Make South Bend

Love the look and feel of this quaint shop. And don’t let its size dissuade you — Make South Bend has several finds that will turn your head (and likely open your wallet).
I got to visit Make South Bend during one of its Makers Markets, which meant that I got to chat with some makers along with shopping.
In particular, I chatted with an awesome jewelry maker. I wish I remembered her name. I bought two hammered copper necklaces from her — two for $ 20 was a deal I couldn’t pass up – and she seemed so excited to be there and talk about her craft.
Make hosted a soap maker, other jewelers and some paper goods from what I can remember.
And the display at the front of the store really drew me in. There were a few T-​shirts and tank tops that I wanted so much to take home with me. Alas, they were only available in small and 2X. I definitely plan to peak in on my next South Bend visit and see if they have more available.
Make also hosts classes. If I lived in Michiana, I would definitely take advantage of these. Melton crayon art, pine cone projects, wreath making, screenprinting, laser cutting Star Wars ornaments — I so want in!
And as I told the owner, I love that she focuses on the crafts part of making, as well as more technical aspects, like laser cutting and Arduino programming. So many makerspaces only showcase technical arts; Make has a more well-​rounded vision.
South Bend peeps, find your inner creative at Make!

I have taken one class at Make SB and really enjoyed it. I took an oil painting class – painting clouds. In the past I had taken one U can Paint 2 class, and I enjoyed Make South Bend’s class a lot more. In the class I was given paints and a canvas and a few pictures of clouds for inspiration. I feel like I was allowed and encouraged to experiment with the medium, not made to be a part of the «Henry Ford» approach to what can hardly, really, be called art that is taking over so much of the pseudo-​crafting, for profit enterprises out there. At Make South Bend I got instruction in oils as well as a relaxing evening with friends.
I don’t think MSB’s one night classes are a substitute for actual art classes in which you learn and grow gradually, but for someone who isn’t sure about making the time or cost commitment to, say, the SB museum’s class series, this is an excellent introduction.

I stopped in yesterday and made a very cute birds nest ring from beads and copper wire. Michelle is super-​nice, and she gives you plenty of direction without hovering too close while you work. They have a lot going on! If you loved ceramics in college and you’ve been wishing for a place where you could do it again, check it out!