The Idea Realization Lab (IRL) at DePaul is a maker space for members of the DePaul community…read more DePaul students, staff, faculty, and alumni are able to use this space. They have various workshops and there is open time to use the lab too. This one is located on the Loop campus next to the Hospitality department in Driehaus. I was here for a workshop that is required to be authorized to use some of the equipment, and no one else came so they were able to show me the equipment as planned plus a few other items. I'm hoping to come in and get a bit more practice on some of the equipment so I can feel a bit more comfortable using it, and maybe the something small in hopes that I might prepare myself to work on a more substantial project I have in mind.

It's a pretty fantastic place as long as you aren't an asshole.read more

From the owner: We are a collaborative community of people driven to foster an environment for the exploration of…read morethe intersections between technology, art and culture. Over 11,000 square feet of tools, equipment, technology, art with over 500 members. Fully member-run, all-volunteer, non-profit. You'll find 3D printers, laser cutters, welding, wood shop, metal shop, arts and crafts and electronics areas with something on our event calendar just about every day.

This place is really cool and down to earth. I don't QUITE feel like I fit in, only because I am…read morenot industrious or brainy enough to get into a lot of stuff these folks do, but they have always been welcoming when I've attended their events that are open to non-members. I love when they have board game day! I've also been on a "field trip" with them to visit the You Are Beautiful studio. They've got a ton of stuff going on, and a mostly-comfortable, if industrial atmosphere to hang out. I'm looking forward to visiting when the nice weather returns to check out their new deck and backyard area. Glad they have open events for the public so I can enjoy an interesting time with them without paying membership fees for stuff I wont use. Their "stuff" is pretty cool though! Definitely impressive woodworking area, 3D Printer, I think they mentioned an embroidery machine and vinyl cutting machine, as well as a plethora of tools I personally wouldn't know the names of. Most importantly the members there seem very friendly and welcoming and down to earth. So I'll keep coming back.

Since I have joined a little over one year ago, I am continually impressed by the dynamism of the…read morecommunity. The folks in the group are eager to participate and always looking to make improvements. From woodworking, to coding, all types of tinkerers will be suited at the SSHC, and I look forward to many more years on exploration!

I recommend them for someone who has knowledge and needs a good atmosphere garage to work in. I…read morehave a volkswagen. I was able to do my brakes there, main coolant hose, among other things.

Great customer service and they have all the tools you need to complete your job successfullyread more

Cuuuuuute alert! For all you artsy crafty mavens out there, this is your stop. It's a shop filled…read morewith a well-curated selection of paper goods, books, coloring books, custom art, fabric lamp shades, and gifts in varying price points. From the second I walked in, I was engulfed by a most delightful smell, perhaps a candle burning somewhere? I was greeted by the owner's assistant, Kate, who gave me an overview of the shop and some of the classes they offer in the back, like coptic bookbinding, collage, crafting, and self-motivation classes. They also have a meet up group called The Grown*Up Girls Club where you can meet up with other like-minded individuals and explore new art/craft/maker techniques. The Club meets the second Sunday of every month. The Collage Cafe is a newer business located in an adorable corridor mixed with other art-inspired shops. You can go door to door and visit each one while you're at it! Can't wait to stop back in. But, as I'm writing this, when I go back I realize the selection is too overwhelming for my taste (in a good way of course) because I want one of everything.

One day my young daughters and I where walking by and came in into this beautiful place, what a…read morewonderful store! The owner is such a great lady, great host, kind and knowledgeable. I scheduled a coloring evening for a group of friends from church. We had a delightful experience! The place was set up with a wide variety of water colors, wood colors pencils, markers, etc. the pages provided were also varied, from really intricate to more simple so we were all able to pick something that suited our taste and level of artistry. We already scheduled another event and are looking forward to it. Definitely a great place for gifts, classes and more.

This place is great. I needed to learn how to weld and what afternoon my instructor completely told…read moreme what to do and I've been doing it on my own ever since. I plan to go back for a refresher because they're so good. They also rent benches if you are a true welder, you can go in there and do your own work for a minimal fee.

Took MIG1 & 2 from Daniel and had a great time. Other people in the class were fun to hang out…read morewith, I felt completely safe all the time, I felt like got good 1 on 1 instruction. I will definitely book some shop time soon so I can practice and then finally weld that bumper I've been meaning to weld for a year!