Welcome to A Maker's Life
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A Maker’s Life: Authentic Makerspaces is a reflective journal and workbook that blends the personal journey of a lifelong maker with a comprehensive guide to makerspace tools, projects, resources, and research. This book empowers readers to craft their own maker’s narrative while equipping them with the knowledge to build a makerspace of their own. Designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and hands-on exploration, this resource encourages experimentation and self-expression in ways never imagined. With engaging challenges and a focus on sparking inspiration, it provides a pathway for makers to share their passion and bring their ideas to life.
Being lifelong makers has not only ignited the authors’ own goals and passions but has also defined why creative makerspaces grow problem solving and critical thinking skills, provide self-expression opportunities and build a positive safe place of belonging. Through the reflective journal and workbook in this maker’s resource, hopefully its readers have been encouraged to gain a sense of clarity and purpose as a maker who may want to do the same for others in a makerspace.
Tim Gall, IN
As an elementary teacher, I absolutely loved this book and found it incredibly inspiring. It really highlights the power of creativity, hands-on learning, and the importance of giving kids opportunities to make and explore. The author’s journey—from childhood crafting to lifelong creating—reminds me a lot of what we try to encourage in our own classrooms: curiosity, problem-solving, and the confidence to try new things.
Heather Call, IN
I think this is a well thought out book. As a parent who has seen a makerspace at my child’s school, it is interesting to see all of the parts that go into planning one of these spaces, not just the machines like 3d printers. I think this book will not only be helpful to teachers and schools planning on having a makerspace, but also for those that homeschool their children. It gives direction how to better support students through learning while being creative and support to teachers that will be in charge of such areas.
Dakota Hartz, IN
A Maker's Life is an invaluable resource not only for educators but also for social workers and therapists. It offers a unique and essential perspective on self-expression, exploration and healing...Many of the projects and techniques presented can be adapted as therapeutic tools and dicussion topics!
Praises for A Maker's Life From Our Readers
One of our readers, Jeff, who is a passionate maker himself, loved seeing the author's narrative come to life in the pages of "A Maker's Life" which he found to be insightful, encouraging, and inspiring!
Our reader, Chad, said "Nash and Hudson absolutely crushed it with this makerspace workbook. This is exactly what my teachers at my school needed! Cannot wait to share!"
Melissa shared after reading "A Maker's Life" that this is such a wonderful resource for hands-on learning and so much more!
Meet Our Readers
Here are just a few of our readers! A Maker's Life has readers of all ages and backgrounds!
Upcoming Events
Join us at the following events to dive into the world of makerspaces and experiential learning. Connect with educators, makers, and enthusiasts as we explore the endless possibilities of hands-on education.
1st Maker Space Maker Manager Program- Session 1 (Closed Event)
June 16, 2025
1st Maker Space Maker Manager Program- Session 2 (Closed Event)
July 14, 2025
In-Person Workshop |
Coming Soon!
COMING SOON!
In-Person and Virtual Professional Development
Be sure to check our calendar page so you can register for a session about maker narratives and maker activities! Sign up yourself and bring along a friend or two for these exciting professional development opportunities!
Look for our A Maker's Life newsletter coming in August 2025!
THIS FALL LOOK FOR UPCOMING PODCASTS!
About the Authors
Dr. Marilyn Nash
Dr. Marilyn Nash is a retired educator after 48 years of teaching and youth work for all ages. She enjoys her life filled with art, painting, crocheting, reading, brick models, and crafting in her home makerspace. She also remains active as an Educational Consultant and speaker in promoting hands-on experiential learning opportunities. Dr. Marilyn Nash lives in northern Indiana.
Amber Hudson
Amber Hudson brings 20+ years of teaching experience and a passion for hands-on learning to her work. She creates engaging professional development nationwide, blending classroom expertise with innovative STEM education. Amber holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum Development from Anderson University. She enjoys traveling, repurposing furniture, and spending time with her husband, Chad, and their three children, Cooper, Cove, and Bella.
