Tinkerers take over at White House Maker Faire

Image: Atmel Corporation

DIY enthusiasts gathered at the White House today at President Obama’s invitation, showing off their work at the first-ever White House Maker Faire.

The president said he hopes to “inspire a new wave of innovation” generating new jobs and new industries to help rebuild America’s economy.

More than 100 makers from 25 states were confirmed to attend, including “extreme marshmallow cannon” maker Jody Hudy, Super-Awesome Sylvia, who participated in Boing Boing’s own Ford-sponsored automobile Hack Day.

Among the many Boing Boing friends participating, Tara Brown, of the family-friendly LA Makerspace, and our friends at Makerbot, who produced the 3D representation of the White House below.

3D printing firm MakerBot participated in the #NationofMakers and Day of Making in conjunction with the White House Maker Faire. This 3D printed model of the White House was created and 3D printed by the MakerBot Studio in-house design team.

Today’s event is part of the Obama administration’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.

From the Washington Post:

“Through the generations, American inventors have lit our homes, propelled humanity into the skies, and helped people across the planet connect at the click of a button. American manufacturers have never stopped chasing the next big breakthrough,” he said in a proclamation establishing June 18 as a National Day of Making, that he said would serve to “celebrate and carry forward this proud tradition.”