Wired for Creativity

Ari Graham

Inside the walls of Makers House, academic pressure pauses and creativity flows. The space is open to all student bodyevery day, serving as a safe place for students looking to slow down, take a break, and exercise their creative abilities. Crafts that allow students to work with their hands and create something tangible outside of memorizing new concepts in a classroom. 

Makers House hosted a Wire Jewelry Making night on Sept. 9. The idea came from the students of the Makers community. 

Cece Hetzel (C’28) manager of the ceramic studio said at Makers House, we do open forums, and brainstorm ideas for workshops. She spoke highly of students who participate and create good handmade things, especially with wire. One of the students mentioned she wanted to make something more than a basic friendship bracelet. Members worked to set a date and gather materials in preparation for this event. 

For many students, this event introduced a new skill. Working with medium wire, wire cutters and charms requires more technique than normal string and bead bracelet making.

“Growing up, you do it with beads and string, but the wire is completely different,” said Isabella Hernandez. She is a sophomore and a member of Makers House. She stated that students learn to make jewelry with wire on their own under 30minutes while others buy the same product for $12 at a store. 

Beyond learning a new skill, students had the chance to create something beautiful. While some chose necklaces or anklets for themselves, others created gifts for friends, family members and loved ones. 

The event highlighted the role Makers House plays at the Mount. It provides a creative, low-pressure environment for students of all majors--whether enrolled in the one-credit Maker Lab practicum course or just doing arts and crafts for fun. Students have 24-hour building access, weekly community hangouts or just participating in an organized event.

Bella Duncan (C'30) said that Makers House is important because students get to meet new people that they would notnormally meet in class. 

“I have a very demanding workload as a double major in political science and philosophy,” said Kimberly Hernandez (C'29). For Hernandez, the place is a safe space where she can be herself, relax and enjoy herself. “It is a beautiful thing,” sheadded. For her, the value of Makers House goes beyond artistic techniques; it is a welcoming, warm, diverse and acceptingenvironment built on art.

Makers House is scheduled to host several more events throughout the month of September and warmly welcomes all students to make and create!