design. create. make.
The Bass Case. By repurposing components from the Coffee Tapel, I whipped together a very portable - very loud bluetooth briefcase. Lighter than it looks, this gives a fun spin on the business-person’s legacy. While the playlists may come through with spectacular quality, the click sound of sliding those lock-blocks is unparalleled.
Handbag Head Cover. I had been holding on to a Louis Vuitton tote bag (fake) that my wife had thrown out years ago. The materials were just right to make a driver head cover - outer leather, inner suede, and even a zipper. Then came a business idea: Someone not letting you get out and play?? Send me a bag and get back a cover…seriously - I will do this.
(Click to expand) See anything you like?? Drivers, woods, hybrids, and putter covers. Hoping to put some good sets together soon…
Club Torching and Hot Bluing. When I saved a full set of Titleist irons from the trash, I decided to give them a new life. By raising the temperature of steel to extreme measures, the colors will start to change. Between 600 and 800 degrees Fahrenheit takes a change from purples and pinks to a range of blues without changing the playability of the club.
Retro Golf Shoe Bag. I took leftover materials from refurbishing a vintage Hot-Z bag including beige duck cloth and a hideous patterned fabric I picked up. The floor and inner walls have rigid vinyl panels that velcro in to remove for cleaning. The white was too blaring to be retro, so the floor got turf and the walls: faux bear fur. Pretty hilarious, but a perfect compliment to my Pumas I equipped with Golf Kicks. The golf bag and driver cover are nice compliments to the shoe bag:
Making a better robot bartender…
Modern Bar Cart. The new Mr. Barvedere will be very futuristic in making cocktails, so the decision to give the apparatus and aesthetic a different feel was a fun challenge. Combining matte and gloss black finishes and trimming in polished aluminum gave way to this angular cart beautifying the etched glassware. Instead of the main piece delivering the look to the lower-functional cart, I flipped the script. Now I look forward to the BIG BUILD!!
Goodbye Mr. Barvedere
This is (was) Mr. Barvedere. With six peristaltic pumps, internal liquid storage, LED flashes and Raspberry Pi run, he had a good life making drinks for me. It is time for Barvedere 2.o. Now 31 pumps (eventually 52+) and wirelessly app driven, soon you can order a drink from your phone and he’ll deliver. Well, make that is. Stay tuned for the project that’s well in the works.
Tough time remembering names at a get-together? Too many grandkids Granny? These tiny cameras can be worn discreetly, recognize faces, and then relay the name to you via bluetooth. A lapel pin cam and bone-conduction glasses will 007-you into the master of remembering names.
Raspberry Pi Open Source software has made it easy to program facial recognition into a tiny microprocessor. Long-chaining the tiny camera means the Pi and 5V power can be hidden in pockets of clothing, who says the device has to be worn? Leave the device at your front door for a security cam that says ‘Hello’ with names.
An old suitcase is a product designer’s blank canvas. But what to make?? DJ Booth? Flight Simulator? Fireplace? I’ve made more things into bluetooth speakers than I can count, so I want this to be different.
The Palette Plate - I made 4 identical wooden appetizer plates in the shape of an artist palette for my sister’s Christmas gift. These are coated in tongue oil and food safe. The idea is simple: hold it how you want and it will hold your stemware, all the while giving you a free hand. Cocktail party, yard games, etc. And imagine: make these out of acrylic or plastic, brand them however you want, and you have a disposable version for restaurants, wedding receptions, or the perfect scenario: an art show or gallery opening.
Full-size, folding roulette table. This baby fits nicely inside the pool table bumpers, but can also go on the road. 10 shallow cup-holders, a secret dealer compartment that holds color-up chips, and can stow under the couch. Where’s the wheel? The dealer’s tablet dongles straight to a TV showing previous 10 winners and real-life spin sounds. Now pick some lucky numbers.
Or perhaps you enjoy craps instead?
To round out my run of making casino games for the basement, I pulled together a Double Game Table Cover. When it comes to table games, most think Blackjack. but Baccarat and Three Card Poker are fast, fun, and easy to learn. I couldn’t find a felt that had both on one side, so with a little black suede, elastic, and a ton of heat transfer stretch vinyl this baby was ready for players.
Once I made a simple board press, it was off to the races, and (Mt.) Lookout Longboards was born. 4-Ply Baltic Birch boards with custom paint jobs. The wood grain on the colorful triangles board (designed by Rose) runs sideways to allow the rider to bounce up and down.
The “Turntable Turnaround” was inevitable. My system needed a new amp, a set of low-profile wheels, and a way to elevate the albums. After the LPs were raised and brought to a 45 degree angle, there was enough space in the back for an angled sub. A Smathers & Branson belt box made a home for the the sub’s amp. She’s portable, industrial, and has never sounded better.
Dude Troop Patches. Find a jacket, shirt, hat, or whatever - rep yourself. Bros, Dudes, Guys, and especially Dads. The big ideas go on the outside, but the small merit badges don’t have to. Put them on a sash? (This ain’t no B#y Sc#uts). Keep your preferences, skillset, and embarrassing inside-bro-jokes on the inside…but ready to show off. I made over 70 unique patches for all dude personalities. You wanna rock your own dude troop? Hit me up.
Compact Disc-Go. When I was given a brand new rolling suitcase (from the 70s?) nothing better than transforming it. Two 50 watt speakers, 100 watt sub, stowable legs, and 400 CDs. And if you don’t want to decide on an album, let the dice decide for you. Nostalgia built for travel.
Small Space A/C. Coming back to a hot-ass car in the summer is terrible. This converted cooler uses a 12v battery-op fan to blow air through ice cubes - creating a flow of continuous cold air to fill up a small space. Why not go to sleep in an air-conditioned tent?
“Rolling Thunder” - This is the story of a Maker during COVID: Use what you have to make something new. ***NOTE: Audiophiles will criticize, so I’ll leave them to their $1000 speakers***
A rolling laptop desk (I wasn’t even using) received cheap, under-mounted Pyle speakers from my patio, a Lepy Super Bass amp that used to power my under-couch bass-shakers, and 3, 12v Mighty Max batteries. The 100 watt sub was built from leftover components from the Turntable Turnaround. Connect anything to the 1/4” jack from a bluetooth receiver to a wireless guitar setup. One battery for the amp, one for the sub, and one leftover for oh, I don’t know, a turntable??
I heard about the hobby shop down the street closing its doors after 48 years. Years ago, I bought a horse racing game there; played it, loved it, lost it. I pulled together plastic horses from another game build, grommets from mini flag making, scrap wood, and my kids’ acrylic paint set. Here’s to you Boardwalk Hobby Shop.
Arcade (on) Fire. Raspberry Pi 4 (Retro Pie) hosts NES, SNES, 64, and all the old arcade games. Fun build. Only buy for the project was button/joystick package.
These canvas wrapped prints push some serious sound. Connect via bluetooth and turn art into audio.
Wall Chess. Come and go from the game you’re in and let it last as long as it takes. The bottom slider tells you whose turn, and the red, slide-out ‘C’ is a blinding notification you are in check.
The Coffee Tapel. Even fun to say. But hidden under this cassette is a wireless, bluetooth stereo with some big punch.
After catching Shakey Graves years ago, I knew I wanted to make a suitcase drumkit. It turned out great, and now I tour the world as the one-man-band “Slick Willy.”
Espresso-To-Go. I wanted to make a case for the mini-espresso maker that could hold piping hot water and the grounds. Using expanding foam and covering with suede, the components fit snug into place. The inside of the box was lined with EVA foam to lock down everything from rattling. Just fill up the canteen and keep under the seat for that much needed hit of espresso on your road trip.
The Floating Labyrinth, or “The Impossible 2-Person Game.” This 1-day-build sets a team up for failure. Each gets two corners that are controlled by pulleys to get the ball through the maze. Is it technically possible? Of course. Will frustration set-in? You betcha.
I made a giant moon nightlight in my girls’ room. It needed some thunderclouds. Boom baby.
Oh yes, they play your music…loud. My 3-year-old had a good time with hers:
Why Not?
Put the phone down. Let it (wireless) charge. And only pick up that receiver for a call. Hello? It’s a red phone - you get it.
Meet Lloyd. My 6-foot butler can offer you a dry towel or hold your drink while you’re playing the keys. But really, he’s just the largest cocktail napkin holder.
The Traveling Synth. When I learned that my KORG Vocoder could be battery operated, I put together a handled box around it. An inexpensive sound bar has more than enough punch for this, and a removable, magnetic cover hides the cords. I’m sure you know “beach bon fire guitar guy,” but have you ever heard “DJ Sandy”?
DESIGN SCHOOL PROJECTS
IT’S HARD TO TAKE THESE OFF THE SITE, BUT THEY WILL BE LEAVING SOON.
Scroll through some of these projects to get a sense of the designer I became in school. Most of these were either concepts, scale models, and non-functioning prototypes. But as a maker, I like to create a working one-off. While functionality drives the ideas, there is usually an underlining amusement that follows.
Do not ask why?, ask why not?
NOTE: Since many of these pages came directly from a larger document, much of the text is illegible. If you are interested in taking a CLOSER LOOK AT any of these designs, please contact me.
WHY NOT?:
A fully-functional trailer for the environmental scientist
WHY NOT?:
A floor lamp that can change form and color by the user
*** functional prototype ***
WHY NOT?:
A hybrid golf shoe for the new generation of professional golfers
WHY NOT?:
A protective field journal for the luxury pen user
WHY NOT?:
A bathtub filler inspired by a famous arch
The Chickering Baby Grand
Timeline: Chickering & Sons pianos was founded in 1823 (Boston, MA) and were last made in 1983 (my year). Completion of my Chickering digital baby grand: 2015 (my daughter’s year). Call it a “Re-Birth”?
Building the
Baby Grand
Before my daughter Rose was born, I set out to build a digital, full scale piano.
The room needed some light
The piano was soon complimented by a 4-foot round, 12 Edison bulb / Mason Jar chandelier
I am a maker. sometimes jumping right into a prototype is the fastest way to reach my goal.
*** functional prototype ***
Longshots board game: I am not going to explain this game, because frankly, it failed.
This is a great example of how everything a designer can do in the ideation, planning, sketching, and front end of design can result in utter failure in the final product. Every game piece, laminated odds/rules, and scoresheet was executed perfectly. The chalk boards were a bit of a misstep, but not horrible. The Derby cup was lined with green felt! In the end, we played it once, and it was too complicated. These things happen, and I learn from them.
Magnetic Soccer
Even a 2-year-old can play
Control the puck
...from under the board.
One Day Build
No biggie.
*** functional prototype ***
Bare Bones
Bone conduction sunglasses: (yes, Bose, Amazon, you made better ones…I own them now, but this was 2016 okay?) bluetooth your phone's audio right into your head - not through your ears. And when you're inside, flip them around - they still work.
*** functional prototype ***
Why Not?
A messenger bag with a protected 7" touch screen tablet on the outside to keep the kid behind you in line entertained. Let's face it, you have a better spot in line - give back.
*** functional prototype ***
Smart Pocket Watch
If you can agree that we need to keep in touch with tech but the sight of a phone screen is obscene, this may be an answer.
Like a smart watch, this device is the diameter of a half-dollar, can fit in that 5th pocket of your jeans, and scrolls, calls, and notifies like your cell. But this little guy won't cause a fuss being out on the dining room table.
More of a flip-lid on a chain kind of smart pocket watch user?
*** functional prototypes ***
SHORT & SWEET
CONCEPTS WITH LITTLE STORY
I find it fun to quickly flush out an idea. The viewer doesn't necessarily have to see all the ins and outs to understand something simple, so fast sketches, simple renders, and little-to-no 3D design is all you need.
ORCA BACKPACK
SUSTAINABLE RAZORS
These designs never made it off the computer screen, but there is still time.
The idea came to me to make a carousel of shelves. The offset wheels would allow for the shelves to revolve but stay level.
A couple in Chicago had me design outdoor patio seating for a tight space. They wanted seats, fire, and places to put decor.
A gas range with an interesting chamfer edging
I call this the Happy Gas Recliner
Here's a good 'why not?' design: the 6-sided beer pong fire table.
A versatile ball joint ending for hand-amputees
Figure Drawing Boards
The final year of design school was spent on a single concept we called a capstone. I created Holo. Life-size holograms projected through a transparent film suspended from a folding structure. Quite a lot of work was put into this book as well as the end-of-year presentation - where everything from Princess Leia to spinning McDonalds signs to me having conversation with a life-size hologram of me. Click on the link to see the full process book.
I'm Will
Thanks for visiting my site. Here's a little about me:
I graduated from Miami University in '06 with a degree in English, so I speak that pretty well. I went back to school to earn a degree in Industrial Design from the University of Cincinnati DAAP Program ('16).
I like to make things all day, both at work and at home. Wood, metal, electronics - nothing is out of bounds. I love to create new board games, connected devices, and voice-controlled robotics. If you are interested in, well, anything - hit me up.
email contact (and social media) link at bottom of page as well as in resume
Contact ME
I would like to hear what you think.