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3-D printing is bringing us a whole new world of possibilities, from fetus replicas to Link’s adventuring weapons, and while the technology is still in development, it often seems like there’s nothing a MakerBot can’t make out of thin air.

But here’s something you probably had no idea a 3-D printer could do: Bring children’s imaginations to life.

And we don’t mean that in the Disney way either. The Osaka company 3D Remind has started offering a unique service called Rakukuri, which will delight both children and their proud parents by taking children’s scribbles and turning them into actual figures using 3-D printing! Just think how happy your children will be when they see their drawings given form in colorful plaster!

▼This was drawn by a three-year-old, who spotted a butterfly at the park.

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How it works is actually surprisingly simple. Snap a single, clear photo of your child’s illustration and send it, along with 19,900 yen (about US$205), to 3D Remind and approximately one month later you’ll have a small-sized 3-D printed figure, made of plaster, in your hands. There are also medium and large sizes available at 25,900 yen (about $265) and 40,900 yen ($420) respectively. Though if you’re one of the first 100 fast-acting costumers, you’ll get 4,900 yen (roughly $50) off your order.

The small size is around 7 to 10 centimeters (2.75 to 3.9 inches) tall, while the medium is 17 to 20 centimeters (6.7 to 7.9 inches) tall and the large is 27 to 30 centimeters (10.6 to 11.8 inches) tall.

They also offer gift plans, in case you want to shower your relatives with plaster versions of your children’s best art. We’re sure they’ll treasure the presents just long enough to “accidentally” drop them into the trash once you’re gone.

▼A rocket flying through the sky, drawn by a 5-year-old from Hyogo Prefecture.

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There are, however, some limitations to this amazing technology. For one thing, if your child’s picture uses thin lines or is too light, they probably won’t be able to use it, so make sure Junior presses really hard! Also, they note that the figures have a rough surface, so you might not want to rub it against your face for good luck.

▼A purple, smiling giraffe illustrated by a 4-year-old from Hyogo Prefecture.

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▼And a three-year-old’s illustration of his father.

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At nearly $200 a piece, this isn’t exactly a cheap way to memorialize your children’s drawings, and it makes us wonder what’s wrong with hanging stuff on the refrigerator. But, then again, it’s also hard to deny the intrinsic charm of seeing childish illustrations given solid form. Hopefully as 3-D printing and modelling technology develops, prices will start to come down. And then, someday, your child can have a complete set of action figures designed all by him- or herself!

Hmmm…I might have to get one of my own drawings printed. Oh, don’t worry, they won’t be able to tell the difference between mine and the three-year-old’s.

Source: IT Media, Rakukuri
Images: Rakukuri