Oh, hey, I never did an official name drop for the makerspace. Well, here it is….drum roll…
Maram Makerspace!
Maram in Tamil means tree; we chose the tree for its Oak Park affinity, and because we intend to function like a branching tree, supporting and enhancing the work of existing organizations, growing their audiences and cross-pollinating ideas and projects.
(Name subject to change if someone gives us a million dollars and wants us to name the place after them!)
Question — we talked about having a ‘little free art supply’ section at the makerspace. Is it worth doing that for tech too? Would it take up too much storage room? God knows I have kazillion cables and such that I don’t use that maybe someone else could make better use of, and it seems like it’d fit in well with the ‘repair cafe’ aspect of it. Does anybody do this already?
I can already see that what I’m really going to want at the makerspace is storage units — for cables, art supplies, etc. May need to do a Kickstarter just for help getting the place organized! I don’t suppose the Container Store sponsors community art centers…???
From 2-6 tomorrow, jewelry designer Alix Mikesell (https://alixmikesell.com), textile artist Pamela Penney (https://www.facebook.com/pamelapenneytextilearts/), and myself (making books, art prints, sweets, and soap, mostly) will be hosting an event to support a new makerspace project in our area — a portion of all sales will be donated to the project, which will be starting programming January! (You’ll hear a lot more about it soon, but we’d be delighted to tell you more about it if you come by tomorrow.)
We’ll have some great stocking stuffers, gifts for your best girlfriends, and even some great little items for the men and kids in your life. If you’re interested, just let me know, and I’ll PM you the address! There’ll be savory and sweet refreshments, along with some wine and other drinks!
I was trying to explain to Kavi why I make all this stuff and sell it, because I surely don’t get rich on it. I had a great selling day today, and took in around $450 in 6 hours, which is a lot for me, but when you factor in even the cost of supplies, there’s not that much profit, and if you factor in my time making and hauling and selling (and paying Kavi her little salary) — well, let’s not discuss how much red ink that is!
The main reason is that I just like making beautiful things. I like it so much. And especially when I am stuck on a story (or, admittedly, procrastinating / avoiding writing), it is very satisfying to put my hands to work and MAKE something, whether it’s food or soap or art.
Someone at today’s fair said to me that my house must be like a tiny makerspace. Yup, that’s about it. 🙂 Making brings joy.
I do have to work on the balance between making & resting, and also, my back is aching a lot right now and I plan to spend much time on the sofa in the hours to come, but still. Net positive! Also was super-fun saying hi to lots of neighbors I mostly know through Facebook! (Hello, neighbors! It’s going to take me forever to learn your names, because my memory is terrible! Sorry! Just keep reminding me, please!)
