I already published a pattern for a waxed canvas tool roll, but this needed to be taller to hold long knives, and I wanted the pocket to be different too, more like my dopp kit bag. So, I’ve whipped this up as a new downloadable pattern that’s sort of the best of both worlds, and big and durable enough to tote knives.
The final bag dimensions are 38cm tall by 195cm wide (15 inches tall by 76.75 inches wide) when unrolled.
(more…)Today, I’ll show you how I built a smart illuminated display case for showing off your finest wares. Specifically, I built this as a YouTube Makers Secret Santa gift for Nate From The Internet. I wanted this year’s gift to balance delight with practicality, so it has two parts: the LED display case with 3D printed logos, and a sturdy fabric knife roll.
I started with a locking steel and glass key storage cabinet, and customized it by adding NeoPixel LED strip and a 3D printed honeycomb storage wall (HCW), which is a great system of 3D printable parts that lets you swap in whatever hooks or shelves you need. I know Nate loves 3D printing, so while I printed a few generic mounts, I expect he’ll want to customize his to match the items he chooses to display.
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The holidays are the perfect excuse to celebrate creativity! Stock up on tools, kits, and projects that inspire more making in the new year. Whether you’re shopping for the electronics tinkerer in your life, the sewist, or a friend who would appreciate a handmade gesture, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite maker-friendly gifts for 2025.
Disclosure: Some links included in this article earn me an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you.
Table of contents:
In this video by @BeckyStern, we’re showing off some of this year’s best electronics tools, parts, and boards that Becky has found useful recently and loves. If you’re shopping for yourself or the maker in your life, these are her recommendations for great holiday gifts. These tools make a great starter workbench!
Full article on DigiKey’s Maker.io – Becky’s Favorite Things 2025
A datasheet serves as the user manual for a particular electronics component. In this video, @BeckyStern covers how to read a datasheet and shares what all those charts, tables, and specs actually mean. It’s less scary than it looks!
Whether you’re picking the right resistor for an LED or figuring out how not to fry your microcontroller, this video is for you. Learning to read datasheets will make you a lot more confident when selecting parts for your next project, and it marks a pretty big jump from beginner-level electronics skills to intermediate.
Full article on DigiKey’s Maker.io – How To Read A Datasheet
Today, we’re taking a look inside two new LED red light therapy masks, the CurrentBody Series 2 and the Shark Cryoglow.
Tools used in this teardown:
First up is the CurrentBody Series 2 mask. It’s flexible like the previous version, but also more contoured to the shape of the face, especially under the chin.
(more…)In this video by @BeckyStern, we’re looking at benchtop power supplies – the versatile tool that provides adjustable and reliable DC power to your electronics projects. Becky covers the basics of how to use one, shows some example use cases, and lets you know what you should look for when shopping for your own.
Full article on DigiKey’s Maker.io – Benchtop Power Supplies
Meet Spiker:bit, the new micro:bit-compatible accessory for building your own projects that interface directly with the electrical signals from your body. Spiker:bit provides three basic ways to measure: electromyography (EMG), electrocardiography (ECG or EKG), and electroencephalography (EEG). I’ve been a Backyard Brains fan since I met Greg Gage at Maker Faire Detroit in 2011!
To follow along, you will need:
In this video by @BeckyStern, we’re exploring the fascinating world of electric motors. Motors are everywhere—from fans to cars to robots—and understanding how they work is a key skill for anyone diving into electronics or engineering. Becky covers the basics of motors, the different types, what they’re used for, and answers some common questions beginners often have.
Full article on DigiKey’s Maker.io – Introduction to Electric Motors
Today, I want to share the advice I wish I could go back and give beginner-me. If you’re just getting into DIY electronics—or even if you’ve been at it a while—these tips might save you some time and energy.
Let’s start with tools. Buying fancy tools doesn’t replace practice… but sometimes, yes, the fancy version is genuinely better.
Soldering irons and wire strippers in particular—spending a bit more here can really make your experience smoother. A good quality soldering iron heats faster, holds temperature, and doesn’t make you feel like you’re fighting the tool. But the tip must be clean to work well. Even the best soldering iron won’t work well if the tip is dirty.
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