RSS
When we report on Maker Faire, a lot of it surrounds cool things we see. Truly, though, the best part of Maker Faire is the people we meet. Online connections are great, but it's that in-person interaction that really makes events like Maker Faire exceptional. Back in October at Maker Faire Austin, I had the pleasure of meeting Maddy Sherman and her mom and younger brother. I stopped her to compliment the Pysanky egg she'd made at the Craftastica booth. I took her picture, we chatted briefly, and I wrote down her name and email address before parting ways.
This past weekend at Maker Faire Bay Area, we had hundreds of people coming in and out of the CRAFT area, and as one woman and I started to talk we had a simultaneous moment of recognition. It was none other than Maddy's mom, and she quickly pointed out that Maddy was busy working on a needle felting project in our needle felting lounge area. It turns out that Maddy and her family live in Los Angeles, and have been to the last three Maker Faires - including traveling out to Texas for Maker Faire Austin. I had a great conversation with her mom and with Maddy, who proudly declares, "I make something every single day." I asked Maddy if she'd be up for writing a post-Maker Faire report from the eyes of a 12-year-old, and here's what she had to say.
If any of you have been to the Maker Faire, the first thing that stands out is the people. There is no average maker. They range from LEGO obsessors to women and men in 18th century couture. The interesting part about it is that they are all there for the same reason - creative insight and inspiration.
I, being a 12-year-old girl, was more than overwhelmed by the throngs of people with cup creations and tape wallets marching around to get from one hall to the others. Other than that, it was a crafter's dream. Every which way there another spectacle. Whether it was Japanese art or adorable felt toys, there was no way you could be bored. There was always some tutorial or show we could see. The first day we went, my seven-year-old brother accompanied us. To put it nicely, Milo is fascinated with LEGO. I should say obsessed. Anyways, when he reached the LEGO exhibit, he freaked. He screamed. He yelled. I mean that literally. After that piercing example of excitement, he raced to the LEGO buildings. My mom said that I could go find something to look at while he played. Next, I wandered to the Ponko table, where they displayed their innovative methods of creating laser-cut art. I made a bracelet made of plastic with a laser-cut tree design. It was so awesome.
We cruised through a ton of things. We looked at a learn to knit booth that was giving out yarn to customers. The next day we got to the things we missed. My mom and I sat in on an embroidery tutorial led by Rachel Hobson. After that, we looked at the Bazaar Bizarre and Swap-o-Rama-Rama. I found a sweatshirt that was perfect. A little big, but it was in perfect condition. I got it screen printed and was amazed at how wonderful it turned out. The guys at the silk screen station had a ton of designs and we were able to choose them for free. How great is that?
The next few hours consisted of being constantly amazed by the jewelry and machines being sold and demoed. Overall, there is no way you can be in the vicinity of Maker Faire and not attend. You don't even have to be crafty! It will get you inspired and pumped up to create things. This is a definite worthwhile place to visit.
