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confessions of a design geek
confessions of a design geek

Award-winning UK design blog established in 2010 to discover, champion and inspire new designers.

Tag: making

Confessions of a Design Geek

Blackburn to host the UK’s first National Festival of Making

Katie, November 14, 2016June 16, 2020

This article was published 10 years Developed by a new ‘Festival of Making’ community interest company – a collaboration between Lancashire-born designer, Wayne Hemingway, festival producers, Deco Publique, and creative place-making social enterprise, Placeshakers – the festival aims to celebrate and recognise the craft and ingenuity of a region where…

a day in the life

Maya Alvarado creates a new shelving system for local charity shop

Katie, June 13, 2016June 16, 2020

This article was published 10 years This week, Benchmark’s resident Fixpert, Maya Alvarado teams up with Benchmark’s cabinetmaker Max to fit the Red Cross fix, they bring pre-fabricated parts on site and prepare the new storage system ready for use… 09:00: It is Saturday morning, having collected the materials and tools…

a day in the life

Maya Alvarado prototypes new paddles

Katie, May 30, 2016June 16, 2020

This article was published 10 years 06:00: I wake up in Hungerford, and begin my day by researching existing paddles. Today I will prepare some different versions for Heidi to test out at the next canoe training session. I get ready and leave for work. 07:30: When I arrive at…

a day in the life

Maya Alvarado runs fixing workshop for Two Saints

Katie, May 23, 2016June 16, 2020

This article was published 10 years This week, Benchmark’s resident Fixpert, Maya Alvarado tests out a new handle for Sean Sutcliffe’s portable samples case, collects scrap material and charity shop finds, and leads the second workshop for local homeless charity Two Saints. 06:00: I wake up in Hungerford and get…

a day in the life

Maya Alvarado prepares for Red Cross charity shop fix

Katie, May 16, 2016June 16, 2020

This article was published 10 years This week, Benchmark’s resident Fixpert, Maya Alvarado, learns about ordering materials in the workshop, prepares wood in the mill and makes the final Red Cross charity shop fix… 06:00: I wake up in Hungerford and get ready for work. 07:00: I start the day…

a day in the life

Fixperts Resident makes remote fixes through social media

Katie, May 9, 2016June 16, 2020

This article was published 10 years This week, Benchmark’s resident Fixpert, Maya Alvarado transforms nutcrackers into bleach bottle openers, finalises two pairs of adapted nail clippers for limited hand dexterity, and makes a plastic art tray test for a young woman with autism… 05:55: I wake up and get ready for…

a day in the life

Maya Alvarado learns about the risky, the worthwhile and the possible

Katie, April 25, 2016June 16, 2020

This article was published 10 years This week, Benchmark’s resident Fixpert, Maya Alvarado visits the Dingley centre to meet an occupational therapist to get feedback on some of her ideas, and makes Heidi a playing cards tray… 07:00: I wake up in Hungerford and gather my camera, measuring equipment and sketchbook. 07:30:…

a day in the life

Maya Alvarado has a day of testing with Fix Partners

Katie, April 18, 2016June 16, 2020

This article was published 10 years This week, Benchmark’s resident Fixpert, Maya Alvarado builds an art tray prototype for Fix Partner Philly’s wheelchair, visits new week-old twins, and delivers a resonance board to the Dingley Centre… 06:20: I wake up and get ready for work. I have some Swedish ‘quilted…

a day in the life

Fixperts resident helps the homeless make things with Benchmark offcuts

Katie, April 11, 2016June 16, 2020

This article was published 10 years This week, Benchmark’s resident Fixpert, Maya Alvarado gathers oak offcuts, packs up tools and materials and leads a making workshop for residents at local housing charity Two Saints’ hostel… 06:20: I wake up and ensure that my camera batteries are charged, as today my…

a day in the life

Benchmarks’ resident Fixpert Maya Alvarado designs ‘wearable toothbrushes’

Katie, April 4, 2016June 16, 2020

This article was published 10 years This week, British Furniture Manufacturer Benchmark’s resident Fixpert, Maya Alvarado delivers the second sofa fix to The Dingley Centre, puts up a new coat hook for their staff and designs some alternative toothbrushes… 06:20: I wake up in Hungerford and get my things ready for…

a day in the life

Team Benchmark go on a canoeing day trip with Heidi and her family

Katie, March 21, 2016June 16, 2020

This article was published 10 years This week, Benchmark’s resident Fixpert, Maya Alvarado heads out with Kevin, Mike, Colin and Danny from the Benchmark team on a canoe day with Heidi and her family… 05:30: It’s Saturday. I wake up very early at my parents’ house in North London to…

a day in the life

Maya Alvarado adapts a sofa to make it safer for children with special needs

Katie, March 14, 2016June 16, 2020

This article was published 10 years This week, Benchmark’s resident Fixpert, Maya Alvarado visits The Dingley Early Years Centre, finds some seats to fix and starts the refurbishment of a small sofa… 06:20: I wake up and get ready for work. Today I’m looking forward to visiting the Dingley Centre,…

a day in the life

Maya Alvarado meets a new Fix Partner and prototypes paddles

Katie, March 7, 2016June 16, 2020

This article was published 10 years This week, Benchmark‘s resident Fixpert, Maya Alvarado visits Fix Partner Anne at the Red Cross Charity Shop, seeks out potential fixes and makes paddle prototypes for canoe trip with Heidi… 07:30: I wake up and get ready to go and meet my new Fix…

a day in the life

Maya Alvarado visits libraries, garages and carehomes in search of new Fix Partners

Katie, February 29, 2016June 16, 2020

This article was published 10 years This week, Benchmark‘s resident Fixpert, Maya Alvarado goes on a search for new Fix Partners. She visits local clubs and businesses in Hungerford, finds out about an excellent use of a Tuk Tuk and considers the best material for a dog friendly boat plank……

Confessions of a Design Geek

feature :: making the invisible store of happiness

Katie, May 6, 2015June 16, 2020

This article was published 11 years This is the third essay in a series of four about the behind the scenes process leading up to the installation of The Invisible Store of Happiness in Saint John’s Arch during Clerkenwell Design Week. This one is entitled Making… They say it takes…

Confessions of a Design Geek

out and about :: pick me up at somerset house

Katie, May 4, 2010June 16, 2020

Pick Me Up at Somerset House smelt of paper and ink and making things, which is always a good start!

Confessions of a Design Geek

out and about :: campana brothers

Katie, April 30, 2010June 16, 2020

The Design Museum Camapana Bothers talk was a fascinating insight into Brazillian culture and the Campana brothers’ design process.

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