While many projects involve high tech, computer-based technology and know-how, Nova Labs also welcomes a number of makers who experiment with more traditional “maker arts.”

Everyone starts somewhere on the path to becoming a Maker with each journey varying by natural interests and skills acquired. At the very core are the following values:

• Try something new
• Be curious
• Ask questions and seek help from others
• Do research
• Share what you learned

Since making is just plain fun, makers are enthusiastic and engaged in making things — especially when they are not experts! To that end, we launched the Maker Circle & Art Lab in January of this year. The group meets twice a month.

When we started Maker Circle it went along with the belief that multiple interests form the basis of friendships. Through those relationships and the discovery of common interests, people are enabled to more effectively explore their passion for making.

At recent Maker Circle & Art Lab events, participants worked in various media and techniques including:

• quilting
• woodburning
• painting
• jewelry
• sewing
• polymer clay
• carving
• crochet
• knitting
• cross-stitch
• sketching
• egg decorating
• book binding
• stained glass
• tree ornaments

Brian brought his 100 year old hand crank sock knitter in an attempt to get it up and running. Others brought pieces of their technical project that are in the “crafted by hand” stage.

The skills and generosity of our community are truly amazing. The events are casual and the size of the group varies, but as many as 15 people have attended.

As a Maker, all skills have a value and we all seem to benefit from cross training in other areas. You just never know what will spark “The Coming Thing” as Brisco would say.

So come out to an event, take a class, maybe teach a skill, see what else might strike a spark.  If you want to join us at the next Maker Circle and Art Lab event rsvp here. To rsvp for any Nova Labs event, check out the NOVA Makers Meetup page.

We look forward to seeing you!