From a Sunday Spark to the Web
Sometimes a completely unexpected moment can make you see your own passion through someone else’s eyes. This is how a simple hobby turned into something much bigger.
A Sunday Surprise
Every Sunday, I head to church with a few small, fun 3D prints tucked into my pockets—just little gadgets, toys, or unique figures to hand out and bring a bit of a smile to people’s faces. It’s a small habit, but one I love deeply.
Recently, I had been working on a brand-new print design. I was really happy with how it turned out, and I decided to gift one to a bright 9-year-old girl named Lucy, who happens to be our Bishop’s daughter.
When Lucy’s mum saw the gift, she smiled and told me something that completely caught me off guard. She shared that Lucy had just been telling her cousin all about me. The only catch? Lucy hadn’t quite caught my actual name yet. Instead, she described me perfectly to her family:
“The amazing man who does 3D printing at church.”
Hearing that completely made my day. I’d never call myself amazing, but hearing those words lit an absolute spark in me. It showed me how much joy a simple physical object—brought to life from a spool of raw filament—could bring to someone.
The Push to the Web
A few weeks went by, and the story kept bringing a smile to my face. Then, Lucy’s aunt, Deanna, came up to me with a brilliant suggestion: “You really should have a website, and you have to incorporate that quote into it!”
As soon as she said it, a lightbulb went off. I had been searching for the perfect name for this creative journey—something approachable, community-driven, and true to why I love doing this. Hey presto, the idea was officially born. Printman3D was the perfect fit.
What We Stand For
That interaction captures exactly what Printman3D is all about. 3D printing isn’t just about layers of plastic, complex software slicers, or machines running quietly in a room. It’s about the raw reaction when someone holds a physical object that was just a digital concept a few hours prior. It’s about curiosity, creativity, and sharing a bit of joy with your local community.