A confused mixture is exactly right in describing what I've been up to this past week or so. And it seems like I haven't accomplished or brought to conclusion any of the things I've started on. It's been entertaining at any rate, and worthwhile because I learned some new things. I'll hit the highlights...
I made some more bottles from the mold but am still waiting for the tops to arrive from the Netherlands. Once those arrive I can get the bottles finished up and start the drawing for the vanity set. These colors came out a little better.
It took two nervous days to work up my courage to complete the set up process and print the first test file on the 3D printer. I was astonished at how well it went, and in fact, that encouraged me to grab some of the stl files of things I'd previously made for Shapeways and give them a try. All it required was to open the files into the QIDI slicer program and then save them as gcode files onto a thumb drive for the printer. Then, just pop the thumb drive into the printer, make a few selections from the touch screen and you're off!
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| QIDI test file. I have no idea what it is, either. Is it something really useful and I just haven't figured it out yet? |
The first of my own prints was the modern wall mounted toilet. Red was the random spool color that came with the printer, though I ordered white to use after I get some practice in. It came out surprisingly well.
Then I threw a little more challenging print at it by making a phone holder in Tinkercad and testing that out. The first try got about 7% completed and then the printer started making a funny noise. Russ and I realized that the nozzle had clogged and the noise was the printer's attempt at trying to squeeze more filament out of the nozzle. Luckily, the printer comes with videos on a thumb drive that shows how to unclog the nozzle. It's a pretty common thing and a good learning experience. I'm so glad Russ was there to help me stay calm and confident that we could do it. Soon we were back underway! I am now the proud owner of a handy phone holder with my name on it!
After that I threw a few different challenges at it: side by side items, teeny tiny items and things with letters. In most cases it performed beautifully without having to change any settings. There are a couple things I can do to improve the designs for my printer, but that will all come in good time. For now, just learning the slicer program and all of it's functions and settings is plenty!
It is mesmerizing to watch as the printer adds the layers and then fills in the voids. It takes a really long time, though (9-1/2 hours for the phone holder), so you have to occupy yourself with other things. I put a few coats of paint on the tall planters. I like that they end up looking like concrete or pottery.
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| Red PLA |
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| Painted With Thunder Gray |
I also had these cake kits from Stewart Dollhouse Creations to look forward to...
I dove in to the first kit and quickly realized that it was going to be an all consuming activity. Like when I started on the Storybook Cottage garden, figuring it would take two weeks. It took nine!!! I did complete four cakes from one kit over a few days, so, yippee! It is apparent that I will need A LOT more practice!!!
I looked at all of the bakery shelving that will need filling for Pound Cake's displays, estimated how many more I would need, ordered some more Original Sculpey and Soft Fimo, and will now wait until it arrives before I dive back in to the project. Making mini baked goods tends to monopolize your work table and it looks like June will arrive before the supplies do. Craft stuff is getting harder to source and more expensive by the week!
It's probably a good thing I'm stalled, though, because Father's Day is coming up fast. I have an idea and a direction for dad, but need to get started. Here;s a hint...
Oh, and one other distraction and major rabbit hole to report for the week. I bet most of you are aware that HBS/miniatures.com re-released a couple popular Creatin' Contest kits. For those that did not know, there was a vote held on Facebook between four popular kits. The winners were Lisa's Country Cottage and MiniTown Loft. I bought two Lisa's kits and, call me MAD, got them out to start planning...
More hodgepodge to come. Y'all come back soon, ya hear?
xo xo,
Jodi
Oh, I'll be back. Can't wait to see what you do next. The cakes are pretty cool, but the kits look very intimidating, as is the 3-D printer involving an entirely new learning curve, which it looks like you are mastering. I am anxious to see what you create for Pound Cake.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! Ruth does an excellent job of explaining the steps, but if it's your first time, there are definitely a lot of nuances that you have to figure out. Like anything, the more you practice the better you do. This is why when I dive in I want to have weeks of time to dedicate and not do a rush job.
DeleteHonestly, creating things in Tinkercad is sooo easy. And it is free. So when you have a minute, pop on there, create and account, watch a couple videos and you'll see there is nothing magic about it! You'd do great!
Gurl......send some of that ambition my way!I can't wait to see where your imagination and creativity goes now. ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteHa ha! Thanks Carrie, but I would not wish to infect you with my mania! Your pace is just fine. :O)
DeleteStaying busy is the only thing that keeps these worries lately from turning into full blown anxiety attacks. It is probably a really unhealthy way to cope with stress, but I guess it is better than drugs or alcohol!
3D printing, cakes, and new projects, oh my! I’d better not blink, this is going to be fun to watch. Thanks for sharing it all with us.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sherrill! I am having fun getting to play with so many different things lately and I hope it is fun for you, too! Sharing makes it feel less lonely so thank you for coming by to keep me company!
DeleteOh Jodi! sabía o por lo menos intuía que serías capaz de sacar muy buen provecho a la impresora 3D y....no hay más que ver tus primeras piezas,son fabulosas y hasta has sido capaz de desatascar la boquilla! De ahora en adelante,sólo será progresar.
ReplyDeleteQue cantidad de diversión te espera con los kits de pasteles,el proyecto para el día del padre y además has sacado los kits de Lisa,cómo no vamos a volver?,estaré encantada de ver surgir todo esto!!!!
Besos.
Gracias pilar! ¡Es mucho más divertido saber que puedo compartir con personas amables y creativas que se entusiasman al crear! Me encanta que siempre que necesito algo, ¡puedo hacerlo e imprimirlo yo mismo! ¡No más esperar el correo! ¡Decir ah!
DeleteWow what a great projects very interesting to see how you do it!
ReplyDeletehave a nice day,
groetjes van Marijke
Thanks Maeijke! I love that you are here and that we share our pursuits with one another! It makes the world so small and kind!
DeleteOne thing is sure to me, dear Jodi, you truly are a miniature MADness hehehe ;)! OMG you are busy with so many and also different things!!
ReplyDeleteThe cakes turned out wonderful, but it will be time consuming for making lots of more cakes for your shop, good luck! I bet your shop will eventually sell the most delicious cakes there are, they look mouthwatering ;)!
I'm impressed by your results on the 3D printer and it shows great opportunities for you in designing more 3D printed miniatures.
And lastly a new project.......oh my, you must have so much energy!!
Take care, stay safe, dear Jodi.
Hugs, Ilona
Lol! Thanks Ilona! Who knew that when trying to find an appropriate name for the blog that madness would become so accurate?!? But it is true that an idea takes hold of me and I'll move heaven and earth to see it come to life!
DeleteI have learned to manage my anxiety by staying super busy and during this stay at home order all my focus has to be here. So the benefit is that I am making lots of time to create! Now if only I could be more disciplined about finishing what I start!!!
And that printer! I am so excited to know that if I should happen to need a pitcher, lamp, sink, toilet etc. that it is right here at my fingertips! It's so liberating!!!
Stay safe and busy, too, Ilona!
It's always fun to check in and see what you are up to Jodi! You inspire me to get started on a few of my own projects! Thanks for the inspiration! And keep up the beautiful work! --Erik in NW Ohio
ReplyDeleteThank you Erik! It fills my heart to know that what I love to do inspires you to go after what you love, too! Sometimes just getting started is the hardest part, but you're always so glad that you did!
DeleteI can understand Jodi, the whirlpool situation you find yourself in, jumping from one thing to another but I know it's wonderful. Copping successfully with the new 3D printer will save you a lot of waiting time for craft materials, you'll be able to make them yourself. The cakes are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAre you sending your dad hunting? Is what it looks like a gun cabinet?
Good luck with the contest! Stay safe and well!
Hugs, Drora
Thank you Drora! You are exactly right! Being able to make what I need is so liberating, and because the making part is my favorite thing, it is also so satisfying! I am fascinated by new technology, and also pretty intimidated. The only thing for it is to face the fear head on and try to learn. It keeps us young and feeling good about ourselves, too!
DeleteAgain you are right in the wheelhouse about my dad. He has not hunted since I was very young (unless you count fishing - he does that weekly), but has been a gun collector and historian his whole life. I made him the fishing cabin for Christmas in 2013, so I thought it was time I made him a gun cabinet to go in it. I hope he likes mini rifles as much as he liked playing with my mom's Mother's Day casita!
Oh you do love a challenge and you have a double whammy there - teeny tiny cakes to decorate and a new hi tech toy. Miniature Madness indeed. 😁 I had the pleasure of meeting Ruth Stewart at what I think was her first show (in Florida) and she was the sweetest, most self-effacing person who had created wonderful things. The cakes will be a challenge but a joy to do. Have tiny fun
ReplyDeleteI do love a challenge, Marilyn, though you may hear me cussing all the way through it, lol! Hi - I am Jodi and I am manic for minis! 🤣
DeleteI got to meet Ruth, believe it or not, back in 2003 at the Seattle mini show. She was so warm and welcoming, and when I found out she lived a couple hours away from where I was born, I knew she was Good People! It is wonderful to see how her business has grown! And the kits are really awesome. I just need sooo much practice!
I love Ruth Stewart's cake kits and classes and have already taken three. I'll take the fourth class online on the 13th. She's such an excellent teacher! I did make a plethora of macaron cakes in her last class a few weeks ago and can send one for your bakery if you like.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you make with your new 3D printer. Looks like so much fun! I'm anxiously awaiting the day I can order my Glowforge laser. We've found a table to make to hold it and I just need a little more $$ so I can order it.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn! While the kits are awesome, I bet it is so much help to take a class! I would love to see the cakes you made and would be so honored to have one in the bakery! You can email me at
Deletejodihippler (at) gmail (dot) com and we can work out a swap for something you want/need!
Glowforge laser? Oh what a dream come true!!! I am adding prayers for you and keeping my fingers crossed that you get one soon! Oh the minis you can make with that amazing tool!!!
I bought one of those kits! I'm so excited for you that you've figured out how to work your printer. I saw Cricuts were on sale this weekend but since I don't have the space I refrained from buying one. Maybe next time.
ReplyDeleteI love your cakes! They're so beautiful. They'll look so pretty in the counter display cases.
Oh Sheila the cake kits are so much fun but my biggest challenge has been keeping the dog hair out of my clay!!! Even with a fresh pair of jammies on, lol! I know you will face the same challenge with your fur babies, too! Apparently, rubbing the clay with acetone is supposed to help.
DeleteI would recommend that you get a Cricut because you will find all kinds of regular uses for it. The biggest sales on them tend to be around Black Friday. That timing would be good for you, too, so you don't have the Creatin' Contest pressure and can dive in!
Oh Jodi! I am so unworthy of even looking at your posts! Amazing! You pick up the technologies so easily - I am very envious. I have a Cricut Maker I bought several months ago and have only printed a few signs from it. I wish they had Cricut workshops locally but they do not. You do give me hope though. And your new 3D printer? Wow - how fast you mastered that! As for the cakes - I am in LOVE with the picture of that birdcage cake. How beautiful. The ones you have made so far will look so fabulous in your Pound Cake. Can't wait to see where you go next. - Marilyn D.
ReplyDeleteOh Marilyn you are so much more than worthy!!! I am an average Joe-di and you are far too kind! Learning is not easy for me and there are some truly humbling moments. I do not want to discourage anyone, though, because there are so many wonderful people with excellent tutorial videos to get you going. You can do it, Marilyn!!! Just spend a few hours watching Cricut Maker videos and your confidence will soar!
DeleteI hope I can do those lovely cake kits justice. If not, I will simply make tiny For Sale signs for the bakery windows and list it on FaceBook Marketplace, lol!
That 3-D printer is amazing! And so are you, for having made so many items! I really like Stewart Dollhouse Creations kits. Those cakes are lovely, and the birdcage one should be especially nice. It's clear that Pound Cake will be a high-end bakery, offering much-sought-after cakes and other treats.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb! It is sooo easy to make things in Tinkercad and you could be up and running with your own 3D printed half scale miracles in no time!
DeleteThe kits are really wonderful with all of the things they include and the techniques that you learn! I am looking forward to diving back in in, hopefully, just a few more weeks! We'll just have to see if they turn out to be high end or low rent, lol!
¡Si que has trabajado en cosas diferentes! En la impresora 3D tiene que ser un placer ir descubriendo todo lo que puedes hacer.Las tartas tienen un aspecto excelente.
ReplyDeleteGracias isabel ¡Ha sido divertido trabajar en proyectos tan diferentes como la tecnología y las buenas manos!
DeleteHi Jodi! You have been BUSY!!! Sometimes those "flitting" spells are really productive and it looks to me like you got a lot done! Learning Curve on the 3D Printer seems to be a Breeze for you! The phone holder is really cool... and I think the test print is clearly a chimney with a "chimney pot" on top! Lol! The assortment of interesting things you made just go to show that you can do Anything you want now!!! As for the new cake kits.... I would be totally daunted... and they would sit on the shelf for a while... while I dabbled in sculpey instead. :) The new Building Kits are TOO MUCH! (In a good sense! ) And the Father's Day project is off to a good start.... you have two weeks, Right? LOL! You are an AMAZING Mini maker! :):):)
ReplyDeleteWow Betsy you are really good at making me feel like my mini endeavors are worthwhile and meaningful pursuits! I have been BUSY and I am so HAPPY that I have so many options to keep my mind on things I can control, even if they are tiny things! A chimney pot? Perfect! That is what it shall forever be known as from hence forth. As for the learning curve on the 3D printer, the limited things I have attempted thus far have been surprisingly user friendly but in truth are still in the novice realm. I will work up to the mind blowing stuff at an old lady's pace. :O) The only worry about having so many things in progress is that I will probably feel guilty about not actually finishing anything. I need to find a way to focus on one thing but so far, there are road blocks in every vein. Ah well, you know that song and yet continue to do amazing things to all of your dreams a little bit at a time. I like how you operate!
DeleteAll I can say is YOU DAREDEVIL YOU!
ReplyDeleteI am gobsmacked at how you dive right into the deep end and become a Mark Spitz overnight! It's simply Astounding what you have learned to do and in such a short time, and I can see that your 3D printer will be getting as much use as your Cricut Maker- which has already taken your minis to a whole new level.
Now the cakes- YOU YOU YOU YOU have me jumping up and down in my seat and wanting to stand in line outside your Pound Cake before it has opened for business!
If these are your First efforts- LOOK OUT CAKE BOSS cause here comes JODI!
Thank you so much Elizabeth for your enthusiastic votes of confidence in all of my recent endeavors! I am so incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to try all of the new fangled technology and methods for achieving mini dreams. My willingness to try is in great part thanks to the folks like you that make me feel that the efforts are worthwhile and because you take the time to leave such uplifting and motivational comments. I will try my best to learn and share all I can to help encourage those who want to try any part for themselves. It is liberating to know that you can really make the things you dream of!
DeleteOh, what a wonderful post! ;O) And thanks a lot for the extra special foreign customer service by adding an explanation for "hodgepodge"... although I would have guessed the meaning of it anyway. *grin* My, you've been up to so much!!!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting that your new helper and you get along so well with each other (although you've even had your first crisis). Your first attempts look already stunning and very promising for the future, it's great that the files you already had worked so well. (Btw - according to me that test thingie is a nail polish dummy... designed for beauty queens on instagram to simulate a vanity table stuffed with thousands of nail polish bottles... I suppose these ladies could really use it... did you notice by now that I'm neither on instagram nor the nail polish type? Eh... where was I... oh yes...) Congrats on your personalized phone holder, what an exciting project.
And speaking of exciting projects - your miniature bakery will become awesome, that's for sure! Those kits from Stewart DC are amazing and your first attempts with these sea themed cakes are stunning. My, calling these just "cake" would be an insult somehow, they are pieces of art... and I wonder who would ever manage to take a knife and cut them apart (may it be in real life or in the miniature world). Now I know that Pound Cake will not be a simple bakery - with "cakes" like these displayed and for sale it will become a "Gallery for baked arts"!
And woohoo for a new promising house project! I'm already looking forward to see what you're going to do with it. Nevertheless I must confess that I'm sometimes a little jealous, especially when it comes to these gorgeous kits from HBS but also to these kits from Mrs. Stewart. Sometimes it's hard to be European for whom ordering from the U.S. means high package costs and dealing with customs... *sigh* ;O)
Have fun with much more hodgepodging... and also with the Dad-project.
Hugs
Birgit
Thanks so much, Birgit! It is wonderful to find a quirky word that captures exactly the sentiment you are trying to relate and a one language gal like me can only hope it translates well to others! I am sure you must have a German equivalent!
DeleteXot has been resting for a few days but is equipped and ready for the moment the urge or necessity for a 3D printed object strikes me. Hooray!
As for my tiny cakes... Let's just say that they are much like my real life baking... I would not get any awards for appearance but they sure do taste acceptable. Wait... Don't eat the mini cakes. Nevermind... :O)
I must confess that I have been jealous of you, too, but it is more for the amazing bearys you can create, your mini imagination and for the incredible garden that you manage each year to grow phenomenally well. I am so limited in my natural talents and as much as I would love to please Russ and be a better cook, baker, gardener and seamstress, I really suck at those! :O(
So take heart that I have only one thing that I can do and it is why I do it so much! TGIM (thank God for minis) Hugs!
Cuantas cosas has hecho, y que bonitas todas.
ReplyDeleteEs increíble todo lo que se puede hacer con la impresora 3D, y tú le estás sacando muy buen provecho.
Me encantan las tartas !!!
Buen fín de semana.
Gracias Eloisa! También me encantan los pasteles, ¡pero realmente los que realmente puedo comer! ¡Tendré éxito con los mini si alguna vez puedo hacer uno que me dé hambre!
DeleteThose cakes...so cute!!! It’s been a hodgepodge week of crafts for me also. I loved my mini crazy quilt so much that I have spent the last week piecing a human sized crazy quilt! I am nearing the end of the piecing but like you...sourcing the backing and batting is proving to be...annoying at best!!!! Oh well...back to dollhouses!!
ReplyDeleteOh MaryFran good for you! The mini quilt turned out so great that I can only imagine how much better the larger one will be! More work but easier to see!
DeleteAnd good luck with more mini ones, too! I wish my sewing was better!!!
You're very lucky! A 3D printer?! Fantastic! I would like one, but they are very expensive for me.
ReplyDeleteThe cakes are wonderful.
Thanks Faby! I am so lucky to have a daughter that is so generous! It is such a wonderful and fulfilling gift! The prices on these printers are coming down so much that I bet it will be in your budget to get one very soon! And you are kind - my cakes are okay but I do need a lot of practice!
Delete