After a long and cold winter, most of us are eager to get outside and play. Getting outside is very important for our mental and physical health and should therefore be made a priority!
Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a great way to keep busy and spend time outside! It can be fun to make the hunt for your family and friends, making it as easy or hard as you want! If you haven’t made a scavenger hunt before, try getting outside for a walk first to figure out what sort of objects are in your area – certain types of leaves, rocks, flowers, animals, and overall environment! The most sustainable way to do the scavenger hunt is to get everyone to take pictures rather than picking and collecting.
Hiking
Another great way to get outdoors is to explore while hiking! We are lucky enough to call this vast country of wilderness our home, why not get out and see it? Hiking is great exercise for strength and endurance – it provides many benefits for overall health. There are countless hikes to choose from in Saskatchewan from easy to moderate to difficult. Listed below are some of the top regions to hike in Saskatchewan:
Meadow Lake Provincial Park
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Prince Albert National Park
Saskatoon Farmers’ Market
One of the great things about the spring and summer is all the local produce, canned goods, baked goods, and a variety of other goodies. The Saskatoon Famers’ Market is running this year both virtually and in person. The Farmer’s Market is a great way to support our local people, network, and feel part of the community!
Picnic
An easy activity to enjoy the outdoors is picnicking! Picnics are simple but can be a nice and memorable experience. It can be a very fun experience to prepare your picnic basket and head out to an amazing location to enjoy a meal. Try heading out to higher grounds and watch the sun go down as you indulge in some tasty finger foods!
Camping
Camping is definitely one of the best outdoor experiences for people who love the wilderness. Each camping experience is unique and completely customizable based on gear, timeframe, and comfort level. Camping is not only an outdoor escape but is also educational as you learn to build fires, make food with minimal sources, and discover the surrounding flora and fauna.
Spring is in full swing which means it is the perfect time for a backyard makeover! Upgrades to your backyard don’t need to cost an arm and a leg but can be very budget friendly. There are a few things you can do to make your space look brand new!
Patio
A patio space is the outdoor gathering place for family and friends to share a meal and enjoy each others company. Patios are extremely customizable are can be a fun little design project. To make your patio space more inviting, try throwing some colourful pillows onto the seats. To save extra money, you can stitch together your own throw pillows!
A patio space does not only need to be a table and chairs but can also be created into a lounge and relaxation place. Try adding an outdoor rug, swing chair, hammock, and mood lighting to create something more dynamic. If you create a space that you are proud of, it can inspire you to spend more time outdoors! Laying in a crochet hammock, reading a book, with the gentle summer breeze is a great stress relief and perfect way to take in the freshness of summer!
Walking Path
Walking paths are a simple but cute addition to a backyard space. The path can lead from the back deck to the gate or other features within your backyard. Although you can purchase stepping stones from any home shop, it can be much more fun to make your own path by hand! There are many budget friendly materials to use such as brick, pallet wood, mulch, and gravel. Otherwise, you could try making your own stepping stones out of concrete!
Garden
A garden is a great way to bring some life into your backyard space. Bringing plants into the mix creates an inviting atmosphere. It is also a way to get yourself moving outdoors as it requires quite a bit of maintenance. There are many options for what to grow and can be anything from flowers, to herbs, to vegetable plants.
If you are looking for something a bit lower maintenance, you can install perennials. Perennials are plants that live more than two years are generally come back during the spring or summer. Some ideas for perennials are roses and peonies. If you want the benefit of using perennials for your cooking, try installing rhubarb, asparagus, or chives!
Firepit
A summer spent sitting around a fire is a good summer! The evenings spent with friends or family around a cozy fire, roasting marshmallows, and looking up at the stars make for great summer memories. There are many different options for firepits, but it can be another fun project to DIY, not to mention much cheaper! One of the most popular is to create a circle with stacked bricks and gravel as the base.
Indoor plants are a great addition to any house as they add life and colour and can be very therapeutic. There are many benefits of having indoor plants such as reducing stress levels, boosting productivity, and improving indoor air quality. Indoor plants are also known to boost creativity and trigger inspiration! Cultivating your own greenspace may be just what you need to brighten up your home and freshen your perspective. There are many cute designs for indoor gardens that you can find online and can give you ideas on how to utilize the space available. Listed below are some great plants to start your own indoor garden!
1. Succulents
Succulents are a beautiful and trendy plant to have in the house. There is a wide range of succulent varieties you can choose from including Burro’s Tail, Crown of Thorns, and Jade Plant.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is easy to grow and multi-beneficial! The leaves contain 99% water, vitamins, and amino acids to create a gel. The gel can aid for injuries, cuts, and burns through topical treatment. It can also be consumed and is full of antioxidants.
3. Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, comes from the southern hemisphere and has natural holes that develop in the leaves. It is an easy to care for, low maintenance plant, perfect for at home or in the office.
4. Snake Plant
Snake plants come from Africa and are one of the most common indoor plants and are super easy to maintain. They are great at absorbing carbon dioxide and therefore purifying the air. With their ability to remove harmful indoor toxins, they act as a defense for allergies.
5. Ferns
Ferns are another fan favourite amongst the indoor plant options. They range in size, so you’ll need to do some research in advance based on the amount of indoor space you have as some ferns can get up to 6ft. Some of the most popular indoor ferns are the Staghorn Fern, Boston Fern, Bird’s Nest Fern, and Lemon Button Fern.
Herb Garden DIY
These are just a few examples out of countless options for indoor plants! Another idea would be to make your own multi-beneficial herb garden! Herb gardens are both beautiful and can be a great addition to the house – plus they can be handy when cooking! Not to mention, growing herbs indoors means they have a year-round growing cycle without the worry of weeds!
To start your own herb garden, you’ll need the following supplies:
Planter
Soil / Organic Fertilizer
Herb seeds
Luckily, herbs are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in most soil types. A few of the best herbs to grow indoors include parsley, basil, and cilantro. First, you will need to pack the soil into the pot, making sure there is plenty of drainage for the excess water. Next, plant the herb seeds and add some water. Some seeds take longer to germinate while other can sprout faster.
To make sure there are enough nutrients for the plants to thrive, continue adding organic fertilizer to the planter. Make sure to keep your planter somewhere it can get direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. If a flower begins to form, pluck it off as it can take the energy away from the leaves of the plant for growing. Also make sure to snip the plant once it begins a healthy growing cycle to make sure it doesn’t get too top heavy! Other than that, there isn’t too much maintenance other than making sure the plant gets enough water and sunlight!
After spending most of this past year indoors, your eyes may have become a bit bored with your interior design at home. With spring around the corner, now is the perfect time to think about getting creative and changing things up inside with some home improvements! Any changes, big or small, can make a huge difference and help bring a fresh atmosphere to your house! New colours, furniture, or decorations can be added without spending a fortune. There are many updates you can do while on a tight budget, by even just painting over something with a new colour!
Whatever the project size, this can be a great way to get creative again and feel a new sense of accomplishment. Whether you want to do a whole home renovation or just a couple of updates, this blog can be your tool to give you a few ideas and get your creative juices flowing!
1. Fresh Walls
Give your walls a makeover with some fresh paint! This is an easy way to change the look of a room while sticking to a budget. Get the whole family involved and work together on this project all together. Lighter colours are a great way to open up and give the appearance of more space. If you’re feeling even a bit more artsy, try stenciling on some wall art after the paint dries! Also, try adding some new decoration and paintings to the walls or touching up the old frames of pictures.
2. Kitchen Cabinets
Along with painting the walls, why not add a fresh colour to the kitchen cabinets while you’re at it? If the cabinets are looking a bit old, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they need to be replaced. You can go through and scrub them down then brush on some new paint! This is a great way to stay on budget instead of replacing all the cabinets!
3. Kitchen Backsplash
Another easy and budget friendly way to update your kitchen is to add a fun backsplash to brighten things up! There are a lot of colours and patterns to choose from in most home stores. Go out and pick one to go along with your freshly painted kitchen cabinets and walls!
4. Plants!
Another way to freshen up the house is to bring the outdoors inside! Go out and buy some of your favourite plants and add them around the house, freshening up the atmosphere. Or, if you want to get more creative, you can start your own plants with cuttings or seeds from produce in your fridge, such as green onion and avocado! Along with the plants, why not decorate your old planters with some new designs and colours!
5. Revive your patio
With patio season around the corner, it’s a great time to update your patio deck with a new wood stain and maybe splurge for a new patio set! If you already have an old patio set, it may be a better budget option to clean and add fresh paint as well as new cushion for an update!
6. Refresh the Front Door
The front door is one of the first things people notice when they see your house, so why not make it something bold and beautiful! If your front door is looking a little dull, go for a bright and modern colour like maroon! You can also add decorations like a beautiful handmade wreath to make it pop!
7. Fabric Facelift
If the patterns or colours of your furniture are a bit our of date, why not get creative and add new fabric to couches, chairs, and bedframes! This is a great project to work on rather than going out and buying brand new things and it gives you the chance to add any kind of design you want! Reupholstering an old sofa can be a fun weekend project and there are plenty of videos and blogs out there taking you through the step-by-step process.
8. Highlight the Space
Light fixtures don’t have to be only for convenience but can be beautiful art piece that highlight the room. There are many chandeliers, pendants, and other piece that can change the whole look of a room. Opt-in for a softer light tone to create a warmer atmosphere rather than a harsh fluorescent bulb. If your space doesn’t get a lot of light, you can also invest in some stylish lamps to add in the corner or on a side table.
Although listed here are only a few ideas to get you started, there are unlimited things you can do to update your house! Check out ideas on Pinterest and maybe even create a mood board for the new look you wish to achieve. It is easy to stay within budget by getting creative and upgrading old pieces.
This has been a difficult time in the world for a lot of people and being creative during uncertain times can be difficult. It can be tricky to stay positive or motivated – especially throughout winter, isolation, and with the lack of in-person activities and events. The impacts on mental health have been very real and statistics show that there has been a huge increase in depression and anxiety over the past year. Due to this, people feel less capable and less interested in learning or creating new things. These feelings are all completely normal, understandable, and common throughout the world. Though, it is important to remember that there is a bright side, the happy moments in life, and to find ease in the uncertainty.
Regaining Creativity
Now, more than ever, it is extremely important to take care of your health in all ways – including both physical and mental health. Small habits such as routine, sleep, and exercise can help maintain a healthy balance. One great way to regain positivity and inspiration is through creativity! Exploring new ways to create and learn can provide a new excitement into your life. Whether it is a small hobby, something you have always wanted to try, or something you want to turn into a business, now is a great time to get started!
If you are looking for some inspiration on where to start, take a look at some of the Makers in our community and around the globe! There are many options to choose from and many people who are happy to share online workshops to get you started! Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing some of our newest members and spotlighting their creations. Let this be a tool to trigger your own inspiration to create! Whether you are interested in fashion, theatre, cosplay, jewelry, or a variety of other areas, there is something for everyone in this community! And if not, now is the time for you to step up and add your creations too!
Sense of Community
Another great way to care for your mental health is by creating a sense of community. Although you may not be able to get out to social events, there are now many ways to join social communities, virtually! At Maker Faire, we are a community built on creativity and acceptance! We are excited to welcome new Makers into our family and learn what skills and creations they have to share with us! Our Makers are enthusiastic professionals who are passionate about their field and we are here to support them. Being part of this community not only gives you a platform to share your talents but also gives you an online space to network and make new friends! If you have something in mind, do not hesitate to reach out or to join our community!
Over the past year, many people hit a wall and put a pause on many aspects of life. A new normal came upon us very quickly and we have been adapting to deal with the new situation ever since. The extra time we now have indoors is a great excuse to start putting effort into the things we used to put on the back burner. When life is in full swing, many people feel too busy and overwhelmed to allow time for creativity, learning, and new hobbies. Being creative can be your steppingstone to help feel normal and productive again. Now is the time to hit the play button and to take the steps forward to build the life you want!
Brighter Futures, Together
By beginning today, you are helping to set the trajectory of your future. The future is full of blank pages and you are the author to decide the story that is written. You never know what you may come up with or who you may inspire. There are many people stuck in a rut and need a little inspiration to get out – you could be that inspiration! Let yourself be free to explore all new paths in life. It is never a waste of time to learn a new skill, hobby, or habit. If you feel down, remember that it is not forever and that you can take steps, big or small, that can help you get back into a happy and healthy headspace.
We want to use Maker Faire as a way to share and spread positivity, creativity, and inspiration throughout our community. Everyone is capable to have new ideas and share their work in this judgement free zone. Let us use this space as a way to build something positive together. We are so excited for the future of Maker Faire and to build this community online so that when we hold events in the future, we can all meet and share our experiences!
For more information on what it’s like to be a Maker, check out our post from last week here!
As part of this year’s virtual Maker Faire we visited Saskatoon TechWorks members to learn more about what it means to be a Maker. If you like DIY, science & technology projects, educational workshops, wearable creations, robots, hand-made crafts, whimsical art, inventions, and hacks; chances are you are already are a Maker!
Saskatoon TechWorks Inc. is a makerspace (or hackerspace) focusing on science, technology, culture, mechanics and the digital arts. They offer a space where people with diverse backgrounds can socialize, collaborate and learn. Through shared resources, knowledge and ideas they strive to create an atmosphere promoting community learning. They also host workshops on electronics, programming, woodworking, fine arts, and any other skills that members (or guests) are willing to share. For more information or to attend their next hack night: https://sktechworks.ca/.
With the cancellation of this years Maker Faire, we have decided to go virtual! If you’re new to the website and want to learn more about what the Maker Faire is, check out our previous blog here!
We have many talented Makers this year with a wide variety of skills and creations. Over the coming weeks, we will be going in more depth on each individual’s creations to give them the spotlight to show off their talent. Today’s blog is a sort of appetizer that will briefly touch on the Makers we will be interviewing. We will be showcasing our Makers in two ways, through video or through article and photo, depending on their trade and preference.
Summary of Makers:
We have Makers who create art, apparel, home décor, robots, props, as well as a variety of other things! Beginning with hand-made personal care products, we have Scott Walde who makes soap from scratch! He uses a variety of scents and moisturizing components such as olive oil and coconut oil. Amanda Bosiak is also a soap maker and creates hot process soaps using a slow cooker with oils and lye!
Moving on to textiles and fabrics, we have Ryan Linklater who creates apparel and costumes! He uses a hand cranking sewing machine, mainly creating pieces for cosplay and background sets. Next, we have Amanda Brown who is a textile artist focusing on handweaving to create accessories and home goods. Kara Perpelitz uses a spinning machine to spin yarn and later weaves onto it. We will be releasing a video demonstration the techniques she uses to create the materials and final product.
In the category of music, we have John Demchenko who composes electronic music! He uses his computer and software programs, all from his at-home music den. (Listen to “String Theory” he created for the Saskatoon Maker Faire string art video below.)
In the realm of arts, crafts and design, we have Laura Henderson Shylo who creates children’s books, at-home crafts, and photo restoration. Jordan Yaworski uses his vast experience and education to create props, sculptures, molding, and a variety of unique pieces for hire. Ferne Hebig crafts hand-painted miniatures and RPG themed dioramas. The Saskatoon Kilobots is a fun group that creates radio-controlled fighting robots. The robots are in tournaments and are some of the most destructive sub-lightweight robots in the world!
Become a Maker:
With this brief summary, we can see just how many talented individuals we have in Saskatchewan! There are many interesting products, arts, and crafts that the people in your community are ready to share with you! Again, if you are interested in becoming a Maker for the Saskatoon Online Maker Faire, feel free to submit here!
Maker Faires are independently organized events held annually at different times in cities across the world. The events allow locals from each area to showcase their creations, whatever they may be, and allows attendees to try their hand at a variety of hobbies and crafts! The concept stemmed from the ideas of collaboration, creativity, and community and allows makers to be in a supportive space, free of judgement, and provides locals the opportunity to connect and network!
In Saskatchewan, this family-friendly festival is held in the city of Saskatoon. The event displays a wide variety of handmade creations from local people. Maker Faire Saskatoon is set up at Prairieland Park and guests can wander from booth to booth, checking out anything from tech gear to woodworking! There are more than 100 Makers involved, showcasing thousands of new creations each year. Along with the exhibits, there are also presentations, performances, and workshops. These range from DIY projects and crafting to education and robotics. This is a great way to spend a fun-filled afternoon with friends and family. It is also a great way to be social and connect with new people! No matter what you are interested in, there is a little something for everyone who attends!
Saskatchewan’s Maker Faire began in 2018 and involves makers of any background from science and technology to the arts and crafts. This has become a big event in our province that brings the community together, uplifts each other, and supports local businesses! It provides a positive space to share, learn, and incorporate culture.
Unfortunately, due to COVID, the 2020 live event has been cancelled, but we are taking this as an opportunity to virtually shed light on some of our creative Makers! We would like to take this time to go into more detail on our Makers and to provide more information on the event itself, as well as answer any questions from the public.
Maker Faire is an open event for newcomers to join in on the fun and display their creations at the next event. If you have something you would like to show the community, feel free to reach out to be on our newcomer’s list! If you want to participate in the virtual edition you can still sign up here: https://saskatoon.makerfaire.com/virtual-call-for-makers/
MAKERS! WE WANT TO COLLABORATE WITH YOU TO OFFER AN ONLINE MAKER FAIRE THIS YEAR!
Many of you told us you were interested in participating in a fall edition this year; unfortunately COVID had other plans.
Hence we decided to help you get your project online and viewed by a bigger audience! Thanks to our sponsors and community partners we will be able to create and promote videos and blog posts on social media.
We are inviting commercial Makers and hobby Maker to participate in 3 different ways:
Via professional videos
Welcome our videographer / photographer into your workshop or wherever you create (following Safety protocols / social distancing) to show off your work, or we can arrange a shop space for you if you need. Imagine having your shop at the Faire and our cameraman being the attendees! Don’t be camera shy, this is not live and we can take multiple shots. Most of the visual will be on your creations and we can do some voice over.
Makermade video/photos
Work with our team to send us homemade footage and pictures which will be edited to create short clips. We will work with you to capture your creation the best possible way, and give you pointers on what shots would look good to showcase your art!
Written articles.
Send us pictures of what you are making and we will connect you with our writer to craft a blog post on you and your project! We know many of you fabricate and make things only for fun and have amazing creative ideas that we would love to share with the world!
At Maker Faire we promote STEAM activities through various DIY science and technology projects, educational workshops, whimsical display & art, hand-made crafts, robots and so much more mostly through hands-on activities. The passion and dedication of exhibitors is what makes this event truly fun. Attendees are directly in contact with the Makers, who take time to teach and instruct them through hands-on demonstrations. Interactive exhibits are a staple of Maker Faire!
Considering the present provincial and federal health restrictions and being 6 weeks away from this year’s Maker Faire we have decided to cancel this spring’s edition. In the coming weeks we will be in touch with our Makers to see if a fall edition is a possibility granted that the Covid-19 situation allows us to gather again.
Stay safe and follow social distancing!
Valérie & Kurtis Wanner
Producers
In the mean time, we invite you all to be creative and prepare for the next Maker Faire whether this Fall or in Spring 2021.
Visit the Make: Community website for a plenitude of suggested ideas to nourish your brain during this confinement. The Make: Project section will help you find build suggestions and get you started; Ideas for all ages!
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Scavenger Hunt
Saskatoon Farmers’ Market 
Camping 
Patio 
Garden
1. Succulents
3. Monstera Deliciosa
5. Ferns
4. Plants!
