The shops are crowded, the smell of roasted chestnuts wafts along the main street, and the faint sound of a brass band can be heard in the distance. This can only mean one thing — Christmas is coming.
Unfortunately, every year it becomes more commercial and less traditional. Cost of Christmas decorations One alone can return you hundreds of dollars, and that’s before you start worrying about endless gifts and copious amounts of food.
Why not save some money this Christmas and 3D printing some holiday decorations for your home? Here are 10 great ideas that will make you the envy of your neighborhood.
1. Christmas tree
Christmas trees are the undisputed king of holiday decorations. Their roots can be traced back to devout Christians in 15th century Germany, but they did grow up among the population in late 19th century Victorian Britain.
While it’s impractical (or aesthetically pleasing) to print a six-foot pine tree, you can make a small copy that would look great on a sideboard or fireplace.
The designers of this tree recommend using a translucent unfilled filament so that you can place LED lights inside it.
2. Star and Snowflake Ornament
A Christmas tree is useless if there is nothing on it. At this moment it is just a tree — there is nothing «Christmas» about it.
Glitter tinsel is a bit beyond the scope of a 3D printer, but subtle trinkets are well within its capabilities.
This star and snowflake decoration looks fantastic. It comes with a hook so you can hang it from a tree — but for an even better effect, print it in translucent thread and hang it in front of some fairy lights or LEDs.
3. Star Topper
No Christmas tree is complete without a decorative ornament on its crown. Traditionally, you have two choices: an angel (representing Gabriel of the Nativity) or a star (representing the Star of Bethlehem).
Instead of using glitter and glitter star, why not try this pixel star? It’s perfect for both adding the finishing touches to your tree and guiding your inner geek.
It is printed as one piece and includes a hole at the bottom for locking in place.
4. Gift box
With wood sorted and trinkets, you should start thinking about gifts.
We all know that wrapping paper is expensive wrapping paper — harmful to the environment and not reusable — so why not make an elegant lockable gift box instead?
This design doubles as a gift box and wood decoration. The key and the box itself are fully printable, while thoughtful tapes provide an extra layer of lid security. For maximum effect, hang the box from your tree and place the key in your kids’ stockings.
