Writing on the Window with Der Kritzler
Alex Weber of Hamburg created this cool drawbot (Der Kritzler means “the Scribbler”) that lays down ink directly on a window, allowing passers-by to groove on the robot’s work from outside.
Month: September 2011
Dr. Ruth Schulz Interview at FOO Camp
At FOO Camp 2011, Dr. Ruth Schulz from University of Queensland discusses Lingodroids, robots that can generate their own language that allows them to communicate with each other.
Book Excerpt: Sewing With Oilcloth
I’ve always loved the look and feel of oilcloth, and have used dozens of yards of the stuff to create four tablecloths over the years. But I’ve always been hesitant to venture further than simply cutting the slick festive fabric into measured flat rectangles. Then I received Kelly McCant’s beautifully presented Sewing with Oilcloth, and […]
What Do These Weekend Projects Have in Common?
Earlier this week I was glancing over all our existing Weekend Projects to take some notes, and found myself asking, “What do these projects have in common?” I then found myself juxtaposing images from each project to do a quick visual compare-and-contrast. Clockwise from the top-right, that’s Floating Glow Display, Electronic Whack-a-Mole Game, USB Webcam Microscope, and Add Volume, Jack.
Lisa Frank Documentary Spoof
I think it goes without saying I have a tiny place in my heart for Lisa Frank – remember the wine charms I made? Well, when my friend sent me this Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre clip yesterday, it made my day and then some. A “mockumentary,” if you will, this trailer tells the story of […]
This Potentially Annoying Sound Isn’t so Bad After All
Chris McMullen and Steve Withycombe’s Potentially Annoying Sound is a kinetic sound sculpture constructed from various mechanical elements and a set of discarded church organ pipes. At Maker Faire Bay Area 2011, attendees delightfully turned a large red wheel which was geared to pump air from a bellows into the pipes and play a chord. Interestingly, the name “Potentially Annoying Sound” was inspired by a question on the Maker Faire exhibitor application which asked what kind of noise it makes. After listening to it in the video above, I think you’ll agree that the sound is not annoying at all. In fact, it’s quite pleasant.
How-To: “Vines” Knife Blade Filework
Fancy file-work along the spine of the blade, like that featured in this step-by from custom knifemaker Bruce Evans, is commonly applied after the steel has been heat-treated. Which means, I believe, that you could apply it to a factory knife, for instance, if you wanted to customize it for yourself, or personalize it as a gift.
