Meet a Maker: Liz McFarland and CRASH Space
Apr 4, 2024
AAs excitement builds for the upcoming Los Angeles Maker Faire, one participant in particular is gearing up to inspire and captivate attendees: Liz Mc
Water Computers, Plastic Recyclers, & Earth Air Studies from Space at DTLA Mini Maker Faire 2018
DTLA Mini Maker Faire 2018 takes place Saturday, December 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at our historic Central Library in Downtown Los Angeles.
This event is free, open to the public, and fun for the everyone! We encourage you to register on our Eventbrite page and visit our Facebook event to show the world you are attending.
We have many creative Makers showcasing their projects, inventions, craftsmanship, creativity, and sharing in the do-it-yourself (DIY) and do-it-together (DIT) spirit this year. Here’s a look at some of our favorites:
Anderson’s Famous Water Computer
- Who they are: Glen Anderson worked as a chip designer for years in Silicon Valley and loves inspiring the next generation of computer enthusiasts.
- What they do: Glen has built a computer from plastic boxes, rubber flaps, vinyl tubing, and ping pong balls. It is an educational model of the NMOS digital logic family, powered purely by water, and recirculates using human or electrical power.
- Why they rock: Glen’s water computer shows how computers work from the lowest level up to the addition of small numbers. It involves hands on interactivity with participants plugging and unplugging tubes into spouts with flowing water. Participants and spectators will be able to see the computer react in response to actions.
Closed Loop Plastics
- Who they are: Closed Loop Plastics founders Will Amos and Aldrin Lupisan are recent graduates of UC Irvine’s Environmental Engineering program. They started CLP to help reduce plastic waste and provide materials for prototypes and manufacturing at the same time.
- What they do: Closed Loop Plastics is an innovative recycler that takes post consumer plastic waste and turns it into engineering grade materials for 3D printing and other forms of manufacturing.
- Why they rock: Trillions of pounds of plastic are thrown away in the United States every year polluting land and ocean. Closed Loop Plastics invests in research and development of cost efficient equipment to enhance the recycling infrastructure in the U.S.
Show me the light!
- Who they are: Karen Yuen is the NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) Science Data Applications Lead, Project Communications Manager, and the NASA Deputy Program Associate for the upcoming OCO-3 on ISS.
- What they do: OCO-2 is NASA’s first mission studying Earth’s atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and solar induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) from space.
- Why they rock: Karen will be sharing her expertise about spectrometers and how they work. Participants will be able to see how different colors show spikes in the monitor and learn how this data is valuable to researchers.
Reserve your free tickets for DTLA Maker Faire 2018 today to see all our amazing makers in action!
Calling all Makers!
DTLA Mini Maker Faire will showcase all kinds of amazing work by makers of all ages. If you have a do-it-yourself (or do-it-together) spirit and want to share your work with a curious and engaged audience, then apply to be a Maker. We encourage all Makers, from startups and science clubs to inventors and artists to apply.
Here are just some of the topics that we’re looking for:
- Student projects
- Robotics
- Homegrown Drones
- Arduino projects
- Raspberry Pi
- Space projects
- Conductive materials projects
- Kit makers
- Interactive art projects
- 3D Printers and CNC Mills
- Textile Arts and Crafts
- E-Textiles
- Home Energy Monitoring
- Rockets and RC Toys
- Sustainability & Green Tech
- Radios, Vintage Computers and Game Systems
- Electronics
- Electric Vehicles
- Science, Biology/Biotech, and Chemistry projects
- Puppets, Kites, and Other Whimsical Creations
- Bicycles
- Music Performances and Participation
- Unusual Tools or Machines
- How to Fix Things or Take them Apart
Deadline to submit is October 1, 2018. Apply on our official call for makers page!
We Had a Blast!
Our Second DTLA Mini Maker Faire was an amazing feat of low-tech, hi-tech, family, friends, and fun! With over 40 makers and crowds of over 1800 visitors, every corner of our beautiful library was abuzz with STEAM activity. Thank you everyone involved for all your support and passion! Here are some photos of people and places that made the day great.
Tinkering School
Pixsweet
Rubber Stamps
Virtual Reality
Snap Ships
SEED Project
Get Into Gear
JBJ Collection
Learning Equipment Supply
Freaky Bikes
Kids Having Fun
Zine Maker Girls
Get Into Gear
Girl Scouts
The HoverCraft Project
LugoLA
Little Bits
Long Beach Makers
Mad Science
Origami Makers
Chatsworth Branch
Pixsweet
3-D Printers
Robot Society
Rubber Stamps
Spinning Guild
2 Bits
Baldwin Hills Branch
Learning Equipment Supply Service
Mad Science Watchers
The Fork Organ
3-DIY Project
MilkinKnights
The Maker Movement embraces innovation, creativity, and learning to improve our communities and create a better future. What will you make?
Amazing Makers You Do Not Want to Miss at DTLA Mini Maker Faire
It’s almost here! The DTLA Mini Maker Faire is about to go live. It takes place Saturday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in our indelible Central Library in Downtown Los Angeles, and its free to the public.
There is still time to register on Eventbrite, and you can show the world you are attending by adding your name to our Facebook page.
We have so many amazing Makers showcasing their powerful prodigious projects. There’s lo-tech and hi-tech and everything in-between. Let’s take a closer look at some of our favorites:
Handmade Rubber Stamps: Hannah Matzecki
Who they are: Hannah Matzecki received her BA in Studio Art (emphasis: painting and drawing) from UC Santa Cruz in 2011. When she’s not playing with paper, Hannah enjoys reading, knitting, and eating too much ice cream while binge watching Netflix.
What they do: In addition to teaching workshops for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Hannah runs a specialty paper business called Pip’s Paperie and maintains her own studio practice focused on paper-craft.
Why they rock: From concept to creation, you will learn how to make your own custom rubber stamps using supplies available at your local craft store!
FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1836: The MilkenKnights
Who they are: Founded in 2006, The MilkenKnights are a group of high school students who build robots as Team 1836 for FIRST Robotics Competition.
What they do: You’re invited to come drive a real, 100 pound robot designed by high school students to compete in the 2017 FIRST Robotics Competition game. You’ll get the chance to operate the robot and ask questions about how it all works.
Why they rock: These FIRST Robotics competitors are high school students who are passionate about STEAM, and inspiring the next generation of engineers. They hope to challenge youth to create a lasting effect on their community.
Tinkering School LA’s Big Build: reDiscover Center
Who they are: Tinkering Club is an open studio for independent tinkering, and classes. reDiscover Center provides art, tinkering, and sustainability educational activities to over 8,000 children per year.
What they do: Part of reDiscover Center’s Tinkering School LA, Tinkering Club provides real tools and real materials for tinkering, as well as training and support in design, prototyping, construction techniques, and presentation.
Why they rock: One of the best things about building stuff at reDiscover Center is that you’re building it yourself. They don’t build anything for you, just help you get good at Making on your own. Tinkerers in their programs make everything from wood scrap sculptures to life size superheroes!
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Check out our website to learn more about these Makers and all our Makers joining us at the DTLA Mini Maker Faire.
The Maker Movement embraces innovation, creativity, and learning to improve our communities and create a better future. What will you make?
More Makers We Love at DTLA Mini Maker Faire
We can’t wait until DTLA Mini Maker Faire! It takes place Saturday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in our historic Central Library in Downtown Los Angeles.
This fun event is free to the public! We encourage you to register on our Eventbrite page, and visit our Facebook event page to show the world you are attending (if you haven’t done it already).
We have so many creative Makers showcasing their amazing art acumen. Let’s take a closer look at some of our favorites:
Freaky Bikes: Charles Dandino
- Who they are: Charles Dandino is a mechanical aerospace engineer, avid cyclist and general hobbyist. He enjoys long rides along the beach and bubble baths (for his bike).
- What they do: Chuck enjoys an artistic exploration of unique bicycle shapes and designs. Chuck also does some electrical projects focusing around RPi and Arduino.
- Why they rock:These bikes are super cool. Come check out Chuck’s unique and interesting bicycles: 7ft to the Saddle or Tandem Bike with “stadium seating.” These bikes are really something to see!
3-DIY: Eric Kurland
- Who they are: Eric Kurland is an award-winning independent filmmaker, past president of the LA 3-D Club, Director of the LA 3-D Movie Festival, and CEO of 3-D SPACE: The Center for Stereoscopic Photography, Art, Cinema, and Education.
- What they do: Homebrew stereoscopic cameras and displays, including live 3-D video; DIY photography and VR lessons, 3-D projection and more! Featuring screenings of Do-It-Yourself 3-D videos filmed at prior Maker Faires.
- Why they rock: Creating your own 3-D image is cool. Learn how to Do It Yourself at this fun and interactive exhibit!
Robotics Society of Southern California: Walter Martinez, Alan Timm, and Eric Weimers
- Who they are: PBS SoCal is the top-rated and most-watched public television station in the greater Los Angeles area, and the third most-watched PBS station in the nation.
- What they do: PBS SoCal is building a community committed to fostering a positive image of engineering. Kids will explore engineering through fun-packed, high energy, hands-on activities.
- Why they rock: You’ll have fun designing and building your own Mars Rover! Participants will use basic materials to construct a Mars rover powered by a motor.
Check out our website to learn more about these Makers and all our Makers joining us at the DTLA Mini Maker Faire.
The Maker Movement embraces innovation, creativity, and learning to improve our communities and create a better future. What will you make?
Makers We Love at DTLA Mini Maker Faire
We are so excited about our DTLA Mini Maker Faire! It takes place Saturday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in our beautiful Central Library in Downtown Los Angeles. Save the day on your calendar because you won’t want to miss this super fun event. The DTLA Mini Maker Faire is free to the public. However, we would love it if you register on our Eventbrite page, and visit our Facebook event page to show the world you are attending.
We have so many amazing Makers showcasing their super science skills. Let’s take a closer look at some of our favorites:
Mad Science of Los Angeles: Sparking Imaginative Learning
- Who they are: Mad Science is the leading provider of hands-on, interactive science enrichment programming.
- What they do: They strive to foster an enthusiasm for learning and critical thinking in every student by bringing science to life!
- Why they rock: Mad Science delivers unique, hands-on science experiences for children that are as entertaining as they are educational. They define “edutainment.”
Coco Kaleel from Very Happy Robot! Making Your Own Circuit Boards and Stirling Engines
- Who they are: Coco Kaleel is a10th grader who hopes to support and inspire technology novices and enthusiasts with her website veryhappyrobot.com, and her awesome Maker skills. Embracing 3D printing, coding, design software, drones, and even Stirling engines, Coco encourages making technology, not just consuming it.
- What they do: Coco will show us step-by-step instructions on how to make custom circuit boards for your own technology projects. She will also demonstrate a Stirling engine that she machined from scratch, powered from the excess heat off a cup of hot water.
- Why they rock: Coco loves technology and she wants to share her passion for all things STEAM. She attends conferences and lectures so that she can be with others who share her passion for technology. Even though she is only in 10 grade, she has already taught classes, delivered keynotes, and attended tech conferences worldwide.
Robotics Society of Southern California: Walter Martinez, Alan Timm, and Eric Weimers
- Who they are: The Robotics Society of Southern California is an exciting and fun experimental robotics society formed in the late 1970’s.
- What they do: They meet at California State University in Long Beach the second Saturday of every month. Anyone interested in robotics and other latest technologies such as 3D printing, maker movement, Artificial Intelligence of any age group and skill level is welcome to come to their meetings.
- Why they rock: They build robots! Stop by and see them at the DTLA Mini Maker Faire. Get inspired by these robots to create your own.
Check out DTLA Mini Maker Faire for more information about these Makers and all the Makers joining us in this fun and free event.
The Maker Movement embraces innovation, creativity, and learning to improve our communities and create a better future. What will you make?
Calling all Makers! Deadline Extended
The application deadline for this year’s DTLA Mini Maker Faire has been extended through October 28!
We want to showcase your creative and innovative spirit, whether you’re a hobbyist, established Maker, or a cutting edge organization.
There is still room to show off your amazing creations, but you better hurry – registration to be a Maker ends October 28, 2017. Apply today!
Have questions? Read our Call for Makers Info page.
We are all Makers!
Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists and students. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned. What will you make?
December 2 will be here sooner than you think! Save the day on your calendar because you won’t want to miss this super fun event. The DTLA Mini Maker Faire 2017 promises to be bigger, STEAMier, and even more fun than last year, with hands-on activities, events, performances and lots more. All that and it’s free to the public!
Apply Now!
Call for Makers!
DTLA Mini Maker Faire showcases the amazing work of all kinds and ages of makers—anyone who is embracing the do-it-yourself (or do-it-together) spirit and wants to share their accomplishments with an appreciative audience. You can find all the specifics on how to apply on our official call for makers page.
We particularly encourage exhibits that are interactive and that highlight the process of making things.
Here are just some of the topics that we’re looking for:
- Student projects
- Robotics
- Homegrown Drones
- Arduino projects
- Raspberry Pi
- Space projects
- Conductive materials projects
- Kit makers
- Interactive art projects
- 3D Printers and CNC Mills
- Textile Arts and Crafts
- E-Textiles
- Home Energy Monitoring
- Rockets and RC Toys
- Sustainability & Green Tech
- Radios, Vintage Computers and Game Systems
- Electronics
- Electric Vehicles
- Science, Biology/Biotech, and Chemistry projects
- Puppets, Kites, and Other Whimsical Creations
- Bicycles
- Music Performances and Participation
- Unusual Tools or Machines
- How to Fix Things or Take them Apart
Deadline to submit is October 28, 2017. Apply on our official call for makers page!
We had fun!
This was ou
r very first DTLA Mini Maker Faire and we had lots of questions on The Big Day:
“How will it go?”
“Will anyone show up?”
“Will we survive the day?”
It turned out great! Our Makers were super-friendly and cool, their projects were amazing, lots of people came, and a good time was had by all. YAY!!!!! Thanks so much for your support.
Stay tuned for the date of the 2017 DTLA Mini Maker Faire!
