Why 3D Printing Deserves Respect in Modern Craft
Recently, I received a review on Etsy for my handmade Othello board. The buyer gave it four stars, but the entire review was just one sentence:
“This is a 3D printed item.”
They also marked it as “not recommended.”
On the surface, it may not sound harsh, but it reflects a broader misunderstanding about 3D printing — and why I want to write about it today.
3D Printing Is a Craft, Not a Shortcut
When people hear 3D printed, some imagine mass-produced plastic toys or fragile prototypes. But that’s far from the full picture. 3D printing is simply a method of manufacturing — one that allows small makers like me to design, produce, and assemble products locally.
Here’s what it means in the case of my Othello board:
- Manufactured in the USA, by hand. I design, print, and assemble each set myself. Every chip is printed in separate parts so both sides have the same matte finish, then aligned and glued by hand. This alone takes nearly an hour for each set.
- Accessible pricing. My board is $29.99. There are acrylic versions of Othello that cost around $150. Aside from the material, they play nearly the same. 3D printing allows me to offer a custom-designed board at a fraction of that cost.
- Unique, small-batch production. This isn’t an overseas factory operation. It’s a product born out of passion for board games, especially ones I play with my kids.
In other words, 3D printing isn’t a compromise — it’s the reason I can bring this design to life in a way that’s affordable and personal.
Supporting Local Makers Matters
When you buy a 3D printed or laser-cut product on Etsy or at a craft fair, you’re not just buying an item. You’re supporting local creativity and small-scale manufacturing.
At every fair I attend, I see parents, students, and neighbors selling 3D printed goods, laser engravings, or other handmade creations. These aren’t faceless corporations. They’re people who are bringing ideas to life and sharing them with their communities.
During the pandemic, we all saw how dependent we’ve become on overseas manufacturing. The U.S. struggled to produce even the simplest essentials. Supporting local makers — whether through 3D printing, woodworking, or crafts — helps rebuild that creative and manufacturing spirit here at home.
Don’t Judge the Process, Judge the Result
The important question isn’t how a product is made. It’s whether the product is thoughtful, functional, and well crafted.
If something is beautiful, durable, and brings joy, then the method — whether 3D printing, woodworking, or laser engraving — should be appreciated as one of many valid tools in a maker’s toolkit.
A Personal Note
For me, the Othello board isn’t a big profit maker. It’s something I designed because my family loves the game, and I wanted to share that joy with others. Selling it online is simply a way to connect with people who appreciate the same.
That’s why reviews that focus only on “it’s 3D printed” feel discouraging. They overlook the creativity, time, and effort that goes into each set.
But I remind myself of this: every time someone buys one of my boards, they’re not just getting a game. They’re supporting a local maker, keeping production alive in the U.S., and helping make creative products more accessible. And that’s worth standing behind.
Final Thoughts
3D printing is not a flaw. It’s a form of modern craftsmanship that opens up opportunities for makers and buyers alike. Without it, products like my Othello board would only exist at five times the price, made overseas, or not at all.
So the next time you see “3D printed” in a product description, I encourage you to see it for what it is: innovation, creativity, and local manufacturing at work.
And if you support local makers, whether at a craft fair or on Etsy, know that your choice truly makes a difference.
👉 I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you own 3D printed products? How do you view them compared to other handmade or manufactured items?
