DSCulp - showroom of unique products for sale on Ponoko

The Mayan Collection

DSCulp — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:52:59 GMT

The Mayans were one of the most fascinating ancient civilizations in history. They had an advanced understanding of mathematics, biology, astronomy and architecture. They were also one of the few ancient civilizations to create their own writing system. For over 3,000 years, Mayan symbols have been a source of mystery and wonder and it was not until 1973 that the symbol meanings were discovered. This collection gets its inspiration from these iconic symbols. There are 8 in total and each is roughly 35mm sq. They are cut from 4mm technoply beech, laser engraved with their unique designs and then finished with a simple brass ring and leather cord. For more information on the Mayan culture and their unique symbols, see the following websties: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_civilization http://www.famsi.org/mayawriting/dictionary/montgomery/mainindex.htm http://www.ancientscripts.com/maya.html http://www.authenticmaya.com/maya_writing.htm

Ladybug Earrings

DSCulp — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:11:43 GMT

What would summer be without ladybugs? It is said that these charming little beetles got their name During the Middle Ages. According to legend swarms of pests were destroying crops, so farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. Soon after, ladybugs came and ate the bad pests and saved the crops. The farmers called these bugs, "Beetles of Our Lady" and they eventually became known as "ladybugs". With a diet consisting primarily of aphids, these colourful little critters have been used throughout the world as a method of natural pest control and in many countries they are considered good luck symbols. They have worked their way into our hearts and are the characters in nursery rhymes and songs. Approx 20mm round and made from black and red 3mm acrylic these earrings come in either a hanging style or as a stud.

Swallowtail Butterfly Brooch

DSCulp — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:12:45 GMT

This is another of the butterflies of my youth but this is the one that got away. With a wingspan of up to 12cm the Tiger Swallowtail is one of the largest butterflies in North America. They often rest in the sun with their wings fully spread and their vivid yellow colouring makes a lasting impression. They weren’t very common where I lived and when I did see one it was a special occasion that would send me running for the net with excitement. Things were different then, and it seemed perfectly normal to have a display box of these delicate creatures. I never did catch a Tiger Swallowtail and as an adult, looking back, I’m glad I didn’t. I have no idea what happened to my childhood collection, but the excitement that I feel whenever I see one of these magnificent creatures always takes me back to those simpler times. The delicate patterns of the wings are cut from 3mm black acrylic, and the brilliant yellow is recreated with brass foil. Brooch is 78mm x 40mm (approx 3” x 1.6”) and each is signed and numbered. Limited edition of 100.

Nautilus Earrings

DSCulp — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:13:27 GMT

The nautilus has survived relatively unchanged for the last 500 million years and is known for its unique and beautiful shell. This shell presents one of the finest natural examples of a logarithmic spiral. This same spiral shows itself in the construction of storms, the arms of galaxies, the behaviour of insects and birds, the blooming of a flower and even the nerves of the human cornea. It is for this reason that it is sometimes referred to as “God’s Fingerprint” and perhaps why it resonates so strongly as a symbol of beauty. I chose the nautilus as my inspiration for these unique earrings and realized them in three very distinct variations. The first highlights the beauty of the geometry itself by laser cutting the progressively smaller and smaller patterns of each ring. The second relies on laser etching to convey the beauty of this sacred pattern. The third combines my love of copper and sandwiches it between two layers of 3mm black acrylic to create a striking contrast. Each is approx 48mm x 33mm and is made from 3mm black acrylic.

3d Puzzle

DSCulp — Fri, 30 May 2008 13:16:37 GMT

"3D" is a play on words and represents my frustration with trying to create something that escapes the restrictions of the 2 dimensional manufacturing process. I attempted several other designs and always ended up with something that was not possible using a laser cutter on a flat plane. "3D" eventually emerged as a cruel joke; taunting me and my inadequacies. Made of 10mm Colour Rimu, this is a modern twist on the traditional wooded puzzle. On the surface there appears to be alot of repetition but each D is slightly different which adds to the complexity of this seemingly simple design. Design file makes 5 puzzles on a P3 sheet due to the fact that material only comes in this size. If only one is required then file may be modified to allow space for other designs which may require this material.

Ponoku Anyone?

DSCulp — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:49:17 GMT

It’s Sudoku by Ponoko!! Ponoku?? Anyways…. ;-) This idea combines wood puzzles and the traditional numbers game in a whole new way. The rules are the same as the original. This one started out as “Extreme Difficulty” but becomes a little easier in the melding of the two forms. Don’t be fooled though, it’ll still give the grey matter a workout. Enjoy. P.S. Minor assembly required to glue the main back piece to the rest of the board. Current design has the same puzzle repeated 4 times. Custom puzzles are available.

Marble Madness

DSCulp — Fri, 30 May 2008 23:18:30 GMT

Marble Madness is a two or four player game. It’s a little bit of luck, a little bit of strategy, and a lot of fun. Object of the game is to be the first player or team to get your marble to the bottom of the tower. How to play: TO START Players must roll a 6 before they can put their marble into the tower. Until that time they can rotate discs in preparation. This helps to scramble the tower and ensure than no one has an unfair advantage. Marbles are placed into the side opposite the player. This means that the player cannot see their own marble, only their opponents. Players roll the die to determine which discs can be rotated. Each disc is numbered and a move is a quarter turn of the disc. Discs may be rotated in either direction. Moves may be combined based on the total roll of the die. I.E. Player rolls 5 Player can rotate (1/4 turn) disc 2 once, and disc 3 once for a total of 5. or Player could rotate (1/4 turn) disc 1 three times, and disc 2 once, again for a total of 5. Player rolls 3 Disc 3 x 1=3 or Disc 2 x 1 + Disc 1 x 1 =3 or Disc 1 x 3 =3 A player must play the total of his or her roll. Each disc has only one hole and by watching the rotation of the discs players will be able to anticipate how many turns it will take for the hole to rotate opposite them and allow their marble to drop, however since they cannot actually see their own marble they are guessing their progress based on sounds and the reactions of their opponent. Ideally the player will have an idea how far they have progressed through the tower and attempt to align the discs in preparation. Conversely, because a player can see the progress of their opponents marble they must use strategy in an attempt to block or trick their opponent into false moves. When playing a 4 player game, it can be played in one of two ways: Cooperative, where opposing players work together as a team and the game ends when both marbles have exited the tower OR Every man for himself, where the first person to exit the tower wins. The tower is made of a combination of 3mm acrylic. One colour for the sides and dividers, One colour for the discs, and clear for the window that holds the marble in. Finished tower is 20cm high and 10cm square. The only extra component required for assembly is a 2mm x 18cm rod for the discs to rotate on. Also suggest rubber or felt feet for the bottom to avoid scratching. 2-4 Marbles and a single die are required for gameplay. And since everyone else is doing it....here is a video of the game in play. Kid tested, teacher approved! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32KhFAOMpno

Monarch Brooch

DSCulp — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:15:01 GMT

The Monarch butterfly truly is an inspirational creature. Like most butterflies these beautiful and delicate creatures usually have an adult lifespan of only four to six weeks. But once a year, a special generation is born; one with a mission. Somehow these chosen few manage to fly over 2000 miles, to congregate in a place they have never seen before; a remote region in the Mexican mountains. There, by the millions they wait for the warm breezes that will awaken them and signal their journey home. Scientists cannot explain this miraculous journey. The monarchs were a part of my childhood. We collected the caterpillars and watched them emerge from their jewel-like chrysalis. Watching them fight the breezes they inspired me with their delicate tenacity. It seemed natural to me that some 30 years later they would re-emerge in my life and take this new form. A layer of shimmering copper foil is sandwiched between 3mm black acrylic. Laser cutting and etching create the delicate patterns of the wings. Brooch is 74mm x 47mm (approx 3” x 1.75”) and each is signed and numbered. Limited edition of 100.

Marble Madness

DSCulp — Sat, 31 May 2008 19:59:03 GMT

Ponoku Anyone?

DSCulp — Fri, 30 May 2008 13:06:56 GMT

3d Puzzle

DSCulp — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:23:05 GMT