![Vicky Somma [Source: Women in 3D Printing]](https://fabbaloo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/image-asset_img_5eb09a5e38bda.jpg)
Vicky Somma is the author of Blender 3D Printing by Example and teaches classes on TinkerCAD, OpenSCAD, Blender, Cura, and 3D Printing at libraries and local colleges.
She sells her 3D Printed designs at craft shows and on Etsy. Vicky’s 3D printed ornaments have hung on holiday trees in the White House and the Virginia Executive Mansion. Her work has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, CBSNews, the Washington Post, and Michelle Obama’s Instagram. We are thrilled to feature her in this week’s Women in 3D Printing article.
Nora Toure: Vicky, could you let us know about your background and what brought you to 3D printing in the first place?
Vicky Somma: I have a pretty fulfilling, but unrelated, day job. I’m the lead software developer on a web application used by Food Safety Labs who are testing your food for pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella. I’ve always had some kind of crafting hobby through the years. I used to design and make gifts with plastic canvas.
I’ve dabbled in FIMO clay, went through a crocheting phase, struggled my way through sewing a Quilt Pillow. 3D Printing has become the culmination of that crafting mindset. I used to sketch on graph paper of designs I was going to stitch. Now I sketch designs I’m going to 3D Model in Blender.
Nora Toure: What was your very first experience with 3D Printing?
Vicky Somma: My very first 3D Printing experience was making a Breastfeeding Charm for myself. A friend of mine was selling Origami Owl. You buy a clear glass locket and then you fill it with charms that “tell your story.”
I had an infant at the time and a large part of my story, day and night, was breastfeeding. They didn’t sell a breastfeeding charm so I learned Blender. I uploaded my design to a service bureau and about a week later, I was holding the charm I designed myself.
Read the rest at Women in 3D Printing
Elizabeth C. Engele (Lizzy) is a designer for social good, and a founder of MakerGirl.