I recently read a novel that I really liked, so it's the subject of my latest review for Vulpes Libris. This is the link-
Eleanor Oliphant novel

Some of the local libraries have gotten 3D printers in the last 4 or 5 years and offer classes on how to use them. The classes used to be more often, but are now monthly. I've wanted to take the class for years, but something always prevented me. Last Monday I finally took the one time orientation class, which was different than I thought it would be. We don't get to work the printer, but rather select project files which we send to the library for them to make. The main reason is because it takes a long time to make something on a 3D printer, hours in fact. The class was an overview of how the printer works & the type of things that can be made. We were given websites where we could find patterns, which are then downloaded as files, which are transferred to the printer. Everyone signed up to have an object made & the library will notify us when we can pick it up. We can then send them another project if and when we wish. I chose a brontosaurus this time(see pic) and already have a squirrel key chain fob lined up for the next project.
My ultimate goal was to turn one of my drawings into a 3D item, but after talking to the instructor, who said that would be a very advanced process, I'm not sure that is something I want to pursue. She did say it was possible, but that I'd have to transfer it into a design that would work for the printer, which on reflection, seems like it might be too complicated for me to learn how to do.
After class I walked to the reference desk where they do the printing & the librarian there not only showed me how it worked, but started a print session so I could see how it was done. The printer looks like a small, partially open oven with an arm that melts spools of colored plastic into thin threads & lays the thread on a metal platform. The teacher compared it to making a soft serve ice cream cone. I watched it doing layers of waffle patterns for awhile, but had to leave to get home before dark. It was slow, but fascinating.
While the lesson turned out very different than expected, it's still something I'm glad that I did and would like to explore the subject a little more in the months to come.

After taking a year off to absorb so many changes, I'm hoping to return to blogging again, even if sporadically, as I miss writing about things.