A look at Project Junktopia at their booth at the OC Mini Maker Faire 2013

If you love the world of miniatures (and are not tied into the 1" ratio rules) and love to make items yourself, then you will enjoy the world that Project Junktopia has created through their marvelous displays of wooden toys and unique characters.

Janet Schriever, of Project Junktopia, is a toy inventor and designer.  She also creates amazing characters out of the ordinary things.  Below are some very cool wings that she made from fabric, wood and other easy to find items.  Her designs are very cool and I recommend seeing them in person.

She was also demonstrating how to make this fun steampunk inspired mask (Junktopia Goggles with Mustache Maker Kit) with moving parts that is available on the Junktopia website.

To learn more abot Janet Schriever and her wonderful world of recreated characters and object, just check out her Project Junktopia site.

Exploring 3D Printers at the OC Mini Maker Faire 2013

OC Mini Maker Faire 2013 in Irvine, California was a great opportunity to explore and learn more about 3D Printers.

The 3D Printers are unique in that they actual replicate a digital drawing/design/model out of plastic.

The process is fascinating to watch.

The actual replication is done fairly quickly

3D Plastic Printed Puzzle

and the finished product is an amazing 3D replica of the original digital model.

The upside of this process is that it allows for an artist to create prototypes.

They can also produce multiple pieces to sell at small venues.

The artist controls the finished product from design to finish.

There are a large selection of 3D printers out in the market now.

That being said, the wax can vary in colors, texture and thickness.  The amount of the plastic materials various in accordance to the digital model specifications.  The price on these printers can vary as well.