You wanted hands-on experience. Your boss suggested starting by getting your hands on a latte — stat.

Not what you had in mind? Perhaps the arts and technology classes at Machine Project are more your speed.

The nonprofit event space and community center in Echo Park aims to encourage creativity and demystify the world of high-tech gadgetry by offering educational lectures, interactive installations, and workshops like Machine Sewing 101, Introduction to Solar Robotics, and Square Waves for Beginners.

This month: build a noise-maker from scratch in the Felt and Circuits Workshop, configure your own multimedia program computer software in the Max/MSP class, learn How Computers Work, or create an amplifier out of $5 worth of parts and a cereal box.

Better not to let those idle hands of yours become the devil’s tools.

Who knows what could end up in that coffee?

Machine Project, 1200d North Alvarado Street, between Sunset Boulevard and Reservoir Street, Echo Park (213-483-8761 or machineproject.com).