Things I’ve 3D Printed (Part #1: Decorations & Toys)
A fun shift from technical posts — here are some of my favorite decorative and toy prints, and the stories behind why I made them.
Honestly, after a few posts full of technical stuff about 3D printing, I felt like it was time to switch gears. So this time, let’s talk about something more practical and fun — the things I’ve actually printed and use (or just enjoy having around).
Minas Tirith – My Favorite Decorative Print
As a Lord of the Rings fan, printing Minas Tirith was a no-brainer. I found a beautiful model, sliced it carefully, and printed it in speckled white PLA that gives it a stone-like texture. The detail is incredible — layers of walls, tiny towers, and that towering spire at the top.
Then I backlit it.
Suddenly it wasn’t just a model — it became a glowing beacon, like it was calling for aid from Gondor. It wasn’t designed to be a lamp, but the effect was so striking I never wanted to turn it off.
I could've make it Minas Morgul… but I couldn’t find a glowing green light. Shame.
D&D Map Tiles – Build Your Own Ruins
I also printed modular D&D tiles to use for tabletop games. These were a fun experiment in functional terrain — pieces that could click together and rearrange into different maps. They print flat, store easily, and actually feel satisfying to handle.
Sometimes, the best gaming tools are the ones you build yourself.
This particular set forms a ruined well, with a stone wall and a wooden floor. I printed them in plain white PLA, but the plan is for my friend to paint them later — to really bring out the textures and make them table-ready. Even unpainted, they already have character and structure. With a bit of paint, they’ll come alive.
Painted Models – Printed by Me, Painted by a Friend
I printed the models, but a good friend of mine brought them to life with paint. We worked on some amazing characters, like Ogre Magi from Dota 2 - fully painted with custom colors and personality.
Sometimes, 3D printing isn’t a solo hobby - it’s even better when shared.
We also worked on a jagged dragon skull, which ended up looking like it had been buried in bone dust for centuries, and a terrifying fire spider with glowing eyes and lava-colored legs that still creeps me out a little every time I see it.
Printing was easy compared to the hours of brushwork he put in. But that’s what made it special - a real collaboration between print and paint.
Toys for My Daughter – Custom Joy
Some of the simplest prints are also the most meaningful.
I printed a lot of small toys for my daughter - Minions, Baby Groot, and even a big articulated octopus that doubles as a plant pot. All in fun materials like wood PLA or vibrant colors. She doesn’t care about layer height or slicer settings. She just hugs Groot and squeals with joy when the octopus wiggles.
That’s the best kind of feedback I’ve ever gotten on a print.
Closing Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Reason to Print Beauty
Not everything needs to be useful. Sometimes, making something beautiful, playful, or just plain weird is enough. 3D printing has given me a way to bring fictional worlds to life, decorate my home with things no store could sell, and make toys that feel truly personal.
And this is just the start.
Next up: I’ll share some of the functional prints I’ve made - powered by a bit of wiring and a lot of curiosity.
