Bay Area Maker Faire 2024

What is this ‘Maker Faire?’

I remember going to the Maker Faire pre-covid, and when I’d tell people that I’d have to try and explain what it was. It’s not a tech conference, its family-friendly, there’s vendors selling 3D printers, startups showcasing their product, and artisans selling jewelry and soap. But I think the slogan sums up up quite well:

“The greatest show and tell on earth.”

Basically, this event brought together people who make things, so that they may share their creations with those around them. It’s typically STEM related stuff, but it doesn’t have to be technical, electronics, that sort of thing. You can check out people’s projects on their blogs and social media, but seeing them up close is something special and inspiring. And that’s what I’m taking back home with me.

A source of inspiration

One of my favorite booths I stopped at was T & A WORKSHOP, a group that makes cosplay props. Shawn Thorsson is the owner, whom I got to meet and chat about his amazing creations.

Everyone at the booth was welcoming and happy to answer questions.

One thing that I’ll really remember is Shawn’s passion and excitement when he talked with me about his work. It was truly inspiring and makes me want to go home and make something.

I saw this costume on display, and later, someone was walking around the audience wearing it!

The work here was impressive. It wasn’t just props, these were entire suits of fantasy armor and even this giant robot figure (sorry I don’t play video games and can’t tell you its name, but I’m a fan of it).

This thing was huge. If it was hollow I’d be able to fit inside

Do check out their website! https://tandaworkshop.com/

I’m planning to go to Comic Con with some friends, and we’ve decided to dress as League of Legends characters. There are tons to choose from, and again, I don’t play the game but I think it would be a lot of fun to make and dress up for the con.

I picked this character because I liked the look of her dress and it was more sewing (which I am proficient in) than armor building

Reality is, I haven’t made tooo much progress with the costume…BUT seeing these impressive works of art is what I needed to essentially get started with this project.

This is just a smal portion of the pieces. I bought the pattern from Etsy here! - JJubsCosplay

There was a binder sitting on the table and I started flipping through the pictures and asked about how this prop was made. And I got to hear the whole story, how they 3D scanned an action figure, enlarged the pattern, and used that to draft the pieces. I didn’t even realize that was an option! They also had demonstrations on a vacuform machine which is used to make props. You can also make a mold, 3D print pieces; there are so many ways to solve this problem.

And that’s what programming is all about: solving problems. Maybe hearing the phrase “solve this problem” in relation to costume creation sounds funny, but the problem one has is, how do we make it? We become makers, creators, and build something amazing together.

I don’t know what character is or what it’s from but it looks so cool!

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