I recently taught an art toy design class where I used off the shelf wooden doll pegs as a blank canvas for my students. I liked the idea of using a humble craft material as a starting point. Below are a bunch of experiments I did in color, form, and texture.
Once again Donald Bell has been kind enough to mention a project of mine in his weekly Maker Update.
Flick Face is a kinetic “sketch” that is part of my 100 Days of Making, a collection of movement experiments and ideas.
Day 37: Flick Face. Perf board, LEDs, coin cell battery, battery holder, resistors, hookup wire, and springs. I made some whisker switches using the springs from ball point pens I got at the bank. The circuit kind of looks like a face and you get the best results when you flick the board.
Made some frames for a project Dan Shiffman is working on. Some laser cut acrylic, standoffs, a monitor, a Raspberry Pi, and camera. Yes, I know the screen is upside down, we’ll flip it in the software.
I taught a utility belt making workshop with Kate Hartman the other day. A lot of fun.
First step is actually make a belt: strap, buckle, clip, tri-glide, and do a little sewing. Next, we’ll add electronics and gadgets.
Did some quick wooden pull toy prototypes. All started as dog icons I got from The Noun Project (here, here, and here). Printed them out, spray mounted them to some scrap wood, rough cut them on a scroll saw, drilled the holes, sanded, painted and waxed.
The latest assignment for my class was to make simple pull toys. I think the students did a fantastic job.
Laser etched the ITP floor plan on a piece of reclaimed ITP floorboard.
They are re-doing the hardwood floors at ITP. And I was lucky enough to reclaim (grab) some old boards. Was pulling nails from them for a couple of hours yesterday. Tons of scratches, nicks, and character.
Soon this material will be turned into furniture or lamps or something.
I will be showing a new piece, Awww Snap!, at the ITP Spring Show. Come one come all.
Monday May 20 from 5 - 9 PM
Tuesday May 21 from 4 - 8 PM
