Freiburg Maker Educator Meetup (Recycle)

Last week educator Julia Kreß and I hosted the second Freiburg Maker Educator Meetup (MEM), a chance for local artists, teachers and tinkerers to come together and share ideas, give updates and try out playful experiences together.

Each session we’re planning to have a different theme and convene at a different location around the city. For our March meet-up we got together at the new Haslach neighborhood branch of the city library (stadtbibliothek) with the theme of recycling. We had about a dozen participants from schools, libraries, museums, the local university and afterschool programs. Local maker and entrepreneur Barbara Ibo of the Upcyling WERTstatt here in Freiburg.

After some quick introductions and sharing out favorite recycled materials for tinkering, Barbara did a quick show and tell of the wonderful projects that she creates our of recycled materials. She has done a deep dive on the possibilities of making with discarded bike inner tubes and creates wallets, phone cases, small bags, belts and more. She also uses the plastic liner of bike rims, tubing from medical plants and all sorts of other interesting materials in her artistic products. As well she hosts learners at her cozy workshop and has developed ways to make the process more accessible.

After that presentation we got hands on with two explorations that use recycled materials in unexpected ways. I shared the roly poly roller project that I built using all discarded and “zu vershenken” elements from the street.

We also had the chance to test out a version of Radames Ajna’s AI shapeshifter which blends physical construction with AI image generation. Recycled materials like egg cartons, yogurt containers and used bubble wrap make really interesting results with the program.

At the end of the session the group couldn’t stop playing, talking and making connections between maker projects. I think that’s the best sign that the event turned into an open bazaar of materials, activities and conversations which hopefully will lead to new collaborations and inspirations. Our next meet up will take place on July 2nd at the University of Freiburg. Stay tuned for the event page and theme announcement coming soon!