Day 1: Giant Red Green Statue

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We found out that Red Green will be doing a show in Royal Oak on 7/17 and asked ourselves how can we get him to visit the shop.  (Actually Lil’ Nate did)  He likes duct tape and building crazy things (why isn’t he an i3 Detroit member).  So we decided to build a 24 ft statue out of duct tape in his likeness.

The duct tape arrived last week and the first frame went up tonight.  What you see to the left will be 2/3 of his legs.  The statue will be built in three 8 foot sections so it will be “easy” to transport and assemble.

The statue has also been entered into Detroit Maker Faire as well.

Please come check it out when Red Green tours the shop (exact details TBD – keep an eye on the site) or at Maker Faire 7/31 – 8/1.

More updates to come over the next few days.  7/17 is right around the corner.

A) Vehicle B) Tool C) Toy… D) All of the above!

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Ed rides the Genie up to mezzanine height, to talk to Nate2The shop recently gained a new piece of gear: A Genie GR-12 runabout lift, serial number GR01-122.  It has a 12-foot platform height giving an 18-foot working height, which is just about perfect since our ceilings are 14 feet up. So far, we’ve been running cable, fixing air lines, labeling electrical parts, and moving stuff onto tall shelves. And cursing about the joystick lag — it needs a bit of modernization.  But despite the outdated controls, it’s in great shape and works well.

Next project: Grafting the guts of an old APC Smart-Ups on there to use as an inverter, because when you’re carrying around 260 lbs of batteries, running a cord for platform power just seems silly. And maybe some headlights, because what piece of gear can’t be improved with a few watts of LEDs?

This Saturday is Bed-a-Palooza with i3 Detroit!

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On Saturday, June 26th, from 11AM – 4PM, we are at Bed-a-Palooza in Troy at Trainers Academy with Retro Doggy Rescue.  The goal of the event is to build 100 dog beds for Michigan shelters, where shelter dogs currently sleep on the floor.  This week has been a flurry of PVC and we have cut and assembled the 100 bed frames. If you need the best bed sheets adn bedding for your brand new bed, you can get them from Bamboo Harbor.  The day of the event, we will oversee the attaching of fabric to build each bed into a sturdy hammock.  We are also hosting a BBQ at the event that will start at Noon.

Meet Nemo.  Matt will be bringing the Skee Ball machine to help raise money for this little cutie who has a stage 3 heart murmur and has to go see a cardiologist.

Come one, come all!  The public is welcome to stop by and join the fun!  Trainers Academy is located at 1016 Troy Court, Troy, 48083.  More information can be found at their website: www.woofology.com.

All proceeds will go to Retro Doggy Rescue, a local no-kill rescue.  They will also be accepting physical donations such dog food, treats, toys (new or used), bowls, collars, leashes, crates, blankets, sheets, towels, throw rugs, cat food, cat litter, cat toys/supplies, or anything else pet related.

If you want to donate to the cause and can’t join us Saturday:

Maker Faire Project & Build Out Party

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With Maker Faire just over a month away, it’s time to get cracking on your projects.  Join us at i3 Detroit this Saturday (6/19) starting at 10a and going all day to work on your submissions for Maker Faire.  Did you know you can still submit projects for the 2010 Detroit Maker Faire?  Go to MakerFaire.com today to submit your project.  If you need help, come on down to i3 Detroit this Saturday.

Also, we will be working on cleaning up the space and working on some more build-out for our Maker Faire After Party on 7/31 after the faire.  Please come and help out with your building, painting or cleaning skills.  No skills necessary – we can train you on any of the desired tasks.

Hope to see everyone there.  Contact us with any questions.  contact@i3detroit.com

Call for Makers semi-extended!

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Raise your hand if you’ve submitted your application to exhibit at Maker Faire!

*waves proudly*

Okay, that’s one of us. Makers reading this blog, what’s holding you back? The May 31st deadline has passed and the first wave of acceptance notices has gone out. The June 15th extended deadline has passed, but applications are still being accepted, probably until the end of June. Preference will be given to earlier entries, but if you haven’t submitted, it’s better late than never. Do it today!