Projects/Updates

This is where we will list all the cool projects taking place at the Makerspace, our collaborations with other local businesses and our work with area schools. Have an idea of a project or business you want to start – contact us to make your ideas come to life.

Driftless MakerSpace Community report through Oct 15th

The Expo was very well attended with about 100 attendees and contributors. Thanks again to the contributors for showing such a breadth and depth of “maker” skills.

Sawdust makin’ donation Thanks Brian Conley for the very generous donation!

Here’s the goodies that are now resources for the Driftless MakerSpace:

And if you don’t know what some of these tools are, be sure to join us in the near future to learn about them and put them to use.

Out initial Driftless MakerSpace workshop was lightly attended but a very good time. We covered Astrophotography and night photography in the light of the full moon.

The Driftless MakerSpace workshop on Wet Felting was well attended and folks had a great time (we even got some timelapse photos showing the creating process.

There’s lots more to report but there’s lots more to do, so I’ll go do now.

Driftless MakerSpace Community report through August 2025

Working together we have some progress to share:

We’ve received more in-kind donations (thanks Tina!)
Great turnout to do a big clean of the space, pressure wash, squeegee, mop, scrape, windows, …  (Thanks Noah, Matthew, Jonathan, Dave, Mark, Lincoln, and Gary)
Newspaper article in the Crawford Independent (inspired by everyone’s work and enthusiasm)  https://www.swnews4u.com/local/organizations/driftless-makerspace-gets-underway/
Driftlessmaker.org website continues to improve (thanks Linda!!)  Our charter is published here, https://driftlessmaker.org/about/
We can receive mail: Driftless Makerspace PO Box 11 Seneca WI 54626 (needs changed on website)
Registered as a corporation with the state of Wisconsin, established a tax ID with the Fed’s, opened a bank account with People’s State Bank.  
Making fiscal agent arrangements (so we can accept tax deductible donations).
Contracted with Wendy to support workshop coordination/communications as her schedule allows.
Numerous meetings of the Officers (Kate, John, and Andy)
Met with Kent to coordinate with “Fix-It Folks” of Viroqua, https://www.facebook.com/groups/776469403712103/
Logo work continues with several iterations
Visited https://www.cedarvalleymakers.org/resource-center and spoke at length with Mike Hoffman.  He shared numerous resources, including that they insure through WestBend and that we could replicate their arrangement as it suits us.
They’ve been operating for 10 years, have a very low monthly membership of $40/month, and all volunteer staff.  Lot’s of success and lessons learned to share, we just need to ask.
Inspired by a visit to the John Deere Engine and Tractor Museum; approaching 200 years of innovation and learning how to provide value.  One idea that sprung from this: Members get an embossable notebook, branded with DMS and their Name.  The member will participate in the process of tailoring the book (alter the digital file with their name, placing the book in the machine, …)  Students will be able to use their notebook entries for school credits in various classes, as well as have it as part of their student portfolio for education and employment applications.  Mentors will be encouraged to review and document constructive feedback, as well as recommendations.
Attended the first day of the Crawford County Fair, and had some inspiring discussions with 4H, The American Legion, and others.
Met with folks interested in setting up a coffee/drink area as part of the Driftless MakerSpace, and we are crafting an agreement so that all parties (and the community) are successful.
Intend to support an after school student robotics program at Seneca School.

Future “Driftless MakerSpace Community Reports” will include input from the numerous volunteers/members/supporters of the community.  Folks far and wide are doing good stuff, so stay tuned!

Thank you for supporting our community!

Driftless MakerSpace
driftlessmaker.org