Low Tech, No Tech, Take home kit

November 07, 2023

Low Tech, No Tech, Take home kit

If you think about it, a makerspace is a combination of a little bit of everything in one setting. In a high school or a middle school, you can have a wood shop class, computer class, art class, science, cooking class, science class, and technology class. They are all separate classes, but in a makerspace it can be all of that but in one setting, and usually with no instruction. You learn at your own pace and choose what you want to focus on.

High Tech makerspaces contain 3D printers, laser cutters, digitalization tools, greenscreens, computer programs, video game programming, etc.

Technology isn't a requirement for a makerspace. Low-tech makerspaces can include crafting such as painting, drawing, knitting, origami, jewelry making, scrapbooking, legos, board games, gardening, perlers beads, card games, blocks, sewing, circuits, etc.

There are libraries that have a "Library of Things" where patrons are able to borrow certain items, kits, puzzles, games, etc.

Some of the craft kits from Farmington Public Library's Library of Things include:

Adult crafting kits

watercolor painting

glass painting

calligraphy and brush lettering

knitting

crochet

paper quilling

soap making

rock painting

leather working kit

wood burning kit

Jewelry making kit

Grey bead board

creative laminated flyer

pliers

plastic organizer storage box

beading

string

wire

"Jewelry Making: The Absolute Beginners Guide" book

Metal Stamping kit

soft steel hammer

stamping book and rubber pad

stamp enamel

Brigette Basic letter stamps- 27 uppercase letters, 27 lowercase letters, 9 numbers

Bracelet Bending Bar

"New Stamped Metal Jewelry: Innovative Techniques for 23 Custom Jewelry Designs"

A makerspace can be high-tech, low-tech, no-tech, or a take-home kit. Everyone will have their own preference either high or low tech. Personally, I prefer a low or no-tech makerspace. I am not a very tech-savvy person and growing up I always felt pulled to crafting activities and I always enjoyed learning new skills that turn into hobbies. In seventh grade, I learned basket weaving in art class. Even after that lesson was finished I continued to make baskets at home. In summer camp I learned jewelry making, I made beaded bracelets either on a single string or on a loom. My mom taught me how to sew and hand embroidery but it has been such a long time since I have sewn anything or did any type of embroidery. A couple of years ago I learned how to knit from YouTube tutorials. She didn't like how certain scarf materials felt on her skin so I knitted her a scarf. Since then I have only knitted that one scarf. HAH! I do have to knit another one for her since she has grown so much over the years; but had I known that I could have gone to the Library to check out a knitting kit, I would have checked out a knitting kit instead of buying the needles.

There are more opportunities for children than for adults to be exposed to certain crafts and activities with school, summer camp, and extracurricular activities. Borrowing a kit from the library is a great way to try out a new hobby without the commitment upfront. Hobbies can be pricey, what if someone didn't like it? Well then they can return the kit and if they want to they can try a different kit. If they did like it and want to continue they can purchase the tools and materials they need.

Children's books about making: