JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For more than two decades, Pecan Park Flea and Farmer’s Market has been a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s Northside.
Known for its sprawling selection of over 750 stalls, it’s one of the largest markets in the area, offering everything from everyday essentials to unique treasures.
And if you’re on the hunt for something truly one-of-a-kind, D&A 3D Prints, a standout store within the market, is worth a visit.
Bringing creative designs to life
The D and A in D&A 3D Prints are Donald Whitman and Andrew Studt, two entrepreneurs who combined their passion for technology and creativity to bring 3D printing to life.
Initially starting with printing controller boards, the duo soon found themselves immersed in the world of 3D printing as a hobby.
But what began as a personal interest quickly grew into a full-fledged business.
“As we got more into it, we realized it was something that was taking off, and we wanted to share our love for it with others,” Whitman said.
The business has been operational for three years, but D&A 3D Prints has been a part of Pecan Park Flea and Farmer’s Market for the past year and a half.
Range of capabilities
D&A 3D Prints can create everything from small items to large-scale designs, offering a wide array of customized products to suit any need.
Whether you’re looking for a unique decoration, a personalized gift, or something larger, they can bring it to life using their high-quality 3D printing technology.
One example is a custom dragon sculpture that Whitman proudly displays in the store.
The possibilities at D&A 3D Prints are endless, from miniature figurines to life-sized objects.
Weirdest request?
Like any creative business, D&A 3D Prints receives some interesting requests.
So what was their strangest order?
Whitman didn’t hesitate to share a memorable project.
“The weirdest thing we’ve been asked to print was a realistic-looking fly,” he said. “They wanted it to look just like a real fly, so we used a metallic silk material that shines in the sunlight. It actually reflects the light, and we printed it in traditional fly black with a different color for the wings.”
Despite the unusual nature of the request, the fly turned out to be one of the store’s successful creations.
Time, patience and quality
Creating intricate and durable 3D prints requires time and patience.
Whitman emphasizes the importance of taking the time to ensure each piece is made with precision and durability.
The fly, for instance, took 11 days to print, and the process can be slow and meticulous.
“We print our products slowly and at high temperatures to ensure they are strong and resilient,” said Whitman. “We could finish it faster, but the result wouldn’t be as sturdy. I don’t want our customers to buy something and have it fall apart.”
This careful approach to printing ensures that every piece leaving the shop is built to last, no matter how large or small.
Weekend destination
Whether you’re interested in custom 3D prints or just exploring the diverse offerings at Pecan Park, the market is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
With everything from collectibles and memorabilia to handmade crafts, it’s a one-stop shop for all things unique.
So, the next time you’re looking for something special, be sure to stop by D&A 3D Prints at Pecan Park and discover the endless possibilities of 3D printing.