How We Make Our Bubble Letters
Our bubble letters start out looking very different from the finished little pieces you see on the wall.
There are quite a few small steps between an idea on the screen and a finished name, so we thought we’d show you how we make them here in our Calgary studio.
First, we prepare the letters
Every name starts on the computer. We prepare the letter and little accent files for 3D printing, check the sizes and make sure everything is ready before sending the pieces to the printer.
Then comes one of our favourite parts: choosing the colours. Sometimes it’s a soft mix of pink, white and purple, sometimes blues, neutrals or a completely different combination.
From the printer to a smooth finish
Once the letters and little shapes are printed, they aren’t quite finished yet.
We sand each piece by hand to soften the print lines and create a smoother, cleaner surface. It’s a simple step, but it makes such a difference when you hold the finished letter in your hand.
After sanding, we’re ready for the finish.
Matte or glossy?
Some letters stay matte, because we love that soft finish exactly as it is.
For our glossy collection, we brush on the clear finish by hand. This is the step that gives the letters their shiny, almost ceramic-like look.
Then we leave them to dry and try very hard not to touch them too soon. :)
Ready for the wall
When the finish is completely dry, we add hook-and-loop mounting strips to the back of each letter.
We like this little detail because it keeps installation simple. The letters arrive ready to mount, so the name can go from the box to the wall without complicated hardware.
And then the name comes together
Seeing the individual letters finally become a name is still our favourite part.
What began as a digital file has been printed, sanded, finished and prepared by hand — one letter at a time, right here in our little Calgary studio.
Made one by one, by Roman & Kate, in our little Calgary studio.
