laser cutting | an Art School Dropout's life

A few months back I made these laser cut looms for my Girl Scout troop so we could all learn to weave! The girl absolutely loved them.

I had posted about them on social media, as I usually do, and I received A LOT of comments asking when I would sell them. I was currently swamped with freelance work and knew I couldn’t handle the orders. So I held off.

Well, fast forward to a week or so ago, and a few friends kindly asked if I would make their shop/kid/them a loom or twelve. I said yes, and then decided to just add them to the shop!

Which brings us to today! They are now available in the shop in two sizes, with more to come and can be customized with a name or saying of you choice!

I am absolutely loving the process of making these and hope to continue for awhile.

You can find the above looms, plus other weaving tools in the shop!

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As the title says, I joined a makerspace. Specifically the Makersmiths in Leesburg, VA.

It’s been my dream to own a laser cutter and 3D printer all my own, but the universe (and my neighborhood HOA) has other ideas. So I found a place where I can use both pieces of equipment and more.

I have been spending every Tuesday, Thursday and sometimes other nights at the space learning and experimenting. I have never been happier.

I grew up surrounded by wood shops and metal shops.

My grandfather owns a HVAC company with its own CNC machine that makes the ducts. I was fascinated with it from first sight. I worked for him when I was a teenager in the office and I would sometimes head out back to watch the machines.

My mom always had a wood shop in every house we lived in. Sometimes in the garage, sometimes the shed out back and mostly in the basement. She would make super cute decorations that she sold at craft shows. I almost always helped in someway or another.

I also spent a lot of time at my grandmothers house where I was taught to use a scroll saw and sander. She is also the person who taught me how to sew, which i will forever be grateful for.

I continued adding to my childhood skills by taking mechanical and architectural drawing in school, as well as woodworking almost every year.

I just love creating with my hands.

So when I found this space that had every piece of equipment I was comfortable with and more, I had to join. I took every training needed to be able to use the laser cutter and 3D printer right away, and I am currently taking CAD classes to up my 3D printing skills.

It is taking away from my time behind the sewing machine, but it’s adding to my happiness which is what truly matters most. Plus I have always been good at mixing mediums…