Fidget Camp 2025 Archive

85 campers, 500+ showcase attendees, June 21-29

More Fidget Camp

artwork

Big Tuna

Big Tuna

Kay Bromley, Maddy Chang, Iris Fung, Mason, Sophia + more

bioyarn handbag

bioyarn handbag

Kanika Rao

blind contour

blind contour

JLEE

coax

coax

liz and bansini

confess for a confession

confess for a confession

Kanika Rao

Constellation Station

Constellation Station

Sophia Diggs-Galligan, Marty, Heather Browning, Steven Keyes

creatures from another world

Kanika Rao

Ctrl Alt Del

Ctrl Alt Del

Nnenne Ogbonnaya, Sitoë Thiam

Etched Metal

Etched Metal

Charles Brandt

Everything TV™

Everything TV™

Marty Boren, Danielle Baskin, Taylor Tabb, Kelly Neuner, Sophia Qin, Erin Cole, Jamie Brew, Ash Herr, JLEE, Bansini, Mason, et al

Fish Scales

Fish Scales

Kaylee Jung

Flop Mart

Flop Mart

bansini, amanda, diane, charlie, connie ye, daniel, + more

~ florilegium ~

~ florilegium ~

Amina Green, Kelly Neuner, Jesse Wallace, Isa Pleno, chris giang, Sitoë Thiam, Nnenne Ogbonnaya, Valentina 廖

fonk

fonk

Alex Fiel, Hannah Lienhard, Sofia Chen, Tess Rinaldo

Grayscale Palette

Grayscale Palette

Heather Browning

Hand Soap

Hand Soap

Taylor Tabb

haptic garden

haptic garden

chris giang, kelly neuner, ireen jeang, amina green

help

help

Peregrine, JLee, Mason, Hannah, Tess, Amanda, Myko, Bansini, Alex, David, and everyone else I forgot

Holocards

Charles Brandt

Kamishibai Theater: Sumo Mice

Kamishibai Theater: Sumo Mice

Charles Brandt

lotus pod

lotus pod

mona, tess

Kolam: Beyond The Floor

Kolam: Beyond The Floor

Roopa Ramanujam, Sunaya Shivakumar

MATERIAL HORSE

MATERIAL HORSE

isabel li and ivan zhao (main pocs) and collaborators anna zhang, iris fung, david ye, sunaya, kelly neuner, emily bei cheng, kaylee jung, kanika rao!

NO HORSES ALLOWED

NO HORSES ALLOWED

Jesse Wallace

meme generator

Kanika Rao

no touching

no touching

Ash Herr, Charlie Stigler

orange no. 47

orange no. 47

Hannah Lienhard, Alex Fiel, Bansini Doshi, Leia Chang

Papercraft

Papercraft

Charles Brandt

Perception Paradox

Perception Paradox

Ireen Jeang, Mackenzie Sharp

Random House Merch

Random House Merch

Daniel Knopf, Danielle Egan, Mackenzie Sharp, Bansini Doshi, Kay Bromley

S(h)ubspace

S(h)ubspace

Shubha Jagannatha

Slide Whistle Drone

Slide Whistle Drone

Chris Guichet

Save Our Lower Right Inner

Save Our Lower Right Inner

Hanji Xu, Jamie Brew, Dave Fawler. Pants donner: Valentina, Dave, Taylor

Stained glass pixels

Stained glass pixels

Sophia Qin (MAIN POC); Mave Mendoza, Anna Zhang (CODE); Noah Aust (ANIMATION); Charles Brandt, Myko Huff, Erin Cole, Steven Keyes, Maya Stack, Dave Fowler (FABRICATION); Tyler Stoner (SOUND).

Save Timmy!

Save Timmy!

Steven Keyes

Sugar Coat

Sugar Coat

Maya Stack

Team Dream

Team Dream

The Dream Team Team™: Alex Kauffmann, Anna Brewer, Athena Leong, Connie Ye, Lucas Gelfond

The Weird Algorithm

Jamie Brew

tap dis tree

tap dis tree

Emily Bei Cheng, David Ye, Connie Liu

you can rest here

you can rest here

Sitoë Thiam

workshops

Workshop TitleDescriptionInstructor(s)
Shitposting IRLLearn how to make your printer other people's problem! We'll design flyers using marketing best practices to draw attention to silly things, then we will sprinkle these flyers throughout the streets of San Francisco.Danielle Egan
Intro to Infrared CommunicationWe'll learn how to use an Arduino to send digital signals wirelessly across a room using infrared light. We'll play with some devices that use this technology (from TV remotes to laser tag), and have some open ended tinkering time for people to build their own creations.Marty Boren
DIY Bioplastic and BioresinCreate your own eco-friendly plastic for art, accessories, and more using ingredients from the grocery store!Kelly Neuner
Papier-Mache Lantern MakingWe'll be making simple paper lanterns using string, sticks, colored tissue paper, dried plants/flowers, and classic papier-mache techniques! You'll be able to hang your lantern or turn it into a table lamp when finished. Weird shapes encouraged if you are good (or bad) at making balloon animals.Tess Rinaldo
Metal Etching by HandLet's make some art that's totally metal! In this workshop we will etch unique designs into metal belt buckles and business card holders. After this workshop, you will be able to create your own custom art by using inexpensive tools that can be found at a dollar store.Charles Brandt
Poetic Comics & Interactive Publishing!I've been making short interactive websites and abstract comic zines that interplay word and image to evoke emotion for a while. I want to give a workshop behind the theory of poetic comics and sequential image making, with different strategies broken down and then how that translates in print and media forms. At the end of the workshop we'll have some time to make a mini poetic comic on either web (I will make a scaffold template) or paper and do a shareout!Connie Liu
Lenticulars 101Self explanatory. Learn the software and get to make your own.Mackenzie Sharp
Ink & Zest TattooingWe'll learn more about how tattooing works with a little demo using just needles, and also a machine. Then we move to experiment with tattooing various citrus using the stick and poke method!Sunaya Shivakumar
Running AI Models on Tiny ComputersWe're going to learn how to put big models on little devices to give them voices, points of view, and artistic abilities. Plants that talk back to you, a typewriter that autocompletes, and a magic eight ball that predicts something different every time you consult it are all just a Raspberry Pi away!Alex Kauffmann
Nonlinear Poetics: Painting with Textmemory, queerness, and knowledge are consumed and created in a nonlinear fashion. poetry, in itself, is an investigation in nonlinearity. however, whereas traditional poetry is obsessed with structure (and lack thereof), how do we push the medium of poetry to further interrogate ourselves as individuals and our lives? this will be a generative workshop, where we will read a selection of work at the edge of poetry, pulling samples from some of the following: dear memory - victoria chang ghost of - diana khoi nguyen the best we could do - c thi nguyen the arrival - shaun tan florence - annapurna studios citizen - caludia rankine ward toward - cindy jyoung ok travesty generator - lillian yvonne bertram someone took they tongues - douglas kearney debths - susan howe plans for sentences - renee gladman while this list is lengthy, it looks at poetics as a method of painting with text, image, and illustration. the piece, florence, moves outside this mode, as a potential extension of shaun tan’s work, to understand how a piece can be a poem without any words. to be queer, to remember, is to intrinsically interrogate one memory’s at an angle, and this workshop hopes to reckon with that through different mediums. there will be four selected pieces which will result in a 10 minute discussion, a 10 minute generative writing period after each, specifically using a method brought . there will be a 5 minute period between each section to split into breakout rooms to share with each other, if they so wish, or commune with others of like minded obsessions. at the end, there will be a broader group share for 15 minutes with a 5 min wrap up for the two hour period.Ivan Zhao
Basics of Knotting and TapestryWe're relearning those basic knots you were taught and promptly forgot as a kid. Then we're making art with them! Let's experiment with different materials and compositions to make mini macrame tapestries that don't look like they're straight out of a 70's home decor catalog (unless that's what you're going for)Sitoë Thiam
Intro to Contemporary Stained GlassLearn stained glass with me! We'll learn the copper foil method of stained glass and create beautiful artworks that shine in the light. We'll learn how to cut glass into shape, grind the glass, and solder the glass to create ornaments or panels (depending on the time).Sophia Qin
Intro to Silicone Casting / Soft RoboticsWe'll learn how to cast and mold silicone and try out some of our own 3D printed molds to see how form influences activation (pneumatics!). Come make robots with a "softer" side :) Note: will be messy.Sofia Chen & Hannah Lienhard
Designing 3D-Printed Vermeil JeweleryTired of boring, basic Mejuri jewelry? Learn how to design your own custom rings! In this workshop, we’ll model investment-castable rings using OnShape, prototype them for form and fit with a 3D printer, and (optionally) send them out to be wax 3D-printed and investment-cast in gold-plated silver — all for around $50–$100.Harrison Lin
Bioyarn: Making Yarn out of Organic MaterialJoin me in making Bioyarn or AlgiKnits. Bioyarn/AlgiKnits is sustainable textile innovation created from algae, or kelp, and is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fiber and textile materials. Bring a piece of clothing to rework using your Bio-yarn!Kanika Rao
Bug TaxidermyParticipants will learn how to pin insect/arachnid specimens for display! There will also be live specimens on display!Valentina Lyau
gnireenignE (Reverse Engineering)Sometimes, the NEW thing you're designing needs to fit on an EXISTING thing. That's where you need 'Reverse Engineering'. We'll get an overview of some different tools (3D scanning, calipers, 2D scanning...) to measure existing objects, then create modifications and replacement parts. Fix mistakes in original designs, make upgrades and new interactions...Alex Fiel
Animated Monsters! with Adobe Character AnimatorDraw / sculpt monsters and use Adobe Character Animator and After Effects to bring them to lifeNoah Aust
Ball Making! Hand-sew a Soccer BallLearn how to hand-sew your own soccer ball from scratch using a simple pattern and basic stitching techniques. No experience needed!Maddy Chang
Touch Sensitive PlantsLearn how to turn your household plants into interactive touch sensors that control LED lights! In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore capacitive sensors, microcontrollers, and physical computing techniques to transform your plants into an interactive device. Any level of coding and physical computing skills are welcome! Leave this workshop with your own touch sensitive plants!Ireen Jeang
Let's Paint! Watercolors & AcrylicsLet's sit in a park, enjoy the sun and paint! I am happy to teach watercolors or acrylics. No experience necessary, just an appreciation for the sun and curiosity about painting. I'll also bring a small still-life setup, for those who prefer to paint indoor things while sitting outside. As a secret third option, you can bring an art print you like (or a picture of it) and we can make a miniature copy of it ;-)Connie Ye
Dataset PotluckBring a "dataset" - a collection of many items/events/entities of the same kind represented digitally or physically. We'll use techniques from data science and NLP to index the data and then use this miniature archive to make compositions like collages, ransom notes and karaoke song parodies.Jamie Brew
Analog SynthesizersWell dip our toes into the world of analog (musical) synthesizers. First we’ll talk about how op amps work, then use op amps to design a circuit that makes white noise. Then we’ll also make low pass and high pass filters to tame the white noise. We’ll solder the circuits together and walk away with our own filtered white noise machines.Chris Guichet
Sew Your Own Faraday BagLearn how to construct a sling bag that puts your devices on do not disturb mode — analog fashion. You’ll learn basic sewing skills and construct your own Faraday bag lined with signal-blocking fabric. Details/skills: - bag design (sewing template provided) - basic sewing (hand or machine) - signal blocking 101Tiffany Yau
8bit✰Besties Digital PoemsUtilizing digital poem making, impressive camera work and Unity assets we'll chronicle our lives in a 2d style game and with consent trade our memories with our friends like we did with Pokémon Play It CD-ROMs !Nnenne Ogbonnaya
Laser Cutting Acrylic EarringsIntro to using the CO2 laser cutter at MadSci (but also obvi this is dependent on if it is working and if I can get some time ahead of fidget camp to test it) by making your own pair of acrylic laser cut earrings. Learn how to prepare a file and use the laser cutter for acrylic cutting.Iris Fung
Deep Dive Into Fun Old TechI started to collecting a bunch of old funky electronics (including an old working machintosh), can make a share of it all and we should all play with it and do something with it! Meet at front door, then we'll walk to mosaic.Liz Dorman
Fun with Electric ShocksLearn how to add surprising but harmless electric shocks to your projects, using teeny tiny high voltage (low current) generators. Maybe your next video game gives electric shocks when you get hit in the game. Maybe you use it to train yourself to floss more often. The ideas are unlimited once give in to the voltage.Ian Charnas
Prototyping Games in TouchDesignerUse irl inputs (ex: break-beams, microphones, water detection sensors) and outputs (ex: motors, audio, lights) integrated with TouchDesigner to create immersive games using Arduinos! We will experiment with the data from our sensors and explore the creative ways they can be used as controllers in our games!Mave Mendoza
Kink Engineering Essentials 101 or Lasers and Leather 202Come explore the exciting world of custom kink creations! This workshop introduces you to 3D printing, programming, and crafting specifically for kink. We’ll cover key safety practices, take a look at the basics of teledildonic toys, and wrap with a Q&A to tackle all your curious and kinky questions. Whether you’re a maker, a masochist (If you’ve done art builds, you’re both, sorry I don't make the rules), or just kink-curious, you’ll walk away with inspiration and know-how. Note: This workshop is ages 18+. Lasers and Leather 202: Electric MooMoo Boogaloo Last year, we only etched the surface of the laser and leather magic. This time, we’re giving it the spotlight it deserves! In this standalone workshop, you’ll learn the basics of leatherworking with lasers—from materials, burnishing, sewing, to engraving and cutting. Explore all the cool things you can do when you laser pewpew moomoo boogaloo! And if that wasn’t exciting enough, one lucky attendee is going home with their own laser engraver!Diane Rodriguez
Leaf-Skeleton BookmarksMake bookmarks from leaf skeleton by finding fresh leaves from our environment and melting away fleshy bits and retain the stem bits and dye them with beautiful colors.Mingzhu He (Ming)
Architectural SketchingPractice techniques of architectural sketching, a great tool for bringing ideas forth from your mind, through your hand, and out into the real world. Learn tips and tricks for sketching in perspective and axonometric views, creating visual hierarchy, and crafting a good composition. Bring a pen or two, a sketchbook and come do some real-world observational sketching.Kay Bromley
Intro to Circuit DesignDesign a circuit board in minutes! In this workshop, we'll learn how circuit boards are made and how to design them using KiCad. Please install KiCad 9 on your own laptop.Steven Keyes
Kolam for Everyone!Come play with pattern, color, and texture in this joyful remix of the traditional South Indian art of Kolam. Using colored sand, rice, chalk, and other playful materials, we’ll create vibrant—and even mathematical—designs on paper or fabric. No experience needed, just a love for color, precision, and a willingness to get a little messy.Roopa Ramanujam
Audio Artifacts with CassettesGet hands-on the magic of recording audio on tape, learn some history, and then bridge the gap to modern day recording tools. Use a vintage-restored cassette walkman to record your sonic creation. (I've already put this experiment into action and found it cathartic for people).Sarah Bush
Creating Activist Art for Social MediaI'll share how I go about creating activist art for Instagram that provides information, inspires action, and causes a stir. Then, we'll each work on making a post about a social issue that matters to us.Taylor Steinbeck
Making a Vtuber Out of Any 2D Imagehave u ever wanted to become an anime girl? or other 2D image? in a sort of uncanny valley kind of way? learn how to bring any 2D image to life with your face... (this is a workshop on how to rig 2D images for face-tracking animation using Live2D-- attached a sample i did with the GNU Linux GNU head mascot)Mona Wang
Make Your Own Escape RoomIn this workshop, we’re going to lock some unsuspecting friends in a room and see if they can figure out how to escape. We might also design some cool puzzles, silly clues, and dramatic lore to go along with it... but mostly, it’s about the locking-people-in-a-room thing.Bansini Doshi
EL Wire Jacket LabCome make a glowing/flashing jacket with EL wire! We'll stitch flexible light-up effects onto clothing (hit up Goodwill beforehand to start your fit). https://alexzirbel.notion.site/EL-wire-workshop-1c9afcd8afe480d2a6a7f37b5ba717c8?pvs=74Alex Zirbel
Woodworking 101 + Cutting-Board MakingWe cut some boards and learn the basics in woodworking while making a cutting board! An easy enough one day project giving a great introduction to the basics of woodworking. Participants can get as custom as they like with their board in Dave's fully equiped woodshop!Dave Fowler
Intro to OpenSCAD (Programmatic 3D Modeling)We'll learn to program 3D objects in OpenSCAD, very approachable for people who know how to code but are intimidated by learning a full CAD program. (just thinking this might actually be useful to ppl doing 3d printing n stuff; I can't say I'm an expert or anything but I use OpenSCAD from time to time when I need to make something quick)Azlen Elza & Lucas Gelfond
Make Your Own Moss & Flower Islandwe will be creating our own moss island/moss bed flower arrangements. i'll bring an assortment of dried flowers, fresh flowers, foliage and moss. i'll direct everyone through cutting out, soaking, and filling provided containers/trays with flower foam which will then be covered in a bed of moss. participants will be able to pick out their own assortment of flowers & greens to arrangeChris Giang
Overview of Natural San FranciscoWe'll look at SF's geologic history, some native plants and animals, and find out how select neighborhoods turned into what they are now. There will be some rock samples, some old maps, and other fun stuff to investigate about SF's past.Mason Zoyt
Touch Sensitive PaintingsWe can use conductive paint and/or fabric and make fun interactive works of art on a mini canvas!Tru Narla