In the past few weeks, we have showcased a variety of new Makers. This week we are introducing local musician, John Demchenko. John is passionate about music and has been making electronic music out of his home studio, under the name of ‘Allegorical Shadows’. He has always been interested in the musical world and has been learning and creating his own music for approximately ten years! John is a Maker because he loves creating things and having the ability to connect with other Makers within the community. He states that “being able to express one’s creativity is something you can’t really measure, but it is a very satisfying experience”.
Other than electronic music, John has taken an interest in a wide variety of other music genres. With his music education and skills, he now has a deeper appreciation for all music industries as he now knows the effort it takes to bring a piece to life.
Workshops
Along with creating his own music, John is also interested in helping other along their musical journeys. He mainly focuses on helping people beginning into the electronic music sector. John will be showcasing an online workshop “Getting Started with Electronic Music”, posted on our page at a later date. John believes that electronic music is a great start for people who are musically interested but may not have the space or the budget to afford expensive instruments.
Getting Started
John has a few helpful tips for those of you interested in getting started with electronic music. Firstly, you will need to have access to a computer or smartphone and able to download a free software. John suggests not to fret if you have never learned an instrument before as “with technology today you can pretty much create any kind of music you like using virtual instruments”. In the beginning, you’ll want to start off with the basics and to allow yourself time to learn and develop skills at your own pace. The internet is a great place to learn, especially with platforms such as YouTube. You can look up any lessons you are keen to learn and at any level as well! If you are more serious about the art of electronic music, there are plenty of online course available which will allow you to learn more technique and allow you to expand your skills. Most of the softwares allow you to change and edit along the way as part of the learning process.
If you want to see more from John, check out his Facebook page here and his SoundCloud channel here!
A few weeks ago, we introduced Amanda Bosiak, a local soap maker and owner of the brand Pithy and Practical. She creates hot process soaps using a slow cooker, and this week she wants to share some tips if you want to try your hand at soap making!
There are a few tools you’ll need before you begin, listed below
To make your own soap, you’ll first need to find a recipe to follow which Amanda says you can find on Pinterest! You’ll also need to find a lye calculator which will tell you exactly how much lye you need to use based on the amount of oils you have. The lye amount will also vary based on the type of oils you are using. You’ll also need to make sure that you are calculating for hot press soap and not cold press soap. We’ve saved you some time with a recipe you can follow below!
Recipe
The recipe should include 40% water and 5% super fat. There needs to be quite a bit more water content when taking hot process soaps because as it heats up the water evaporates. So, you’ll need to add more water because you’ll want to keep it as pliable as possible. Superfatting the soap allows it to be softer in the end! Here is the recipe that Amanda works with:
135g
Avocado oil
45g
Castor oil
135
Cocoa butter
225g
Coconut oil
90g
Olive oil
225g
Shea butter
360g
Water
123 g
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
37g
Fragrance (*optional)
45g
Superfat 5% – Shea Butter
(note: solid oils make the best superfats)
Step by step process to making soap
Step 1: Add liquid oils and then add solid oils after microwaving
Step 2: Add lye solution with sodium lactate or plain Greek yogurt
Step 3: Cook in crockpot at low heat, covering half with plastic wrap
Step 4: Use the immersion blender, carefully mixing on low power for 10 second increments until it thickens
Step 5: Fully cover with both the plastic wrap and lid. Let cook for 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, checking on it every 10 minutes or so
Step 6: Check the pH level by taking a tsp of the soap and adding it to quarter cup of distilled water. Test with the pH strip and it should read 10pH.
Step 7: Once the mixture is ready, leave it to sit with the slow cooker turned off. During this time, melt down the super fat and add any essential oils and colourants you want for the final product. Once it’s finished, add the mixture to the soap in the slow cooker. Stir until it’s evenly distributed.
Step 8: Add mixture to loaf and decorate the top however you want. As the mixture cools, it begins the saponification process to turn into soap. It takes between 24-48 hours until you can unmold, cut, and cure.
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.
Pithy and Practical is a handmade, hot process soap brand created by talented local, Amanda Bosiak. Amanda has always been crafty, learning skills such as cross stitching, drawing, painting, knitting, and sewing! She has spent her life delving into creative projects and taking part in creative organizations. To Amanda, being a Maker is kind of a lifestyle, stating that she is happiest when she is making things. She believes that being a Maker gives freedom to be creative and self-sufficient.
Inspiration
Amanda’s inspiration for Pithy and Practical came from creating a solution for her own skin concerns, trying to step away from harsh and drying ingredients. Most products found in stores are known to have many harsh and drying ingredients, such as alcohols, parabens, and other chemical additives. Using products with toxic fillers too frequently and over a long period of time can cause skin irritation, acne, and other skin problems. With this in mind, Amanda decided to create her own product, knowing exactly what ingredients are going into the soaps.
“I wanted a soap that I could really lather up and would leave me feeling squeaky clean but not dry. If it also had some extra ingredients with known benefits for skin, even better!”
Philosophy
Amanda’s philosophy is rooted to creating a multi-beneficial product that is not harmful for the skin. She went through trials, testing many different ingredients until she came up with the perfect combination. Her products are gently cleansing with a rich and creamy lather. With the oils and butters used, the soaps have deep moisturizing properties.
Process
Amanda makes her hot process soap in a slow cooker at home, using a mixture of lye, water, oils, and butters. Using this technique allows for a quicker saponification process, which is a reaction that causes the conversion of the fats and oils to create soap! Amanda believes that handmade soaps are the way to go for cleansing rather than purchasing mass produced cleansers. It is a whole different experience when you purchase something local, made by someone passionate about what they are creating.
Other than the cleansing and moisturizing components, Amanda likes to play around with a variety of scents! Some of the unique scents include green tea and peppermint, tomato citrus, lilac, and apple mango. The collection in Pithy and Practical are not only soaps, but there are also lotions, balms, and face masks available!
If you would like to read more or shop online, head over to the Pithy and Practical website here!
Styx is a sustainable jewelry brand, handcrafted in the French alps in the small mountain village of Annecy. Annecy is recognized as the ‘Venice of the Alps’, known for the small cobblestone streets, winding canals, and charming French bakeries. Up-and-coming designer, Hugo Jamain, has a workshop in Annecy where he transforms materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
“Styx is a modern brand made to inspire the creatives, the explorers, and the adventurers of the world. It is for the bold, the people who push boundaries and aren’t scared to step outside of their comfort zones”
Philosophy
Hugo’s philosophy is deep rooted to his connection to nature, having always taken an interest in the preservation of the environment and ecosystems as well as the protection of the animals around him. He noticed a problem in his village and decided to create something positive from it that can also inspire people to care more about sustainability.
It all began when he noticed the amount of scrap metal and materials leftover from local businesses around the city. These materials would get loaded up in the back of a dump truck and taken to the landfill. Seeing this sparked the idea to make a second life for these materials and to create something much longer-lasting. Getting creative in his workshop, he made several prototypes before finalizing his first collection of jewelry.
With two parents that have inspired him to work with his hands in the realm of design – his mother has a background in architecture and his father is a craftsman, working for many top-level brands in France. When not in school, Hugo spent most of his childhood in a workshop by his father’s side, learning from and eventually making his own products. Watching his dad work, he grew up with the idea that everything was manufacturable or transformable.
Hugo has always taken an interest in learning and reading about ancient cultures and mythologies from around the world, taking a special interest in ancient Greece. As the Greek mythology states, ‘Styx’ is the connection of worlds, the continuation of life from one world to the other. With this in mind, the idea of transforming used materials into new jewelry is giving another life to something that would otherwise end up discarded.
Process
Hugo is happy to spend hours on end in his workshop, using his hands to craft beautiful, polished, one-of-a-kind pieces. It began as a pastime to keep busy during the times of Covid and turned into a passion that he wishes to share with the world. He uses both stainless steel and brass to create different collections of bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings, cufflinks, as well as a variety of other things. He mainly uses stainless steel because it is one of the strongest metals and will not change, rust, or weather over the years.
Along with creating his jewelry brand, Hugo shapes surfboards. He buys the stock board and has all the materials to cut, shape, and design new boards. He also has a background in marketing and business, obtaining a diploma over the course of three years. An entrepreneur at heart, he has a lot of ideas for art, design, and creative endeavors.
From beginning to end, Hugo wishes to keep the entire process as sustainable and low impact as possible. For shipping, he uses biodegradable materials, such as bamboo packaging. He hopes to always keep the production process small and give as much attention to detail as possible. He wants the brand to remain artisanal, with the belief that it provides the best quality and uniqueness to each piece.
Inspiration
His travels around the world have inspired him to create collections based on the landscapes and cultures he visits. Being a surfer has connected him to the ocean and has inspired his first collection to mirror the ripples of the water. Along with this, the materials he uses are not harmful to the ocean and vice versa. He wears his pieces surfing with the knowledge that they will not rust or be affected from the saltwater.
He has begun working on collections based on different countries, including Canada! Based on his travels and friendships in Canada, he has grown to love the country and hopes to be able to move to Canada once restrictions are lifted. He observes and uses features that resemble the landscapes in his art and creations. His Canadian collection takes the vast differences of provinces and territories from prairies to mountains to forests to the ocean coast. For Saskatchewan and the prairies, he is working on belt buckles as well as a variety of other pieces. He is thrilled to be a part of Maker Faire and wants to share within this supportive and uplifting community.
To see more designs, check out the STYX Instagram page here!
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/
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In the past few weeks, we have showcased a variety of new 
John has a few helpful tips for those of you interested in getting started with electronic music. Firstly, you will need to have access to a computer or smartphone and able to download a free software. John suggests not to fret if you have never learned an instrument before as “with technology today you can pretty much create any kind of music you like using virtual instruments”. In the beginning, you’ll want to start off with the basics and to allow yourself time to learn and develop skills at your own pace. The internet is a great place to learn, especially with platforms such as YouTube. You can look up any lessons you are keen to learn and at any level as well! If you are more serious about the art of electronic music, there are plenty of online course available which will allow you to learn more technique and allow you to expand your skills. Most of the softwares allow you to change and edit along the way as part of the learning process.
4. Plants!
