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Where Are the Women in Makerspaces?

Where Are the Women in Makerspaces?

If you’ve been to your local hackerspace/makerspace and noticed there weren’t many woman, did you stop to wonder why? Unfortunately a common reaction is to think, “I guess women just aren’t into hacking or building stuff.” As one of the few female directors of a U.S. makerspace, I know this just isn’t true. Here’s my perspective on the problem and what can be done about it.

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The Industrial Machinery of Makerspaces

The Industrial Machinery of Makerspaces

Face it, you may never have all the tools you want or need. Some may be too big and heavy to fit inside your home or workspace, others too expensive or infrequently needed to make sense. Makerspaces, however, give makers access to those less-than-convenient tools to build projects that might otherwise be impossible.

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The 3 Most Bizarro Builds from Makerspaces

The 3 Most Bizarro Builds from Makerspaces

Anything is possible with the right mix of brains and brawn. And we all know that when we get together with our best buds, things often take a hilarious turn towards the ludicrous. Some of the oversized, outlandish projects coming out of makerspaces prove just how true — and fun — that is.

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Makerspace to Market

Makerspace to Market

Makerspaces aren’t just a good source of camaraderie and hobby level one-off projects. They also occasionally create and manufacture pro-level consumer products and services. Here are a few notable items that you can purchase, which have come from makerspaces around the country.

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How to Make a Makerspace

How to Make a Makerspace

So you’re going to rally your local makers into a collaborative, community-based workplace. You’ll need a location ranging from a mobile pop-up stored in your van to an 80,000-square-foot warehouse. You’ll need tools, which can be borrowed from members, donated by sponsors, or purchased. You’ll need a business plan.

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