openMaterials

Some things are so simple we don’t even think about writing them down. We assume everyone knows them. Well, that may often be true, but not always. The materials 101 series is our attempt at systematizing, through a series of thematic blog posts, some basic materials-related knowledge that is ‘out there.’ The series will thus provide [...]

Sparkle Labs just announced their new business card micro kits: a paper base with embedded LEDs that light up in the dark. Check out their site for more photos and PDF instructions. We love paper circuits - please keep them coming :)

Teaching Resources at Middlesex University (MUTR) is a UK-based online store with a mission to support technology teachers. They provide wonderful materials at affordable prices: from expancel, carbon nanotubes, SMAs, SMPs, photochromic and thermocromic materials, paper-making sets, to motors, solar panels, electronic components, as well as traditional materials such as paper, wood, and metal - [...]

Papercrete is a construction material made from waste paper, for affordable, sustainable housing. The name implies a mix of paper and concrete, hence paper-crete. Papercrete can be mixed in many ways. Paper is principally wood cellulose, which is considered a fibrous material. Cellulose is the second most abundant material on earth after rock, and is [...]

Video of ‘Computational Sketch’, made with electronics, paper, conductive paint, magnetic paint, and magnets by Leah Buechley.

For the last couple of years a colleague of mine Ken Gregory has been researching kites as sound instruments. What he has produced is an Aeolian Kite, the kite functions similarly to an Aeolian Harp or wind harp. Rather than having stretched strings vibrated by the blowing wind to produce sound, the sound is produced [...]