Unfortunately, I didn't end up making it to the UArts Senior Crafts show due to some unforeseen transportation issues, which was a real blow. I'm terribly jealous of everyone who did make it, because I have no doubt the work was absolutely spectacular.
On the plus side, I had several packages waiting for me on my return home! One was work shipped back after the close of the LaGrange National exhibition, and the other was a very special box from Shapeways. Let me preface this by saying that I adore Shapeways, and give you a bit of explanation.
You see, on occasion I work with 3D modeling software. I learned my first program, form-Z, a couple years back when I took a 3D modeling class with Rod McCormick. I enjoyed it immensely, in part because thinking in computerized 3D space came naturally for me. Form-Z is a fairly finicky program to use, but after you get the hang of it, you can create incredibly precise work without too much hassle. Unfortunately, after I finished the class I looked into getting my own copy of the program and realized that there wasn't anyway my budget would cover it. I asked Rod about other programs I might look into, and he recommended Hexagon. Hexagon is an inexpensive program, as far as 3D modeling programs go, and it's got good control. The functions are quite as precise as form-Z, but unlike form-Z, the interface is incredibly intuitive. (Luckily, as it's nearly impossible to find an actual manual with tutorials.) I also had a brief stint where I used Blender, which is an open source program and is therefore free. The less said about my experiences with Blender, the better, as they were pretty horrific, especially coming off of using Hexagon. (Blender is terribly unintuitive. You need a cheat sheet, and definitely a mouse with a scrolling wheel, neither of which I have.) Yesterday I decided that I'd stretch myself a little more and try out Rhino, because it seems to be the jewelry industry standard. I can't afford an actual copy right now, but they've got an evaluation version available for download, so I figure that'll get me a good feel for whether or not it makes me hate life, or if I need to start saving my nickels and dimes for it.
Anyway, if you're still with me, Shapeways is a company that will print your 3D modeling files into actual objects. There are a lot of companies that will do this, except most of them are catering to industry. Shapeways, on the other hand, is incredibly freelancer friendly. If you need one model made, they will do it. I was initially put off a tad by the fact that they're based in the Netherlands, which had worried me over shipping times and other imaginary concerns. Completely unfounded worries. They've got an incredibly efficient system, and both times I've ordered from them I've been pleased with both the print results, and the manufacturing and shipping times.
The main project I've been using Shapeways for is a freelance gig I've been keeping under wraps, and which I'm going to continue to do so for a little while longer. (We're getting close to when I'll be shouting about it everywhere, but we're not quite there yet.) However, Shapeways has a $25 order minimum- you pay it whether or not your materials add up to it, so you might as well print more things. (This includes shipping though. Can you believe it?) So when I had to have part of the project reprinted with design edits, I had a chunk of that I wasn't using, and figured I'd throw in one of my other models. Turns out it's as adorable as I thought it would be, and I'm opening it up for ordering on Shapeways, so if you adore it, you can order your own!
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