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The Maker Menu

Making brings together technology, art and DIY, with hands-on projects and creative reinventions

By April Vomfell

Talk of makers and maker culture is everywhere these days. Making brings together technology, art and DIY, with hands-on projects and creative reinventions.

If you’re new to the maker discussion, let’s break it down into a menu of choices. Try and taste, sip and savor.

Beverage

As you peruse the menu, start sipping on “The Art of Tinkering: Meet 150+ Makers Working at the Intersection of Art, Science and Technology” by Karen Wilkinson.

Appetizers

Make magazine is a great choice for a quick snack. Get ideas and directions for easy projects like a solar USB charger or a baking soda and vinegar cannon.

As a quick sampler, dip into “Zero to Maker: Learn (Just Enough) to Make (Just About) Anything” by David Lang.

Main Course

To delve deeper into maker culture, sink your teeth into “Makers: The New Industrial Revolution” by Chris Anderson.

Set aside some time, collect materials and serve up a big helping of “Maker Dad: Lunch Box Guitars, Antigravity Jars, and 22 Other Incredibly Cool Father-Daughter DIY Projects” by Mark Frauenfelder.

Kids can dig in, too, with “Tinkerlab: A Hands-on Guide for Little Inventors” by Rachelle Doorley.

Dessert

It’s time for something sweet! Build a machine that mixes chocolate milk with “Make: LEGO and Arduino Projects” by John Baichtal or create a robot that serves cocktails with “The Ultimate DIY Geek Toys Guide” by Doug Cantor.

Sharing these new ideas and treats with friends or family will make your maker experience even more delicious.

ImagineIF Libraries encourage exploration, fresh ideas and self-discovery. Learn more at www.imagineiflibraries.org.