I've always enjoyed carving, and one my most carved items was woggles / neckerchief slides. Having been active in scouting for over 30 years now, it just seems carving and neckerchief slides go hand in hand. Over the years my skill has improved, but not as much as I would have liked. Then one day I ran across something that caused my love of carving, and my career (web design) to collide.
I ran across 3d printing, also known as rapid prototyping. I saw a lot of potential for fun there. You design an object using a 3d rendering program, like a cad program, and then their printers print it layer by layer in nylon, sandstone, stainless steel, or other resins. Of course what was the first thing that came to mind? A neckerchief slide of course.
So here is that work completed and painted. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42815087
I printed it at a company called Shapeways. http://www.shapeways.com
The kids in my troop loved it. I'm hoping some of them will get the bug to give it a try. Many of them are very computer literate and with a little help could pull it off.
Just thought I'd share. It seems to be unique so far.
Bill