Maker Projects
Creating a Maker project was somewhat tricky for me. I had a hard time identifying what could count as a Maker project. I am a jeweler by trade -- I do both metal work and delicate beadwork. Though these are both things that require a high level of skill (and time... and money...) I didn't see them as worthy as being a Maker project. It annoyed me a bit. These are skills I have been developing over the years yet I didn't want to show them off as a Maker project because I was afraid of being judged.
For some reason, I had it set in my mind that a Maker project had to include electronics or the use of high tech machinery. Beading in comparison felt laughable so in the end I went with the embroidery project I created for my Physics by Inquiry final. It was a copout and at times I still feel as though I was not true to myself. Though I do love the embroidery project, it wasn't 100% me. I want to believe that everything can be making but I didn't take it to heart... so at least here I can display some of the work I wish I were brave enough to show off to the rest of my Maker community.
For some reason, I had it set in my mind that a Maker project had to include electronics or the use of high tech machinery. Beading in comparison felt laughable so in the end I went with the embroidery project I created for my Physics by Inquiry final. It was a copout and at times I still feel as though I was not true to myself. Though I do love the embroidery project, it wasn't 100% me. I want to believe that everything can be making but I didn't take it to heart... so at least here I can display some of the work I wish I were brave enough to show off to the rest of my Maker community.
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EmbroideryEmbroidery has been a new hobby of mine. I discovered it at the first Maker Playground when one of my peers brought their project to show off. It was beautiful and definitely inspired me to try it out.
Over the next several months I played more and more with types of stitches and materials that can be used to create beautiful designs. I find the process to be soothing. |
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Metal ArtWhen I was in an awkward phase of deciding what to do with my life, I decided to take a metal arts class at my local community college. In this course, I learned the basics of jewelry making: how to use a saw and file, how to transfer designs, and how to polish a finished product.
When we were in class, our professor often worked on his own projects and I saw him making this copper bangle. It was a simple forged bangle but making it just right took a lot of effort, so of course I wanted to try my hand at it too. |
Other Projects
These projects are not as fleshed out as my Maker projects but are projects very dear to my heart.
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BeadingI really love to bead. I started when I was really young with really easy patterns. None of my old jewelry was pretty enough to wear out of the house, but I still own it. Seeing it reminds me of how far I have come in my netting and weaving skills. I still make mistakes but having the confidence to continue to push myself and my designs. I have the confidence to challenge myself.
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Arduino MegaDuring my UTeach internship at Travis High School, working with Mrs. Reyes' robotics and engineering course, I gain brief insight into Arduino based curriculum. I have heard about Arduinos but I never had played with them, so as a TA I felt a little useless. For my main Maker Project, I want to use the Arduino Mega 2560 as the main focus of any design.
To start, I purchased the Elegoo Mega 2560 Most Complete Kit which can be found here. Using this kit, I am following the MOOC Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems offered on Coursera. Hopefully, by familiarizing myself with Embedded Systems and the Arduino, I can come up with a great project. |
Photo used under Creative Commons from verchmarco