makerspaces.

Alright, I keep talking about how much time passes between each of my blog posts, and I guess that's because I'm actually busy. I don't feel like I have the time to sit down and watch even a two hour movie. And while that's not exactly true, I understand why I feel that way. I just feel like I have a ton of stuff to do all the time. I can never relax.

I have SO many projects at work that I'm constantly being pulled in different directions. I really enjoy what I'm doing, but sometimes it gets the better of me. In the spirit of organization, I started to make a folder for one of the projects I was working on. Easier for me to find all that stuff in one place than in notebooks scattered ALL OVER my desk, right? Well, I sat there at my desk the other day thinking, "which digital collection management system am I forgetting? I know I'm missing one, and I can't remember the name of it." It drove me crazy for about 5 minutes, until I found the program on my work computer. [eyes closed, deep breath, stop freaking out].

I think now is the perfect time for Thanksgiving Day break, although I have to go back to work today anyway, because I forgot something. Story of my life.

But makerspaces! I was going to tell you about makerspaces. That's another one of the projects I'm researching. Makerspaces are basically areas of a library, usually, that offer programs and technology for people to learn new skills/find new interests, make connections, problem-solve, be creative, and generally do stuff. It all depends on what the makers of each makerspace want to teach (or more accurately, what the people who are using the makerspace want to learn). I'd be interested in seeing what kinds of creative activities our college students might be interested in. It's still just an idea we're tossing around. As I've been researching and listening to webinars, I'm learning about the success some libraries are having and practically drooling over some of their programs. 3D printer? Yes please! Programs on screenprinting, soldering, computer building and bike repair? Stop making my mouth water. Now, I understand that not all programs would work for all libraries. But a little part of me is hoping (and praying, wishing, and dreaming) that our students would welcome these kinds of programs. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.


W

Vinyl signs.

I'm making signs for work and it's exciting to know that all the extra vinyl my aunt gave me several years ago is coming in handy. I'm almost out! I may need to purchase my own stockpile of vinyl, as I'm nearly out of all the good colors. And yes, I have to cut out each letter by hand. It's a lot of work, but I like it. 

This is the template that I used to create the first sign. I altered the letters a bit as they were too detailed to hand-cut on a small scale. This sign was either 24 or 25 inches square.

 

I made another that says 'Movies' and am going to be starting a third soon that says 'Faculty Publications'. Since I'm running out of colors, I'm kind of glad there will be a lot of lettering to do. I'll have less space for the stripes so I can make the most of the colors I have left. After that one, I think I'll be done unless I can scrounge up some more vinyl.

Dresses.

So, haven't posted in a while. Not that anyone is actually reading these, but it makes me feel better to imagine that somewhere, in some dimension, someone hears me. I realized I have too many interests to focus on one thing. I'm working on designing signs for work, cataloging books, removing rust from old coke bottles, chainmaille, reading sf/f books, and buying dresses. DRESSES. Sweet juju mogombo, I'm buying dresses. To actually wear. I can't tell if maybe I was hit on the head or if I'm maturing. Gak. Going to Washington, D.C. next weekend and I can't wait! Maybe I'll bring a dress to wear. hmmmm.....