I am a new Patch blogger but have been blogging about kids and art at http://www.handmadepenguin.com.   Handmade Penguin knows that everyone has an inner creative and undertakes to help the members of its community find theirs!   In addition to my day job and my Mom job, I do many things: support multiple scout units, volunteer with a group that teaches engineering concepts to elementary school students and crafting.  My special craft interests are the creative reuse of materials to create functional items, fiber - especially wool and creating art cloth.  My current interests are to learn how to use my antique spinning wheel and my fancy embroidery sewing machine.  I am a onetime Pepsi Refresh contestant, and a First LEGO League robotics coach.  Most recently?  A maker learning to work with eTextiles.
I am a newly minted member of the unemployed ranks.  A technical mom who has worked in multiple industries for the past 30 years.  Positions I have held have included System Engineer, Software Test Engineer and in the distant, distant past, Software Development.  Prior industries have included transportation, banking, satellite and communications. I build communities wherever I go.  I love a community building challenge.  If you've got a community that needs to be built, email info@handmadepenguin.com. I also love doing projects with kids.  If you would like to plan a creative session wrapped around your child's interests, email info@handmadepenguin.com. My dream? To build a system for sustainable creative communities by finding spaces that can be defined as Makerspaces, identifying the equipment that is best for it, and to engage artists, creatives, EVERYONE, in those spaces.  To facilitate microbusinesses that will create unique, special, different, innovative, fun products.  info@handmadepenguin.com.