Maybe it’s the extra sunshine, the longer days, or the more relaxed schedule, but there’s something about the summer season that inspires me to make and create more than any other time of year. Summer is a great time to learn a new skill, rediscover an old hobby, or simply stretch your creative muscles. At this month's Virtual Maker Meetup, we are talking all about summer creations and DIYs.

Here are a few projects we’ve been working on that you might want to add to your summer project list:

Summer Sketchbook

I made this mixed media journal by combining a variety of weights and types of paper I had on hand, which I cut to size and bound with a simple Japanese side sewn technique I learned from Creativebug. I’ve been experimenting with different art supplies and techniques in it, but you could also make a scrapbook or journal for recording your summer memories. There are many journaling techniques you could try depending on your artistic style and the materials you have on hand. If you’re not sure where to start, a search for “art journal’ in Creativebug yields an impressive variety of guided practice videos, daily challenges, and prompts to get your creativity flowing.

3D Prints for Thriving Plants

Librarian Justine 3D printed this self-watering planter in our Four Corners Branch MakerSpace for her shark fin plant. If you’re a plant parent who tends to over or under-water, this might be your saving grace for keeping your plants healthy and happy. Choose a fun colour combination for extra summer vibes.

As for me, this 3D-printed sprinkler attachment for my watering can was exactly what I needed for my garden. It was a quick print and you can find the STL file here, though I did need to modify it to fit my watering can. You could also try creating your own 3D design from scratch in TinkerCAD.

Furniture Flip

I inherited this coffee table over a decade ago but it never really fit with my home decor and it was in rough shape. Inspired by the furniture flips I watched all winter on TikTok, I decided it was time to give this piece a makeover. As soon as the weather allowed, I hauled it out to my backyard and gave it a good sanding and a fresh coat of Fusion mineral paint I picked up from the ReStyle Boutique in downtown Brampton. If you have trouble following the fast pace of social videos, don’t despair. There’s an excellent series on furniture refinishing in Creativebug (free for Brampton Library cardholders) that covers everything you need to know.

What are YOU working on this summer? 

At Brampton Library we love to help you explore creative pursuits and can’t wait to welcome you back to our MakerSpaces at Chinguacousy, Four Corners, and Springdale Branch Libraries. In the meantime, we’re continuing to offer 3D printing and vinyl cutting remotely. Submit your request through the MakerSpace On Demand form and we’ll be happy to assist you virtually with your project.

For kids and teens, Take and Make kits are available through our summer clubs for children (0-12) and teens, Brampton Brain Game and Teen Summer Reading Club. Check our calendar to find out which kits are available (while supplies last) and follow along with our YouTube videos. 

What projects would you like to work on this summer? Perhaps you’ve already finished a few. We’d love to see them! We'll be chatting about summer DIYs and live demoing some of the projects mentioned here at our next Virtual Maker Meetup on Tuesday, July 27 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. Join us to show off your projects (in any stage of completion) and hang out virtually with Justine and I, and other makers over Zoom.

Click here to RSVP. Hope to see you there!