In 2006, Make magazine sponsored the first MakerFaire events in San Mateo, California, and since then has sponsored them all over the U.S.  MakerFaire is a weekend exhibition of all sorts of things that people make. Basically, if you can make it, it deserves a place at this event.

Maker Faire is the premier event for grassroots American innovation. As the World’s Largest DIY Festival, this two-day family friendly Faire has something for everyone – a showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness and a celebration of the Maker mindset.

I recently attended MakerFaire KC and thought I would share some pictures from the event.

There were a number of 3D printer exhibitors, and they were pretty mind-blowing. To be honest, I had a little trouble wrapping my brain around the theory/process (how does one *print* something in 3D??), but it was sure interesting to watch. Knowing their audience, they printed a number of Portal cubes.

The Daleks were also there!

A  number of exhibitors featured projects of recycled art.

I loved these 2 signs at the Learn to Solder table.

I noticed a very geeky name for some hand-dyed yarn – “Evil League of Evil“.

And finally, this picture doesn’t do justice to this demonstration of this Tesla coil “concert” by ArcAttack.

So I found you a YouTube video of the same guys from a different MakerFaire, playing – what else – the Dr. Who theme song! Enjoy!

And you? Have you been to a local MakerFaire? What did you see and what was cool?

Some of you may be living in a binary system of love (like me, yay) but I appreciate that others are undergoing somewhat of an eclipse at the moment, never fear! Geekcrafts is here! with 5 of the best geeky and/or crafty valentines AND 5 of the best anti-valentines around:

Anti Valentines

5.  Pashiko’s hand-painted “still kissing Frogs” tote available on Etsy

4. MetalTaboo‘s hand-stamped and oxidised silver “pervert” necklace, also available on etsy:

3. “BitterSweets” delicious heartache from thinkgeek:

2. “Daleks Exterminate Love” by KrazyKitty on Craftster

1. (it has to be!) Subversive Cross Stitch and Beefrank’s Subversive love note embroidery patterns

And the other side of the coin, for you love-bunnies!!

5. TheWallaroo‘s printed “I love you in Binary” – on Etsy

4. AprilDraven’s valentines hat (AND PATTERN!!) on Craftster

3. upup’s font-geek cards, on Etsy

2. Miso Funky’s Robot Love embroidery Sampler

(and finally… if you’ve got my sense of humour you’ll love this)

1.screenprinted greetings card, by Victoria McDonald Art, available on Folksy

Well, I hope you enjoyed my picks of the best valentines from around the interwebs

x Samantha