One recent and amazing development in the world of miniatures is 3D printing. Shapeways gives designers and shoppers a way to meet and mingle. There are so many custom miniatures in different sizes and materials available. Shapeways held a contest featuring miniatures, and I made a mini crafting scene to enter.
I started with a miniature reproduction of the Shapeways shipping box shown here at Baxter Pointe Villa.
I split apart a real one then reproduced the wording and logos through scanning, manual type-setting and clip-art alteration.
I even made a tiny USPS label. :D
The shipping tape dispenser left the best detailing on the ends, so I kept that intact.
The tiny X-Acto knife is by Ulus Miniaturas.
Open the box to find Shapeways 3D printed items wrapped in thin foam (many thanks to Peggy for the foam supply). Maybe one of these days I’ll figure out how to make bubble wrap in 1:12 scale. I did at least include tiny pieces of masking tape to hold the foam secure. :D
Inside were a 3D printed swimming pool in N scale from TheDallesHostler and a 3D printed N scale bridge from railNscale, bought just in case of disaster with the pool. I will likely use the bridge for the tiny Hampton House.
My mini craft room is also the laundry room. This beautiful washer and dryer set from Barbara are accented by a wonderfully detailed 3D printed laundry basket by MarionRussek. I spray painted it flat white.
Ophelia likes to hang out in the laundry room when there is crafting going on.
The 3D printed bookshelf which I painted Liquitex Iridescent Bronze is from modernminifan. I added various miniatures to fill the space, using the largest of the books in my collection to make the best use of the space.
The modern vase is from modernminifan and was molded in white. I painted it Testors Gloss Teal, a gorgeous metallic blue green.
I removed the ladder from the pool since the printing was slightly off and painted the pool using acrylic paints. The 3D printed desk accessories are from modernminifan. They were printed in a lightly metallic grey, so I left them as is. I added accessories and even a tissue for the tissue box holder. The 3D printed stacking bins are from MarionRussek, designed by Pepper. These were molded in green. I made the masking tape roll and sketch pad.
Then it was time for the resin (Acrylic Water from Walmart). I’ve included a tiny dispensing cup and stir stick. I tried putting measurement lines on the cup, but that’s apparently above my pay grade. :D
The 3D printed overhead lampshade is by MarionRussek. I painted it soft tan to mimic a bamboo shade, added a Novalyte can LED and fed the wire through a length of aluminum tubing. The window was originally in the Newport and has my custom café shutters. Yes, they open, too. :]
Burning the midnight oil. Yeah, I’ve never done that before. haaaaaaaaaaa!
Hooray! Done with time to spare. :D
—–
UPDATE: My mini craft station in the laundry room took first place!! eeeeeeeeeeeee!!! :D *wrings hands and starts shopping list*
Congratulations to Alice, Kristine and Cyd on their winnings and a huge pat on the back to all the contestants!!! You can see all of the entries here and the winners announcement here. Thank you to the judges: Carol, Kacie and Megan!
Many thanks to Shapeways for the opportunity to participate and for the wonderful minis brought to life through 3D printing. I’m so thrilled!!!!
