Tiki Totem - From AI to Pit Fired

I made a series of clay tikis using a mix of digital tools, 3D printing, and an improvised backyard kiln. Here’s the full process in case you want to try something similar:

1. Design: I started by generating a tiki image using MidJourney, aiming for a fun and stylized look.
2. Modeling: I used MakerWorld’s Image to 3D tool to turn that image into a printable 3D model.
   Powered by Image-to-3D from MakerWorld (https://makerworld.com/makerlab/imageTo3d)
3. Editing: I brought the model into Nomad Sculpt to clean up shapes and adjust for easier mold-making.
4. Printing: Printed the model and touched up overhangs with black modeling clay where needed.
5. Mold Box: Used this customizable mold box to create a print-ready form for plaster casting.
6. Plaster Mold: Poured plaster of Paris into the box and pressed in the printed tiki to make a one-sided mold.
7. Clay Press: Pressed terracotta clay into the mold to create multiple replicas.
8. Backyard Kiln: Built a makeshift kiln using fire bricks and the metal cage from an old patio heater.
9. Firing: Fired the clay with hardwood charcoal to reach higher temps.
10. Finishing: Once cooled, I applied oil and stain to give the tikis a rich, finished look.

I kind of like the results, but to be honest, this was mostly about the journey.  

If you try it out or want to adapt this process for your own project, let me know — happy to share tips.