Wow. Just wow.
Imagine a device that can take a drawing and transform it into an actual object. Sounds like magic, or at least science fiction, doesn't it?
Yet if you pay attention to the technology world, you may have heard about companies that already use 3D printers for rapid prototyping. So if you have enough money, this piece of science fiction can be yours.
Or you can just go online to Shapeways.com and for about $50 "print" a Lightpoem: your words converted into a translucent plastic shade for an LED candle.
So this is pretty powerful stuff that anyone can do. If you are a creative type and learn a simple 3D modeling program like Google's free Sketchup you can design/create your own objects. More experienced modelers can use Maya, Blender, 3D Studio Max or other software.
Take a look at the range of things available in the Shapeways Gallery. You can put your own work for sale by creating a free account and adding a markup to the production cost. You'll get the profit for whatever sells through the Shapeways site and still retain all rights to the design.
Pretty exciting stuff.
