out and improve the MetalCraft Shop AND its leadership team and shop community. Crystal offers free office hours on Saturdays to help folks engage in the shop. Crystal is a dedicated instructor and shop captain who is in it for the long game – she wants TinkerMill to be around for years to come and she does her part to make that a reality! Crystal is a gifted artist and teacher and is ALWAYS willing to help anyone get excited about metal. We can’t wait to see what she does next!!
Current Favorite Shop:
“You will most likely find me in the Metalcraft, Jewelry and Lapidary shop, but I am known to venture forth into Rapid Prototyping, Woodshop, General Bench and hopefully soon into the Mega Laser shop. I have also been sighted in Textiles, Blacksmithing, Welding, Stained Glass, Flameworks and Pottery. If I had every day to spend at TinkerMill I would utilize as many of the shops as possible, every day.”
Tell us about about what you make:
“I make all kinds of things; I view materials as a way to communicate visually. Every material or technique has a place in the conversation or adds a particular tone or spark. Sometimes I need to speak louder (more vibrantly), I use paint for these moments because it is colorful and attention grabbing. Sometimes, I want the conversation to be more private so I work in clay seeking that connection to the earth, the result of the conversation can be pretty, useful or mashed back up and used in the future. Mostly I seek metal and stone to help spread beauty, feed the sacred fire, and satisfy the need for puzzles and challenges.”
How did you get involved at TinkerMill?
“I got involved with TinkerMill in the early days, shortly after it moved to this location. I was looking for a new studio location, one of the founding members had been telling me for years that I should come to Longmont and be part of TinkerMill. I finally moved to Longmont in late 2014, and promptly signed up for membership and requested an office. I was not able to move my studio in until later the following year due to availability of space. Being a part of TinkerMill has been a very big part of my life in Longmont. Choosing to be involved in all aspects of TinkerMill – membership, volunteering, instructing, captain of a shop, serving on the board through thick and thin, and social marketing – has made my connection to TinkerMill very strong.”
What would you say to others about your experiences with TinkerMill?
“TinkerMill has grown into everything I hoped it would be when I initially began my membership. The level of diversity of shops, interest and people make me proud to be a member! It is a place where you can learn, grow, interact or not, make things, meet people, get introduced to new ways of expressing your creativity and curiosity both on location and out in the world! TinkerMill is a valuable resource to our community because of these things, it is not just a shed full of tools, it is a city of opportunity. Every member of TinkerMill brings a specific spice, to the expertise soup that is constantly brewing here!”
Where can you find Crystal’s work?
“You can find my work in several places on the internet, Instagram, Facebook, Etsy, Shop, Square and my own website (links at the bottom). I am constantly making things and do spend enough time on the internet so If you do not see what you are looking for, find me on Slack @crystal.hinds or email me to discuss your ideas!”
Kyle Haubrich – Anyone who knows Kyle Haubrich knows he is the quintessential Maker and Entrepreneur. Kyle is a true inspiration to other entrepreneurs, proving that it can be done with hard work and dedication! Kyle has started multiple businesses and is a passionate learner. Kyle began at TinkerMill renting a back bay space, but soon enough, it got too cold and we moved him inside. We watched Kyle go from an empty bay, to building huge tables that hold all his materials and creating organizational tools and spaces that we’re all jealous of. We watched him build beautiful campers that he sold out the door! During tours, Kyle is always speaking so highly of TinkerMill, explaining how he never could have done his camper-building business without TinkerMill and how this place allows him and other entrepreneurs to realize their dreams and make them a reality. It has been a pleasure having Kyle as a tenant and we will miss him in W Bay! Although Kyle has moved out of W, he will still be around TinkerMill, so say Hi when you see him around!
Current Favorite Shop:
“I am usually in the Woodshop, Welding, Textiles, or the Machine Shop.“
Tell us about about what you make:
“My background is in Manufacturing and Quality Engineering. I love to build furniture and started an RV company out of the TinkerMill. I built three teardrop campers and now sell DIY camper kits that are cut on the ShopBot. I currently help build props and large scale theater productions for Red Rocks, Disney, and other touring artists. I mostly help build out the wood working portions of the scenic and I cut scenic parts made from CNCed foam.”
How did you get involved at TinkerMill?
“I am a member at the TinkerMill and have been a member at various makerspaces along the Front Range since 2015. I have always had my eye on this MakerSpace because of the huge variety of shops available here. “
What would you say to others about your experiences with TinkerMill and why is it a valuable part of the community?
“The TinkerMill is a way to access tools, resources, and a community that can help you build your projects. This space is also very business friendly. The people here are what make the TinkerMill great! The sky (and your creativity) is the limit when it comes to what you can build here. The members have a huge amount of knowledge and this space is a wonderful resource for those who want to keep learning and building their skills.”
Where can you find Kyle’s work?
Sima Pierce has been a member at TinkerMill for nearly a decade! She has played a pivotal role in making the pottery studio here at TM what it is today, and has consistently showed up make not only the shop, but TinkerMill as a whole, a better place to Make, Learn, and Grow. THANK YOU, SIMA!
Current Favorite Shop:
“Pottery“
Tell us about about what you make:
“I mostly make pottery, and I dabble in other shops.”
How did you get involved at TinkerMill?
“My brother introduced me to TinkerMill back in 2014 and I was in and out infrequently for a few years. I became a permanent member in 2018 and stepped up to be shop captain in 2020.”
What would you say to others about your experiences with TinkerMill and why is it a valuable part of the community?
“TinkerMill provides a place were you can dream outside the box of your home, your garage, or the shed in your backyard, and more importantly, outside the box of your budget. Not everyone can own a $1,400 Bambu printer, but everyone can come use ours. For me, when I joined, it was the box of space and budget. TinkerMill gave me a home for my artistic soul, a place to put my hands in clay, and eventually a place where I can bring that muddy joy to others.”
Stephen Beaton – We appreciate all Stephen’s time and efforts with our General Bench moved and his overall passion and enthusiasm for TinkerMill and willingness to help always!
Current Favorite Shop:
“Rapid Prototyping“
Tell us about about what you make:
“Other than making sense of all of human knowledge (reading the relevant internet) – These days I make: a few cutting boards out of wood trash yearly, I draw in CAD & 3d print prototypes, I make music on: Ableton, Guitar & my Nintendo DS. I write CMD scripts to help automate functions, repairs, or reprogram keyboard strokes. I also am developing some products and tools to bring to market.
Most of my greatest makes to date in the last 10 years are mostly projects/parts in metal:
How did you get involved at TinkerMill?
“Per my experience in life, there is always work to do. I began teaching the laser class. I got to know Tyler and others within the infrastructure of members that is the TinkerMill. After which I just made myself available for more than the Fair or what I was making. The more time I spend here the more business, learning, and diversity I am exposed to. My feelings about the TM is that it is like an aetheric force that is, it can be harnessed at ANY moment by ANY within its fold. It is stable, functional, and adaptive due to each member acting as a cell of the zygote that is TM.”
What would you say to others about your experiences with TinkerMill and why is it a valuable part of the community?
“If it were not for making and makerspaces, I would not be where I am. The internet may have educated me, but the TM and its community parallel my mindset, goals, and level of mastery I seek to achieve. The TM is what has allowed me to EXCEED at my pace on my time.”
Where can you find Stephen’s work?
Erik Akia – Erik (and basically his whole family) are legacy members and amazing volunteers at TinkerMill. Erik has put in many, many hours as a member of our Board of Directors and previous president of the board, as a Woodshop Captain, new 4kw Laser Captain, Instructor, and he has devoted immense efforts to get our 4KW laser running and TinkerMill ready.
TinkerMill is so lucky to have him here! Thank you Erik and all the Akias!
Current Favorite Shop:
“4kW Laser, Woodshop, Pottery, Rapid Pro“
Tell us about about what you make:
“I love inventing new things. Taking an idea from computer model (Solidworks) to prototyping and repeat until you have a functioning product that came from your imagination. I am currently working on a metal hinge linkage that will open a 4 foot by 10 foot door in such away that the opening will be hidden.“
How did you get involved at TinkerMill?
“I have been around since about when we first started. I was a poor engineering student at CU Boulder and I loved the idea of a space with so many different tools to create a ideas. School consumed much of my time but I participated as much as I was able. (back then participation in TM activities was mandatory or they could kick you out 🙂 After I got out of school I decided to finish the vacuformer and to do so I had to get certified in the woodshop. Somehow I became a woodshop captain and then later was appointed to the BOD. I love how TM has grown and matured over that time. My current love at TM is the 4kW laser.”
What would you say to others about your experiences with TinkerMill and why is it a valuable part of the community?
“TM is a huge benefit to the community for many reasons. It is a place that you can learn new skills to help change careers. It provides space that most people don’t have at home to build things. It provides tools that no one person is going to have. Many members are happy to help answer questions about things you want to do.”
Kaitlyn Payne – Kaitlyn is a TinkerMill rockstar! She is never scared to try anything new and you never know which shop you will see her in next. She’s a Stained Glass Shop Captain and spends many volunteer hours making sure the shop is up to speed for our members, but she also lends a hand to anyone who asks! Thanks for being here, Katilyn! You’re amazing!
Current Favorite Shop:
“Stained Glass“
Tell us about about what you make:
“I love pushing the boundaries of what’s expected from an art form and experimenting with new crafts and techniques. I’ve been a quilter for many years, a stained glass artist for a couple years, and I recently started working in pottery and woodworking. I’m constantly thinking about how I can grow these skills and combine them in new and exciting ways.”
How did you get involved at TinkerMill?
“I am one of the Captains of the Stained Glass Shop, and an enthusiastic member. I first visited TinkerMill years ago for a community event. I thought it was a very cool space, but between grad school and a full-time job, I knew I didn’t have the time or funds to commit to becoming a member. But I’ve always been a maker and love trying new things. Once I graduated and got a stable job, I really wanted to try my hand at stained glass. I fell in love immediately and never left! I’ve been slowly trying to make my way through trying more and more shops and I still have so much left to learn. “
What would you say to others about your experiences with TinkerMill and why is it a valuable part of the community?
“Whatever you want to get out of TinkerMill, you can. If you just want to come in a couple times a year for very specific projects, everyone will be welcoming and help you with what you need. If you want to come in every day, become a Captain, and teach classes, you’ll be met with enthusiasm and gratitude. TinkerMill is an incredible place that can serve you in whatever capacity you want.”
Where can you find Kaitlyn’s work?
IG: @Peaceful.Garden.Glassworks
CE Raum – When CE moved to Colorado, he chose Longmont because of TinkerMill and his love of makerspaces, and boy are we so lucky he chose us! He is responsible for two of our most beloved events: Astronomy on the Sidewalk and Repair Café. He is a wealth of knowledge and skilled in so many ways, and he is one of the friendliest, most helpful people you will ever meet!
Current Favorite Shop:
“Corner of 5th & Main” (Astronomy on the Sidewalk, Downtown Longmont)
Tell us about about what you make:
“I enjoy the challenge of stretching myself and learning new skills, so in all of my work I try and introduce a new idea, concept or technique. Always equal parts technical and creative every thing I make has to be both a challenge as well as capture beauty. And, of course, I delight in sharing what I have learned with others and seek those with more experience or different methods to learn from. Because I often find myself in uncharted territory (for me) I’ve learned to embrace failure and recognize it is a necessary step on as I journey towards my next project’s completion.”
How did you get involved at TinkerMill?
“I believe strongly in the Makerspace movement. It was the size and vibrance of TinkerMill that brought me to Longmont. I know that you will always get way more out of Makerspace than what you put in – so from day one I have been eager to pitch in, help out, share my energy and enthusiasm, and be part of the continuous process of making our MakerSpace.”
What would you say to others about your experiences with TinkerMill and why is it a valuable part of the community?
“I enjoy the challenge of stretching myself and learning new skills, so in all of my work I try and introduce a new idea, concept or technique. Always equal parts technical and creative every thing I make has to be both a challenge as well as capture beauty. And, of course, I delight in sharing what I have learned with others and seek those with more experience or different methods to learn from. Because I often find myself in uncharted territory (for me) I’ve learned to embrace failure and recognize it is a necessary step on as I journey towards my next project’s completion.”
Sandy Cline – Out the gate, Sandy took TinkerMill by the reigns and got certified in sooo many of our shops. He quickly became an essential member to TinkerMill Astronomy and has been an asset in volunteering to making our community events a possibility. TinkerMill appreciates you!!
Current Favorite Shop:
“Machine Shop“
How did you get involved at TinkerMill?
“I was actually walking down Main Street in Longmont where I ran into the guys who run the Astronomy on the Sidewalk. Years prior I took a class on the laser cutter, but I didn’t have any projects at the time that would keep me coming to the TinkerMill. After learning that the TinkerMill had an astronomy club, signing up for a membership was a no-brainer for me. I work as an optical engineer by day, and by chatting with the astronomy team I learned that the TinkerMill is much more than just a means to and end for a project.”
How has TinkerMill, access to shared tools, and a shared community helped you reach your goal?
“The TinkerMill has provided a way for me to learn new skills that I would otherwise have no opportunity to try. When I moved to Colorado, I didn’t know anyone or anything out here and I completely lacked a sense of community. Joining the TinkerMill has provided me with a place where I can satisfy my creative needs, develop skills, say hello to friends, talk about projects and other interests as well as learn new things from other members.”
What would you say to others about your experiences with TinkerMill and why is it a valuable part of the community?
“TinkerMill is the only place I know of where I can show up and learn and practice a wide array of skills and hobbies in one spot. Everyone I’ve met has been friendly and welcoming and that’s been a real blessing for me out here. Even if someone doesn’t have a project or specific need to sign up for a membership at the TinkerMill I’d encourage them to sign up anyway. TinkerMill is more than just shops and hardware, it’s the people who participate that really make this a place that I want to come to even if I don’t have something in particular I need to make.”
Chad Marks – Chad is an incredibly valuable member and volunteer at TinkerMill! In addition to being a captain and doing a lot of extras to take care of the shops, Chad really helps with keeping TinkerMill clean and tidy. Chad always shows up for meetings and volunteer opportunities. He also invites his wonderful sister and other family to participate and they’re all wonderful. Chad always lends an interesting and helpful perspective, takes initiative, and is an advocate for and champion of improving TinkerMill and making it inclusive and welcoming.
Thank you for everything you do for TinkerMill, Chad!
Current Favorite Shop:
“Textiles & Rapid Prototyping“
Tell us about about what you make:
“I’m a software developer and IT consultant specializing in website development and systems integration. I have a Computer Science degree from the University of Colorado and over 30 years professional industry experience. I am the president and principal engineer of Infortrex LLC. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, playing board games and video games, gardening, spending time with family & friends, and, of course, tinkering.”
How did you get involved at TinkerMill?
“I first discovered TinkerMill and started going there in 2016 as a place to do remote work. At the time, TinkerMill offered flex office space to the public in the area that is now the Machine Shop. I discovered that TinkerMill was full of smart, creative, like-minded people and I soon became a regular member. Over the years, I have made a lot of friends and participated in a lot of fun events and activities at TinkerMill. The last few years, I have been actively volunteering in several areas at TinkerMill including being shop captain of Textiles Shop and Paint Shop as well as providing IT support.”
What would you say to others about your experiences with TinkerMill and why is it a valuable part of the community?
“Prior to joining TinkerMill, I was fascinated by the concept of 3D printing but hadn’t ever had an opportunity to use one. TinkerMill provided that opportunity and I received my first instruction on a FlashForge Creator Pro in Rapid Pro. Since then, I’ve gone on to build my own 3D printer and have 100’s of hours of 3D prints under my belt on a variety of printers.”
Where can you find Chad’s work?
For website development work, please see our portfolio at https://webyodel.com/
Andy Smith – Andy is passionate about making, the community at TinkerMill, and making it more sustainable. He is silly, super helpful, and welcoming to all. TinkerMill is a better place for him being here. THANK YOU, ANDY!
Current Favorite Shop:
“Rapid Prototyping & Woodshop“
Tell us about about what you make:
“I love lighting design and attempt to make lamps that assemble using geometry as opposed to adhesives or screws. That project is called Lamp Camp. I also make durable signage and stickers to help with proper sorting of trash/recycling/compost. Additionally, I am interested in creative education around recycling end markets and Ive designed a universal ID system for all packaging, that project is called Filter Feed.”
How did you get involved at TinkerMill?
“I was a founding member of Hammerspace, in Kansas City. I recommend checking it out. I enjoy touring different makerspace while traveling and I happened to take a tour of TinkerMill while on the front range. I loved the open layout adjacent to the lake. I come here often to work and get inspired by other doers. There are snapping turtles in the lake.”
What would you say to others about your experiences with TinkerMill and why is it a valuable part of the community?
“I am a minimalist, so having access to lots of tools helps me achieve large dreams while maintaining a small footprint on the earth. It’s an ideal system. The shared community has taught me how to work with others (not always easy!)”
Where can you find Andy’s work?
Follow my projects on Instagram: @lampcamper and @projectfilterfeed
Molly Talley – TinkerMill has SO MUCH to thank Molly for, but we would say her biggest impact is on the TinkerMill community. She is a regular helper for our New Member Orientations, arranges campfires by TinkerMill lake, and makes everyone here feel so welcome! AND she is always willing to lend a hand when she can. Thank you for being here, Molly!
Current Favorite Shop:
“Stained Glass”
Tell us about about what you make:
“I started stained glass from zero in the spring of last year, so I’m still pretty new to it. Right now my projects are a careful blend of what I think is pretty and what I think is within my ability. Hopefully soon I can start making things that might sell, but learning is a good time to make just for the joy of making.”
How did you get involved at TinkerMill?
“My main hobby has always been picking up and dropping other hobbies, so the TinkerMill is a natural fit. Five or six years ago I was a member, but never really found the right skill for me. This time I joined and immediately fit into my space, which was made possible by a very friendly group of people. I am so, so glad I came back!”
What would you say to others about your experiences with TinkerMill and why is it a valuable part of the community?
“As a serial hobby hopper, the TinkerMill has been a great resource for trying my hand at new skills. My goal is to learn everything we have to offer, and there are endless new things to learn!
Access to the equipment has opened up possibilities that would have been out of reach otherwise, and the ability to chat with people who know more than I do has gotten me out of sticky spots more than once. (Shout out to everyone who talked to me about framing my stained glass house!)
You can get a lot of information from tutorials, but nothing that comes close to having one-on-one advice about your specific piece. That’s especially true when people from several different shops chime in with creative solutions.“
What would you say to others about your experiences with TinkerMill and why is it a valuable part of the community?
“I get downright sappy when I think about the TinkerMill and my experience here. I’ve been a stay-at-home mom the past 15 years and not having an office to go into and people to see regularly can feel isolating, especially because I really love people! The thing I appreciate the most about the TinkerMill is the feeling of community it provides. People here are eager to talk about the things they’re working on and I love that excitement. They’re also teaching, learning, helping each other solve problems, petting each other’s dogs, etc. and there is so much joy to be found in those interactions. I’ve heard Erin say that the TinkerMill exists because people want it to, and I love that there are so many people who want it to. Creating an opportunity for those connections is a valuable community service on its own, before we even get into the way people use the physical resources.”
Where can you find Molly’s work?
@fruitbatparty on InstagramDocMollyday.etsy.com is my shop, but there is currently nothing there. Stay tun
Stacy King – We would like to recognize Stacy King and LoveLevel. Stacy & Jeneece have been running their jewelry business out of TinkerMill for several years and have been an inspiration to many people looking to start a business. They have purchased their own laser cutter and have moved out of their office 🙁 We are so proud of them and their accomplishments. Best of luck to LoveLevel for the brightest future! You will always be a part of our Maker Family!
Current Favorite Shop:
“Rapid Prototyping“
Tell us about about what you make:
“I create nature-inspired designs and turn them into lightweight wooden jewelry using the laser cutter at TinkerMill! My business partner Janeece and I have been selling these creations since 2019 when we created lovelevel with the simple goal of spreading love. We have since grown our presence from local farmers markets to events across the state and wholesale accounts across the country, and have even partnered with an international nonprofit that plants a tree for every item we sell. All from a seed planted right here at TinkerMill!”
How did you get involved at TinkerMill?
“I was ridiculously excited to first discover TinkerMill when I was looking for access to a laser cutter. I’d been dreaming of making wooden jewelry for years and instantly knew this was the perfect place to start. Thanks to the help and training from shop experts and TinkerMill’s 24-hour access, I excitedly spent many days and late nights honing my craft. This eventually led to renting an office at TinkerMill to keep all of our wood and supplies, which quickly grew a pretty large inventory wall and packaging station where we fill orders and prepare for local markets and sales events. Let’s not forget the many hours also spent in this office sorting out taxes and finances and all the many logistics of running a small business!”
What would you say to others about your experiences with TinkerMill and why is it a valuable part of the community?
“Without TinkerMill, I truly don’t think our business would be here today. The resources at TinkerMill allowed us to start with nothing other than an idea. The community has given us the motivation to continue and the confidence to grow. The connections we’ve made have allowed us to navigate the path of selling our art together with other artists, and we’ve been able to work through the challenges of the small business world with the support of one another.”
Where can you find Stacy’s work?
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