When we decorate our rooms the general intention is usually to try and make them more personal and more ours. We are of course decorating the space in order that it becomes a more pleasant place to relax or to work, but at the same time we do it so that when people come round they will go ‘wow’ and they’ll learn a little bit more about us. This behavior probably has evolutionary roots in when we used to display the skulls of animals and collections of rocks in our caves, and it extends to our inane desire to decorate our Facebook pages. Whatever the reason though, the simple matter is that we enjoy personalizing our spaces and using them to communicate who we are.
To this end the ornaments we choose will be selected to fulfill certain criteria – not only looking good but also to say something about us and to impress guests and act as conversation points.
Why 3D Printing?
This is why being able to make your own ornaments is a great idea – it ensures your items will be completely unique and it means that they will really have that personal touch. And when it comes to impressing guests few things accomplish this quite as well as having made the items in your room yourself.
The only problem of course is that not all of us are gifted with being able to create amazing works of art that will look good in our home, and many of us don’t have quite the practical skills to make furniture. The danger is that many people create things for their property to try and impress, but actually it ends up just getting embarrassed smiles because the things look so tacky or because they are falling apart.
But 3D printing is different – this is manufacturing something out of plastic that doesn’t involve glue or nails and that not any kindergarten kid could accomplish. People will ask how you managed to build the things or where you found them – and that’s a very good sign.
How to Use It
To get started with 3D printing you just need to download some 3D modelling software and this means anything like Rhinoceros 3D or CB Model Pro. From there you’ll simply design your models as you want them by drawing polygons and by combining 3D shapes and using commands like ‘revolve’ to create cylinders and symmetrical curves – there are many tutorials on YouTube and elsewhere online that can get you started. Then once you’ve done that you simply sign up to a 3D printing service like Shapeways, upload your file, and then order your items. It’s completely free with the only charge being the cost of delivery and printing meaning you can really create anything you could possibly want for your rooms and save money in the process. You can make our items out of glass, china, steel or plastic but note that you’ll probably want to paint anything plastic when it arrives.
What to Make
If you are stuck for ideas of what to make then here are some starting ideas for you to apply your own creative flare to…
- Lampshades
- Candle holders
- Picture frames
- Vases and plant pots
- Pen holders
- Receipt boxes
- Basic furniture
- Crockery
- Ornaments (abstract or replicas)
- Fountains (you just need to add a water pump)
John Whiteman is a home improvement blogger. He works with a renowned company which helps to redesign lower basement in Toronto.
