Creating an Interactive Tree: The Making Process

My original intention was to build an interactive tree out of braided transparent pipes for the trunk and laser cut paper leaves with LED lights inside for the limbs. However, after some testing, I concluded that this strategy was not viable. I then switched to 3D printing the trunk with a multicolor filament and adding NeoPixel Christmas lights to make the tree dynamic. I spent the following two weeks learning 3D printing and NeoPixel programming after sketching up my ideas and making CAD models. Before…

Aesthetic Exploration 2019: Beer Tap Handles

The aesthetic I have chosen to explore is the aesthetic of beer tap handles, and how they can range from incredibly minimalistic to functional works of art. Until the early 20th century, beer was typically served directly from the barrel, until artificial carbonation was introduced in 1936 thus beginning what we know as draught beer.  By the early 70’s, draught beer had become commonplace around the world. Today, there are a record number of breweries opening around the country and I have always been fascinated…

Final Stretch Progress: Dynamic Infinity Mirror

Right now I am current sitting in the prototype lab of the Idea Forge printing the casing for my dynamic infinity mirror. I have spent the past two weekdays here making sure everything goes smoothly and so far everything has! I only have one part left to print, which I will leave overnight because it will take so long to print (~10 hrs). At the end of printing, I will have been working the Lulzbot for ~23 hrs. Nearly an entire day… But everything looks…

Another Desk Garden Update

I have had almost no time! Yay! Since last week, the only updates I’ve got are little ones. I ordered resin to use to cast the dirt box. I also laser cut the pieces for the dirt box mold out of cardboard. I keep forgetting that I have electronics, but next week I will have some time to play with them and get them working. I also 3D printed the tubes I’ll need to make holes through the molds when I cast both the plastic…