The East Bay Mini Maker Fair was amazing. The Maker Faire (project of MAKE Magazine) is continuing to grow and capture some of our favorite cultural trends. You'll find hardcore Silicon Valley scientists and engineers, burning man folks, lego aficionados, renaissance fair and cos play fans in full attire, educators and and their kids. Everyone is making things. Taking things apart. Problem-solving. Cooperating. Innovating.
(photo by Sabrina Merlo / East Bay Mini Maker Faire)
Johnny and I brought our history-laden jewelry and a BUNCH of maker kits to encourage the next generation of makers. Both Johnny and I started making and disassembling as young people and encouraging kids to MAKE things has become increasingly significant to us. We did not expect to become full time-makers. Both Johnny and I have had an inquiry of "is it ok to be a maker?" Our parents hoped we would have jobs where we wore suits, and we have ended up running a small business recycling tiny antique objects into jewelry. We use our hands and our brains to do soldering and marketing and have found ways to work hard and have a balanced life. As we've realized that the answer is an emphatic YES, we want to encourage young people to cultivate their own skills. You never know where your skills will lead you!
Our work is inspired by the history of technology. Yes - the result is wearable sparkly interesting jewelry, but each piece originates at a specific moment in the history of technology and culture. We made a couple of displays for kids and parents to read.
As always, the Steampunk Supplies kits were a big hit!
We love watching what people make as different imaginations and ideas result in a myriad of cool projects made from upcycled objects.
Several weeks after the East Bay Maker Faire, we sent a collection of watches and buttons and historical tidbits to Johnny's sister and her first grade class. They were studying "The Past" so we sent some basic daily objects from the Victorian era that would help them understand how technology and daily life change.
Apparently, it was a big hit. We realized that encouraging young people to have the confidence to make, to see things in a different way, and to engage with history - is important. Understanding the past is important as well.
Thank you Maker Faire community!