Visual effects artist Karl Stiefvater takes us through the tools he used to build a 3D model of his home (SketchUp and its handy “Photo Match” function), apply the photo textures (Maya), and produce the X3D file Shapeways requires for full-color 3D printing (MeshLab). He also covers such useful, decidedly non-virtual details as how to seal the model to prevent the color from bleeding, how to treat the water to prevent algal growth, and how to assemble the snowglobe kit itself. [Thanks, Karl!]