3D printing is all over the news these days and now you get a chance to be part of the next big thing. Starting today through November 24^th, the public is invited to submit original 3D designs to “Habitat for the Holidays: 3D Printed Ornament Contest”. Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is partnering with Spectra3D Technologies to host its first 3D ornament design contest. The winning design will be printed in multiples and sold to the public at the Habitat ReStore, and the designer will win a $100 gift card to the store as well as a free 3D print of their ornament. Files of other submissions will also be available for purchase online for those who want and have the ability to print their own ornaments. All proceeds from sales related to this contest will benefit Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity.

“I’m an evangelist for 3D printing and I just like to build awareness for its capabilities. And to help Habitat at the same time, that’s even better,” said Steve Schain, President of Spectra3D Technologies.

Contest guidelines, including links to resources on how to design a 3-dimensional object for printing and options for free software to use for the contest, are available online at www.HabitatOrnamentContest.com. Submissions will be judged by a panel of artists and 3D printing specialists from the community. Judging will be based on creativity, design quality, and adherence to guidelines. Ornaments should have a holiday theme and be no larger than 3”x3”x3”. The winning design will be announced at 2:45pm on Wednesday, December 10^th at the Habitat ReStore (located at 31 Meadow Road in Asheville), where a live 3D printing demonstration will take place until 6pm.