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Wendy and the Rockers : Wendy Wimberley (back), Andrew Beavon, Rory Wimberley and David Beavon. -
Mpumelelo Mfula gets busy -
Stephanie Lesabe welding
WORDS Lisa Johnston
“If you want a job done right, do it yourself” is an adage that art, design and DIY professionals, enthusiasts and wannabes can take to heart, with the introduction of a new makers’ space in Randburg, Johannesburg.
Tool Share Studio takes its cue from the international trend of repurposing and upcycling unwanted stuff, by providing a work space that allows anyone with ideas (but perhaps not the expertise or tools) to come together to hammer, drill, saw and stitch together prototypes and finished products.
The idea is that by hiring a work bench – and making use of the broad range of hand and power tools – aspiring creators can “learn as they make” by drawing on the knowledge and experiences of others in the studio. There are even regular workshops to get the creative juices flowing.
If, however, you aren’t inclined to do it yourself, you can enlist the services of any of the small businesses in the Tool Share incubator to make your product for you.
The creative minds behind the studio – Megan Kirchhoff, Mankwe Maesela and Paul Mackenzie – aim to encourage the environmentally sound and cost-effective practice of making use of “waste” materials to construct new items. And with everything from table saws, lathes, soldering irons and sewing machines available, the only limit is your imagination.
The Third Industrial Revolution
Want to make a poppy-shaped lampshade? Or a neon bracelet, folding solar panel or sunrise alarm clock? The “interwebz” has all the answers. Websites such as instructables.com provide a hub for idea-sharing where individuals can upload “how-to” guides of things they have made. Even VISI has try-it-at-home decor guides such as the recent series by Misi Overturf.
The range is inspiring and, at times, foolish, but that the site even exists exemplifies what is being coined the “Third Industrial Revolution”. The idea is that through technology and idea- and tool-sharing, individuals can take ownership of what they need and make it themselves, thereby turning the tide on mass production and putting power firmly in the hands of the people.
011 791 7790, megan@toolshare.co.za, toolshare.co.za
