Over the years I’ve tried various modeling programs on for size.

I jumped on the blender bandwagon and jumped off.

I tried both Google Sketch-Up and Tinkercad – but as a more experience user, they neither satiated my curiosity for a CAD breakthrough, or my want to actually model.

StudioMax stuck for seven months or so. I even went so far as to hire a tutor off Craigslist to teach me (Yes, lessons in person are still better the youtube tutorials) but I eventually crawled back to Solidworks.

Solidworks has been my tried and true modeling program for the last seven years. I use it for everything is was meant to do, and everything it wasn’t. I make parts where the history would make an engineer cringe, all the way to fully defined beautiful products fully optimized to 3D print. I sketch in 3D. No one ever thought that would happen.

Are there other programs better at doing what I need them to do the Solidworks? Sure. Just look at my soon to be launched collection of Carnivorous jewelry. There’s not a straight edge in site.

When it comes down to it though, at a base level, in SW I’m fast. So unless a product demands another modeling method, and I mean DEMANDS, I stick with what I’m great at. It’s not that I don’t like learning, but I see it as a means to an end.

I’ve been critiqued in the past for going to fast – half the time I go too fast for myself – and my ideas almost always exceed my skill set. This is fine for my “hire someone that’s better than you” philosophy, but not for the “bootstrap” one.

So here I am, one Saturday down, seven hours into YouTube tutorials, with a few beautiful (but not usable) patterned complex surfaces, and a handful of code snippets to show for myself.

So as a tried and true solid modeler trying NURBS on for size, here’s what I’ve got to say.

The Good:

I can create complex curves and surfaces and in seconds that Solidworks would chew on for minutes before probably crashing my laptop.

It’s not as freeform as I thought it was.

These intro to Rhino tutorials are amazing AND the narrator uses the phrase “loosey goosey”.

Grasshopper has pretty much blown my mind.

This is an easy and satisfying intro and the guy is patient and slow.

These are great as well but not as easy to follow. They also require two monitors as he doesn’t always say what he’s doing, so you can’t just listen.

The Bad:

Rhino’s interface makes my want to stab myself in the eye. I don’t know how anyone could possible know what all of the tools do.

Non-intuitive surface modeling. In a program where I feel like I should be able to do everything this isn’t actually true. Ran across a few compound surface lofts which would have been totally OK in SW but make Rhino freak out. Not sure what’s going on here.

It’s a slow, slow path to a computer generated future. I have a feeling there will be a few more Saturdays before I seen anything tangible come out of the printer, but it sure as hell with have an awesome sub-structure when it does.

All products are 3D printed on demand, and available for sale on Shapeways.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) their glistening dew drops stick like superglue.

Oh science.

This ring fits true to size, and packs a dainty punch.

Available for sale on Shapeways.

Click for Size 6
Click for Size 7
Click for Size 8

Due to this rings unconventional form, it can run +/- 1/2 size.

Available for sale on Shapeways.

Click for Size 6
Click for Size 7
Click for Size 8

Here the plant is depicted as a plump little bugger with a wide lip, and a cavernous pool for collecting carcasses.

Pendant is available here
Pair with this chain for a delicate, yet dramatic look.

Here two Neps dangle gently from your neck, the chain coiled around itself with minimal assembly required. Slip it through the loops, and you’re ready to roll.

Pendants are made to order at Shapeways.
Various lengths of thin, pre-assembled chain available here.

To get the photographed look couple this cable chain with these bearings. Note: must remove clasp on pre-assembled chain with wire cutters.

It is a showy, large plant – known for rapidly responding to prey, and entrapping victims in as little as 30 minutes.

Set of 3. Fits 1.5″ tealight.

Lanterns are available here
LED tealights available here
Wax tealights available here

It is a showy, large plant – known for rapidly responding to prey, and entrapping victims in as little as 30 minutes.

Set of 2.

Candle Sticks are available here
Candles here
.

The skin is mottled brown and burgundy. Sickle shaped teeth encircle it’s smirk.

It’s barbed-wire revisited – except this time, instead of keep visitors out, it keeps them in.

This cuff, available in black and white, fits up to a 3″ wrist. Wear if you dare.

3D Printed on demand. For sale on Shapeways

The trumpet pitcher, scientifically known as the Sarraceniaceae stands proud and tall, overgrowing terrariums everywhere.

Tall and slender, with tiny windows to let in light, and razor sharp spines lining their lip, the trumpet pitcher is the belle of the ball.

This bobble, is a new kind of jewelry. The ring slips effortlessly over your index finger, while the crown of the pitcher rests on your hand.

Fit is +/- 1/2 size. These babies are 3D printed and for sale on Shapeways.

Buy Size 6

Buy Size 7

Buy Size 8