We began conducting our first workshops in elementary and secondary schools throughout Slovenia. Since then, the number of clubs and workshops has been increasing over the years. On average, more than 100 children regularly attend these workshops on a weekly basis. We continued to organize workshops until mid-2020, when the COVID-19 outbreak prevented us from conducting them physically.
We organized workshops for children in Lake Bunyoni, Uganda (Africa). Despite the language barriers, we made plastic models together. We found out that the children in our workshops had difficulty building detailed things; they had trouble with fine motor skills. We found the reason for this in their school system, which doesn’t typically teach technical subjects such as Technical Teaching. This experience brought us a lot of new insights and ideas for further developing Back to Basics tutorials.
We took over the online shop makete.net (established in 2005) and combined our workshops for children and online sales under the Miniatures d.o.o. brand, becoming the largest provider of models and accessories in Slovenia. Web page: www.miniatures.si The company proudly achieved one of the highest credit ratings in year 2019 and 2020. More info: https://btb-tutorials.com/a-rating/
Since 2013, we have been organizing an annual summer program of workshops and activities. Children at our Summer Workshops Camp spend a lot of time exploring their creativity while building plastic models. In addition to modeling, the program also includes a lot of fun, sports and creative activities.
The first idea for Back to Basics was born, combining our knowledge and experience in the field of pedagogy with modern technologies to create online video tutorials as a new way to encourage young people to explore building and creativity.
We successfully organized our first Scale Model Workshop. Over the course of one fun-filled day, three of our expert instructors led four different workshop sessions demonstrating various different modeling practices. Groups of seven to ten participants had the chance to learn a range of techniques, from first steps (such as sending, riveting, scribing, surface primer and painting color modulation, and decal application) to finishing touches (such as chipping, scratching effects, weathering, washes, filters). Our emphasis on providing an individual approach, with instructors helping participants throughout the process, makes our teaching methods particularly unique and participant-focused.
Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, we were forced to shut down our model workshops after 20 successful years. We saw this time as an opportunity for a new beginning. And so we decided to publish our very first Back to Basics video tutorial, Yakovlev Yak-3, on our YouTube channel. We received incredibly positive responses from the modeling community and general public both at home and around the world. Fortunately, in July and August we were able to organize two Summer workshop camps where we could test how the video tutorials looked in practice (classroom setting).
In September, we took the next step in product development with the launch of the Yakovlev YAK-3 online classroom. More: The Covid challenge
In December 2020, we upgraded the classroom with a new tutorial: Messerschmitt BF109 F-2:
Our new Back to Basics web page was finally complete! We added new online classrooms, and in April, we launched a new project named the Fire Fighter project.
We gave a presentation at:
In 2023, we aspire to create an online environment that will support intergenerational learning anywhere and anytime by using an innovative teaching method and an online tool that connects manufacturers, users and trainers.
We will attend some of the most prominent model shows in Europe, such as the MOSONSHOW in Hungary and the SCALE MODEL CHALLENGE in the Netherlands, where we will be showcasing the Back to Basics teaching method by means of free BTB workshops for the youngest learners. Our aim is to sign a letter of intent with the largest modelling clubs and associations to establish cooperation and jointly promote the hobby and recruit new participants.
Born in 1981 in Kranj, Slovenia. 20 years of experience organizing workshops, exhibitions and running a hobby shop.
After completing his doctoral degree at the Faculty of Architecture he also turned his attention to the field of industrial design.
Since 2003 he has been designing and illustrating assembly instructions for Revell, the largest manufacturer of scale models.
With more than 10 years of experience in corporate video production, he can capture every shot imaginable and edit everything together seamlessly.