Makerspaces: Aotearoa New Zealand: June 2017

Friday, 30 June 2017

Tips of the Week: Enlarging Washers, Gaffer’s Tape Patterns, Screw Identifying Tools

Identifying your fasteners, making patterns with gaffer's tape, burning marks in wood, and more on zip tie cutting.

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Maker Spotlight: Wang Weijiang

Wang works for Makeblock, and among other interesting projects, has used Mblock to make a gramaphone out of paper.

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Thursday, 29 June 2017

3D Printing Signs for the Library Collection

Last weekend, I went to the annual Tee-Off mini golf event at the Brookline Public Library. As a first time visitor, I was mini-golfing with my phone at the ready. Special thanks to the AMAZING librarian rockstar Robin Brenner for so many great ideas. It truly is worth a visit just to see her teen room. Here are a few 3D printing/marketing ideas to takeaway:

Having a 3D printer filtration cart would be wonderful in our library. Look at the price if you dare. Right now I have to go downstairs to retrieve prints because we are concerned about the fumes and little hands touching anything while the printer is on. I have a video camera set up downstairs using an iPad 2 and the free app called Presence for monitoring but sometimes I do forget to keep checking the presence website while I'm on the desk especially since it makes this annoying beeping sound to say, "Are you still watching?!"..As the sign reveals on the cart, the propensity to want to lean or jostle the cart is probably high. I'm curious how many times the prints have shifted or failed due to this. Still, one can dream right?

My second takeaway was the push I needed to redo signage in the children's room. I was inspired by a post on Storytime Underground Facebook group about Medfield's new signage in their library but kept putting it off. The second I stepped into the Brookline teen room I squee'd out loud at the 3D printed directory signs. It was like the peanut butter to my jelly marketing sandwich.

Here are my results so far:

I was going to use only 5 colors in our main room (using the color harmony theory) then reuse the same colors in our picture book room but I hate that the bottom turned into Christmas colors. I will change the colors to pink & teal so each section, regardless of the room, will have a separate color now. Before I print it on vinyl, I attached it to a pillar to let it ruminate with us for a while. I already think it needs to be much bigger size wise. The current size is 16 x 24. I made this in Canva but Publisher would work too. UPDATE: I already ended up taking it down because the arrows just aren't cutting it. We need something 3 dimensional so the arrows can point more accurately like Diagon Alley or perhaps the signage is enough?

Now onto the fun 3D printing part, letters are magnetized with magnetic adhesive strips and had to be printed in 3-4 letter groups due to the size of the letters vs my printing bed on the Ultimaker 2 Extended. I'm trying not to go into signage over load but you could print out numbers to correspond to the Dewey Decimal range of each isle in the non-fiction. I ended up making numbered isles for the fiction section already. The color coding is a big hit so far. It is much easier than pointing. Now I can say it is in Isle 2, see that green 2, under KINNEY. (Guess what's our most popular question).

These are beginning chapter books like Magic Tree House, Junie B. Jones etc. We spent alot of time last year taking them out of the general fiction collection.

Here are the links to my tinkercad files. Isle numbers. FICT ION

Note: if you are wondering about the BIOGRAPHIES sign that was made with our lovely silhouette machine. Adios Accucut!

Share some other user experience ideas in the comments. I would love to see them!

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Make: Teams Up with Fat Brain Toys for Kid Toy Design Challenge

A contest challenging kids to invent their own dream toy or game and have it released as an actual product.

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Making VR Accessible for People with Physical Disabilities

Walkin VR is making it easier for people with physical disabilities to be able to play virtual reality experiences.

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Edible Innovations: Health-Ade Kombucha Ferments in 100% Glass

Three entrepreneurs came together to start a hair growing business, but discovered their product could also help make delicious Kombucha tea.

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Featuring: LA Made at Los Angeles Public Library

We are super thrilled to share LA Made on the Library as Incubator Project blog today! This large-scale series of cultural programming leverages the wealth of interesting and diverse local talent in the Los Angeles area. Thanks to Wendy Westgate from the Exploration & Creativity Department, Engagement & Learning Division, Los Angeles Public Library, for answering our questions, and to the LAPL for the use of images. Enjoy! ~Laura

Library as Incubator Project (LAIP): What is the elevator speech for the LA Made Program at LAPL?

Wendy Westgate (WW): The Los Angeles Public Library’s LA Made cultural program series aims to educate and inspire individuals in the areas of literature, arts, and music, as well as in other areas of knowledge with a humanities context. It focuses on the diverse cultural landscape of Los Angeles, highlighting the immense artistic and performance talent that has developed under the course of the City’s eclectic history. The overall goals of the series are to attract new Library users, increase year-long Library usage, stimulate lifelong learning, encourage creativity and storytelling, celebrate the history and diversity of L.A., and enhance social and community connectedness.

LAIP: What was the impetus for establishing this program?

WW: In creating the LA Made series, one of our goals was to offer free and engaging programming for our adult patrons, with offerings that represented the true diversity of Los Angeles. In addition, we hoped to win over non-library users and—through our programming—bring them into the library so that they would become aware of the myriad resources and information available with a free library card.

LAIP: Can you give us a couple of examples of LA Made events/workshops/partnerships?

WW: LA Made shines a spotlight on the diverse pool of artistic and performance talent and knowledge that exists in Los Angeles, including art, theater, dance, music, and literature. Examples include performances by the Lula Washington Dance Theater, Klezmer Juice, the Golden Bridge Choir, Karmagraphy Bollywood Dance, Theatre 40, Will Ryan and the Saguaro Sisters, and Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles. Other highlights include a series of Tamale-Making Workshops, a Yiddish Cabaret show, and a sold-out appearance by RuPaul.

The one and only RuPaul gave a talk titled ‘Real Talk With RuPaul” to a sold-out auditorium.

Golden Bridge Choir performed a Father’s Day concert. The choir is led by Maggie Wheeler and Emile Hassan Dyer.

The professional company of the Lula Washington Dance Theatre.

Following a screening of the (then) new film “Neruda,” David Kipen moderated an audience Q&A with director Pablo Larrain and actor Gael Garcia Bernal.

LAIP: In our experience, all collaborative programs (let’s face it–all programs!) are messy and challenges arise. Can you fill us in on a couple that you’ve encountered with LA Made?

WW: As you can imagine, quite a number of Angelenos were interested in attending the program with RuPaul, yet the Taper Auditorium does have a seat limit. We attempted to make this event accessible to a greater number of people by arranging for a live video feed to be streamed into a courtyard adjacent to the Taper and set up a Facebook Live Stream as well, which the public could watch on their device from any location.

Another challenge was how to decide which branch should host which program (we had a roster of performers who were willing to do programs at more than one branch). We came up with a plan that required the Librarians to select their first, second, and third choices. We proceeded on a first come, first served basis, also taking into account meeting room size to make sure branch and performer were a good match. We coordinated 88 branch programs this way. Another 16 larger scale programs took place at the Taper Auditorium in our flagship Central Library.

LAIP: What advice do you have for libraries that are hoping to work with local artists to offer community programming?

WW: Do your research by reading local newspapers, watching local TV news, and listening to the radio (public radio in particular). You will come away with a wealth of new program ideas. Never be afraid to reach out and ask if a person or group would be willing to participate—the worst they can say is “no”! Many performers and artists already love the library and are happy to partner with us.

Form a committee and brainstorm all the possibilities for fun and interesting programs. Then divide up the labor and start contacting people and groups to see who is available to participate, and negotiate the best price you can—be sure to remind them that the library is a non-profit entity and can’t pay what private-sector businesses can.

Finally, let them know how much you appreciated their collaboration with the library and that by doing so, they made a difference in the lives of many people.

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Wednesday, 28 June 2017

Join in the Maker Camp Fun with the Feather Glue Gun Boa Challenge

Sing along with our feather glue gun boa anthem, make your own, and share it with the Maker Camp community on Google+

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Cobble Together a Low-Tech Music Box

Build your own manual low-tech music box from random knick-knacks that you can find around your house or buy for less than $10.

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The MakeShift Challenge: Rescue a Hawk!

Can you figure out how to rescue an injured mother hawk and her family?

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Upgrade a Simple Gas Stove Into a Powerful Wok Range

Gas stoves are not correctly equipped for heating a round wok. They're just too flat. However, these upgrades can fix that.

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Featuring: Peter Erskine

Today I’m happy to introduce Peter Erskine, an American installation artist who specializes in creating Solar Spectrum Environmental Artworks made from pure sunlight. Several of Peter’s works are installed at libraries in California and Oregon. Beyond his projects for libraries, and across the US, Erskine has installed artworks in the ancient Roman Forum, the Rome and Milan railway stations, the Haus der Kulturen der Welt museum in Berlin and sites in the UK and Spain.

See more of Peter’s work at his portfolio website, http://ift.tt/1cqfTaz

Library as Incubator Project (LAIP): What is / has been your relationship to libraries, as an artist, as a reader–however you feel like answering the question.

Peter Erskine (PE): I remember when I was a kid and visited the Wallingford, Conneticut public library Children’s Room, there was a large vitrine with beautiful small stuffed birds sitting on a small leafless bush (maybe 3′ tall) inside its beautiful glass dome. That was more interesting than the books. I also remember always being afraid of the librarian who was always ready to “hush” us when we talked above a whisper. How things have changed. We always had lots of books at home, so as a child 70 years ago, I never used my library card very much. My mom was an avid reader, library board member and head of the new library building committee–after I grew up. When I was an undergraduate at Yale I remember being appropriately awed when entering the long apse of Sterling Library’s (fake) gothic interior and enjoying the comfort of the couches in the Linonia and Brothers cushy reading room there.

Now I borrow videos, music and books from both the Corvallis and OSU libraries in town.

I’ve created 4 “permanent” library Solar Spectrum Environmental Art installations, three of which you can see on my website: http://ift.tt/2t0v0E4

In this video, Peter reflects on his work in public libraries.

PETER ERSKINE Solar Spectrum Light Art for Public Libraries, http://ift.tt/2shkqeX from Peter Erskine on Vimeo.

One recent installation, at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, was triggered by a “eureka moment” on the Winter Solstice of 2015. Erskine was on the library’s second floor, when he saw huge window above the lobby, and realized it was an ideal location to insert a Solar Spectrum Environmental Art installation. He rushed down stairs to the circulation desk and asked the name of the director, and where he could find her. Carolyn Rawls was at her desk in her sunlit basememt office. He pitched his idea and showed her the previous library art installations on his website. Carolyn got interested, and within four months had gotten all the city and library board permissions. The final piece was unveiled by three local children on August 25, 2016.

“Three Secrets of the Sun”, Peter Erskine, Corvallis Benton County Public Library, OR. 2016. August 23, 2016, 2:47:37 PM. Materials: Sunlight, laser-cut prisms, library architecture.The colors, and composition of the installation gradually change every minute, every hour and every day with the rotation of the earth, weather and seasons.

“Solar Spectrum Art,” Peter Erskine, 2008, Fontana, California, Lewis Library and Learning Center – Reading Rotunda. Materials: Sunlight, laser-cut prisms, library architecture. The colors, and composition of the installation gradually change every minute, every hour and every day with the rotation of the earth, weather and seasons.

“Sun Painting,” Peter Erskine, 2009, Lafayette Library, Lafayette, California, 9:49 AM, March 23, 2010. Materials: Sunlight, laser cut prisms, mirrors, library architecture. The art changes dramatically with the seasons, time of day and lighting conditions.

LAIP: As an artist, what does your ideal library look or feel like?

PE: Places of silence and light. Libraries are perfect for my art, because they are places of quiet and contemplation. Time slows down in a library. It’s an ideal space for enjoying the slowly-changing colors and patterns.

Additional information:

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Tuesday, 27 June 2017

Call For Makers: Show Off at World Maker Faire New York

The applications are starting to roll in, you better get yours submitted quickly!

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The State of Boards: Small, Simple Hardware Rules

Over the last few years, we’ve seen a huge growth in the number and variety of both microcontroller boards and single-board computers.

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Edible Innovations: Secret Scoop Brings a Thai Twist to Traditional Gelato

Funn Fisher started a sorbet/gelato business while still in school. Secret Scoop combines American's cold sweets with Thai's healthy flavors.

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Maker Pro News: Hardware is Still Hard, The Rise of Re-Kickstarting, and More

Maker pros showcase exactly how difficult it is to make hardware, but promote how much easier it is to become a Kickstarter star.

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Monday, 26 June 2017

Calling All Makers: Welcome to Maker Share

Maker Share is a new “show and tell” hub for makers to share their projects and discover new opportunities.

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Refurbishing Old Hot Wheels Toy Cars

Watch as a toy car hobbyist brings badly rusted and broken Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars back to life.

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Register Now for Tormach’s Weekend of Training and Machining Fun

Tormach Tech Days will feature a mixture of training and show and tell. Pros from the CNC machining industry will be there as teachers.

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Retrohack Your Old Computer Terminal from Dialup to Wi-Fi

A long-time dream project of Hep Svadja has been trying to hack together a way to get her old computer terminal to work again.

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Sunday, 25 June 2017

Maker Faire Kansas City 2017: Live Updates

Union Station in Kansas City is overflowing with makers!

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This Week in Making: Decentralize the Web, Girl Scouts Tackle Cybersecurity, and More

This week, Mozilla is trying to get makers to decentralize the web, the Girl Scouts tackle cybersecurity, board games go virtual, and more.

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Saturday, 24 June 2017

Weekend Watch: Engineering a TrotBot to Climb Stairs and Rugged Terrain

To test his skills as a roboticist, Ben Vagle decided to test how his Lego TrotBot robots performed on 1/3-scale stairs.

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Friday, 23 June 2017

You can make fidget spinners with Perler Beads!

We are doing a series of Crafternoon programs this summer. In order to get some buzz going, we left this out on the children's desk and it has been a huge conversation starter.

Randomly, one kid asked, "Do you think you can make a fidget spinner with Perler beads?"

Answer, "YES"

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