About Us

The inspiration for Gualala Gadget came when our master gadget-maker, Jim, was exploring the complexities of 3D printing.  Jim noticed that most of the things that are 3D-printed these days, while fascinating and very creative, are static objects with no movement at all, like action figures.   So Jim decided to create a 3D-printed object that incorporated movement and started devising his first marble machine.  After many months of trial and error, tweaking and changing, he had his first Gualala Gadget working perfectly.  Jim has found the process of gadget-designing so enjoyable, he can't seem to stop himself from creating new gadgets.  And in the process, Jim has managed to push the limits of 3D printing.

This Spring we showcased our gadgets at the San Francisco Bay Area Maker Faire.  We didn't know what to expect, but we were absolutely blown away by the response we received.   It seemed that pretty much everyone who walked by our exhibit was immediately hooked.  They all stopped, watched and played with our gadgets (in fact, there were some kids at our table for well over an hour).    Adults also loved our gadgets, not only as gifts for kids, but as gifts for themselves - or even for the office.

We even won two Maker Faire Editor's Choice Awards!

As a result of the awesome response at Maker Faire and the absolute delight that our gadgets brought to young and old, alike, we are in the process of figuring out how to make our gadgets available to the world.  So, while we're working on this, please sign up for our mailing list and we'll let you know as soon as they become available.

Our gadgets are designed by Jim in Gualala, a small seaside village on the north coast of California.