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Thomas James’s fantasy models are part of a much wider maker practice: he moves between tabletop terrain, resin miniatures, costumes, props and found-object builds. In a profile published by Make: on April 14, 2025, he described that range as the point: “being an eclectic, multi-disciplinary maker IS my niche.”
A maker whose niche is range
Before pursuing modelmaking full time, James spent 16 years working as a Creative Director, Graphic Designer and Illustrator, according to Sam Freeman’s Make: profile. He shares handmade projects through his YouTube channel, Alchemy of Craft. The profile is a snapshot from 2025, rather than confirmation of his current work or publishing schedule.
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His projects span very different scales and ways of making. Some are hand-built environments intended for tabletop play; others involve 3D-printed resin miniatures, wearable cardboard constructions or playful conversions of objects he has found. A Maker Faire Bay Area 2025 listing likewise characterizes Alchemy of Craft as an eclectic collection of handmade projects and techniques, from handcrafting to 3D printing.
That variety is a deliberate creative identity, not a detour from one signature product. James told Freeman, “I enjoy becoming obsessed with so many creative pursuits. That’s just who I am, and that’s what makes me happy.”
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- Intricately Detailed Collection: 50 unique miniatures to be added to your d&d figures collection, featuring a wide array of characters and creatures in stunning detail to bring your dnd campaign to life
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- Diverse Characters: 28mm scaled Dungeons and Dragons miniatures featuring diverse characters to be used as tabletop rpg fantasy miniatures, enhancing your D&D campaigns
- Versatile Minis: D&D miniature figures include a mix of characters, creatures, and monsters to enrich your campaigns with variety and depth
- Expand Your Collection: D&D figures miniatures featuring diverse dnd models for every role-playing scenario and gaming session
Fantasy worlds built for play
A playable medieval house
One featured project is a medieval house made as tabletop terrain for Dungeons & Dragons. The house is presented as playable terrain, rather than only a display model: the Make: profile describes a tour of the build and notes that its video includes tips for people who want to make something similar.
That distinction matters for anyone approaching terrain as a painter or modelmaker. A piece designed for play has to function as a space at the table as well as read as a convincing miniature setting. The source does not specify the house’s dimensions, construction materials, paint system or tools, so it is best understood as an example of the kind of project James makes—not a documented step-by-step recipe.
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- 15 Unique Fantasy Miniatures for Dungeons & Dragons - No duplicates - Funded by 600+ Kickstarter Backers, these figurines for DND are crafted for your creative tabletop RPG. 28-32mm scale.
- Includes Game-Ready Campaign Setting (Digital PDF) - Time saving story-building – These figures for D and D miniatures include a digital campaign setting with game-ready adventures, custom illustrations.
- Diverse Cast of Characters for miniatures for Dungeons & Dragons - Great quality 28mm figures that rival big brand quality. Unpainted miniatures and hero Tabletop minitures that are easy to prime/paint.
- Quality: If any minis arrive defective, we gladly replace them! Shipping small rpg miniatures figures and bulk miniatures can cause such things. Thanks!
- All-Purpose Tabletop Miniatures for D&D - good as player-characters or NPC. Includes multi-races and genders for your campaign for D&D. Great gift for miniature painting for Dungeons & Dragons.
Resin miniatures and other scales
The profile also identifies 3D-printed resin miniatures as part of James’s work. It does not name a printer, resin, miniature scale or specific figure. The important point is the contrast within his practice: digitally fabricated miniatures sit alongside terrain and builds made through handcrafting, rather than defining the whole of Alchemy of Craft.
When the project becomes a costume or prop
The Beep Boop Beep Robot Brigade
James describes the Beep Boop Beep Robot Brigade as his favorite project up to the profile. He brought friends together to make robot costumes from cardboard and found objects, then marched in a local annual parade for three years. He says the group won first place in the Novelty category in one of those years. Those details are James’s account in Freeman’s profile, not independently verified parade results.
Rank #3
- Quick Facts: 65 minis, 28mm Heroic scale - Assembled and optimized for both painting and gameplay in most fantasy tabletop games, including D&D Unpainted and unprimed (PRIMER is recommended). Made of a mix of Hard PVC plastic and ABS plastic, which results in greater detail and feel compared to softer plastics.
- Refreshed Designs of Essential Monster & Encounter Miniatures for D&D: Wildspire's set of fantasy miniatures for D&D contains many classic and recognizable character types that frequent most Dungeons & Dragons games. Awesome for supplementing your existing collection or starting a new collection.
- Versatility & Value: This set includes a variety of highly useful and iconic figurines for D&D, allowing players to customize their encounters with unique d and d characters and dnd monster miniatures.
- Customer Satisfication Priority: If any of our dnd figures arrive damaged, we will be happy to make it up in any way we can. DND figurines and 28mm miniatures can sometimes not glue properly or may be prone to bending if the warehouse fails to exercise proper care.
- Painting Tips & Max Painting Potential: While priming the minis is optional, we recommend it to maximize the visual appeal and ease of painting. Express your artistic flair while enhancing your game experience. Use any acrylic hobby paint for PVC/plastic.
“Getting ready to march and looking around at everyone’s costumes brought me so much joy. It was amazing to see everyone jump on board the idea and really go for it.”
The project expands the idea of modelmaking beyond a miniature on a shelf. Cardboard and found objects become a shared visual language, and the finished work is experienced in motion and in a crowd. James says he wants to pursue “bigger and bolder projects with an emphasis on pageantry and giving people amazing experiences.”
Rank #4
- 7-Piece Mini Dragon Figurine Set – Non-Edible Cake Toppers, Fairy Garden Decor, Chinese Loong Mascots & Party Favors, fairy garden accents, photo props, dollhouse ormanents. Ideal for cake decorating (non-edible), dollhouse scenes, terrariums, table centerpieces. Fantastic Creature Figures. Lucky Charm, Mascot. Perfect Cake & Easter Decor: Elevate your Easter cake decorating and holiday tablescapes! These non-edible cake toppers are made from food-safe resin, making them perfect for adorning desserts or as charming Easter egg fillers and basket stuffers. Vibrant and festive!
- 7 Unique, Meticulously Detailed Dragons: This fantasy figurine set features seven unique mini dragon figurines with dynamic poses and expressive, adorable eyes. Each boasts intricate hand-painted scales and Eastern-inspired designs, giving them loads of personality for display and play. The Ultimate Dragon Egg Hunt: Create a legendary hunt! Use the dragons as the grand finale prize. Hide one dragon inside a special "Dragon Egg" (a large plastic egg) or place all seven with the final, hardest-to-find eggs. Instead of just candy, kids discover magical creatures to keep.
- Versatile for Fantasy Scenes & DIY Projects: Unleash creativity! Ideal as fairy garden accents, dollhouse ornaments, terrarium decor, or diorama pieces. Their small size makes them perfect for Easter egg surprise inserts, party favors for dragon-themed events, or whimsical photography props.
- Durable, High-Quality Resin Construction: Crafted from sturdy, fade-resistant resin, these durable dragon statues are easy to clean and built to last. They are food-safe for decoration (non-edible), ensuring peace of mind when used near treats. The Ultimate Gift & Hit at Parties: A fantastic gift for dragon lovers, collectors, or kids. Great for birthdays, Easter celebrations, or as fantasy party favors. As one customer shared, they were a "massive hit" at a party and perfect for a dragon-obsessed child's fairy garden or treasure box.
- Gifts for Dragon Lovers – A must-have for collectors, mythology enthusiasts, or kids who love fantasy play. Black Dragon is about :1.38'' Tall x 1.1'' Long x 1.1'' Wide; Blue Dragon: 1.38'' Tall x 1'' Long x 1.38'' Wide; Green Dragon: 1.5'' Tall x 1.18'' Long x 1.18'' Wide; Pink Dragon: 1.18'' Tall x 1.26'' Long x 0.8'' Wide; Purple Dragon: 1.42'' Tall x 1.18'' Long x 1.1'' Wide; Orange Dragon: 1.1'' Tall x 1.5'' Long x 0.8'' Wide; Brown Dragon: 1.46'' Tall x 1.1'' Long x 1.1'' Wide.
Winnie’s post-apocalyptic costume
Another featured build is a post-apocalyptic sidekick costume for James’s dog, Winnie. It shows the same interest in character and story, applied to a wearable-scale prop rather than a tabletop scene. The profile highlights the costume but does not provide a materials list or construction instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Found objects turned into fantasy props
A broken gumball machine became a dice tower, one of James’s favorite projects so far in 2025, according to the profile. The conversion links an everyday object to tabletop play: the object’s new role is practical, but its recognizable form gives the gaming accessory a playful presence.
Best Value
- Quick Facts: total of 125 miniatures, made in 28mm Heroic scale - assembled and optimized for both painting and gameplay in most fantasy tabletop games, including D&D Unpainted and unprimed (PRIMER is recommended). Made of a mix of Hard plastic, which results in greater detail and feel compared to softer plastics
- Versatile & Iconic Monsters: Wildspire Classic Encounters are staples of most DND campaigns and will see heavy use in many other fantasy games. Includes the most common and iconic monsters for D&D, helping your tabletop adventures stay fast paced and fun
- Painting Tips & Max Potential: Although priming the minis is optional, we recommend it to maximize the visual appeal and ease of painting. Express your artistic flair while enhancing your game experience. Use any acrylic hobby paint for plastic
- Refreshed Designs of Essential Monster & Encounter Miniatures for D&D: This set of 125 fantasy miniatures for D&D contains many classic and recognizable character types that frequent most Dungeons & Dragons games. Awesome for supplementing your existing collection or starting a new collection
- Complete Set Contents: This comprehensive collection features 125 unpainted miniatures including various monster types, character figures, and encounter-ready pieces designed for use with Dungeons & Dragons and other fantasy tabletop role-playing games at 28mm scale
Across the house, costumes and dice tower, James treats making as a way to give objects and spaces a stronger sense of story. The projects do not all share one material or scale; their common thread is the transformation of an idea—sometimes beginning with a found object—into something people can interact with.
What aspiring makers can take from his approach
James’s work is useful inspiration if you are deciding what kind of project to pursue, but the profile does not compare tools or materials or establish one best method. Choose an approach around the job your build needs to do:
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- For terrain made to be played with: begin with the space and access the game needs, then develop the visual details around those constraints.
- For a miniature: decide whether a hand-built or 3D-printed route suits the figure and the tools you already have. James’s profile establishes that he uses both approaches across his work, but does not offer a technical comparison.
- For a costume or prop: think about the experience beyond the finished object—who will wear, carry or encounter it, and where.
- For a found-object conversion: start with the object’s existing shape and imagine a new role for it, as James did with the broken gumball machine.
These are project-planning prompts, not instructions attributed to James. For more on his own builds, Freeman’s profile points readers to Alchemy of Craft and James’s other social channels; their current activity and availability are not established here.
Why the variety is the story
James’s fantasy work is not a single line of miniatures or a fixed house style. Its appeal lies in how readily the practice shifts—from an explorable medieval setting to resin figures, cardboard robots, a dog’s costume or a repurposed gumball machine. As he puts it, “Embrace whatever creative drive you have. Listen to your heart and your mind when it’s telling you what you love and what you want to spend your days doing.”
Quick Recap
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