Tapigami Exhibit at Maker Faire 2013

"Tapigami"

Last weekend I attended the Maker Faire in the Bay Area, CA.  The Maker Faire's tag line is "The Greatest Show and Tell on Earth.  It's a family friendly celebration of the maker movement.  If you've never heard of it before or want to learn more about it, I recommend checking out the official site, here.  You can also read about it on past posts here and here.

One of the attractions that caught my attention was the Tapigami Exhibit.  Tapigami (pron: Tāpəˈgämē) is a contemporary art form created by Northern California artist Danny Scheible.

The exhibit consisted of over 80,000 masking tape sculptures, with most made of basic cream masking tape.  I overheard someone on the tapigami staff say this exhibit took ten years to make. 

I'm not sure if you can tell from the picture, but the backdrop is hangers covered in tape.

If you want to make your own tapigami work of art, Danny has a new tapigami book available for sale which debuted for the first time at the Maker Faire.  I'm wondering how this technique would look with some washi tape.  What do you think?

Make a Washi Tape Village

Any guesses what I used for the base of these houses?  I'll give you a clue, you probably have one in your house right now.  If you guessed a paper roll, you're correct!  All you need is a few paper rolls and some washi tape to get started making your own village. 

Supplies
Paper rolls
Washi Tape
Scissors

1. Fold paper roll into a rectangular shape.

2. Once you have it folded, cut on all four folds about 1/3 way down on your paper roll (refer to red dots).  How far you cut down will determine how tall your roof will be.   I trimmed some of the paper roll off the top to make a shorter house.

3.  Fold the left and right side tabs in to make a point and tape together.

4.  Trim the front and back tabs to match with the point you just made.

5.  With your choice of washi tape, place strips all around the entire house.  The tape should cover part of the roof.

 6.  Wrap tape around the front of the house roof.  Flip over and repeat on the opposite side. Besides creating a decorative roof, the tape will also seal up the paper roll.

7.  On the roof, place one or two pieces of tape on top to cover the paper roll.  This will also cover up any unsightly edges of tape from step 6.

8. Last, add any details such as windows, shutters, doors, shrubs, etc with tape. 

The house pictured above my 7 year old daughter made.  I had to fold the paper roll and cut it for her.  She covered the house with tape herself. 

Changing subjects, I wanted to let you know that there's now information over at Whip Up on how you can donate to a trust fund for Kathreen's children.  Click here. 

Remembering Kathreen

I had planned to post a craft tutorial today. But after hearing the news about Kathreen Ricketson and her husband Rob Shugg's tragic accident, it just didn't feel right.  I am in disbelief and deeply saddened by this news.  It was just a few weeks ago that we had talked briefly via email. I never met Kathreen in person.  I wouldn't say we were especially close but I considered her a friend.

Many of you know Kathreen from her popular craft blog, Whip Up.  When I first started blogging, Whip Up was one of the first craft blogs I started reading.  I was even fortunate enough to be featured on the blog a few times.  Kathreen contributed to the craft community in so many ways. I will miss Kathreen and her creative adventurous spirit.  My prayers are with her family and children.

To keep updated on how you can help her family, visit whipup.net.  Currently an education fund is being set up for her children.  Once more information is posted, I will share.

UPDATE:  There's now an email address posted to donate via Pay Pal plus and address to send checks.  Click here.

Itch A Skitch: My New Favorite Time Waster

Does this image look familiar to you?  It's called Itch A Skitch but it's basically the online version of an Etch A Sketch.  Just like the vintage toy, you move the knobs with the arrow keys to make a sketch.  When you want to make a new sketch, you just click on the "new skitch" button and it shakes your image away.  Click here to test it out and tell me what you think.

Did you ever have an Etch A Sketch?  What was the best thing you sketched on it?  I was never good at drawing  with it.  I always got frustrated that I couldn't make nice curved lines.

Kid Craft: Washi Tape Friendship Pins

Do you remember friendship pins?  Traditionally they were made with beads and safety pins.  As a child I enjoyed making them and giving them out out to friends.   Those memories prompted me to revisit the craft and give it a contemporary update with washi tape. I like how they ended up having a slight preppy look to them with the monograms.  These friendship pins would be great for a craft party or just an after school project.

Supplies:

Safety Pins - I purchased some vintage brass style pins at Michaels
Washi tape
Scissors

1.  Fold tape in half over pins so both sides of the print show.

2.  Trim the bottom to make a decorative edge.

3.  Add layers of tape for extra texture. Add letters or other embellishments.