Creation Process

Welcome to the Creation Process page, where we unveil the magic behind Thomas Wierenga's unique, handcrafted chess sets, chess boards, busts, figures, and statues. Here, you'll gain insight into the meticulous steps Thomas takes to bring his vision to life, from initial concept to the final, one-of-a-kind piece. Dive into behind-the-scenes photos and hear directly from the visionary and skilled artisan himself.

Each product is a singular creation, ensuring that your purchase is truly special. We also offer personalized products, making them the perfect gift for your loved ones. Scroll below to witness the creation process and discover how Thomas's passion and expertise result in the best products for our valued clients. Don't miss out on these exclusive items—secure yours today before they're out of stock.

Equipment used for creation of the products

From Concept to Creation: 3D Printing Process

"3D printing has changed my hobby experience over the past few years. I found that using 3D files I could print unique figures to remember history, which has changed my life. I research different people from the past and then create a resin figure to help us remember their role in history. I first started working with 3D prints in 2018.

The process starts by finding different photos of what represents the person I want to create. A "stl" file is then either made or found to represent the subject I am working on. Taking the file, Meshmixer is the program that I use to modify the file I am working with. After I have the figure in a printable state, I then use Lychee Slicer to get the file ready to print. After the file is printed there are various stages of cleaning and processing the figure before the project is finished. While the figure is being created I then imagine what story the base is going to tell. Bas-relief images are created and then placed on the sides of the base being created. Over the years I have used Elegoo printers and resin for my work."

Thomas working on detailing of the products

From 3D Printing to Resin Magic

"It started with an Elegoo Mars 3 printer, then a Mars 3 Pro, then a Saturn 3D printer is what is currently being used to create each unique piece of art. Each time I upgraded a printer it was for better resolution or ease of use. For all the printers I have found that Elegoo ABS style resin works best. The resin is not very brittle and my details turn out as expected. For convenience I have used the wash and cure stations from Elegoo to get my prints ready for finish."

Adding Detailed Pieces with 3D Printing

"A few things I have learned in 3D printing is the importance of keeping the printer level in order for the prints to work. Another, important item is keeping the resin at a constant warm temperature. If the resin is not warm enough it will not cure correctly and the print will fail.

3D prints give fantastic details that I can not find anywhere else. All of my standing figures are printed solid resin and make a strong product. The larger busts and bases are hollowed out to make them print better. I have found that I can print larger items without losing the details."

From Screen to Sculpture: The Creative Process

"Here is a picture as I am working on the computer. The computer is a major part of the progress because that is where the "sculpting" takes place." I enjoy researching the individual I am creating to try and get it as "historically accurate" as possible.

Behind-The-Scenes of Figures & Statues

"In this picture you will see various figures and statues I am making along with various chess sets I am working on (Samurai, Knights, and 82nd Airborne) all in different stages of completion."

Each figure is printed, attached to a base and them finished. Some figures are primed and then painted with some type of "Sculpt Nouveau Metal Finishes." I mainly use their Bronze or Pewter metal coatings highlighted with brass. Some of Sculpt Nouveau's various waxes have helped finished the figures.

Some of the larger bust are finished by painting them with various acrylic colors to try and "bring them to life." The bases are finished with the Sculpt Nouveau metal finish. All completed figures are coated with a clear finish to protect them over time,