So far in Digital Making Seminar, we have spent most of our time learning about 3D printing (or, as we learned from Senvol in week 1, additive manufacturing). Though I have a bit of experience in this area from working on 3D modeling projects in my GE 101: Engineering Graphics and Design course and from independent work in various maker lab workshops, our first two class sessions have taught me a lot about the reasons why we would want to use 3D printing (aside from the obvious “It’s super cool!” answer) and helped me connect with tons of online resources for finding ideas of things to print. Looking more deeply into the different online resources we explored in class has made me even more excited about what things I’m going to have a chance to make this semester and has helped me come up with more ideas for what I might be able to model. Some of my favorites, along with the modifications I would make to them (because customization is what 3D printings all about) include the following:

IPhone Stand + Speaker (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:175454)

This stand and speaker set would be great to have around to use as a stylish and power free way to amplify music on my IPhone. Instead of using the original horn (which in my opinion is a bit plain) I’d love to use something more like this (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:544525) that I could fit into the stand.

IPad Stand (http://www.viralnova.com/crazy-3d-printing/)

Adding to my 3D printed stand collection, I’d love to have this little guy printed for my IPad to use when doing things like watching movies. Though this version looks super cool, I think I might turn the little half circle stand piece the man is holding into a longer bar to make the piece a bit more supportive.

Cellular Lamp (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:19104)

I originally saw this lamp in the BIF Maker Lab and then ran across it again while browsing Thingiverse. I like how they use it more like a statue in the Lab, but would probably use it for its lampshade purpose in my own room. I’d customize it by printing it a lot bigger than the model they have online so I could fit a light bulb inside it and have it reflect cool shadows all around my room.

Stria Necklace (http://www.jennywulace.com/shop/stria-necklace)

This bold 3D printed necklace would be a great piece to wear out, and I’m sure would be a great conversation starter at tech related events. I wouldn’t change much about the actual design of this one, but I think it would be really cool to use the silver leafing process described in this instructable http://www.instructables.com/id/Silver-Leaf-a-3D-Print/ to make it really stand out. I might also consider designing a pair of 3D printed earrings to go with it as well.