My experience- I've done a few 3D designs in Sketchupand Fusion 360. Prints were done in PLA on a FDM and SLA machine that I have access to. Generally I am quite happy with the results. Now the description of my question.

I would like to create a 3D model of the house and yard that my wife grew up in, print it in miniature then assemble it into a snow globe to be given as a Christmas present. Quite a challenge I expect. The final thing does not have to be exact but a fair representation so that she can actually tell that it's her house. Some specific questions:

1. The house is brick, would the brick texture actually be noticeable on the printed model if it is say only 1 to 1.5" on a side with either SLA or FDM?
2. Same for roof shingles?
3. Or should I just rely on adding these details artistically in the painting process ( I will have to find an artist to do all that )
4. Thought on trees/ bushes? Again I hope to rely on artistic license when designing these parts.
5. Thoughts on software - which would be best to design in? It has to be free or lie \$\$\$ since I am not doing this professionally and don't have the \$\$\$ to buy 3D software? Someone suggested Blender. Fusion 360, Sketchup. Others?
6. Thoughts on best printing method ?

A lot of questions I know and I truly appreciate any feedback on any of this.

I've done a few 3D designs in Sketchup and Fusion 360. Prints were done in PLA on an FDM and an SLA machine that I have access to. Generally I am quite happy with the results. Now the description of my question.

I would like to create a 3D model of the house and yard that my wife grew up in, print it in miniature then assemble it into a snow globe to be given as a Christmas present. Quite a challenge I expect. The final thing does not have to be exact but a fair representation so that she can actually tell that it's her house. Some specific questions:

1. The house is brick, would the brick texture actually be noticeable on the printed model if it is say only 1 to 1.5" on a side with either SLA or FDM?
2. Same for roof shingles?
3. Or should I just rely on adding these details artistically in the painting process ( I will have to find an artist to do all that )
4. Thought on trees/ bushes? Again I hope to rely on artistic license when designing these parts.
5. Thoughts on software: "Which would be best to design in?" It has to be free (or not expensive) since I am not doing this professionally and don't have the money to buy expensive 3D software? Someone suggested Blender. Fusion 360, Sketchup. Others?
6. Thoughts on best printing method ?

A lot of questions I know and I truly appreciate any feedback on any of this.

My experience- I've done a few 3D designs in Sketchupand Fusion 360. Prints were done in PLA on a FDM and SLA machine that I have access to. Generally I am quite happy with the results. Now the description of my question.

I would like to create a 3D model of the house and yard that my wife grew up in, print it in miniature then assemble it into a snow globe to be given as a Christmas present. Quite a challenge I expect. The final thing does not have to be exact but a fair representation so that she can actually tell that it's her house. Some specific questions:

1. The house is brick, would the brick texture actually be noticeable on the printed model if it is say only 1 to 1.5" on a side with either SLA or FDM?
2. Same for roof shingles?
3. Or should I just rely on adding these details artistically in the painting process ( I will have to find an artist to do all that )
4. Thought on trees/ bushes? Again I hope to rely on artistic license when designing these parts.
5. Thoughts on software - which would be best to design in? It has to be free or lie $$$ since I am not doing this professionally and don't have the $$$ to buy 3D software? Someone suggested Blender. Fusion 360, Sketchup. Others?
6. Thoughts on best printing method ?

A lot of questions I know and I truly appreciate any feedback on any of this.

My experience- I've done a few 3D designs in Sketchupand Fusion 360. Prints were done in PLA on a FDM and SLA machine that I have access to. Generally I am quite happy with the results. Now the description of my question.

I would like to create a 3D model of the house and yard that my wife grew up in, print it in miniature then assemble it into a snow globe to be given as a Christmas present. Quite a challenge I expect. The final thing does not have to be exact but a fair representation so that she can actually tell that it's her house. Some specific questions:

1. The house is brick, would the brick texture actually be noticeable on the printed model if it is say only 1 to 1.5" on a side with either SLA or FDM?
2. Same for roof shingles?
3. Or should I just rely on adding these details artistically in the painting process ( I will have to find an artist to do all that )
4. Thought on trees/ bushes? Again I hope to rely on artistic license when designing these parts.
5. Thoughts on software - which would be best to design in? It has to be free or lie \$\$\$ since I am not doing this professionally and don't have the \$\$\$ to buy 3D software? Someone suggested Blender. Fusion 360, Sketchup. Others?
6. Thoughts on best printing method ?

A lot of questions I know and I truly appreciate any feedback on any of this.