Octogenarian Craftsman Takes Up 3D Design for Holiday Gift of 3D Printed Miniature Furniture Set

The story of Jérôme Morin and his creativity is important, delivering impact in multiple ways. This is a gentleman who understands the significance of posterity, of keepsakes, and of holding his family close and dear, presenting them with delightful gifts that are meant to be kept forever.

He is a deeply thoughtful artist and maker whose work encompasses intricate detail, personalization, and significance for those on the very privileged receiving end. What is also significant is his age. At 80, Morin is blazing past the stereotypes that say those outside of the new high-tech generations can’t or won’t pick up some mad new digital skill sets. While I cannot say this is the case with most of the older generations in my family who dismiss the latest technology with a wave of the hand and say “leave that stuff to the younger people,” it’s safe to say we are all duly inspired to see a multi-talented artist and individual of any age who is a role model for everyone — from small children to your great-grandmother.

For almost three decades, Morin has been gifting his family with impressive treats that put his design talent on full display. With a passion for design and also for miniatures, Morin is able to make, finish, and build gifts that he can give to younger generations that they can pass on as well. My daughter has a dollhouse that was my mother’s, then my sister’s, then my niece’s, and now belongs to her. It’s filled with amazing pieces of miniature furniture, from a porcelain bathtub and toilet, to handcrafted bunk beds with actual little bedspreads. Not only does my little one have hours of imaginary delight with the dollhouse, but the gift imbues special warmth and a sense of comfort because it is a family heirloom. The pieces end up scattered all around our real house, and we all take special care to put them back where they belong.

Also taking special care not to disappoint, Morin decided this year to gift his grandson with an entire living room — his own. Yes, in miniature. And this time — with 3D printing. Morin already had the basic skills necessary for 3D design, so he knew the general direction he wanted to go in, and what new technology he thought would work, but he needed advice.

“I’m not too bad at using architecture, animation or AutoCAD softwares. But I knew I had to perfectly master 3D modelling skills to get the result I was hoping for, which would take a really long time,” said Morin.

He turned to Sculpteo for a true collaboration in crafting his grandson’s gift. It’s no surprise that someone with such a creative spirit would have a living area decorated with many fine details. To replicate them in miniature was a challenge indeed, but obviously that’s what Morin thrives on with his projects.

“My main concern when I make my miniatures is about fineness and details,” he said. “I had to choose between laser cutting and 3D Printing.”

Because finishing is so important in the making of miniatures, Morin was drawn to the services provided by Sculpteo on numerous levels, especially as he was able to work with one of their designers in turning his concept into exactly the reality he envisioned with 3D printing.

Through pictures and brainstorming, Morin and the designers were able to create the 3D files. The ideas were translated into reality at Sculpteo, where they used polyamid material with SLS – and due to the precision of each round of layering with the nylon powder, both the designers and production crew were able to assist Morin in achieving the delicate details required for each miniature piece of furniture, from basic shapes to parts like narrow chair legs. At Sculpteo, they used the following 3D printers to achieve their goals with the printing of the miniatures:

• EOS Formiga P100
• P110
• P395
• P730

That’s just an example of Sculpteo doing their job – and doing it well, as a full-service 3D printing marketplace. Whether you are designing and need help with 3D printing, or if you are selling, it’s a world unto itself where you can certainly while away the hours learning, conceptualizing, and even making a living from the hobby or small business you are passionate about. Sculpteo offers educational videos, advice, workshops, and apps.

“Sculpteo gave me the ideal solution in order to create my miniaturized furniture,” said Morin.

Morin’s gift for his grandson puts a whole new spin on the idea of making your own gift —and while there is a whole world of caring people out there putting genuine thought and effort into their gifts for loved ones, I think it’s safe to say that there are grandchildren few and far between with a grandfather who went to quite these lengths all on his own to give such a magnificent gift – which transcends the holiday, and should last a lifetime and beyond, as it is handed down and enjoyed by future appreciative generations.

Have you had experience creating miniatures with 3D printing? Why did you choose 3D printing, if so? Tell us about it in the 3D Printed Miniature Living Room forum over at 3DPB.com.