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MAKE Newsletter

February 15, 2013

ITERATE! Lately I've been writing a book of projects that fathers and daughters can do together. Besides learning new skills (woodworking, sewing, electronics), I've learned the importance of iteration. The first time I make something, it barely works, if at all. Then I make a second prototype, incorporating improvements that suggested themselves when I built the first prototype. The second prototype is better than the first, but far from perfect. The third build is easier to build, and more functional than my previous prototypes. The fourth one is often, but not always, good enough to put in the book.

I've learned to accept and embrace the process of iteration. It's a way to learn by doing, to harness the power of trial and error, and to challenge yourself to come up with a better way to do something. The next time you make something that doesn't seem quite right, congratulate yourself for completing the first prototype, and think about what you're going to do differently with your second one.

 

Immediately Evaporating Argon Ice

Immediately Evaporating Argon Ice


Make Your Own Toy Sculpting Wax


How-To: $5 Mobile Phone Projector


Flexible Paper Sculptures




We Think MAKE Magazine is Hot Stuff, and You Will, Too!

We're obviously biased, but we think MAKE is muy caliente. Each issue is filled with tons of cool projects, interviews, photos, and more. We cover everything from electronics, robotics, and citizen science to woodworking, home hacks, and kid-friendly projects. And speaking of hot, our latest issue shows you how to grow your own Bhut Jolokia, aka "ghost chili," one of the hottest peppers on Earth! Learn how to grow your own in the current issue of MAKE. Subscribe today!


Microcontroller Quick Reference Chart

With all the microcontrollers and single board computers on the market, sometimes it’s hard to see all your options. That’s why we put together this quick reference sheet for the 8 most popular boards we sell in the Maker Shed. This handy chart (which we lovingly refer to as the “Grid”) shows the speed, processor, memory, I/O pins, available kits, and more to help you make a quick distinction on what board you need for your project. We’ll be keeping this list updated so bookmark it now for future reference!


Component of the Month: Switches

This month we’re debuting a new series, Component of the Month. Just as our Skill Builders explore core maker skills in electronics, woodworking, metalworking, and other disciplines, Component of the Month will survey fundamental electronic components we think every maker should be familiar with. February’s focus is that oh-so fundamental of components, the switch, in its many forms.


Love at Maker Faire

Hear the story of Paula Chang and Mike Cheung, who met at Maker Faire Bay Area and now run a DIY business from their home and garage in Oakland, Calif. Did you meet someone special at a Maker Faire? We'd like to hear your story! Email editor@makezine.com. Expand your own social circle by going to Maker Faire Bay Area this year (May 18-19) and meeting some interesting new friends. You can buy your Early Bird tickets today! (BONUS DEAL: Subscribe to MAKE magazine and get 1 ticket to Maker Faire Bay Area, all for $35!)


Introducing The Maker Pro Newsletter

From the editors of MAKE, the Maker Pro Newsletter will focus on makers in business. Bi-weekly coverage will include news of hardware startups, new products, incubators, innovators, and maker market trends. Sign up today and get a PDF of the MAKE 2013 Purchase Intentions & Attitudes Study.


MAKE Daily Themes

This year on the MAKE site, each weekday we have in-depth content on the topics important to makers: The Monday Jolt (microcontrollers and electronics), Toolsday (stories and reviews about tools), Workshop Wednesday (traditional shop crafts), 3D Thursday (3D scanning, printing, machining, and design), and Family Friday (projects and inspiration for parents and kids). Pictured above: 17-year-old Easton LaChappelle created a 3D printed robotic prosthetic arm, controlled by brainwaves. Read the article!