“Creating things local for a global village is fascinating.”
– FWPompe, Amsterdam, Netherlands
This August we leave the shores of America to celebrate creativity around the globe. Here at Shapeways, you have personal access to thousands of local artists from every corner of the world who fuel creativity on our platform through sharing their unique experiences and products.
Our inventors, designers, artists, mathematicians, and engineers share their passions for technology and new materials as they bring their “abstract minds” (as one community member said) to the physical world to make their friends smile. We are proud of our commitment to providing you with a comprehensive platform offering that not only enables making and distribution of products globally, but also gives our community permission to become their own global brands.
The “sparks” of inspiration shared this month will continue to show the immense passion and breadth of creativity made tangible by digital manufacturing as we share stories, puzzles, jewelry, and miniatures like you have never seen before. Â We are equally enthused by the way our global community has elevated Shapeways to be a truly universal platform by inviting others to join their causes. Kjeld Pedersen Junior from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil creates playful products with purpose: “I’m inspired to create cute lively animals which are endangered species from the Amazon jungle so that the new generation and ours know about them and therefore value them, so they remain roaming the jungle for centuries to come!”
Globally accessible creation allows us to open our minds, take a walk in someone else’s shoes, and come home (metaphorically or physically) even more inspired than we were before. There has never been a better time to adventure beyond your usual stomping grounds and set your sights on Sweden, Brazil, India, Australia and beyond.
Find a local designer in a country you have always dreamed of visiting or want to return to someday in our Sparks Across the Globe map.  Follow your favorites on Shapeways so you will always know when they have added more creations or start making wish lists for the holidays. Personal and thoughtful gifts from local artists and inventors are meaningful in two ways – to the gift recipient and to the artist you personally supported.
We hope you enjoy the global journey this month! Happy Making!