The IU School of Medicine Makerspace is an extra special place at Halloween. Students enjoy creative projects in the space all year, but costume ideas and exam stress relief make this holiday one of the busiest seasons for 3D-printing, card-making, and model requests. This October, 3 students came into the Makerspace to make last-minute Halloween costumes using the Cricut smart cutting machine to cut out designs using iron-on vinyl. Designs were emailed to the Makerspace staff, who then sent them to the Cricut and assisted students with printing, cutting, and safely ironing the designs onto shirts the students brought in.
The 3D-Printing Pumpkins Workshops on Friday the 31st, were attended by IUSM students, staff, and a faculty member. Attendees learned how to find 3D models, the difference between two very popular 3D print file repositories (Thingiverse and Makerworld), how multi-color 3D printing works, how to prepare a model for 3D printing, and how to send a model to the 3D printer. At the end, each attendee received a pumpkin and a gourd 3D print, within which they can fit a small, electric tea light to make them glow.
The holiday season has only just begun! Watch for more creative opportunities to learn about 3D printing or contact the Makerspace for help with whatever you dream up yourself!

