Blog
Rebecca Gimblett
|Nov 26th, 2018
Winter Programs at the Idea Foundry
THE FORCE AWAKENS- CLASS FACTS
When November 1st arrived, I began receiving all the class dates for the coming quarter - December to February and a few March and April dates too if the instructor was feeling particularly available to commit that far ahead.
Being new to this position, this was my first time properly engaging with the full list of class dates moving forward. And as scary as it can be to receive 40 or so emails in a very short amount of time, it’s also extremely rewarding to see the eagerness of our amazing instructors.
Rebecca Gimblett
|Nov 17th, 2018
Maker Kids
“Through structured play, our educational workshops integrate visual art with performance art to build character.” Super Art League Aim
I was that kid in class who would turn bright red if the teacher asked me a question, and I was a super nerd, so it wasn’t a fear of not knowing the answer but just a general feeling of unease at being the center of attention.
Casey McCarty
|Nov 7th, 2018
From the CEO
Panic at the 3D printer--Misplaced anxiety about 3D printed guns in the face of cheap and legal DIY kits
Over the past several months, policy makers have renewed interest in the 3D printed firearms debate with developments in federal court cases involving Defense Distributed, the Austin-based firm founded by the highly controversial Cody Wilson, and Defcad, the spinoff host of a repository of digital plans for 3D printable firearms.
Rebecca Gimblett
|Oct 31st, 2018
Classes on the CNC ShopBot
One of the most frequent and lucrative uses of the ShopBot CNC is to make signs. Whether for business or personal use, it's common to see a wide selection of custom crafted signs on Pinterest, Etsy, and other small business websites.
The ShopBot CNC is a perfect tool for this type of task. It can minimize the immense effort and huge time commitment of hand-carved detail. All it takes is a bit of hardware and software know-how – which we offer!
Kate Baldwin
|Oct 23rd, 2018
Member Focus - Kara O'Dea
The Idea Foundry houses makers of all kinds. Within our walls, we see everything from small tech startups to practicing fine artists. This week we are thrilled to highlight the stained glass artist and Maker extraordinaire Kara O'Dea. Kara has been a pivotal part of the Idea Foundry community, helping us develop our glass cutting demos and creating phenomenal stained glass art classes. Explore Kara's work as a glass artist through her Instagram @karaomakesthings.
Kate Baldwin
|Oct 17th, 2018
Compass Experience Labs
The Idea Foundry is more than a makerspace. It is a place where people can build their futures whether that's in wood, electronics, or service. In February of 2017, we opened our newly renovated 2nd floor to our first ever coworkers and further expanded what it means to be a maker. As this new portion of our community grows, we welcome the diversity it brings. Everyone from artists to lawyers and electrical engineers belong here.
Casey McCarty
|Oct 16th, 2018
Women Welcome
Makerspaces can be critical community resources for nurturing our innate interest in Making--for taking those first tentative beginner steps with a new tool or technique, for making fresh connections between technology old and new, for finding a safe place for failure and supportive peers. The anthems of DIY, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning championed by the Maker culture are inherently equalizing, but studies are starting to show that Makerspaces and Maker culture are often leaving women behind.
Rachel Schutt
|Oct 16th, 2018
Ask A Maker | Metal Lathe
Hit our blog on the first Friday of every month to get all of your maker questions answered. In this series, we will answer your questions about Idea Foundry tools and resources. If you need to know the perfect laser settings for baltic birch or even how to code your own cell phone in Python, ask a maker! Ask new questions by emailing askamaker@ideafoundry.com. Next month we are exploring woodturning. Ask us about woodturning tools, tips, tricks, or techniques!