LIHUE — Teens are learning to make things this summer at the Lihue Public Library. Victoria Lam, the acting Young People’s librarian, is enthusiastic about the Teen Maker’s Club, a part of the library’s summer reading program, which attracted a
LIHUE — Teens are learning to make things this summer at the Lihue Public Library.
Victoria Lam, the acting Young People’s librarian, is enthusiastic about the Teen Maker’s Club, a part of the library’s summer reading program, which attracted a good-sized audience last week.
“This is bigger than our other gatherings,” Lam said. “The idea behind our Maker Space or Club is to provide a space for teens to create and collaborate with their peers. It also gives them an opportunity to learn new skills.”
Carl Lozar, president of Kauai Makerspace, was the guest demonstrator Wednesday afternoon, and explained to the teens how to start with a two-dimensional template printed out on a computer printer, and end up with a three-dimensional final product.
Lozar was joined by fellow Makers Rich O’Reilly, who brought a variety of items created using a 3D printer, and Joe Thomson, whose prosthetic hand pre-dates the popularity of 3D printers, but was created using 3D printers.
“This is created using seamanship techniques and principles,” Thomson said. “When I lost my arm, I thought about those principles and designed this. I give the piece to Rich who will scan it and print it on a 3D printer. Then, I modify and adapt it with clay and re-scan and print.”
Camryn Calderon was one of the students curious about the new craft.
“I have my ears above my eyebrows because I can move them,” she said. “I help at the Critter Camp because I’m not a real volunteer, yet. I volunteer during the weekend when school is in session. I only help at the Critter Camp. I’m going to work to become a volunteer.”
She was interested in a face-sized paper mask of a cat which can either be used, or hung as a wall piece.
Lozar was leading a discussion on Pepekura, or 3D paper-based projects, using 2D templates to create 3D forms.
“He uses photo paper because it’s a higher grade and heavier stock,” O’Reilly said. “This way, the final product is easier to work with and is more durable.”
Fareez Bi was attracted to a multi-paged Ironman mask.
“There was a guy on the Internet who worked on this,” Lozar said. “He spent more than 170 hours to create it. There are some elaborate set ups. The Ironman can be downloaded as a full outfit, but look at how many hours you would spend on it.”
Lam said the Teen Maker’s Club will continue to meet each Wednesday at 4 p.m., through July 13.
For more information on the Teen Maker’s Club, or to see the variety of items created using a 3D printer, visit the Lihue Public Library.
