Bobbleheads are a well-known souvenir item, frequently offered by sports groups or given away at special events. They’re also a popular gift item for friends and family. Unlike a regular figurine or bust, bobbleheads have the added feature of a head that bobs. This makes them fun and playful, a perfect gift for people who love to laugh.
A personalized bobblehead is a great way to celebrate a friend’s birthday, anniversary or other special occasion. It is a one-of-a-kind present that will be treasured by the recipient for years to come. However, the price tag can be prohibitive. Luckily, there are ways to make your own custom bobbleheads at home for much less.
The first step is to open a photo of yourself in a program such as Photoshop or GIMP. Ideally, the picture should show you from about the waist up so that your features will be exaggerated and look like a bobblehead.
Next, click the lasso tool in the toolbox to outline your head. You’ll want to select a large enough area around your head to be able to get all of the details right. You may need to resize the head to get it perfectly lined up with your neck and shoulders.
After the head is modeled, it’s time to add the body. This can be done either with a 3D printer, or by using a company such as i.materialise or Shapeways to print the head and then gluing it onto a spring-based body. This is the best option for those who are unable or unwilling to invest in a 3D printer.