New Shapeways Models Have Arrived!

The next batch of my Shapeways models have arrived!

From Left to Right:

• 22.5 Degree Topless Coffee Table (add your own acrylic or wood top)
• Camber Cutout Double Bookshelf
• NOW Book Holders
• Coastlight Decorative Bowl
• Resplendent Vase Sculpture
• Masculine Sculpture
• Hip To Be Square Lamp (with very small shade. Regular shade is larger)
• X Sighting Topless Side Table (add your own unique top)
• Scale Six Piece Composition Frame Set

And...

Pose Counter Stools

All are 1/12th scale.

Check back to see how all of the 3D printed items will be used in the Alki Point project!


Wanna see all my little wonders???

M3 1:12 - My Shapeways Store

Just A Couple Tips...

I just wanted to post a couple of tips on some things that helped me this week...

I bought a couple Elf Miniatures kits for the Alki Point. This was my first time using the aluminum sheeting, and overall, it was pretty easy. I can see that practice will definitely make things more perfect, but I can live with my newbie results. Don't magnify the photos too much. Luckily, I have some thin aluminum metal sheeting from my husband's old RC truck days. I can practice practically for free! ;0)

I used contact cement, tacky glue, Weldbond, and 2 part epoxy. I have to say that the contact cement was my favorite. If any of it squirted out (even after so carefully spreading it thin and not too close to the edges), once it dried it was easy to just pull it off with no residue. I like the ability to clean things up. We won't talk about how many times I positioned things only to pull them off and quickly wipe off the adhesive!

Actually, yes we will talk about it. I was getting frustrated trying to get the fridge and oven door handles straight, level and plumb using only my tweezers and my 4X magnification clip on lenses. I was dreading how I was ever going to get the little knobs equally spaced. I even considered leaving them off. Then I decided that I should not let things that are so little be the boss of me. And here is the tool I devised to do the job.

I cut down some toothpicks, sanded them flat, then added a dab of museum wax. This way, I had a handle for the little bastards pieces.








I stuck the toothpick wax tool to the top of the knobs, used another toothpick to add the epoxy to the undersides, positioned them exactly where I wanted, then let it dry. Once the resin was set, I plucked off the handle and wiped the wax away!






I wasn't too happy with the plain Elf cooktop. I added some 1/16" basswood underneath to give it some dimension. I cut it deep enough so that I could add a piece of aluminum strip on the front edge for knobs. I had a pack of old Houseworks brass door knobs. With a coat of red paint, they don't look half bad. The knob plate thingies look like they could make great drains, too!

The next thing on the 'to do' list was to make the legs for the bathroom vanity. I had some aluminum rod, also left over from my husband's RC truck days, so thought it would be perfect. It really would have been, but cutting through the first piece broke the only "for metal" blade I have. Should have used the rip saw and not the scroll saw, I guess... (post note: Husband now informs me that he has a specific tool for cutting metal tubing. Day late, dollar short...)

So, I had to punt. I remembered that I have a nice big container of every sized dowel you could ever want. I thought 1/8" would look chunky enough but not too "Melissa & Doug" if you know what I mean. I also remembered something else I acquired from my wonderful, handsome, crafty and handy husband - aluminum tape!




It's the stuff that is used on HVAC ducting. It really is made of aluminum. It is very thin, comes on a roll and best of all it is adhesive! Oh this opens up a whole new world of possibilities!

I cut the pieces to size, peeled off the paper backing, and rolled the dowel on it. The one on the left is the aluminum that broke my blade, and the right is the taped dowel, Not so bad! And if you @#%^ it up, pull it off and try again!





Here is the vanity with it's new legs.

And here is the link for the Venture Tape. I think from now on I'll just call it Adventure Tape!

Falling In Love Again...

To be a miniaturist is to be a risk taker. Each time we push the boundary of our skills we take a risk. Each time we try something new, we know there's a good possibility that we could fail miserably, costing time, frustration, and let's face it - money.

We see the work of so many outstandingly talented people, trying to rein in our little green monsters and wondering how long it will take before we are "good" at this. If I spend enough time. If I spend enough money. If I just keep trying...

But when we do succeed, oh how wonderful it is! That is when the risks finally pay off. We practice and practice our new little skills until we have it mastered. The joy of marveling at this little thing you dreamed is such an amazing high! That adds fuel to our raging fire, and we are ready for the next new challenge.

But miniatures can be like bad boyfriends. They treat you terribly for months. You dream of them, longing to spend time with them. You sacrifice time with friends and family for them. And in return, you get just enough satisfaction to keep the relationship going.

When you've finally had enough of the frustration, and are just about to break up with him for good, suddenly, magic happens. Some beautiful and perfect act of giving back, and you are back in love once again.

In moments of utter disgruntlement, like I've had today, I try to remember all of this. I pause, I slow my heart rate, I breath, I center and then I remember that I love all of this.

And then this happens...