Kids Asked To Draw Their Own Unique Inventions, Designer Helps Bring Them All To Life
Kids' Crazy Inventions Are Brought To Life
Amy Packham— The Huffington Post UK
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A group of kids had their crazy inventions brought to life thanks to a British designer who wanted to get kids believing in the power of imagination.
Artist and inventor Dominic Wilcox asked more than 450 kids in his home town of Sunderland to draw and describe an invention they wish existed.
"I was inspired to do the project from a personal experience," Wilcox told HuffPost UK Parents.
"There was a tutor and artist I had at school called Charlie Holmes who showed me a book of strange and thought-provoking invention ideas.
"He asked me to try to think up my own and I found I could do it. I've been doing it ever since and always remember how one person could affect my life simply by showing what is possible and asking me to try."
The aim? To inspire and encourage children to "believe in the power of their imagination, find some great ideas and create some wonderful objects".
To kickstart the project, Wilcox led 19 inventing workshops for children from aged four to 12. He then asked the children to think of their own invention ideas and draw them. The ideas could be crazy or useful and functional.
Wilcox asked the children to start by thinking about problems they have or a member of the family may have that they could solve with an invention.
The inventor gathered all the drawings, then picked out 60 that he thought had great potential.
He showed the drawings to local makers and manufacturers who wanted to be involved in the project. After discussions, each maker showed their preferences for ideas they would like to make into reality.
The young inventors were invited to meet the person who would make their idea and describe in more detail their invention drawing.
The makers then had four weeks to work on the project. The inventions were displayed in an exhibition in Sunderland in January 2016.
"The kids were so excited to see their invention ideas made real," Wilcox told us.
"It was important that they were part of the process all the way along so everyone met with the maker of their idea initially. Then some visited the factories and workshops to see it being created.
"I think the children got a sense that the ideas they have in their head can actually become reality and that anything is possible."
View some of the inventions below.
Kid's Inventions Brought To Life
The Liftolator (War avoider)(01 of14)
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An invention by Charlotte Scott, age 11, made into model form by Erin Dickson at Fab Lab Sunderland.
A thought provoking idea, bringing safety to those living in danger.
(02 of14)
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Pringles Hook(03 of14)
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Invention idea by Georgia Dinsley, age 11, recreated in 3D graphics by Andy Mattocks.
"I struggle to get my Pringles out (of the bottom of the tub), well here’s a cure! A hook that you pull to get more Pringles out" -Georgia Dinsley.
(04 of14)
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Shady Lamp(05 of14)
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An invention idea by Layla Amir, age 11, made real by Carl Gregg at Fab Lab Sunderland.
A brilliant idea that allows the owner to dim the light just like pulling closed a pair of venetian blinds.
(06 of14)
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Flipping Rope(07 of14)
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An invention idea by Chloe Main, age six, recreated in 3D graphics by Andy Mattocks.
“The flipping Rope is a flying skipping rope. Like a normal skipping rope but with propellors and lights on the end. You can skip, you can fly, or you can skip while you fly. Propellors are battery powered. Make sure you land before they run out! Children will use it to skip to other countries and pilots who want more fun will use it too!” Chloe Main
(08 of14)
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Handy Hi 5(09 of14)
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An invention idea by Oliver, age six, made real by Tony Canning of Fab Lab Sunderland.
When you succeed at something but there is no one around to give you a hi five, this machine is perfect.
(10 of14)
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Leaf Catcher(11 of14)
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An invention by Elsie Ronald, a great aunt to a young family. Elsie came to a INVENTORS! workshop with her family. Dominic asked if she would like to draw an invention idea. Elsie was a little reluctant. Five minutes later Dominic returned to find Elsie had drawn this Leaf Catcher device.
(12 of14)
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Clever Clothing(13 of14)
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An invention idea by Charlotte Stothard, age ten, made real by Kate Eccles.
"My invention is a dress that turns into a top. Buy one get one free outfit. The button holes at the bottom fold to attach to the buttons underneath the skirt. Then unfold the hidden straps and wear it as a top." Charlotte Stothard