At Mukogawa Women’s University, in the business administration department facility, there is a fabrication lab open to all students. Here, peers can find 3D printers, cutting machines, and a large format iron and more. Equipment like this can often be daunting to use without proper instructions and demonstration. To relinquish the anxiety around using the fabrication lab equipment, The DECK is hosting workshops at Mukogawa Women’s University to teach interested students how to use the space to its full potential. 

Established in 1939, Mukogawa Women’s University is a private university with over 8 thousand students. With a series of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs, the students at Mukogawa Women’s University engage in a wide-range of clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities. 

Mug Decorating

On October 17th, a workshop was held where participants decorated mugs by using the cutting machine. After Tomoe Sho, one of The DECK’s community coordinators and makerspace specialists, held a short tutorial on CanvasWorkspace, those in attendance were able to use the software to create personal designs for their mugs. Once each design was scaled accordingly, they were instructed on how to prepare their data and start up the equipment. This straightforward process was easily replicated by the participants, allowing them to fully understand the steps.

Once the designs were printed, it was time to apply them onto mugs. By carefully peeling away excess vinyl, the graphics were revealed. The type of vinyl used was a self adhesive vinyl, making the application process one step. When laying the design onto the object, you must press down to smooth out the cutting, then you just peel off the backing and your design will be stuck to your item. 

Halloween Bag Decorating

Later in the month, on October 24th, The DECK held another cutting machine workshop for the Mukogawa Women’s University students. In this case, the theme was halloween where participants could decorate tote bags using heat transfer vinyl. Once their ghosts, skeletons, cats, and pumpkins were placed on their bags, they were able to use a large format iron to bond the vinyl to the fabric. Similarly to self adhesive vinyl, the last step of the process is to peel of the plastic backing that was attached to the vinyl design.

To add a personal touch to their halloween totes, the students loaded up CanvasWorkspace to create designs or phrases of their own to place on the other side of their bags. It’s always an excited experience to see the designs participants create. Everyone has a limitless pool of creativity that is revealed through their creations in fabrication spaces.

Social Sustainability Through The DECK

The DECK’s slogan is “Make It Happen,” meaning its mission is to support all users and community members in reaching their full potential and creating something they are proud of. “Make It Happen” tells users that at The DECK, they have the space to create the things they have always wanted to. Our community coordinators and makerspace specialists are here to discuss, understand, support, and educate users on a variety of business and fabrication topics. By stepping outside of The DECK’s community and working with universities around Osaka, The DECK has been able to expand its mission to a new audience. Working with Mukogawa Women’s University has continued to show fantastic results with participants taking home work that they are proud of.

One of The DECK’s target sustainable development goals (SDGs) is Quality Education (goal #4), which is described as working to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” When working with communities, specifically with women, The DECK is trying to provide education and resources for under supported communities within the entrepreneurial sector. It is important that everyone has equitable access to business and fabrication resources for their development of professional and creative skills. By providing these workshops and additional services, we hope that more people feel empowered and prepared within their future careers.

Learn more about The DECK’s FAB Lab!