Want to learn 3D modeling?

Want to enter the world of 3D printing but don’'t know how to make something to print? Ever since we set up our 3D printers in the ideaLAB, I've seen the same pattern happen repeatedly with people interested in 3D printing:

1. 2 minutes of open-mouthed staring
2. New person: "That's crazy! Can I print something? How much does it cost?"
   Staff: "Yes, and it's free."
3. 2 minutes of open-mouthed staring, this time at the staff member
4. A week of digging around on Thingiverse, printing out T-Rex shower heads or cat cookie cutters.
5. "This is neat, but I've got a great idea for _________. How do I make that?"

That's usually when we introduce people to SketchUp. There's a lot of free tools you can use to create 3D models - Tinkercad, 123Design, Meshlab, Blender - but we've found that SketchUp is a great introduction to the head-hurting world of 3D modeling. That's why we're super excited to offer our first official ideaLAB workshop for adults: an Introduction to 3D Modeling with SketchUp! Tuesday, June 23, 6 p.m., in the ideaLAB, Level 4 of the Central Library.

Charles Hellwig has generously donated his time to lead the class - he uses SketchUp in his work and has taught 3D modeling at the University of Colorado - he'll help you get started designing objects you can print in the ideaLAB. Stare in awe no more! Make that idea a reality! There's no registration, and the class is free - see you next Tuesday!