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/.
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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