Knack Knack – Who’s There? The Knack!

Sometimes when I’m looking for inspiration I venture out to junk/scrap yards, rummage around in my garage or reach out to friends who might be thinking about discarding items around the house. I have even received packages from clients or people I’ve met shows who thought a particular object might inspire me (just wait to see what I can do with roller skate trucks and fuses!). But the one place I always know will have some inspiration for me is Knack.

Knack, is creative reuse center that collects discarded materials, sorts them, and makes them available for people to use in any creative way they wish. Founded in 2012 by Amber & Macey, it is now owned by Marjory Zaik – that’s her with Joe, the robot I created with materials from the store.Knack Collage

They host Open Studio hours — where you can use all of their tools and selected materials, as well a variety of workshops and classes. Have a mini-maker in your house? They have craft parties that any kids would surely enjoy for a birthday. Hell, I’m even thinking about having mine there this summer – you are never too old to roll-up your sleeves and get crafty. knack-creative-reuse-center 1

Visit their Instagram for some ideas or pop on in yourself to check it out, they have collage parties running all this month too. Don’t forget to say hi to Marjory and Joe for me!

 

Rewarding experiences and inspiring the next generation

I have had such amazing time in the past few weeks from gallery openings to the Maker Faire and even a few visits to my shop to see “behind the scenes”. Meeting people is such an exciting part of my work. But I can honestly say the absolute best time for me is seeing some little kids eyes light up when we are talking and they realize that they can do it too!

A few different families with budding “little makers” reached out to me to let me know that after one of my events (and sometimes with a small part I gave them) they later found their kids tinkering on the floor, crafting in the garage or outside working on their own creations.

Meet a few hundred people at the Hartford Maker’s Faire last week and almost everyone I talked to there had a story to share about what it was that inspired them. What inspires you?

 Just as many *big* kids as little kids that day

 Just as many *big* kids as little kids that day. Good times.