A Fisherman Gravity Swing was finished at one table, and a Glittering Water Lily was completed at another. The makers behind those two achievements were twelve-year-old Zane and his mother, Alyssa. Their shared success became a highlight of a small Saturday gathering at Copperas Cove Public Library.
On June 27, 2026, Michael Lortz, known in the Rolife Community as Harley, hosted a Robotime DIY and crafting session from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. He had allowed an extra half hour on either side for setting up and clearing away. Twenty-three people had registered, but six attended, including two young builders.
A smaller group than expected
Michael had sent two reminders through Eventbrite before the event. The people who replied were the ones who came. He was candid afterwards about feeling disappointed by the gap between registrations and attendance: he had prepared for a larger gathering and hoped to welcome more people.
Once the session was underway, however, the six participants gave him plenty to appreciate. They chatted, shared tips, and helped one another while working on their projects. The library became a relaxed place to make progress, with room for each person’s build and questions.
Two young makers and two different milestones
Zane and eleven-year-old Lynnette both chose the Fisherman Gravity Swing. Michael was impressed by their work and the skill they brought to the models. Zane completed his during the event, giving the group a finished build to celebrate before the morning was over.
The adults selected two Ferris Wheels and two Glittering Water Lilies. Alyssa finished one of the Water Lilies, making the day a memorable one for mother and son. Their achievements came from different projects, but they could take that sense of accomplishment home together.
Those completed models were specific highlights rather than a measure everyone had to match. Other participants were working through their own kits, exchanging ideas along the way. Michael’s account places the conversation and mutual help alongside the results on the tables.
A prize plan that changed with the room
Michael had originally planned a drawing for Fruit Nanci figures. With a smaller group present, he changed the arrangement and gave one to every attendee. Alyssa also received a Baby Nanci figure as a thank-you for sharing the event and the Robotime and Rolife names online.
The group played a word game as well, adding a short change of pace to the making. The morning held space for the kits, conversation, and a few playful moments rather than following the attendance plan exactly as it had first been imagined.
The help that made hosting possible
Michael gave special thanks to Rod Freeman for helping with setup and cleanup. Rod brought his own experience of woodworking and whittling, and his practical support mattered before the first guest arrived and after the last project was packed away.
It is an easy part of an event to overlook in photographs: someone moving supplies, arranging the workspace, and helping restore the room afterwards. Michael made a point of recognizing it. The same willingness to lend a hand that guests enjoyed during the session had helped make the session possible.
Every attendee told Michael they would like to join another Robotime crafting event. He left with an honest view of both sides of the day—the disappointment of no-shows and the value of what happened among the people who came. For Zane and Alyssa, there were completed projects; for the host, there were six people whose enthusiasm made the effort worthwhile.
Read Michael’s Rolife Community recap and explore more gatherings in the DIY Crafting Club.
