Introduction

Makerspaces are spaces where people can explore, create, discover, and have fun. They are in libraries, schools, and private businesses; they can even be in your home. They can either be hi-tech, low-tech, or a combination of both. The main idea of makerspaces is that it’s a place where you can create. Exploring in a makerspace builds problem-solving skills as people create, fail, recover, and learn. You are always learning from failure and success.

I unknowingly created a “makerspace” in my own home. It started with a small cart with construction paper, crayons, markers, colored pencils, stickers, pom poms, beads, pipe cleaners, buttons, scissors, glue, brushes, and paint. Then I got a bigger cart. Now, we have a table with shelves, drawers, and carts filled with supplies. We call it the art area, but we really are all over the apartment creating. It can take time to collect materials, but you can always start small and build up from there. 

 

The cart holds:

paint, paint brushes, and sponges

glitter, glitter glue

sequins, buttons, gems

pom poms

construction paper, tissue paper

pipe cleaners, feathers

ink for stamps

stickers

rulers

stencils

The materials that are stored under the table are:

stamps

crayons, markers, colored pencils, pastels

Watercolor paints, acrylic paint

painting paper, watercolor paper

window art glue

pearlers, gimp, art kits

recyclable materials from around the home

coloring books

a bag of homemade slime

a bag of homemade cloud dough

We also have rocks, popsicle sticks, wooden dowels, burlap, a large container of glue, balloons, long rolls of coloring sheets, glass jars, pressed flowers, clay, yarn, embroidery thread, knitting needles, fabric, and embroidery needles.

Children's books about making:

Crafty Llama 

written by Mike Kerr and illustrated by Renata Liwska

Izzy Gizmo and the Invention Convention

written by Pip Jones and Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie