Modeling real life objects, although at reach of current technology, is confined to a niche of sophisticated industrial applications because the high equipment costs involved. The costs of 3D imaging devices are substantially coming down, furthermore 3D modeling, within certain object complexities, is becoming feasible with limited (and inexpensive) computer resources. This work reports on modeling complex real life objects with small computer resources. Practical provisions and clear examples of the object complexity at reach of the resources of this league are presented. Our considerations hold general validity but are demonstrated by examples pertaining to the field of artistic objects. This area is representative of both the typical difficulties encountered in practical 3D modeling and of the great opportunities offered by these techniques once production costs will be substantially lowered.