Meet the MakerBees
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Ken Wass
The Wood Bee
Ken is the brains and heart of MakerBees Creative. He converted the old six stall horse barn into a workspace to accommodate all kinds of tinkering. One of the first projects was to add bee hives to the farm. We jokingly say we aren’t bee “keepers” we run an AirBee&Bee - bees come to visit but don’t stay very long. Many Saturdays you will see friends stopping by to work on special projects, borrow tools or just shoot the breeze. Ken is the primary maker of all things wood; cutting boards, holiday decor, boxes etc.
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Niki Wass
The Jeweler
Niki is an avid gardener and loves all things green. Most weeks she can be seen head bobbing around on her BadBoy (zero turn mower). She is also the design consultant and finisher on most items created from wood. Her latest interest is learning more about jewelry making so she can find ways to salvage wood scraps left over from other projects.
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Jay Wass
The Artist
Jay Wass, a recent graphic design graduate, is a versatile artist with a passion for ceramic and clay art in addition to crochet, gardening, gaming, and a flair for Granny Chic and Mid-Century Modern (MCM) design influences. Their skills with ceramic and clay allow them to craft intricate and tactile pieces, merging the art of pottery with their diverse creative interests.
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Caleb Fairres
(aka “Bearnaut Fabrications”)
Caleb is a versatile creative, with a talent for inventing unique ideas. As a laser specialist, he channels his creativity into crafting captivating visual experiences. His role as a brand ambassador is a platform for infusing personality and artistry into brand promotion. Additionally, as a videographer, he transforms everyday moments into captivating visual stories. In the realm of audio, Caleb is a podcaster, weaving narratives and discussions that engage the imagination. His artistic touch is evident in each creative venture he undertakes.
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Jen Burns
(aka “First Order Creations”)
Jen is the tumbler-making wizard of the MakerBees Creative team! She’s got a knack for turning your favorite fandoms into cool, handcrafted drinkware that’s as unique as you are. Whether it’s a quirky design or something totally custom, Jen’s got you covered. If you’re into nerdy vibes and love sipping in style, you’ll love what she creates!
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Haley McKnight
(aka “Meep Morps Art”)
Haley McKnight is the artist behind Meep Morps Art. Always on the move and hustling, she balances 4 jobs including the small art business where she focuses on 3D printing small beasts and cute animals. Haley is the primary maker of Dragons, pastel-goth styled dice holders and towers, and Kaijumon.
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Paul Ford
The Mechanic
Paul Ford, a creative mechanic in the MakerBees Barn, is a vintage Ford tractor enthusiast. He's currently rehabbing a rare, decades-old Ford tractor. His open and welcoming demeanor makes the barn not only a workshop but a thriving community hub where knowledge is shared, and where he continues to mentor and inspire fellow enthusiasts.
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Ryan Wass-Van Doorn
The Furniture Wizard
Ryan Van Doorn has his own workshop but uses the Barn for big projects. He likes to build fine furniture and has dabbled in epoxy river style table tops. He apprenticed under his Pawpaw Smith who has taught him pre-planning and precision that results in quality pieces that will stand the test of time.