3D Print Business Brings a Myriad of Toys and Gifts to SBP

Adam started making the boys toys using 3D printing that would keep them absorbed and involved to help them with the neurodevelopmental condition that affects how they react with others, communicate and learn.  He started his 3D journey as a hobby.  The main challenge was to give the boys something to do with their hands to help with repetitive movements like fidgeting which helps individuals manage sensory input.

Explains Adam, who is a qualified sheet metal worker, ‘Doing something with their hands helps to calm the boys down if they feel overwhelmed or need sensory stimulation, and ‘fidget’ and ‘fiddle’ toys work to help them with their motor skills, concentration and tactile awareness.’

‘I researched what would be good for their personal development and enrichment and 3D printed toys came out as the perfect solution to channelling their energy and reducing their anxiety.  It was three years ago that I started, and they loved everything I made – particularly dragons and dungeons and fantasy toys.  The therapy was so successful I produced anything they asked for and then I began selling them as other people were interested in the toys and gifts too.’

Adam began selling his products within The Attic – a gift shop at Stonham Barns Park – and sales have been so successful he has rented his own outlet to sell directly to his customers. He also attends craft fairs and other markets around the country to boost sales.

Products for sale range from characters from books and films – Harry Potter figurines and memorabilia are very popular – to movable shapes, dinosaurs, dragons, castles and dragon hatchlings, sci-fi creatures, miniature dolls and dolls houses, pets, turtles, sea life including marine fish and corals, football plaques and collectable signage.

Adam chose the retail, leisure and holiday venue Stonham Barns Park for the venture after visiting to see how the rural shopping village works. 

Continues Adam, ‘Stonham Barns Park has a great vibe that you do not find in the high street.  It’s a relaxing place to visit and with over 40 outlets on site there is so much choice when you get here.  And the parking is unlimited and free!  It was an easy choice for the outlet and I am looking forward to seeing where this adventure takes me over the months and years ahead.’

‘There is definitely a place for 3D printing, but it is hard to see what the future looks like as it is still developing at a very fast rate.  The technology is being used in operating theatres and in house building and so printing toys and gifts is quite a smooth procedure in comparison.’

‘The best part of the idea is seeing the smiles on my boys faces when they see the new toys and gifts I produce.  I love to see them happy, and it seems that many other adults and children like the tactile items I produce as well.’

‘It feels like less of a business and more of an adventure – and I hope it all continues way into the future.’

Adam uses a Bambu A1 Multi Colour 3D Printer to produce the toys and gifts.  He is in the process of building an online collectables shop to further enhance the business.

Stonham Barns Park has over 40 retailers at its Retail Village selling everything from antiques and furniture to wildlife carving and glassware, and from garden plants and hot tubs to art shops.

For further information contact Adam Leach on 07306810912 or email La3artistry@outlook.com

Stonham Barns Park been serving the community of Suffolk since it opened, and it is now becoming a more prominent part of Suffolk tourism which is growing exponentially year on year.  Stonham Barns Park itself welcomes many visitors from all over the UK – particularly from London, the South-East and from as far away as The North and Scotland.  The venue includes a café-restaurant Café 24, Carters of Suffolk Teapot Pottery and Tearooms, a Golf Centre, Garden Centre, shopping village and Legends Sports Bar – a bar developed in honour of a variety of sporting legends – for the use of the community and those visiting for holidays and short breaks.

For more information about Stonham Barns Park please contact 01449 711901 or visit www.stonhambarns.co.uk