I’ve been so quiet, and not posting much pottery! January has been my time to take inventory, organize the studio, and pursue other activities that are completely different from pottery. This month’s project? Using Adafruit’s instructions, I built a mini Internet of Things Printer! Of course, I don’t like to follow instructions perfectly so while it will talk to the Internet and print out tweets, it also will print out little fortune tickets.

If I’m at a show that has electricity, you bet that I’ll have my little Fortune Witch at my booth. Push the button, and poof! You’ll get a fortune ticket.

I actually really enjoy side projects like this; it’s a mind shift. My brain thinks in a different manner when I’m designing precisely, and working on programming, no matter how simple it may be. If you’ve no inclination to follow the link to Adafruit, this project is powered by a Raspberry Pi 3 B+ micro computer. The colored paper I hunted down online, specifically from Internet-connected “memo printers” that inspired me to embark upon this project. Why buy a nifty gadget when I can make one with MY graphics in hot pink translucent plastic? Both my wallet and desire to make things can’t find a reason to.

My hands will be back in mud soon enough; Springtime is just around the corner!