by frosted flamingo | May 7, 2023 | Blog
What is a Makerspace?
Are you looking for an exciting and innovative space to explore, create, invent, tinker or discover? You might be looking for a Makerspace, a multifaceted community workspace that is essential for anyone interested in pushing their creative boundaries and collaborating with like-minded makers. Whether you’re interested in robotics, printmaking, textiles, woodworking, or simply crafting new gadgets, a Makerspace has something for everyone — from beginners who want to get started on basic projects to experienced hobbyists who are ready to level up their skills. In this blog post I will break down what a Makerspace is all about, so if one exists where you live, you can take advantage of this incredible resource.
Access to Resources is Essential to the Creative Process
Creativity knows no bounds, and exploring your artistic side can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in life. However, creating something truly remarkable requires more than imagination and talent. Access to tools, materials, and resources can elevate your crafts to the next level and help you surpass your own limitations. After all, no great artist has ever flourished alone; a supportive community of like-minded individuals and a wealth of resources can help you grow as a creator and achieve your vision. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just getting started on your journey, having access to the right tools and materials can make all the difference. Enter the Makerspace, where membership includes tools, materials, and human knowledge/creativity. Rather than spending valuable time and resources tracking down resources, the Makerspace provides a one-stop-shop.
Different Types of Makerspaces
In today’s world, we have more options than ever before to explore our creativity and passions. Makerspaces have become a popular option for artists, tinkerers, and craft enthusiasts to come together to share their knowledge and ideas. With various types of Makerspaces available like robotics labs, 3D printing hubs, and digital fabrication workshops, there are opportunities to explore technology and artistic expression. These spaces foster a sense of community where people with similar interests can come together to collaborate and learn from each other. Whether you’re into traditional crafts or cutting-edge technology, there’s a Makerspace out there waiting for you to unleash your inner maker.
Examples of Successful Makerspaces Around the World
Throughout the world, there are countless Makerspaces that are having a huge impact on their communities. Not only are these creative hubs providing a space for people to explore their passions and create beautiful crafts and artwork, but they’re also fostering a strong sense of community and connection among their members. A few standout examples include the TechShop in San Francisco, which has helped countless entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses; The Sewing Lab in Stockholm, is dedicated to teaching people the art of sewing and connecting them with other passionate makers in their city. Tokyo’s FabCafe is an innovative space that combines a coffee shop with a high-tech lab, allowing customers to prototype their ideas while sipping a latte. FabCafe’s mission is to foster creativity, and they’re achieving just that.
No matter where you live, or how much you define yourself as an artist or creative, Makerspaces are worth visiting. There is truly no question that Makerspaces are improving communities by fostering creativity and innovation, and more importantly, by bringing people together in unique and unforeseeable ways.
Having recently joined a local Makerspace in Silverthorne, Colorado, I can personally attest to the value of these institutions. If you live in Colorado, please The Frosted Flamingo at The ArtSpot!
by frosted flamingo | Apr 10, 2023 | Blog
As the world has been slowly pivoting from remote work towards traditional, in-person offices, I have been reflecting on the benefits of working alongside other people. Not only can we collaborate more effectively around others, but being physically present allows for greater social interaction and a sense of community. That being said, it can be tough to leave behind the comfort of our home offices. To make the transition smoother, we need to adapt our daily routines to fit our new schedules. Setting up a transitional workspace at home can help ease the adjustment. In this article, I’ll share some strategies to ease this transition so you can reap the benefits of working in person!
Understand the Benefits of Working Around Others
Working in an office or within a communal work space is more than just a way to pay the bills. It’s an opportunity to connect with others, grow professionally, and make a difference in the lives of those around you. From collaborating with coworkers to problem-solving and decision-making, an office setting provides a dynamic environment that challenges you and helps you develop new skills. And with the support and guidance of colleagues and management, you can achieve your career goals and build a life you love.
Prepare Your Home Office to be More Productive
If you find yourself returning to an in-person office environment after working remotely, it’s important to literally “set the stage” for success. Clear out any clutter that may be distracting. Invest in comfortable furniture to keep you focused and comfortable throughout the day. If you’e been working from your couch at home, this will feel like a compromise! Consider adding plants or artwork to your office space to make it feel more inviting, inspiring, and homey. With the right setup, you’ll be able to reclaim your productivity.
Get Ready to Adapt to Changes in Your Daily Routine
Life is all about adapting to change. And when it comes to our daily routine, it’s no different. Whether the change is unpredictable and massive, like a global pandemic, or simple and small, like a shift in a school or work routine, it’s important to keep an open mind and be ready to adapt. Shifting your perspective might require creativity and flexibility, but embracing change can lead to new and exciting experiences. With an open mind and a positive attitude, you’ll be amazed by how resilient and adaptable you can be.
Set Up A Transitional Workspace At Home
As we start to transition back to the office after months of working from home, it’s important to make the shift as smooth as possible. One way to ease the transition is by retaining a transitional or temporary workspace at home. It can be a designated corner in your living space or a small desk in your bedroom. By creating a space that mimics your office, you can slowly readjust back into the office environment. Make sure you have a comfortable chair, a laptop stand, and any other office essentials. PS: I would like to emphasize the word TRANSITIONAL! Ultimately, you shouldn’t be working around the clock, and home should be home!
Implement Strategies for a Smooth Transition Back to the Office
It’s time to dust off those dress shoes and pack away the work-from-home pajamas. The transition back to the office may feel daunting after such a long hiatus, but don’t let that hold you back. With the right strategies in place, you can make a smooth transition that will leave you feeling invigorated and empowered. Whether it’s reconnecting with coworkers, reestablishing a daily routine or finding ways to incorporate a healthy work-life balance, now’s the time to start implementing those strategies. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey – we’re all in this together.
Reap the Benefits of Working in Person Again
After a long period of remote work, it’s finally time to reap the benefits of working in person again. The collaborative energy of a bustling office, the unspoken camaraderie of work friends, and the chance to genuinely disconnect after hours–these are just a few of the perks of going back to our offices. Whether you’re returning to your job after months of telecommuting or starting a new one, there’s a unique excitement that comes with returning to a shared workspace. Let’s embrace this shift as an opportunity to rekindle our passion for what we do, connect with our colleagues beyond a Zoom screen, and make the most out of this newfound sense of normalcy.
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by frosted flamingo | Mar 7, 2023 | Blog
Crafting with food is a delicious way to get creative and have fun with your family. There are so many possibilities when it comes to crafting with food, and the best part is that you can eat your creations when you’re done! Here are some of our favorite ideas for crafting and celebrating with art you can eat.
Edible Finger Paint
This one is a classic for a reason – it’s so much fun! All you need is some cornstarch, food coloring, and a little bit of water. Add equal parts cornstarch and water to mixing bowls or muffin tins, and then a few drops of food coloring to each mixture. Use a spoon to mix your paint colors well, and don’t worry if the cornstarch is challenging to mix! If you’d like to make this recipe tasty (not just edible) swap the cornstarch and water for yogurt. This is an especially great option for parents with babies that stuff everything in their mouths. Either way, don’t be afraid to get messy! For more ideas like this, visit our Baby and Toddler page.
Fruit Kabobs
These are perfect for a summer picnic OR a cold grey day when you need to pop some color into your life! First choose your fruit and prepare it on a large surface. Blueberries and raspberries are ready to go as they are, but you’ll need to cut up larger fruit like apples, pineapples, pears, watermelon, etc. You can use metal or wood skewers, and if young children are helping you, be mindful of the sharp end of each stick as you work. Thread fruit onto skewers as you’d like! This is a great opportunity to talk about colors and patterns with kids. If you want to get really fancy, dip your finished skewers in melted chocolate or yogurt. Yum! Check out The Recipe Critic for more ideas on this special treat.
(image from The Recipe Critic)
Veggie Faces
This one is a sneaky way to get kids to eat their veggies. Arrange some carrots, celery, cucumber slices, and other bite-sized veggies on plates, along with some dips like ranch dressing, hummus, or cream cheese in bowls. Help kids spread a dip or spread of their choice over a tortilla, then let them use veggies to create faces or other designs. They’ll have so much fun they won’t even realize they’re eating their vegetables! If you want to step this up a notch, use a spiralizer to make curly hair cucumber noodles and shredded carrot for orange facial hair. Visit Two Healthy Kitchens for more inspiration.
Crafting with food is a delicious way to get creative and have fun with your family. Whether you’re making edible finger paint, fruit kabobs, or veggie faces, there are so many possibilities when it comes to crafting with food. And the best part is that you can eat your creations when you’re done! So what are you waiting for? Get crafting and celebrating with art you can eat!
by frosted flamingo | Feb 8, 2023 | Blog
Here in Summit County, many people love to venture outside year-round. Being so close to nature is a major perk of living in this community, and there are so many options. That said, when the windchill is -10 degrees and/or you’ve got kids under age 5, your outdoor time might be limited to bluebird winter days. So…what can you do inside when you feel like everyone else is enjoying the great outdoors? In this blog post, we’ll share some creative activities that the whole family can enjoy. From crafting and making delicious treats to playing indoor games – we have something for everyone. So put away those screens, and get inspired with these fun activities that will make your family thrilled to stay indoors.
Fruit Skewers
Fruit skewers are an easy and fun way to get your family snacking, while simultaneously providing an opportunity to discuss colors, numbers, and patterns! All you need is some fruit (choose whatever is in season). Berries can go on skewers as they are, while apples and larger fruit (like pineapple will need to be cut into cubes or slices. Use wooden skewers, and assist smaller children with the pointy end. If you’re feeling really inspired, mix up your favorite dip or yogurt to enhance the experience. This is a great activity for all ages (even teenagers), and now you’ve prepared a snack for the day too. #winning
For more ways to use wooden skewers, check out this post from the FeelsLikeHomeBlog.
Card Games
Joking around with a family game of cards is also an easy way to pass the time on a cold winter’s day. Grab your favorite deck, deal out the cards, and get ready for a rousing game of Go Fish or Old Maid. Or go for something a bit more challenging like Rummy, Crazy 8’s, or even Poker (for the older ones in your family). Card games are fun, educational and can be great bonding time for everyone involved. If you’ve got kids under age 5, let them play on someone’s team, or have them make their own “set of cards” with some recycled cardboard pieces or paper. Little rusty on the rules? For a compilation of instructions on the classics and favorites, visit playingcarddecks.com
Winter Crafts
The possibilities are endless when it comes to winter-themed crafts. Set out some construction paper, glue, scissors and whatever other materials you have on hand (googly eyes? glitter? pipe cleaners?) and let the creativity flow! Kids can make something as simple as a snowman or winter tree with construction paper and markers, or something more complex like a snow globe, yarn ornaments and/or watercolor paintings. Get creative, and don’t be afraid to use recycled materials! You can also search our website for some great ideas.
Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Let your family’s competitive side out with an indoor scavenger hunt! This is a great way to get everyone up and moving, while still being indoors. Put together a list of items (the more creative the better) that everyone needs to find in the house – and make sure to include something for each member of your family. To make a more challenging game, create a clue for each object (rather than list of the objects). Work together or compete depending on ages, and when all of the objects have been located, celebrate with prizes! For scavenger hunt ideas and templates visit playpartyplan.
by frosted flamingo | Jan 7, 2023 | Blog
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Are you looking for some fun and creative ways to show your family how much they mean to you? Consider devoting an afternoon or two to crafting a handmade Valentine’s Day gift. DIY crafts can make the holiday even more special, while allowing you to express your love in unique and personal ways. From heartfelt cards with meaningful messages, flower bouquets that dazzle, and intricate string art – there’s no shortage of craft ideas perfect for this special day! Let’s get creative and have some fun – Here are 10 amazing DIY Valentine’s Day crafts that moms, parents, crafters and artists will adore!
Paper Heart Garland
A simple and easy DIY heart garland will infuse love into your home for Valentine’s Day! All you need is some construction paper, string, a hole punch and scissors. Start by cutting out your desired number of hearts (you can freehand draw or using a stencil). Then, once you have all of your hearts cut out, punch a hole through the center of each heart. Cut a long piece of yarn and thread it through one heart. Then, before stringing a second heart, tie a knot to serve as a stopper, and secure the first heart in place. Repeat until all hearts are on your string. I love this example from Frog Prince Paperie.
If you’re looking for a romantic gesture this Valentine’s Day, why not make your own card? DIY valentines are not only a thoughtful way to show your loved one how much you care, but they’re also unique and personal. Plus, homemade cards are always appreciated – who doesn’t love a heartfelt and original gift?
Sewn Valentine’s Card
There are lots of ways to make your own cards, but here is unique option that is one of my favorites. This DIY project is surprisingly easy, and only requires a few supplies. All you need is a pencil, a pushpin, a piece of heavy paper, thread, yarn, and a needle. Start by folding your paper in half to make a card. Then freehand draw or trace a heart that covers most of the paper. Draw tiny dots around the perimeter of the heart (approximately 1/2 in apart). Use a pushpin to poke a hole over each dot. Thread the needle, then starting on the inside of the card (or underside of the front), pull the thread up and through a hole and start sewing. You can move in any direction. Simply continue until the heart is covered! Secure the ends of the yarn to the inside of the card with tape. Here is a great tutorial from Real Simple.
DIY Heart Keychain
This Valentine’s Day, try making a thoughtful and unique keychain for your loved ones. All you need is some air-dry clay, a heart-shaped cookie cutter, toothpicks or a wood dowel, ribbon, and markers. You can find all of these things at your local craft store. First, roll out the clay on a flat surface. Then use the cookie cutter to cut out as many hearts as you like. Make a small hole at the top of each heart with a toothpick or wood dowel. Place the hearts on a plate or a baking tray lined with parchment paper and allow to dry for 24 hours. Once the hearts are completely dry and hard, thread ribbon through the holes and decorate with markers (if you’d like). Check out this beautiful example from Squirelly Minds.
Making something by hand is a great way to show your Valentine that you care. The best part about handmade gifts is that they don’t have to be perfect – in fact, imperfections make them even more special. So go ahead and get creative this Valentine’s Day! And if you need some inspiration, be sure to check out frostedflamingo.com for project kits and ideas.
