Component Quality: 5
(5=Highest quality) How nice are the components in terms of materials, design, fit, and other qualities? Well-made circuit boards, computer-cut plastic and metal parts, and other precision components add to the experience.
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 […]
Edo-Style Clock
I had a great time building the Edo-Style clock kit from Gakken, and was amazed at its accuracy over several months of use. The kit is well designed, durable, and fun. The included picture-based directions are easy to follow, even if you don’t know Japanese, but if you plan to make one, you can also refer […]
IN12 6 Tube Nixie Clock Kit
Nixie tubes, beautiful relics of early computing, display their numerals with a quivery orange glow. Peter J. Jensen makes Nixie tube clock kits, and it was a joy to put one of them together, thanks to the clear step-by-step instructions and parts envelopes labeled with corresponding numbers. Jensen designed the clock and circuit board himself, […]
Defusable Clock
This fully functional alarm clock lets you practice defusing simulated explosives. When the red button is pressed, the clock starts a scary countdown like bombs in Hollywood movies. There are four wires across the top of the clock, and you have ten seconds to choose the correct wire to cut. Programmed with the Arduino IDE, so […]
Finger Magic Origami Kits
Origami kits always intrigue me, but after folding a few animals I wonder what it’s all for. So when I discovered Finger Magic, I thought, origami with a purpose! Not only do the kits teach fresh origami like Small World-style elephants, 3D tulips, and butterflies, but some kits come with greeting cards and envelopes. Just attach […]
Hot Laminator Kit
I save recipes on cards and always get bits of food or water on them, but laminating them with this hot laminator kit makes wiping them off a breeze. Use it for scrapbooking or for special photos you want to protect, or make your own laminated crafts such as luggage tags, signs, and more. Any crafter […]
Sashiko Daisies
Sashiko embroidery is a Japanese needle-art that can be both meditative and addictive. Colors are worked into the design by making “little stabs” along the printed lines, creating a surprisingly complex final piece. Once complete, the ink washes out, leaving only your perfect sewing. TaDaa provides beautiful thread, sashiko needles, a leather thimble, and a […]
Soft Circuit Sewing Kit
An introduction to sewing with soft circuits, this fantastic kit teaches you how to augment your garments or needlework with LEDs. There’s a free video tutorial as well as step-by-step instructions, and the kit includes everything you need to get started; Jawa doll not included!
Pottery Kick Wheel Wood and Metal Parts Kits
A friend and I tried to build a pottery kick wheel ourselves, but the concrete flywheel we poured cracked immediately, rendering the wheel a bit wobbly. Fortunately I later discovered these two kits, which include everything you need to make a solid kick wheel, including the wheel head, ball bearings, and all the pre-cut wood. And […]
Make Your Own Cat Puppet
Starting with the basic sock-style, this kit empowers kids to create handsome puppets and teaches different construction methods. With simple instructions, pre-marked patterns, pre-sewn parts to stuff, and packaging that becomes a stage, this kit is only two hours from coming to life. The hardest part is waiting for the glue to dry, but that’s the […]
