Bridgewater Native Opens Unique, Creative 3D-Printing Studio

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater native and Flemington mother of three, Jessica Wallace, has always been crafty.

"I need to be creating something and doing something and being part of the community," said Wallace, which pulled her back into the art studio business.

In 2017, she opened Chirp Workshop in Flemington which offered a craft studio for kids and adults. She ended up selling the workshop in late 2019. However, her love for art and creating things prompted a new idea.

Wallace is now opening The 3D Lab at 160 Main St., Building B, Unit 8, in Flemington and is hosting a grand opening this Sunday, Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Guests can check out the Lab, and create a small-build print for free. There will be giveaways for the first guests, a temporary tattoo station, and a contest for a free birthday party. Light snacks and sweets will be served.

"I love kids, I love art, I love creating things... And the whole idea just took off," said Wallace.

Her new idea for The 3D Lab was inspired by her 10-year-old son Victor, who received a 3D printer for Christmas.

She saw how much fun and creative the printer was and decided to turn it into a studio for older kids, tweens, and teens.

"It's kid-friendly and the whole concept centers around 3D printing," said Wallace.

Each kid will have their own kid-friendly 3D printer and a corresponding iPad with an app filled with a catalog of prints. Kids can pick whatever they want to make.

While the item is printing, the kids can enjoy free-form play where they are given a 3D pen to create anything they want.

"The sky is the limit with their imagination," said Wallace.

Wallace will host workshops throughout the year centered around a specific theme such as St. Patrick's Day or Easter.

Drop-ins will also be welcomed and birthday parties offered. She also wants to host weekly series to teach children about the printer and topics associated with it.

"I am really excited about this. A lot of the kids at Chirp were little and aged out of the program and now they can come over to 3D Lab," said Wallace.

The minimum printing age is 8 years old and is also available for adults.

For more information on The 3D Lab, workshops or birthday parties visit facebook.com/flemington3Dlab or flemington3Dlab.com or email flemington3dlab@outlook.com.

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