Succulent Planter Made From A Wooden Carpenter’s Toolbox
I’ve had a countertop of succulents that needed a permanent home for some time now, and had been hoping to put them in a wooden box with rustic charm. Last weekend I stopped at my local Orchard Supply for supplies and saw a cheap…
Six of the Geekiest RC Quadrotor and Flying Designs: “Back to the Future” Flying DeLorean, X-Wing Fighter, and More
RC quadrotors (or quadcopters) have so much awesome potential because they are basically stable, powerful floating platforms, capable of a variety flight-enabled projects. You can mount a camera on one to capture amazing aerial video, or create a menacing autonomous surveillance system. Or —…
Q&A With Joey Hudy, 14 Year Old Maker of the White House Marshmallow Cannon
14 year old Joe Hudy has been having fun. From promoting science at Maker Faires to shooting marshmallows with the President at the White House, he’s the embodiment of STEM education effectively motivating a new generation about science and engineering, while showing how it…
Discovery channel casting for new show “Top Engineer”
For you engineers, tinkerers and makers with reality TV dreams — you’ve got until March 7th to submit yourself for a new Discovery show being produced by Pilgrim Studios — the company that makes Dirty Jobs, American Choppers, and Ghost Hunters (among many others)….
“Sold,” a gripping short film about the illegal sex trade, and a look at filmmaker John Irwin’s indie/DIY film technique
https://www.youtube.com/watch/v=VKk6kGKtfD4 John Irwin is a writer/director acquaintance who’s making some kickass projects. Commercial work, music video, short film — and all with impressive results. John recently showed me his short “Sold,” a very intense piece about the horrific world of human trafficking. Very well…
Build Your Own White House Science Fair Marshmallow Cannon
Earlier this month, The White House hosted their second science fair, bringing innovating kids together from around the country to show off impressive creations and contraptions. A standout moment of the event occurred when President Obama spotted a peculiar looking device, and asked its…
How to Make Your Own Chalkboard Paint With Stuff You Probably Already Have
If you like DIY projects like this, make sure to follow me on Twitter. Chalkboard paint is a fun way to customize a space with the option of ever-changing designs that are only limited the color chalk you have. You can buy chalkboard paint at many…
Skate Ramp Tips from the King of Built to Shred
Skate ramps are one of the most awesome expressions of DIY individuality, and I post regularly about them — check out my roundup of online ramp plans among others. Thanks to my pals at diy website Built By Kids, one of the masters of skate ramp building,…
Reshaping An Old Surfboard Into New
Hilo surfer/shaper Robert Patterson gives a 80’s relic an extreme makeover, changing the game and breathing new life into an old friend. https://vimeo.com/24540389 7’5 to 5’5 Welcome to the bonus round… Great concept: take an old surfboard, peel the fiberglass off, reshape it and…
Free Workbench Plans – The $175 Homemade Workbench
Need a workbench for your shop, something solid that will likely last longer than you will? Something you can do serious woodworking on? Mount a vice? Build shelves and cabinets and a crib for the new baby? Well, be prepared to plunk down a…
Hi, I'm Mike. I’m the executive editor of Make: magazine, and host of Discovery channel’s Punkin' Chunkin' and Catch It Keep It, TV shows where I build and explain crazy machines that crush stuff, blow things up, shoot fire, all in the name of science.
I've previously worked at Wired and ReadyMade magazines, writing about how to utilize new technology in our everyday lives.
This site is where I keep a list of instructions for fun projects I've done, am working on, or draw inspiration from. I encourage everyone to get involved — get up and do something!