Kit Complexity: 2
(1=Easy, 5=Difficult) Is the kit easy, moderate, or challenging to build for its most likely target audience? Kits clearly aimed at children would, for example, be rated differently from microcontroller kits.
Fire Pit Kit
Blacksmith/sculptor Jon Sarriugarte of Form & Reform makes magical propane-powered fire pits. As he puts it, “Not only do they give off warmth but you can entertain your guest with drawings in the sand that burn where you draw!” You can buy one ready-made, or pick up one of his fire pit kits to make […]
ElectroPUFF Craft Lamp Dimmer Kit
This soft, whimsical pompom connects to any incandescent lamp and controls light levels with just a gentle tap. IFM’s patented electronic textiles are the magic behind it. Conductive yarns that sense your touch are combined with recycled carpet fibers to form the soft switch. This kit appeals to kids, grandmas, science geeks — anyone who enjoys crafts […]
Chofu Wood-Fired Hot Tub
The Chofu is a very simple, and very beautiful, DIY wood-fired hot tub heater. It looks like a potbellied stove with an Eastern aesthetic, and it comes from Japan. Any container that’ll hold water can be the hot tub (metal stock tanks are a great choice). The stove is connected to the tub by two […]
YurtDome Kits
I’ve thought of building a dome for years, and when I was looking for a quick and relatively inexpensive place to put my workshop for the winter, this kit from Shelter Systems seemed like just the ticket. Based in Santa Cruz, Calif., Shelter Systems is still using the same non-puncturing “grip clip” technology they used […]
