For many, 3D printing feels like pure science fiction—a technical hobby reserved for engineers. But for this month’s Featured Crafter, Ara Rances (known to her Instagram community as @sashaserendaze), it is something much closer to home: a gateway to creativity, a way to connect with her kids, and a tool for bringing joy to others.
We reached out to Ara to get a closer look at her journey from a panicked beginner to a thriving online creator, and the beautiful, functional art she shares with the world.
From Panicked Beginner to Confident Creator
Like many makers, Ara’s journey started with a spark of curiosity. "I was amazed by all the things you can create with 3D printing," she shares. "Since I have kids, I got really excited because we could make fun projects together."
But as any 3D printing enthusiast knows, the learning curve can be steep. Early on, Ara faced the ultimate beginner’s rite of passage: the dreaded clogged nozzle.
"I panicked because I didn't know what to do and was too scared to open the machine," Ara laughs. "I actually sent it back to the seller since I had an overnight project to finish! 😅"
Then came the funny mishaps—like the time she was printing a mini vending machine. After three hours of waiting, she checked in to find the printer happily extruding plastic into thin air, forcing her to completely restart an 8-hour print.
"It taught me to always check on my prints, not be afraid to learn the parts of the machine, and remember that in 3D printing, you become both the technician and the creator at the same time."
The Creative Process: Turning Filaments into Functional Art
Today, those early hurdles are far behind her. Ara has developed a smooth, streamlined creative process fueled by inspiration from friends, family, and online maker communities. She loves taking existing ideas and adding her own unique twist to make them more useful or personalized.
"My creative process is simple: I look for ideas, choose a design, customize it if needed, test print, and make adjustments until I'm happy with the final result," Ara explains. "The best part is turning an idea into something real that people can actually use and enjoy."
When it comes to materials, Ara has a keen eye for quality. While she used to love PLA Panchroma filaments, she has recently leaned into eSUN for its incredible quality and consistency. Lately, she’s been especially drawn to integrating electronic lamp kits into her prints.
Ara is proud of the sheer variety of items she’s mastered—from mini vending machines and clickers to keychains and bag tags. But for her, the real magic happens when a print goes beyond being a cool object and becomes a tangible memory.
Printing Memories and Meaningful Gifts
When asked about her most memorable projects, Ara immediately points to family and milestones.
One standout was a massive Minecraft sword she printed for her son. "Seeing his excitement and happiness made all the time and effort worth it," she says.
Another unforgettable project took her craftsmanship into the world of weddings. Ara designed and printed custom lamps with elegant wooden bases as personalized gifts for a friend’s ninangs (godmothers).
"Those projects reminded me that 3D printing isn't just about making things—it's about creating memories and bringing joy to others," Ara says. "Seeing people use and appreciate the things I create is what makes this so rewarding."
Sharing the Joy Online and at Special Events
What started as a fun family hobby has successfully bloomed into a thriving creative venture. While she doesn't have a traditional brick-and-mortar storefront, Ara sells her beautiful creations online and regularly brings the magic of 3D printing straight to the community. She sets up popular interactive booths for hire at parties and special events, where guests can marvel at and take home her personalized lamps, mini vendos [vending machines], keychains, and bag tags.
For those looking at her work and wondering if they could ever do the same, Ara offers some beautifully grounded advice:
"Be patient and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Failed prints and machine problems are part of the journey. Take time to learn your printer and understand how each part works. The more you experiment, the more confident you'll become."
As for what’s next for @sashaserendaze? Ara is dreaming big—and scaling up. Her ultimate dream project is to expand into larger home essentials. She hopes to design a full collection of stylish, customizable furniture, specifically targeting side tables and an array of unique, functional lamps that add warmth and beauty to everyday spaces and events alike.
We have no doubt she’ll get there, one gorgeous layer at a time!
Show Ara some love, and check out her incredible creations on Instagram at @sashaserendaze!