We’re Becoming Labbies

During last year’s Chicago Innovation Awards, I learned of the Makers Lab– a space in the Chicago Public Library (Harold Washington branch) featuring new technology and workshops. The best part? It’s all free. I’ve been trying to get in to classes since November.

And I finally did.

Two weeks ago, Amanda and I (and her baby bump) headed to the lab to create 3D cuff bracelets. After placing together shapes in TinkerCAD software, we picked our plastic color and watched a printer create crazy designs. I had no idea how insanely cool and efficient 3D printing is. Seeing other objects the team put together, I was completely mesmerized by this animal figurine with moveable legs, and the fact it was all built on the same plane. No assembly required.

Last week, a few of us from work went over to try the Laser Cutter printer during the Name Plate workshop. Using a program similar to Illustrator, we created our words and phrases. I went with “Write On” as a not-so subtle reminder/encouragement for the desk.

Below are photos from the first visit making bracelets. My bracelet printed in a boxed printer, so you couldn’t really see what was going on. Thankfully, Amanda printed in the open space!

Creating the raft (base) of the bracelet

Beginning the outline/edges of the bracelet on top of the raft.

The printer continues to go over this pattern until the bracelet is at the desired thickness

Finished pieces!

#STPSochi2014

For her birthday party this year, gal pal Amanda took full advantage of Olympic fever and hosted a shindig complete with Olympic activities and a firm dress code. #STPSochi2014 took place this past weekend at Fat Pour and with three events (Cross Country Pong, Figure Pinning and Chubby Bunny Biathlon), there were many opportunities to land on the podium.

I went back and forth on my costume. Do I wear all denim and go as a Canadian Tuxedo? Do I curl my hair, wear crazy pants and go as a curler? Finally, I took a cue and inspiration from the opening ceremonies.

Remember as a country enters the arena, they have a flag holder? And next to that flag holder is a gal announcing the country names? They looked straight out of Hunger Games. And were exactly what I would mimic.

Using a white dress, silver pipe cleaners, a headband, a hula hoop and some paper, I created my outfit for the day. Needless to say, didn’t really think through the whole commuting to the bar, but thankfully Melissa threw me in the backseat of her car. The party was total fun and I took home a silver in the Cross Country Pong event. We all were still riding that thrilling Hockey game in the morning, so nothing was dampening our spirits.

When we left, we decided to hit up Smoke Daddy’s for dinner. I cut myself free of my hula hoop and realized with the white dress and silver medal, I looked like one Nancy Kerrigan á la Lillehammer Olympics.

Should the Summer Games ever hit right with my birthday, I clearly know the winning theme.

Preparing for the Cross Country Pong event while not breaking character

Medal Biting Ceremony

Thanks for the Writing

If there’s one thing I love on the weekends, it’s spending some time in Greer Chicago. The staff alone is amazing. But add in the window displays, the inspirations hanging on the wall, the music currently moving their hips and repurposed items to hold cards and well, it’s hard not to find reasons to stick around in there.

Many of my mail recipients tell me the joy they get seeing an envelope that has actual handwriting on it. But the crazy part is, I have more fun picking cards and then rationalizing why Lisa needs the “Smile. Ryan Gosling Exists” card in that exact moment. (I think we all know where Mom and I will stop by this weekend)

And with the latest posts from The Wall Street Journal and Harvard Business Review, it doesn’t appear I’ll be stopping anytime soon. I find myself repeatedly looking through my card boxes and folders when I just need a little pick me up. I have a Valentine’s card that was too hilarious from Mom two years ago that continues to sit on my desk. I cannot imagine a world without handwritten notes and it seems there are a few others out there who will make sure we won’t.

 

Serving Up a Speaker

Chicago Cares just announced their speaker for this year’s Serve-A-Thon…

 

I’ll be one of the site leaders down at Haines Elementary School this year and obviously will be hitting up the Serve-A-Thon rally party when it’s all done.

Volunteers and Leaders are still needed if you’re interested.

Getting Crafty

Usually I leave my craft making for the month of October solely for Halloween costumes. But I’ve found a project that I simply must try: cross-stitching a heart sweater.

Maggie recently started cross-stitching again, so I defaulted to her to see the reality of whether or not I could actually do this. She thinks I can (such a supportive roommate), so I’m gonna.

Game plan is a day trip to Michael’s on Saturday and then spending Sunday sitting around watching season 1 of The Newsroom (we finally got HBO) and creating my Valentine’s Day attire.

Photos to come based on the outcome…

*Note: I blame this total interest in crafting due to the fact it’s so cold outside you can barely breathe, your face is about to fall off and the Lake looks like the iceberg that took down Titanic.*

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