Every great 3D project starts with an idea—sometimes a quick sketch on paper, sometimes an elaborate concept art.

In this phase, it’s all about shape, character, and atmosphere: what does the lamp look like, what pose does Jochem the Goat strike, and how dramatically does Lord Xalthor’s UFO beam of light fall?

With these concepts as our guide, the design moves into Blender, our favorite 3D software. This is where the idea truly comes to life:

• Creating base models: building simple shapes (cubes, cylinders) to get the proportions right.
  
  

• Sculpting details: from the alien’s quirky tongue to the spiral-shaped lamp base—this is where personality emerges.
  
  

• Splitting into parts: the model is divided into separate STL pieces that can be printed on standard 3D printers.
  
  

• Checking and test exports: we ensure each piece is sturdy, fits together, and can be printed without support or with minimal post-processing.
  
  

The moment the virtual lamp stands complete in Blender, it feels almost tangible. Only then does the adventure of 3D printing and assembly begin, transforming the digital sketch into a physical object ready to shine on your workbench.

Once the design in Blender is finalized and all parts have been exported as STL files, the real fun begins: 3D printing.

Each part is carefully sliced with the right settings for material, layer height, and infill, ensuring strong prints with crisp details.

For the UFO lamp, for example:

• PLA for the base and decorative elements like Jochem the Goat
  
  

• Translucent PETG for the light beam, so the light spreads softly and atmospherically
  
  

After printing comes some post-processing: removing supports, light sanding, and gluing or screwing where necessary.

Some projects require extra DIY skills, such as soldering LEDs or routing cables for illumination.

When all parts click together and the lamp lights up for the first time, it feels as though your digital idea has come to life.

It’s exactly this moment that fills every maker with pride: from a sketch in Blender to a unique object on your workbench, entirely built by you.