Matt @ Make: Online spotted this animation made with tea candles by brusspup on YouTube. He writes:
Youtube user brusspup, known for his impressive illusions, created this amazing fire animation using a bunch of tea candles, a camera, and lots of time. It appears to be a stop motion animation video, but there are some clear signs that it’s not what it looks like- anyone want to explain how it was done?
Coasters are such an under appreciated gift, especially if
the receiving party can get to participate in the decoration
process. As a nice house gift, I made my girlfriend and her
three roommates a set of coasters, (in the shape of her favorite
animal), that they could decorate to their own lik… By: guyzo35
I had great fun working on a cool Multimeter Clock project which got picked up by Design News for their Gadget Freak series. I thought it would be cool to have a clock that looks like an old Simpson 260 multimeter. The clock consists of three multimeters, the first meter displays hours, the second displays […]
The projects submitted to our Save My Oceans contest were innovative and inspirational and were all great examples of the brilliant ways our readers reuse plastics. Each day this week, we’ll highlight one of our top five entries, and we’ll announce the Grand prize winner next Monday. Be sure to check out the entire Save My Oceans Flickr pool for even more great projects.
Creating amazing components for jewelry is an incredibly easy process. In this case I used plastic two-liter bottles to produce tubular beads that were strung into bracelets and necklaces. My slogan for my upcycled jewelry projects: Cover yourself in plastic, not the ocean. The key to converting the plastic into beads is adding a colorful design and manipulating it with the heat of a toaster oven. Through my research I’ve discovered each part of a two-liter bottle will yield different results for jewelry. This project was created using the center section of the bottle. I’ve opted to string the beads in a very specific way, but others might approach their designs differently. Either way I think the message that two-liter bottles can become fashionable jewelry is one worth listening to.
Project Inspiration:
As a craft and jewelry designer I often try and source new materials that are readily available to everyone. Lately, I’ve thought about precious metals and stones and more importantly how much of it does the Earth really have left? What happens when (and if) we run out? How will people adorn themselves? This project answers that question. I think this project is a few steps removed from the whole “junk to jewelry/found object” look because I believe the outcome is incredibly stylish and the source material is well disguised. I also believe the pattern of the blue jewelry reminds me of water, waves and the feeling one gets when they think of the ocean. Furthermore, I really enjoy the idea of having others wear a piece of this jewelry because it is so far beyond it’s original look. Most people just can’t tell this jewelry was made from two-liter bottles. The surprise that this project was made from plastic really allows the wearer to have an honest conversation with others and hopefully convert them into upcycling their own plastic in to useful things for themselves and their home!
This is an Instructable on how to build a small, effective spotlight
that’s ideal for stop-motion animations and photography. You’ll need
very few ingredients and about 10-15 minutes of free time. It’s
basically a cover that fits over your lamp and condenses it’s usual
wide-spread rays of l… By: bad ass pope
I was drawing birds this weekend and thought I’d give a shout out to American illustrator Charley Harper (1922-2007). Harper is best known for his highly stylized nature drawings, full of elegant geometry and bold portions of color that capture the remarkable personalities of so many feathered friends. When asked to describe his visual style, Charley responded:
When I look at a wildlife or nature subject, I don’t see the feathers in the wings, I just count the wings. I see exciting shapes, color combinations, patterns, textures, fascinating behavior and endless possibilities for making interesting pictures.
The above images are from a series created for Ford Times between 1954 and 1956. You can see more here.
Tom’s Guide has a detailed project article for this amazing camera-equipped tri-copter R/C flier. The piece takes you through the design and build process, from inception of the idea, through building and troubleshooting, to the finished flier. Very cool.
In case you missed it, we are currently running a gadget design contest ourselves (sponsored by Design News, Texas Instruments, Alibre, and Allied Electronics). If you’re inspired to design a gadget, get thee to the Gadget Freak Design Contest landing page.
From the pages of MAKE: MAKE Volume 22, Remote Control Everything
Automate your world with remote control. From pet care to power outlets, from toys to telepresence, we’ll show you how to add a joystick, push-button, twist-knob, or timer to just about anything. Don’t forget, subscribers can always read the digital edition here.
When was the last time you saw folks on unicycles battling each other in a game of dart guns? For me, it was last week when I was able to attend a Henry Ford community celebration for Maker Faire Detroit. It seems like everyday more and more people are on board to make the Detroit stop amazing. Not only did our very own Dale Dougherty share his thoughts on what being a maker is all about, but the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the New Economy Initiative were in attendence to announce their sponsorships.
Are you tired of watching the BP Oil Spill continue to flow unabated, and all anyone seems to be talking about is who is going to pay for the damage that is ongoing with no end in sight?
The relief wells that BP has finally begun drilling to shut off the leak will not be ready until the end of the summer, while the BP Oil leak is producing an Exxon Valdez sized spill every eight days. That’s about 12 more Valdez’s on the way at least!
Where has all of the ingenuity gone? Can industrial Design save the day? Ready, Set…Brainstorm!…
One discussion member pointed to the site for submitting your idea directly to Deepwater Horizon Response, who has “established a process for collecting and reviewing oil spill response solutions from scientists and vendors.” And makers, I presume…
Our stringer for all things R/C, Francesco Fondi, sent us word of this amazing Lego/ NXT-based Bluetooth and phone-controlled Volvo 8×8 truck:
This is a really impressive creation from ATRX, the same AFOL (Adult Fan of Lego) behind the NXT Boat.
This Volvo FL12, version 8×8 features all wheel drive, 4-wheel steering, full double wishbone independent suspension, remote-controlled 4-speed gearbox. It has been designed for Lego Truck Trial races GPM (Grand Prix Mazovia) 2010 that will be held in Warsaw, Poland.
From the pages of MAKE: MAKE Volume 22, Remote Control Everything
Automate your world with remote control. From pet care to power outlets, from toys to telepresence, we’ll show you how to add a joystick, push-button, twist-knob, or timer to just about anything. Don’t forget, subscribers can always read the digital edition here.
Blogsnapper at 12:06 pm 
