Clay Feathers
100 Layer Cake shows us an easy way to make feathers out of clay. This is a lovely project that you can interpret any way you want. Use your feathers as decor, a gift topper, or a place card as shown in the photo.
Fun & Games
The latest DIY ideas, techniques and tools for bikes, rockets, R/C vehicles, toys and other diversions.
Lego Steampunk Strandbeest Model
Jason “True Dimensions” Allemann built this motorized Theo Janssen-style strandbeest walking robot, but evoking a cool steampunk style! I love all the little details on the deck like the tiny herd of goats to the ratty shack teetering on one corner. Jason has the building instructions on his website.
DIY Hacks & How To’s: Modify a Game Controller for Accessibility
Everyone loves video games. But it can be difficult to enjoy certain games if you are injured or disabled and don’t have the manual dexterity needed to execute fast button combos. Fortunately, we can use an Arduino to do it for us. The Arduino can send signals to the controller that simulate the buttons being pressed. This lets you pre-program commands that can be activated by a single button. This kind of mod could be used to help more gamers enjoy combo heavy games.
Lego Binary Clock
Lego builder nxt1engineer created this binary clock. It uses rotating spindles to indicate the passage of time.
Bachelorette Party Piñata
Give a standard piñata a decidedly grownup twist with this booze-filled bachelorette party piñata idea!
New Video Series: Making Fun with Jeff Highsmith
Today we’re launching a new video series: Making Fun with Jeff Highsmith. Jeff is a North Carolina-based maker who says he’s guided by curiosity and a passion for learning. He says his ideal project would lead him to learn new things, make good use of his existing skills, involve the creative use materials (too much MacGyver growing up), and result in a fun contrivance that the world has yet to see. He was introduced to electronics through amateur radio at age 11, but didn’t start the hard-core tinkering until his first son was born and he realized he wouldn’t be spending as much time outdoors hiking and backpacking. In the Making Fun video series, Jeff hopes to inspire folks to cultivate their own creativity by showing them how easy it is to make fun toys and gadgets. With two boys aged 3 and 5, he has toys on the brain, and most of his projects involve creating or enhancing play possibilities.
Lego Segway
Simon “Burf” Burfield built a Lego wheelchair and now he’s tackling a Lego Segway that supports the weight of an adult. His prototype can’t self-balance, but does a great job of moving around just with toy motors.