How long does it take to make a MechaniCard? See one assembled from start to finish!

Have you seen the incredible new MechaniCard I posted about recently? If not, you'll want to watch that video before this one. You don't have to actually, but it will provide some good context.

In this video, creator Brad Litwin takes us through the process of making the Thumbs Up MechaniCard with the playback sped up. The video, along with Litwin's commentary, is a fascinating look at the intricate detail involved in this design. We also get to see some tools, materials, and techniques along the way -- making this an educational exercise as well.

I certainly learned a thing to two. I wasn't expecting so much hand-peening, but now that I've thought about it, it's clear that this is a inexpensive, strong, efficient and low-profile way to make a pivot for two or more parts.

Thanks to Brad Litwin for making this video.

To see the finished products, visit the MechaniCards.com web site.

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Get the "thumbs up" for any achievement with the turn of a hand-crank

Back in September, we had a sneak peek at the prototype of Brad Litwin's new MechaniCard titled Thumbs Up. The final version is done and here's the video to prove it. It looks even better with the final artwork.

Who would think that from a flat surface, a hand could rise, curl its fingers, and then raise its thumb -- all from the turn of a small hand crank? The mechanism is gorgeous, compact, and full of interesting components: gears, pulleys, belts, springs, strings, hinges, pivots, slides, and linkages. This one is shown with the optional display base.

Have you done something good lately? Do you know someone else who has accomplished something worthwhile? They deserve one of these.

Here is where you can see the full line of MechaniCards.

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New hand-cranked mechanical greeting card gives a thumbs up sign

Brad Litwin, creator of the ingenious line of MechaniCards, has uploaded video of his new creation. This one is titled Thumbs Up! for reasons that will become apparent after you watch the video.

For those of you who don't know, MechaniCards are miniature, hand-operated, kinetic sculptures, designed and produced in limited editions. Each piece comes with instructions and display recommendations. They are available assembled or as do-it-yourself construction kits. The new model shown here will soon be available via www.MechaniCards.com.

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Name a new MechaniCard and you could win one of your own!

MechaniCards are small, hand-cranked kinetic sculptures, designed in limited edition by artist Bradley N. Litwin. They are constructed primarily from paperboard, with a few bits of wood, metal, or plastic.

The lastest one, shown in the video above is yet to be named. Here is the fun part: you can be the one to name it! Here's how:

1. Visit the MechaniCards web site
2. Send your suggestion for a title of the one shown here
3. If your entry is chosen, you will receive a free copy of the newly-named card

There is no purchase is necessary to enter. One entry per person. The winner will be picked on March 15th, 2012.

Here's a link to the MechaniCards web site where you can see all of the current designs and submit your name for the new one!

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MechaniCards soon to be available at a discount

Did you see Bradley Litwin's MechaniCards this time last year? If not, check out the video above. MechaniCards are hand-made kinetic sculptures that you can send in the mail.

The entire collection is going on sale on www.Fab.com, this Friday, September 23rd for up to 30% off. I don't know much about Fab.com, but you will need to request a free membership to take advantage of this deal.

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Kinetic Sculptor Brad Litwin with Martha Stewart!

This is the second time in recent history that automata have made it on to the Martha Stewart show. This time, kinetic artist Brad Litwin shows off his incredible Quadrotapult and his new line of MechaniCards. Well done, Brad!

Here's a link to the video on Martha Stewart's web site. Click on the first image on that page to start the video. Brad Litwin is the last of three guests with whom she speaks.

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MechaniCards - mailable kinetic sculptures

Kinetic sculptor extraordinaire, Brad Litwin, has created a line of hand-cranked kinetic sculptures called "MechaniCards". There are five designs, one available now and the rest available in the next month or two. MechaniCards can be ordered fully assembled or as kits to put together yourself.

From the MechaniCards web site:

MechaniCards™ are miniature, hand-operated, kinetic sculptures, designed and produced in limited edition by Bradley N. Litwin. Each one is hand made, numbered and signed by the artist. They are constructed primarily from paperboard, with a few bits of wood, metal, or plastic. They make excellent gifts, and are suitable for mailing, as truly unique greeting cards. Each piece comes with complete instructions and display recommendations. They are also available as do-it-yourself construction kits.

Here's where you can learn more about and order your own MechaniCards.

[ Thanks Ron! ]

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Quadrotapult - ball throwing device by Brad Litwin

Another incredible kinetic sculpture by Brad Litwin. Like one of his other creations, The Quadrapult, this one throws and catches balls. The added bit of complexity is that this machine also throws the balls through spinning hoops! Truly, a brilliant piece of engineering.

See more kinetic sculptures by Brad Litwin on his web site.

Kinetic sculpture talk & exhibit by Brad Litwin

Philadelphia based, kinetic sculptor, Bradley N. Litwin, will give a multimedia presentation about the evolution of his sculptural work. He will also be displaying of several pieces -- some not yet seen in public.

The event takes place at the Cheltenham Center for the Arts, held and sponsored by the Artists’ Cultural Exchange (ACX). Admission is free.

Date: 04/06/2010
Time: 7:00 PM
Location:
Cheltenham Center for the Arts
439 Ashbourne Road
Cheltenham, Pennsylvania 19012

For more info: www.cheltenhamarts.org

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Rotapult - an astonishing machine by Brad Litwin

I don't have words for how cool this kinetic sculpture is; just watch the video.

See more sculptures by Brad Litwin on his web site.

[ Thanks Dave! ]

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Motorized kinetic sculpture with 4 ball catapults

I have a feeling this video of a crafty piece of kinetic sculpture by Brad Litwin has made the blog rounds before. Even if you've seen it before, it is worth another look. Clever, playful...and precise!

See more kinetic sculptures by the multi-talented Brad Litwin on is web site.

[ Thanks Tom! ]

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Brad Litwin: A Collection of Mechanical Conundra

Brad Litwin's upcoming show is titled Kinetic works: A Collection of Mechanical Conundra. The exhibit starts early next month in Philadelphia. If you will be in the area, you won't want to miss seeing his amazing mechanical creations in person.

From the exhibit description:

Bradley N.Litwin has created works of kinetic sculpture for nearly thirty years. His work draws on the accumulated and synergistic experiences of having worked in manufacturing, entertainment, and multimedia production, as a designer, engineer, animator, photographer, film-maker, performer, prototype maker, and eternal experimenter.

Kinetic works: A Collection of Mechanical Conundra
Date: October 4 through October 16, 2009
Reception: Saturday, October 10, 6pm -8pm
Location:
Tyler School of Art, Temple University
2001 N. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122

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Build-A-Tune: Programmable Thumb Piano

Here is another great creation from the talented Brad Litwin, maker of The Atom Smacker and other mechanical wonders. The piece is now on exhibit at the Dupage Children's Museum, in Naperville, IL.

This machine uses a series of studded disks to pluck the tongues on an instrument resembling a thumb piano tilted on its side. As the notes to the video remark, by rearranging the disks, the Build-A-Tune offers a near-infinite combination of rhythmic sequences, many of which sound a bit like music out of Africa or a rudimentary electronic sequencer.

Learn more about Brad and his creations at www.bradlitwin.com.

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Brad Litwin, Kinetic Sculpture Talk in Philadelphia

Kinetic sculptor and automaton artist Brad Litwin, who I posted about here and here, will be speaking about his kinetic sculptures on Sunday, July 13th in Philadelphia at The University of the Arts, 333 S. Broad Street, Anderson Hall, 4th Floor. While the talk is free(a $5 donation is suggested), an RSVP is required. Send email with first and last name to makephilly@gmail.com.

This info comes to us via the MAKE Magazine blog.

Extra-Universal Movement, Wild Gear Contraption

I posted a recently about Brad Litwin's clever Atom Smacker Device. Here is a piece of Brad's dating back to 1979 called Extra-Universal Movement. The hand-cranked kinetic sculpture is a wild assortment of gears, tracks, belts, cups, balls, a governor, and even an animated dragon's head! I'm blown away.

The sculpture is mostly wood, measuring approximately 20" x 16" x 22" high. The artist informs me that the piece is made of pine, Honduras mahogany, bubinga, ebony, maple, cocobolo, lignum vitae, padouk, Indian and Brazilian rosewoods, teak, cherry, walnut, birch, and satinwood -- and maybe a couple of others! Extra, indeed.

Check out the work of this multi-talented artist at www.bradlitwin.com.

Hand-Cranked Mechanical Atom-Smacker Device

Brad Litwin created this amazing hand-cranked contraption out of acrylic, brass, and steel. Actually, the word "contraption" doesn't do justice to its careful engineering and precise movements. It's hard to see early in the video, but that swinging arm is rapidly picking up, moving, and dropping a small ball-bearing. As the video progresses, you get to see every angle of this beautifully crafted machine.

From the YouTube description:
"Brad's first attempt to subvert the limits of the known universe. Over a period of use, the device has been utilized for the continuous abuse of countless atomic structures. However, to date, no discernible affect on our own temporal-spacial domain has been observed. Unit is approx. 8" x 4" x 4"high, made of acrylic, brass and steel."