Virtual Maker Faire

Nowadays, everything is accessible at the click of a button. Although this offers convenience, there is still something to be said about holding a physical copy of something in your hands – including photo albums. Imagine sitting to show someone memorable moments from your life, but rather than having them swipe through a series of photos with the backlight of your mobile phone, having them instead of looking down at these candid moments in a beautifully made photo album. The once-popular art of scrapbooking has been lost to the mobile world. It is a form of art that can be very precious and something that can be passed down through generations, linking family and moments together. When you are first getting started, scrapbooking can seem a bit intimidating and perhaps a long process. If you’re interested in getting creative and making your first scrapbook, check the tips below to help get you started!

Process

The first thing you should do before getting started on your scrapbook is to brainstorm ideas and organize your thoughts as to how you would like your scrapbook to look. Planning out colours, themes, and design will help you when you’re starting out so that you are happy with the final product. There are countless craft stores both in-person and online to purchase materials. Michaels has a huge selection in-store and online to choose from, and you can get it delivered right to your door. Once you’ve done this, you’re ready to create!

First, you will need to print the photos and then organize them in the timeline you want. From there, you can create the layout you want to display on each page of the album. Once you glue the photos in place, you can add your own creative flair and design to each page! Other than photos, you can also add things like ribbons, newspaper clippings, or any other sentimental pieces.

Scrapbooking Essentials

To begin scrapbooking, you’ll need a variety of craft supplies. Listed below are some of the basics to get you started:

Album: Choose any size and length of album you wish, making sure it is a scrapbooking album with thick paper.
Page Protectors: Some albums already come with page protectors, but if not, it is important to get some. Once you finish a scrapbook page, you can slide it into the page protector, which will keep it from getting bent or ruined.
Adhesives: You will need adhesives for the photos and decorations. There are a variety of options such as glue sticks, liquid pens, photo tape…etc.
Cutting Tools: You will need scissors and other cutting tools to shape your photos and decorations to fit the page of the album. There are more decorative scissors to give your designs a more creative edge.
Die Cuts: There are specific shapes and designs that can be added for the aesthetic of your scrapbook
Decorative Paper: Decorative paper comes in all sorts of colours and textures and is used to go underneath photos and die cuts for extra design.
Pens/Markers: Make sure you get ink that is fadeproof and waterproof. Be sure to let the marked pages dry before closing the album to make sure the ink doesn’t smudge!

Benefits

Making a scrapbook may be just the thing to get you back into a creative flow and motivate you to get out and take more photos! If you’re been distant from family and friends throughout the pandemic, it can be a great way to feel more connected to your loved ones. It is a great hobby to keep busy and feel nostalgic as you look back on past memories. People use scrapbooking as a way to tell the story of their lives and cherish important moments. As with other creative projects, you may find scrapbooking to be a source of relaxation and stress relief. From beginning to end, making a scrapbook can be a very fulfilling creative project.

Other Options

If you are not able to get to a place to print your own photos, there are many online platforms that let you design and purchase your own scrapbook online! Photobook is a great website that allows you to submit your photos, choose a photobook design, and have it printed and shipped to you! There are many other websites that allow you to get your photos printed onto mugs, magnets, keychains, calendars, and more! Not only is it a great idea to create a lasting physical copy of cherished memories but can also be a great gift idea for your loved ones!

Michael Kowalski is a Maker from Ontario and a founding member of KWArtzLab, a not for profit Maker society. Located in the Waterloo region, KWArtzLab wishes to provide tools, community connections, and learning opportunities for Makers in the area.

Beginning of KWArtzLab

Michael developed this space for creators lacking the means and proper space to create! KWArtzLab is operated solely by volunteers and there are no hired employees or staff. Therefore, it is not freely open to the public and people must join as a member. Members need to pay a small fee and will then receive a key card with 24-hour access to the shop. To govern the workshop, there is an election that takes place each year. At the annual meeting, seven directors are elected, and are meant to serve for a term of 1 year.

Workshop

The workshop has a variety of tools available such as 3D printers, an electronics workbench, and much more! There is a section available for laser cutting which includes a 2×3 ft. bed which can cut materials such as plywood, acrylic, and fabric. Another section is made for fabric arts which includes heavy duty sewing machines, a serger, and a CNC embroidery machine! Lasty, there is also a ‘heavy lab’ where Makers can work with wood and metal working tools such as lathe, mitre saw, bandsaw, drill press, MIG Welder, and a CNC router.

Events

During normal times, KWArtzLab holds weekly events and meetups for Makers to create and learn from each other. An example of the events held are the robot club meetups, oil/lube/filter workshops, and open nights for the public! Adapting to the times, KWArtzLab now has many virtual events and workshops available. Still, the team is hoping to hold their first post-COVID meetup at the beginning of July!

Community

There have been many interesting projects made at the KWArtzLab workshop with talented Makers from all over Ontario. Projects have included a massive 3D printed statue, hex tile murals, and furniture. This is a place where there is a balanced mixture of science, technology, mechanics, and art! People come to the KWArtzLab full of ideas and inspiration to create, thriving off the enthusiastic environment. People can feel free to create as the please in a positive environment, free of judgement, with the support of their peers!

If you are interested in learning more, check out the KWArtzLab website here!

Nutrien Wonderhub is a local organization and museum which focuses on intergenerational creativity! The purpose behind the organization is to foster curiosity and lifelong learning through interactive and hands-on exhibits and programs. The Wonderhub museum is located on Spadina Crescent in Saskatoon. The mission of the organization is to combine play and education by bridging the gap between school and home!

Mission and Values

The values of Wonderhub focus on curiosity, child-centricity, and sustainability. They wish to make the establishment more than just a museum but an inclusive meeting-place. They want to use our natural wonder and curiosity as a catalyst for educational experiences. Wonderhub offers both in-house and outreach educational programs, made for playful learning!

“The Nutrien Wonderhub community extends far beyond the walls of our home at the Mendel. Through outreach programming, affiliations with community-focused events and initiatives, and our own signature events, we continue our commitment to creating interactive, inclusive opportunities to play, learn, and grow.” – Nutrien Wonderhub, 2021

History

Nutrien Wonderhub first began back in 2002 when a group of passionate volunteers came together to create the Children’s Discovery Museum. Up until 2009, the museum was mobile, with volunteers working with supplies and educational material out of their van. In 2009, they were able to secure a space at the Saskatoon Market Mall and quickly became a mecca for families with young children. The following years showed much success with hosting international travel exhibits, debuting the Kid Approved capital campaign, and obtaining the fundraising goal of $14.5 million to help build a world-class children’s museum. Now, the museum is up and running for the general public. The museum offers general admission or memberships for those who wish to visit more often. There are both individual and family memberships which offers great discounts, special pricing on camps and programs, and access to private events.

Museum & Exhibits

The museum offers exhibits, workshops, and a variety of rooms. There is also a café with quick grab & go snacks and gift shop on site. The gift shop has a selection of toys and learning tools available for purchase so you can keep learning at home!

There are three levels to the museum with wide variety of exhibits, each one offering unique displays and educational toys. One of the most popular exhibits is the ‘Cosmic Commotion’ which is the only permanent installation from internationally acclaimed artist Toshiko Horiuchi in North America. The installation is a giant crocheted structure where kids can climb about, popping up in different pods. The other exhibits allow guests experiment with sound, light, colour, wind, and art. The exhibits have all been created with a purpose, whether it be to trigger sensory development, imagination, motor skills, collaboration, or creativity. Each exhibit is a fun experience not only for the children but for parents too! Wonderhub believes in a method where the child leads the way, without timeline, which guarantees a new and enjoyable experience at each visit!

Programs, Classes, Workshops, and Camps

Along with the exhibits, there is also a workshop, create spaces, and a gathering place which gives guests the opportunity to get involved and attend different programs. The workshops include 3D printing, laser cutting, drilling, and sanding. The create spaces are made for guests to collaborate and explore creativity. The gathering place is a tree-lined space which is used for groups to come to share stories and experiences.

There is a selection of eight different programs available from Pre-K all the way to Grade 6. Each program offers an interesting approach to creative learning and experience. One of the programs called ‘Rock On’, offered for Grades 3-6, focuses on rock formation and erosion to learn how landforms are shaped. Another program called ‘Clang! Bang! Boom!’ explores the science of sound by introducing pitch, volume, sound waves, and vibrations. This program is offered for Pre-K to Grade 4 and gives children the opportunity to create their own sound makers.

The classes and workshops offered incorporate STEAM learning to encourage a balanced education. For those of you new to this concept, STEAM learning is a method that focuses on a blend of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. Summer camps are also up and running which allows campers to experience both the indoors and outdoors of what Wonderhub has to offer! The summer camps are made for kids ages 5-9 and are offered as either day camps or week-long camps. The camps are a great way to keep kids busy, give them a chance to make new friendships, and gain independence in a fun, open, and educational environment. Throughout the camps, campers will get to explore the museum, work together on projects, and interact with the hands-on exhibits and workshops. Each workshop, class, camp, and program are meant to be inclusive and celebrate community!

If you are interested in learning more about Nutrien Wonderhub, check out their website here!

Upcycling old clothing is not only giving a second life to pieces you may not wear anymore but is also a great way to be sustainable! Some pieces may be too used and old that they cannot be donated and so the only option would be to throw them out or repurpose them. With the negative impacts of the fast fashion industry, it is extremely important to cut down on waste. Why not take the opportunity indoors to create a more sustainable closet? Upcycling is a great way to get creative and craft during cold winter days!

Listed below are some fun and creative upcycled clothing ideas:

1. Dress shirt into dress

If you have a husband that has a lot of extra old dress shirts, why not pull out the sewing equipment and turn them into cute dresses for yourself. Cinch the waist and wear overtop a pair of black leggings with boots for a perfect new winter look.

2. Tie dye

Tie dye is back! Tie dying some old clothing is a fun afternoon craft to make some new styles with old t-shirts or sweaters. Go for light pastel colours, perfect for spring!

3. Reusable bags

If you have a pair of old jeans, sweaters, or shirts – you can make some new reusable bags for your grocery shopping! Reusable bags are very easy to sew together and can be combined with materials from a few different sources.

4. Sweater cardigan

Sweaters can eventually lose shape after wear and washing. A great way to update a worn-out sweater is to turn it into a cardigan! Grab some scissors and cut up the middle, sewing the open fabric shut.

5. A bit of lace

Adding a bit of lace can go a long way. Lace is a great touch to update an old t-shirt, long sleeve, or tank. You can add lace trimming on the bottom, on the sleeves, or up the sides.

6. Off shoulder shirt

Off shoulder shirts and sweaters are super trendy at the moment! If you have a shirt or sweater that you don’t wear anymore, grab some scissors and sewing material to cut out the neck and make something off shoulder. You can make it off one shoulder or both!

7. Sherpa jacket

If you have an old denim jacket that you don’t wear anymore, why not add some faux fur inside to make it into an updated cozy fall jacket. All you’ll need is some faux fur material and fabric glue!

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!

Amanda is a local designer in Saskatoon with a sustainable label called Scarlett Dahlia which launched back in 2013. Since she was a young girl, she was passionate about designing clothing, accessories, and keeping herself busy with different creative projects. As an adult, she continues flourishing her artsy side and chasing a few different creative endeavours! One of the biggest projects Amanda is working on is her business, Scarlett Dahlia. She designs and creates all pieces in her home studio and has come up with a range of products such as wallets, scarves, and shawls. Along with the clothing brand, Amanda is a multi-talented visual, textile, and makeup artist. She has a deep-rooted connection and understanding of sustainable slow fashion, implementing her beliefs into all aspects of her life and business development.

Sustainable Focus

The roots to the brand, Scarlett Dahlia, is based on a sustainable business plan, having a small-impact and sticking as close to zero-waste as possible. Amanda strongly believes in re-purposing and re-using old materials to create new, updated pieces. She is also mindful of the pieces she is repurposing and mainly uses materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill. She uses materials from a variety of sources such as old clothing, banner vinyl, leftover leather, and yarn. Each piece of Scarlett Dahlia is one-of-a-kind and uniquely handmade, using a variety of colours and patterns.

“My morals are simple: choose materials that will have as little negative impact on the earth as possible, buy local and support companies who operate and trade fairly and ethically, and then use 100% of that material.”

Fast Fashion

Being hyperaware of the fast fashion industry, Amanda wishes to use her brand as an example that the fashion industry does not need to be so wasteful. In the past, it was not uncommon to use scrap material to repurpose old garments. It wasn’t until the early 2000s that the fast fashion industry boomed. Over the past few years, it has gotten worse with more people wanting the latest trends that rotate at an extreme rate. Social media, such as Instagram, has created a world where many people want to continuously have new clothes per post as well as staying up to date with the latest trends.

Based on the quick rotation of trends, people turn to cheap, low-quality clothing. Fast fashion has become engrained into first world countries and the problem lays with people not seeing the full extent of impact with their purchases. It is important for information like this to be easily accessible to the public and for people to know the negative impacts they contribute based on their purchases. With brands like Scarlett Dahlia, people now have the option to opt for slow fashion without breaking the bank! Not to mention, smaller designs offers both quality and uniqueness compared to mass produced items that are all exact copies which millions of people have access to purchasing.

The Zero-Waste Process

For those of you new to this concept, zero-waste is simply a principle to cut out any form of waste from start to finish. The focus is to resource materials and use every piece rather than throwing anything out. This is an extremely important initiative in a world with a population exceeding 7.8 billion people. The term came to light in the 2000s when the wastefulness of today’s society and the colossal amount of waste in landfills was acknowledged across the globe.

Waste is one of the worst environmental impacts in our current world. Over-consumerism has created a new global problem and we see it in our landfills. Some of the problems associated with waste is the contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, soil contamination, and water contamination which all contribute to the climate crisis. The fast fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to waste, globally.

To make her brand ‘zero-waste’, Amanda mainly works with scrap offcuts, left over from other products, and uses them to make her new pieces. When making wallets, Amanda only uses a small amount of fabric and the leftover fabric is then cut up and weaved into rugs. Any tiny bits of leftover material after this gets cut into even smaller pieces and is used for stuffing. Any woven goods are 100% zero-waste and made completely of natural fibers and any leftover yarn from this is used to make different designs using accent stripes. All the packaging also comes from either re-usable, recyclable, or compostable materials. From beginning to end, each step is taken with the utmost mindfulness to achieve sustainability.

Amanda is both passionate and talented with her business and other creative endeavours! She is another example of just how creative our local community really is! To read more about Scarlett Dahlia or shop the website, click here!

To read more on our other Makers, click here!

Crafting is a great way to spend time, especially when stuck inside the house! There are unlimited projects you can work on that don’t need a bunch of new supplies. Enjoy getting creative with your family and spend the afternoon keeping busy! Making crafts not only keeps the hands busy but the mind as well. Sometimes, it is important to just let your mind focus on other, less important things if you’re feeling a bit stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. Staying creative is important as it can help increase mental health, motivation, and inspiration.

There are plenty of household items you can use for crafting, such as string, old clothing, old frames…etc. Not to mention, many of these projects upcycle old items that might have otherwise gone to waste so it’s also sustainable!

Listed below are a few fun projects to try with items you can find at home!

1. Reusable Bags

Making reusable bags is fun and handy for your trips to the grocery store! You can sew or hand-stitch the bags using a variety of materials, such as an old t-shirt! Instead of choosing paper or plastic, make of few of these and have them handy in your vehicle whenever heading to the store!

2. Vases

Updating vases is a great way to refresh old vases you have in your house. Grab the collection of vases, some paint, chalk, stencils, or anything else to add a creative touch! You can upcycle these vases to add a new and modern aesthetic to your home. Try stenciling new designs or bright paint colours to be bold! Afterwards you can either leave the vases empty as art piece in the house or get creative with what goes into them!

3. Newspaper Plant Pots

A great at-home project that pays off is starting your own herb garden! You can start off by using old newspaper to create plant pots, fill them up with soil, and plant a couple seeds! You can grow a wide variety of plants indoors, including cilantro, green onions, and even avocado!

Check out some Pinterest idea here!

4. Wreaths

Wreaths are a super fun afternoon activity with endless possibilities! You can make a creative wreath out of old clothing and dish cloths or you can go with something more simple. There are unlimited ideas on sites like Pinterest.

5. Bracelets

There are a lot of different bracelet patterns that can be found on the internet and all you really need is some string! There are unlimited possibilities when it comes to making bracelets, or any jewelry for that fact! Try out different tying patterns, string colours, and beads! Bracelets are fun and easy project because they are not too time consuming.

Hugo Jamain is a talented jeweler, making handmade pieces in his shop out of sustainable materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Check out our blog from a few weeks ago on his brand, STYX. For this week’s blog, Hugo decided to get a little more involved in the details on the jewelry making process for a 101-tutorial guide for anyone that wants to try their hand at making their own jewelry.

Step 1: Finding the Materials

Firstly, Hugo goes through boxes of scrap metals and searches for materials that he can use, such as stainless steel and brass. He mainly uses stainless steel because it’s high-quality and is one of the strongest metals.

Stainless steel is a very common metal used to make products like sink faucets, home appliances, and furniture. For this reason, there is a lot of stainless-steel pieces that end up in the garbage as scrap metal.

Step 2: Analyzing the Materials

Once Hugo chooses the good pieces of scrap metal, he brings them back to his shop to be transformed. He first cleans each piece by hand and then analyzes the best way to move forward with each piece. He tries to maintain the true shape so that there is as little waste as possible. Since the jewelry turnout depends on the shape of the material at hand, each piece ends up unique. For example, rings are generally made with tubing and earrings are usually made with thick sheet metal.

Step 3: Designing

This is where it gets fun! Hugo sits down with his pen and paper and gets creative with some design ideas. He tries to make pieces that are bold and unique, stepping away from concepts that are too mainstream. He wants to create timeless pieces that can last a lifetime. Each piece is created to be one of a kind as he doesn’t follow any specific pattern.

Step 4: Getting to Work

Hugo uses four main tools – a hammer, saw, sander, and polisher. Once the materials are cleaned and the concepts and designs have been thought through, he gets to work in his shop. Firstly, Hugo uses an electric saw to cut the steel into the shapes he wants. Since jewelry is very small, he then uses pliers to cut the specific shape and go into more detail with the design. He will then add some texture using a hammer which creates ripples on the metal. Afterwards, Hugo uses three different types of electric sanding disks to sand down any imperfections. Lastly, he makes holes in pieces such as necklace pendants and earrings before attaching the chain or earring hooks. The last step is to polish and add a protective spray for the perfect shine!

If you’re interested in getting into the art of jewelry making, Hugo suggests starting simple and moving to more complex projects as you learn. This blog includes the steps Hugo takes to design jewelry with metals but there are many videos and tutorials out there as well to get you started! Along with metal jewelry, there are plenty of other types of jewelry you can make if you don’t have a shop or equipment!

Now more than ever, it is important to pay attention to the impact you have as an individual. Your own ecological footprint may seem insignificant but when adding all the individual footprints, even in just one city, the impact grows immensely. Put simply, an ecological footprint is a measure of human impact on nature which considers aspects such as housing, transportation, and energy consumption. The ecological footprint of Canada is approximately 8.17 hectares, one of the highest countries in the world. This means that if everyone lived like us, we would need over 8 more planets to sustain us.

It is important to think of the individual impact you have in all areas of your life, even with your creative endeavours! Whatever kind of creative projects you are working on, try to keep in mind the impact you are making within your activity, the materials you use, and the measures you take for your creations.

Obtaining Sustainability

Sustainability encompasses three main categories: economy, environment, and society. Each of these categories is crucial to obtaining a balanced and healthy network of interconnecting pieces. In the past, they were seen as three separate ‘pillars’ but it is now known that they are all encompassing. Environment encompasses both economy and society as without a healthy and livable environment, the other two simply cannot exist. Society it next, because without healthy social aspects, economies would collapse. Lastly, economy is in the center as the other two do not necessarily need economy to survive and have proven so in the past.

Whether you are cooking, painting, composing music, or designing – always keep in mind this encompassing vision of sustainability into your own lifestyle and creativity. Whatever the size of your project, sustainability can play a role. With the knowledge of this circled around our community, it is fairly easy to live and create in a sustainable way. Listed below are some tips to help you on your way.

Tips for Sustainability:

Buy ethically made products

Pay close attention to where products are made and do research on companies and businesses before hand. It is easy to find information on the sustainability of a company on the internet. Check out the factory and workplace information, ethical recognized certifications such as fair trade and B-Corp, as well as material sourcing information.

Ecological Footprint

Paying attention to your ecological footprint encompasses many things as a means to become more sustainable. Try to focus on things such as how you get your products, where they come from, and what ingredients are inside. When considering your energy consumption, try to always unplug anything from power sockets and turn off lights to conserve energy.

When considering your carbon footprint, remember that driving spends more carbon than taking public transportation. Also note that buying good from overseas also spends more carbon than purchasing from your own country.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

There are plenty of products out there that end up in second-hand stores. Why not browse the aisles here for items and material that can be repurposed for your own projects? Not only are you taking a step towards environmental consciousness, but the items are generally going to be a lot cheaper than buying brand new!

Go Eco Friendly

When creating something, try to think of the future for the product. Is it biodegradable or will it end up in the landfill? Is it organic or full of toxic matter? When making the decision to step away from environmentally harmful products and materials, you are not only making the decision to care for the planet but also care for the people wearing/purchasing your products.

Shop local

Shopping local is a perfect example to encompass all sustainable categories. By purchasing local products, you are helping the environment by means of reducing carbon outputs from shipping. Socially, you are helping your local community and small businesses that will be grateful for your service rather than big box stores. Economically, you are putting money back into your own community and therefore helping the local economy.

Sustainable Future

Whether small changes or big changes, taking the steps to become more sustainable is an important piece to caring for the future of our planet and our communities. There are plenty more ways to reduce your impact and step towards sustainable creativity. All it takes is a little extra research and mindfulness to create something that is low impact and environmentally friendly!

If you are looking for a little extra inspiration, we have some amazing sustainable creatives here with Maker Faire Saskatoon! So far on the blog, we have spotlighted a couple Makers who are setting the stage for sustainable creativity. Amanda Bosiak makes handmade soaps in her house focusing on natural products such as essential oils. Hugo Jamain makes handmade jewelry from recycled materials in his shop that would otherwise end up in the landfill!

If you are interested in learning what your ecological footprint is, take the test here!

Saskatoon Maker, Nicole Boczula, is a passionate creative, interested in a variety of artistic fields. She grew up in Calgary, studied in Toronto, and later moved to Saskatoon where she has become a local Maker! After finishing her bachelor’s degree in science, she realized that she was always turning to creative outlets and decided to follow her passion as an artist instead.

Nicole currently works at Painfully Pretty Tattoo Studio in Saskatoon as a Tattoo Apprentice. She is happy to have the freedom with this job and to have the ability to create every day! In Nicole’s free time she explores other creative activities, taking a special interest in cosplay. Other than cosplay, Nicole keeps busy with aerial hoop classes, music, and crafting. Being a Maker has allowed Nicole to hone in on her artistic passions and talent for creating new things. She believes that “everyone has the ability to create and show the world what they can do – whether you are a makeup artist, cake decorator, or engineer”!

Nicole’s Designs

For those of you are new to this term, cosplay is a portmanteau of the words costume and play. Cosplay originated in Japan but has since become a globally recognized community. Not only does cosplay offer a new imaginative space but it has also created an amazing sense of belonging for those interested in this area. There are conventions and expos held around the world, whether they are small local gatherings or massive events in major cities. If cosplay attendees feel up for a friendly competition, some of the conventions and expos allow for costumes to be judged based on construction and presentation – and the opportunity to win a prize!

Nicole loves the cosplay world and creating her own costumes for events, photoshoots, and online. Local cosplayers might recognize her online name as ‘Simply Devious Cosplay’. She has been a cosplayer for approximately 8 years now and designs all of her own costumes! Nicole feels inspired by the cosplay scene because she loves to be able to transform into characters that she admires. She also loves to attend in-person events as it is a great opportunity to connect with other cosplayers and fans within the community. The events are a great way to “interact with others and gives cosplayers the opportunity to talk about their favorite characters from the same show/videogame.” Nicole states that she has made many lifelong friends that she met through conventions and expos.

Nicole currently has a few different projects on the go, focusing on props and armor, including the Cloud Buster Sword from Final Fantasy 7! When creating new things, she gathers a collection of photos for inspiration. She then cuts out the design she wants from EVA foam or insulation foam. From here, she begins sanding and priming in order to prep for finishing. The last step is where she gets creative with paints, colours, looks, and designs!

Cosplay Community in Saskatoon

Saskatchewan has a great cosplay community, with events held every year in Saskatoon! Anyone interested in cosplay is accepted into this space where artists get to show their talents for costume design. Those in this community are very passionate about the art and design that goes into creating the costumes. Hours, days, or even weeks are spent in the process to create an amazing final costume. The events are a great way to showcase the hard-work and passion that goes into making the costume. With in-person events being put on pause, there are now many virtual events being held around the globe! If you’re interested in cosplay, take a look at some of the expos offered and get back into your creative sphere!

If you’re new to cosplay but are interested in the scene, take a look online for countless workshops available to get you started! Youtube, Instagram, and other social platforms are also a great way to connect with this community as well as showcasing your own creations! A friendly tip from Nicole is to get inspiration from pictures/videos of other cosplayers in the community. She also recommends starting small, stating “I know when I first got into cosplay, I would be super ambitious (which is great!), but I would get overwhelmed with the sizes of the projects I took on. Do not feel like you need to craft every individual piece of your costume or prop.”

In past years, the Maker Faire Saskatoon has had a ‘Cosplay Corner’ that shows off the thriving cosplay scene in Saskatchewan! With workshops ran by passionate, local cosplayers, guests are invited to try their hand at making capes, masks, armor, and more! It’s a great way for newcomers that are interested to see how they like it! Let’s cross our fingers for a booming ‘Cosplay Corner’ at future Maker Faire events in Saskatoon!

If you want to take a look at more designs from cosplayer, Nicole Boczula, take a look at her Instagram here!

If you are interested in Nicole’s tattoo designs, check out her other page here!