My First 3D Printed Miniatures

When I first heard of 3D printed miniatures, or 3D printed anything

for that matter, I was immediately intrigued with the possibilities --

even if I didn't fully understand the science behind it.

I've read about the process with fascination; watched videos with almost

disbelief as a 3-dimensional object is 'printed' right before my eyes. 

And finally, I took the plunge.  A few weeks ago I ordered my first 

3D printed miniatures from Shapeways.  If you're unfamiliar with

Shapeways, they are a 3D printing service that allows designers

to upload their 3D designs to their own storefront.  Once an order

is placed, Shapeways handles the actual printing and shipping of

the products.  How cool is that?!?

 

My order arrived today and I am thrilled with my purchases!

Everything is perfectly to scale and I can't wait to put them

into a scene.  

The laundry basket is designed by Modern Dollhouse.

The magazine butler, paper tray, and storage bin are designed by Modern Minis.

My only surprise is that they have a texture to them which I wasn't

expecting with the "White Strong & Flexible Polished" option.  

They are also available in various colors which I may try out with my next order!

Until next time, happy mini-making!

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Mini Les Bois Dollhouse Miniature Show, April 2015

Travel Agency Roombox by Deb Matunas

One of the highlights of attending a dollhouse miniature show is seeing the wide range of roomboxes, vignettes, and yes, sometimes even full dollhouses, on display.

Oftentimes the displays are made by members of the miniature club that sponsored

the event.  Such is the case with the above roombox.  Deb Matunas creates very high quality, incredibly detailed, miniature scenes and the above box is no exception.  

I especially **love** that a decorator suitcase is used as the "box".  And once again, a few sets of my luggage have found a beautiful forever home.  Well done!

Of course, in addition to the display eye candy, there's also some shopping to do!

Items that insisted on coming home with me ;)

 These lovely miniatures were too adorable to resist!  The rocking chair, I'm told, is

made by the company that was the pre-cursor to Bespaq.  Bespaq, of course, is

synonymous with superior quality in the dollhouse miniature world.

I wish I knew the maker of this beautifully crafted woven basket.  It is about 1 1/4" wide and is very well made.  I love woven baskets!  In real size, in mini size... I love them all!  This one will probably be filled with miniature fruit and adorn my dollhouse kitchen.  Or, perhaps filled with "mail" and placed on a shelf next to a desk.  Hmmm....  so many possibilities!

1:12 Peanut Butter, Crisco, and Coffee Mug

 The jar of peanut butter and can of Crisco Vegetable Shortening are made by Cindi's Mini's.  The color of the peanut butter is PERFECT!  Looks good enough to eat!

I'll put the #1 Grandpa coffee mug in the planned-but-not-yet-created dollhouse den, right next to the laptop and sports and car racing magazines.  :)

1:12 Miniature Shipping Boxes, Ream of Paper

And now, the office supplies!  I nearly flipped a wig when I saw these miniature shipping boxes and ream of printer paper!  To call them perfect would be an understatement.  The flattened boxes actually unfold to become real, to-scale shipping boxes.  The USPS box even has printing on the inside of the 'cardboard' -- just like the real thing!!!  My imagination is running amok with all the possible uses for these boxes....  Now I just need to create some tiny shipping labels.....  ;)

For more information about the Mini Les Bois Dollhouse Miniature Club and annual Dollhouse Miniature Show, check out their Facebook Page. 

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