WEEKEND PROJECT: Valentine's Heart Chain

Instead of buying something new this Valentine’s Day, why not show your loved ones you care by making your own upcycled gifts and decorations.

Inspired by bundles of great Valentines craft ideas in the maker community, this year we decided to spread the love by adorning our office with some very delightful Valentines decorations - Makedo style!

You can too by reusing old gift wrapping paper and turning them into these charming paper heart chains. 

The kids will have a ball making these and even more fun decorating the house. Hang the chains around your kitchen table to add some extra sparkle to Valentine’s dinner, decorate the stairs, kids’ room or simply hang some above your door to act as a ‘subtle’ reminder to your partner that it’s Valentine’s Day.

Download more detailed step by step instructions in printable PDF format here.

 

Share your Makedo Valentines creations with us by uploading here and be in the running for Maker of the Month.

Green Economy case study: Hipcycle

Many of us like to think green, and take pride in playing our own role as responsible global citizens in the steadily evolving Green Economy. This means we face a daily challenge as consumers with complex social and cultural influences, and indeed pressures.

(image source: GreenmarketingTV)

In recent years, the increasing awareness of the concept of Upcycling has led to a groundswell of activity that is re-shaping the way people perceive the objects and artefacts in their lives. Enter Andrew Sell: entrepreneur and compulsive upcycler, and the thinker behind what could well be the poster child of the Green Economy; Hipcycle.

Hipcycle is an idea whose time has come.

Operating as a hub for like-minded consumers, Hipcycle sets out to offer a viable alternative for shoppers, where goods are made available that are not only varying hues of Green but are also priced at a level that happily competes with high quality traditional (new) products.

It’s not a second-hand junk store. It’s not a greenwashing or a quick grab for cash.
These guys are the real deal.

The model that Andrew has developed makes it easy for consumers to feel empowered about how their purchasing decisions can improve the environment. The consumer who shops at Hipcycle has a strong awareness about how their buying habits impact the environment, and require a solution that does not compromise their shopping choices.

One of the key elements that has contributed to the success of Hipcycle over the past year is the way that they have leveraged social media not only to spread the word about what is on offer, but also to enable and inspire others to become engaged with the Upcycling process and therefore make a positive impact as global consumers.

They certainly have fun along the way…

With future potential for Hipcycle Hubs in different regions, the model is well placed to ensure that considered consumerism becomes further entrenched as a part of the Green Economy.

See what it’s all about at Hipcycle.

Insight into a Master Maker: Eric Serviss

When you’ve been asked to create a large, show-stopping Makedo creation for the New York Toy Fair that will blow the international socks off all those viewing it, you know that the pressure is on.

Where do you begin?

We take you on a behind the scenes look into the inspiration, intricate thoughts, processes and challenges behind creating a Makedo Dragon Masterpiece of impressive proportions with our US Master Maker Eric Serviss.

“It’s early in the build but I add a temporary set of eyes to give the piece personality. It can be difficult to get the ‘feel’ for the character of a piece otherwise. Placing a temporary face on the sculpture, (or in this case eyes) allows me to make a stronger personal connection. Believe it or not, this can also be really important to how others view the final piece - that spark of life is the deciding factor of whether or not viewers will connect to it. Without it they will not see anything more than a pile of cardboard.”

Read on to find out just how spectacular the final creation will be as Eric takes us through his journey from concept creation to completion.

Stage 1: Planning & Inspiration 

Most of the planning I do for all of the various projects I work on takes place at my work station. I try to keep the amount of clutter to a minimum, decorating with just a few favorite pieces of art for inspiration. All research, sketching, problem solving and material sourcing (as well as blogging) takes place here.

Click to read more ...

WEEKEND PROJECT: Eco-Designer Stool

It’s no secret that we love when design is environmentally sustainable.

And that’s exactly what we adore about this ‘oh so simple’ designer stool made by the very clever Master Maker, Tanaka Satoshi.

All you need to create your own version of this eco-designer furnuiture is a reclaimed cardboard box, two makedo re-clips and the handy makedo safe-saw!

Create different sizes for kids and adults. They look great kept plain for a ‘rustic’ feel, or personalize them for each member of the family using decorative materials.

Download your free set of printable PDF step-by-step instructions here, and then share some photos with us of how you make use of your eco-designer Makedo stool.

PDF instructions: Eco-Designer Stool

Lighting the way: Rashad Alakbarov

Viewing art created from reclaimed materials can often be an illuminating experience. The work of Azerbaijan-based Rashad Alakbarov adds another layer by making use of carefully controlled light sources and their projected shadows to tell poignant stories. 

From sweeping landscapes and urban skylines to portraits and cultural commentaries, the projected works have a commanding presence that certainly makes you stop to look twice.

Via Inhabitat

MAKER OF THE MONTH: January Winner

Our favourite Makedo creation this month is by Carl (age 5) & his mum from London with their highly unique creation titled Road Scene.

It’s a fine example of environmentally conscious urban planning and designer flair. But what we love most about this creation, is the way that it can be played with over and over again. Watch out Hot Wheels, looks like there’s a new player in town…

Have you been making, like Carl and his mum?
Upload your Makedo creations here to be in the running for next month’s Maker of the Month competition and you too could win a fantastic Makedo prize.