Craft & Design

From traditional crafts to modern crafts, we’re covering news and interesting projects to educate you and keep you inspired. Design trends and pop culture related projects are here to inspire.

Music sync’ed Xmas lights and more…

Music sync’ed Xmas lights and more…

2004 Xmas Lights Front ViewRob writes “One of my co-workers and his brother are somewhat serious about their Christmas lights. They welcomed the introduction of LED lights, because it meant that they could stop adding new electrical panels to their house. Of particular interest to MAKE readers are the technical notes on the sidebar of their site.” Link. But wait, there’s more! Snopes on another music sync’d home, and you can see it on Google video. Lastly, build your own – with MAKE!

Silverware Wind Chimes

Silverware Wind Chimes

Silverwarechimes
Here’s a cool idea to make a windchime out of silverware to get rid of pesky birds around your garden. Shauna says “A creative and fun alternative to store bought chimes is a homemade creation that will become a conversation piece. Using old silverware and some string, you can make a set of loud wind chimes that are whimsical and practical. And what better location for silverware wind chimes than in the garden, where your food originates?
Link.

HOW TO – Make a Shoebox Crankie

HOW TO – Make a Shoebox Crankie

CrankieRussellh writes “This post shows you how to make a crankie, a story-telling device, from a shoebox, fax paper, and coat-hanger parts. Neat doings for this obscure art form. (History) – The SF Weekly describes a cranky as a primitive, miniature theater in a box: a roll of paper painted with pictures that tell a story, cranked by hand past an open frame. (The person doing the cranking often narrates and provides sound effects too). Though the parts can change, canvas instead of paper for example, this is an apt description.” Link.

Save Gocco

Save Gocco

Savegocco
Crafters unite! Its time to get serious and save our beloved Gocco. We mentioned here last week, that Gocco is being discontinued by the manufacturer. Save Gocco says, “Japanese fans have enjoyed using “print gocco” for over 25 years. as such, interest in the system has run it’s course in japan. outside japan, however, a ground swell of appreciation for the “print gocco” system has only just begun. those of us who’ve known gocco a short time are understandably saddened by riso’s decision to discontinue manufacturing the “print gocco” system due to stagnant sales in their home market.” Help spread the word and grab the badge off the site to show your support. Keep Gocco alive! Link.

HOW TO – Build a Laserharp

HOW TO – Build a Laserharp

Full Laserharp Thumb“A laser harp is basically a big frame resembling a real harp. There are no strings. Instead, beams of laser light are projected from the bottom of the harp. These beams strike light sensors at the top of the frame. When something (a hand, foot, etc.) blocks the beam, a note is triggered on a synthesizer or some type of tone generator. Theoretically the harp could control anything but I’m interested in its musical possibilities.” Here’s how to make one! [via] Link.