Props, Packing Tape, and Pretty.

Five links that have come across my radar recently:

• I adore props recreation. This is a documentation of an amazing builder as he makes (with custom fabrication of parts!) a copy of Luke’s lightsaber from “A New Hope”. The attention to detail is incredible. It makes me really, really, wish I had a good metal shop, a lathe, and a way to create in brass things with custom threading, like bolts and screws.

• Another props page, this time exploring the wonders of MDF. Someone has made an M8 Avenger Assault Rifle from the video game Mass Effect using mostly stuff accrued from around his/her shop. It’s gorgeous. And makes me want to go out and make something with carved MDF.

• Here we have something actually doable for the average creator. Learn to make a stand-alone (read: not plugged into the wall) nightlight with a chosen constellation in it. If you’ve ever wanted an intro project to get going in the wacky world of LEDs or working with resin, this might be a great one. I think it might make a good holiday present, too.

• On the supplies front, check out Tapeswell’s awesome decorative packing tape. I’d love to have a field day decorating stuff with that. The site also sells cool mailing labels, too.

• And last but not least, some pretty. Check out the “Lowbrow Tarot”, an artistic collaboration of 22 gorgeous and eclectically-styled images. Whatever you think about tarot itself, you have to admit that these images are beautiful to look at, rich, and often a bit dark.

Got any cool links to share with the class? Things to make, buy, or be inspired by?