I AM A SIMPLE NERD MAKING MY WAY THROUGH THE GALAXY.

Pete Things was launched in 2020 by me, Pete.  I have done a ton of research, taken classes, and met many very talented people in my life.  Through those experiences, I have learned how to bring my ideas to life in projects or modifications of existing items. I enjoy making and creating everything! From the everyday quality of life improvements to props and decorations based on my favorite characters, I just love making things. My goal is to share my ideas, techniques, and projects with other awesome people (YOU) to inspire and help them to do the same.  I am continuing to learn more and will continue to share as my skill, tool, and knowledge collection expands.

So if you….

• have ever seen a prop from a show or game, and said “man, that would look good on my wall,” then this is the place for you. 
• have ever wanted to bring a character to life or invent your own character for a comic con or a festival, I got you covered!
• just want to get in on discussions of all things maker-related, then welcome aboard!
• want suggestions or reviews of tools to help bring your creations to life, look no further!
• want a look inside Comic-cons, renaissance festivals, and other attractions or gatherings. Make costumes and props for the events and see how they stack up, let’s go!

What kind of projects can you expect to see?

• Shop and workspace
• Props, Decorations, Costumes
• Quality of life improvements around the house

What kind of things will I cover?

• Planning and strategy
  • The thought process behind the projects
  • How to approach and tailor the projects for you
• Techniques
  • discuss a variety of techniques and where they work
  • reviews of new techniques and modifications to old ones
• Tools and materials
  • reviews of tools and materials
  • discussions surrounding what works best
  • new tools/materials and alternatives based on budget and experience
• Projects
  • The meat and potatoes of making, the actual project
  • guides to how to build your own
  • inspiration and motivation to get out there and create something

Who I am?

Well, I am Pete. I am from Texas and after a stint in the military, I found my way back to the Lone Star State. I grew up collecting comics, cards, and action figures.  Saturday morning was all about cartoons, and the evenings were for Magic the Gathering tournaments at the local comic shop.  Star Wars is probably my favorite overall universe, but Marvel is a close second. I have always been attracted to villains (Empire for life). My favorite characters are the anti-heroes or “grey characters.”  Punisher, Boba Fett, Deadpool, Psylocke, etc. 

I have worked in construction throughout my life. Remodeling houses over 100 years old to new construction, I have been around a lot of different aspects. Most recently I have been introduced to modular construction. This has opened my eyes and really influenced my approach as of late. I have taken a more modular approach in my shop set up and creations lately, and it is awesome. Also working in more high-tech construction has exposed me to new materials and techniques not commonly seen.

I have been a maker since I was little. I was always taking scraps or junk and turning them into props and gear from my favorite shows or comics.  As my skills improved, so did technology and my access to it. I now have accrued an impressive collection of tools to help bring my creations to life.  My first trip to a comic con had me sold. I was researching and hunting down every bit of information on how to become a Mandalorian and build my own suit.  I ended up build suits for the kids and I was hooked. I became almost more interested in the processes than the finished products.

As you can see, I have been all over the place from the very beginning. Bouncing from one thing to another, trying to absorb all of the information available to me. This is my attempt to provide all of my experience, failures, and successes available to others.

For me, all of my activities follow a cycle. While I am always striving to improve my craft whatever it may be, I follow the same stages as I ted to follow the same stages:

• Research – absorbing every bit of information I can on the process
• Doing- implementing the new process and just completing it
• Innovating – changing the process to improve it or make it my own
• Mastering – becoming the best I can at the process.  This is an ongoing part and never stops
• Sharing – sharing the information I have learned and helping others to use the same process.  This part is as rewarding as the creation to me, but it is also self-serving and goes hand in hand with mastering

So that is me and I ask you to join me.  Take what you want and leave the rest.  Even better, leave something extra!  I am always open to learning new techniques and tips to help me improve.  By helping to spread this information and culture, to aid others in creating/making, we are improving each other and the world.  At the end of the day we are all in this together, so let’s help each other be better.

Stay Awesome,

Pete