Christmas Library 2022: The ToyMaker's Space, A Creative Idea For Ministry

Image by James R. Stewart  Jr., c. 2013

 

When I was a working on my MLIS degree, I was enrolled in a Learning and Makerspace class. During this course I developed a marketing plan for what I hope to one day be a fun ministerial collaborative project for crafters and toymakers. The "Toy Maker's Space" is a concept for a Christmas season based makerspace, with missionary potential.  This makerspace would be set up annually in libraries, churches and other community locations for groups of people to create toys, gifts, food packages, cards, ornaments and so much more for the less fortunate.

A Makerspace is simply a collaborative space for making and creating things, from works of art, to digital technology.

Below is my original proposal for The ToyMaker's Space.m, c. 2013. Im

Image by James R. Stewart Jr.

The makerspace is said to promote “playfulness” and I have a long history of creating playful tools, toys and games therefore, I plan to develop a “Toy Maker’s Space”.  This would be a center where families, groups, congregations and classes could come together to create toys, ornaments, gifts,  puppets, board games, electronic toys, dolls, educational toys, instructional technology, educational projects and even assistive devices for children (and adults) of all ages.  

This makerspace would start off as an annual event during the Christmas holiday season, starting after Thanksgiving, which is a time when people want to make personalized gifts for family and friends.  In addition, church groups, charities and missions could use the space to create custom items for care packages.  With the missionary potential of this makerspace as well as the fun family nature,likely partners for supplies and funding could be The Salvation Army, Greensboro Urban Ministries, Hobby Lobby, Toys & Company, Melissa & Doug, Lifeway Bookstores,Lowe Hardware Stores, Habitat For Humanity, various local churches, radio & television stations, Samaritan’s Purse, and other missionary groups.   ----- Introduction to "The Toy Maker's Space: A Proposal"

Image by James R. Stewart Jr. 

It my hope to see more makerspace ministries in the church in the future, as well as learning about "toymakers for The King".