How to DIY with Bob Clagett from I Like To Make Stuff
We’re stoked to have Bob Clagett on board to curate our upcoming Maker Box! If you haven’t heard of Bob yet, he’s the guy behind the popular DIY site, I Like To Make Stuff.
Hi Bob! We are so excited to chat with you and have you curate the next Maker Box! First things first, could you tell our subscribers a little bit more about yourself and how “I Like to Make Stuff” got its start?
Thanks! I’m so glad to be able to work with Quarterly on this! I Like To Make Stuff started as a way for me to have some time in my workshop, as a way to get back to that. I was working in software development, and with four young kids my time was stretched thin. As I spent more time in the shop, I remembered how much I loved making things and teaching. After doing it as a hobby for a couple of years, I decided to leave software and do ILTMS full time! Now I get to make stuff for a living and make videos about all of the projects!
That’s awesome, we’re kind of jealous! What’s the first thing you ever made?
Honestly, I don’t remember, but it was probably something out of Lego :) Growing up, I made all sorts of stuff from found materials. I made lots of skateboard ramps, costumes, you name it.
Very cool. So, what has been the thought process behind curating your Maker Box?
I really wanted some things that would easily take someone into a new skillset with no prior knowledge, and I wanted things that were fairly self contained. No electronics experience? Let’s find a self contained project that will get you started! (Also, I just picked things that I personally would enjoy).
Fun! We can’t wait to see what’s included! Have you ever had a DIY project go horribly wrong?
Constantly! I run into some sort of problem on almost every project I make, but the difference between a problem and failure is just perseverance. Every problem has a solution although sometimes that may mean rethinking your end goal. To me, problems end up being some of the best learning experiences you’ll have.
That’s so reassuring to hear. Do you have any other advice for those just starting to make?
Usually I recommend that people first find a need. Start with a problem to be solved, or a need to be filled. Solutions without a problem aren’t really very helpful, but if you know that you need a ____, you’ll be pretty motivated to learn what you need to know to make that ____.
That totally makes sense. Now a couple of fun questions that we ask all of our curators. What’s the best thing you’ve ever gotten in the mail?
Just today I got two notes from people who have gotten back into their workshops and have started making videos. I get those on a kind of regular basis, and it’s amazing to hear someone’s story and to learn that I had even a small part in inspiring them to start making things again!!
Amazing! What’s your longest running subscription?
Make Magazine! I’ve been a subscriber since about issue #4!
Of course, we should have guessed! Thanks so much for chatting with us, we’re so looking forward to your take on our Maker Box, shipping out in May.
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