From tiny model parts to towering statues, 3D printing has come an incredibly long way. I first got into it about five years ago with my very first printer — one I still use to this day, though she’s a little slow now.
As a kid, I loved building model kits, bringing them to life with paint, and displaying them in dioramas. The only limitation was the hobby store shelf — if it wasn’t made by a manufacturer, I couldn’t have it. Fast forward to today, and I have the ultimate “make anything you want” machine right at my fingertips!
One of the first things I ever printed was a prop replica: the gold medallion from Raiders of the Lost Ark. I found the file online, hit print, and four hours later I had it in my hands. After gluing it together and painting it, I was holding a piece of movie history that sparked so much nostalgia. That was it — I was hooked.
Katie knew I was deep into it when one day I piled all my creations onto a table, and she told me I might have a problem. Was it a problem, though? Or was it years of pent-up creativity finally unleashed through this amazing tool?
Eventually, I started making things to sell, turning creativity into a small business called Caleb the Good Spy. My first big hit? Lightsaber holders. With the rise of high-quality light sabers, fans needed a way to display them — and I provided the solution. I still make them today for special orders, but my work has expanded into something even more meaningful.
While I couldn't get enough of 3D printing, Katie was creating too. She drew our Blessed Mother surrounded by a wreath of flowers and highlighted with gold accents. She asked me to make a simple block so she could display the image with a prayer card—but I told her I could do better! I started picturing a complete altar with a 3D-printed crucifix and a holy water font. From there, we asked the Holy Spirit what this unique altar could become. We truly felt Him guiding us as we brought our talents together and created our first Be Still Prayer Space. That day, our mission was born: to design sacred spaces that help families draw closer to God. I quit my job to concentrate on our family's new ministry, Be Still Prayer Space.
We began selling our Prayer Spaces online, at craft shows, and at local catholic shops. We gave them away to bless those who may need such an altar. We began creating statues and wall art. Katie and I can't stop brainstorming new products that can help bring God into people's lives.
3D printing seems to have no boundaries and its positive aspects are countless. This new, scalable home-based manufacturing process keeps products local and in America. I post informative videos on our Instagram's 3D print Thursday in hopes of educating the consumer about this necessity for our future.
I could never have imagined that my hobby would turn into a ministry, a business and an avenue that helps so many families draw closer to Our Lord and Blessed Mother — one 3D printed layer at a time!
