This past class was my first time making something of my own with the 3D printers! I feel like a majority of people made something of actual use to them, But I just wanted to make something fun as my first print (my Shiba Inu). Basically, from this past class I learned how simple it actually is for a novice like me to be able download something off of the numerous available sites and print it within half an hour.  

While we were printing, I thought about how Dale Dougherty of The Maker Mindset claimed “Students are seeking to direct their own education lives, looking to engage in creative and stimulating experiences. Many understand the difference between the pain of education and the pleasure of real learning.” I felt that this class is what he meant, in the sense that a lot of us come from very different studies at this university and all had varying reasons for why we took this course. But a common theme was that we all wanted to explore creatively, and through this nontraditional course we can take our new-found knowledge and expand upon it in our own fields. This course allows us to explore ideas creatively, have actual hands-on experience, and really enjoy “the pleasure of real learning.”

Searching among the different printing websites, the first thing I found for everyday use is an Elephant Envelope Holder from Pinshape:

 As a student, I feel like I always have random papers, folders, and envelopes floating around. This cute holder would help me keep my documents organized. To adjust it more for my life, I would include separators in between the two ends, to even further organize between certain documents.

Another product I found on Thingiverse that would be really beneficial to my life is this GoPro Steadying Stand:

 I love using my GoPro whenever I travel, and sometimes shots or video can get ruined because of accidentally fumbling or not resting it on a steady-enough surface. To make this more suitable for my life, I think I would change it so that it was more of a tripod mount, as opposed to the two pillared sides. But if that’s how it stays steady then okay!

From Shapeways, I found this really cool instant-vase creator:

 I love displaying flowers, and this little instant vase creator would allow me to turn any household glass into a vase. Obviously I would need to adjust the diameter of the larger end to fit the glasses I already own, but I think that would be worth it instead of having to spend the money on the vase to fit the flowers.

Lastly, from Shapeways I found this really handy Finger Armor:

 I frequently chop up my veggies almost every night for dinner, and this would be extremely helpful! Except this picture doesn’t look like it accurately depicts how to chop vegetables. A lot of the time I only use my thumb and index finger, so I wonder if it’s possible to make one just for those fingers? Or modify the shape in which you hold different vegetables.