3D printing makes it easy to combine form and function. Why have just a pencil holder when you can have a pencil holder that looks like, say, a cute octopus? This project is an excellent starting project because it demonstrates a simple but versatile modeling technique that involves editing a simple mesh and smoothing it to create more detail.
This project will involve simple selection techniques unique to Edit mode, modification commands in Edit mode, and applying modifiers to soften and combine shapes. This technique alone can be used to make an unlimited number of cool things once mastered.
In this chapter, we will cover:
- Planning the project
- The first basic shape
- Smoothing the mesh with modifiers
- Bending the tentacles
- Flattening the bottom
- Renaming objects
- Adding a pencil cup
- Adding a face
- Finishing touches
A pencil holder is basically a cup with a sturdy base that can be used to hold objects taller than itself, such as pens, pencils, and other items that might otherwise clutter up a desk. A cute, cartoony octopus's tentacles will provide the perfect base and prevent the cup from tipping over.
The hole in the cup should be roughly cylindrical, about 40-50 mm wide at the base. The whole thing should stand at least 80 mm tall. And, of course, it needs a cute and friendly face, something like this:
