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The Death Star may be best known for blowing up Alderaan in Star Wars, but now it also does a great job of blowing up popcorn kernels and turning them into a delicious snack. By producing a vortex of hot air, the Death Star Popcorn Maker pops kernels using heat alone, without needing butter or oil. This clever design also ensures that all kernels are toasted to perfection without being burnt.

The ingenious machine comes in two spherical halves. The bottom portion is placed on a stand bearing the Star Wars logo, and that is where the popcorn is made. The top half of the Death Star can conveniently be repurposed as a bowl that can sit beneath your machine and collect the freshly popped popcorn. With its unique design, it is perfect for your next Star Wars marathon, as long as you are okay with sharing with your friends and family.

In addition to the out-of-this-world design, the popcorn maker's other main strength is how low maintenance it is. The only cleaning that the machine requires is emptying out the unpopped kernels after each use. With a 98% pop rate, this shouldn't be too taxing, and will certainly take less time than having to wipe out any grease. However, if you like your popcorn with extra seasoning (or would prefer the butter and oil that the machine is lacking) feel free to add it to the batch once it is finished popping. You shouldn't have to wait very long, as it will only take two to three minutes to finish a batch of popcorn with this convenient machine.

The popcorn maker is designed by Uncanny Brands, which specializes in creating pop-culture-themed kitchen ware. If one piece of Star Wars memorabilia isn't enough, be sure to head over to their website, where they have everything from waffle makers to blenders that are all modeled after beloved characters from the series such as R2-D2 and Grogu from The Mandalorian.

Thankfully, the Death Star Popcorn Maker is not in a galaxy far, far away, and can be purchased off of Amazon for $59.99 or directly from the Uncanny Brands website for the same price.

Uncanny Brands recently released a Death Star-shaped popcorn maker.

The machine pumps a vortex of hot air into the popcorn, allowing the maker to run without butter or oil.

Uncanny Brands: Website
h/t: [Yanko Design]

Related Articles:

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Redditor Creates Epic ‘Star Wars‘ Cake Inspired by the Death Star’s Meridian Trench

Bakery Sculpts 6-Foot “Pan Solo” Bread Sculpture Inspired by Han Solo in ‘Star Wars’

Baker Summons the Force to Create Adorable Star Wars Macarons

READ: ‘Star Wars’ Death Star Popcorn Maker Creates Delicious Snack Without Butter or Oil

 

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Wearable art is equal parts fashionable and functional, bringing together the aesthetic eye and purposeful planning of artists and designers. Sculptor Giacomo Bevanati fills the roles of both artist and designer with his remarkably intricate wire masks. Each piece is meticulously handwoven to create an air of intrigue and mystery for the wearer.

Bevanati deftly manipulates the brass and steel wires with his skilled fingers. “It's some kind of a duel, really,” the London-based artist explains in his short documentary, Metal Love. “A dance, almost. The wire goes where I want it to go, and sometimes, I just have to follow it and find out where it takes me.”

Even more impressive, all of his designs are freehand creations. The artist does not have a clear pattern laid out when he starts, which means that each of his masks is 100% original; no other piece is exactly like it.

Many of Bevanati’s masks have a haunting aura, reminiscent of Renaissance Carnival and masquerade costumes. Instead of trying to obscure the wearer's identity, however, these masks are nearly transparent, allowing viewers to see most of the eyes and face of the person beneath. Some masks hug the face closely, essentially serving as a cover. Others are more elaborate, often modeled after animals—both real and from legend. Because of this, many of his masks feel as though they belong within the pages of a rich fantasy novel, instead of gracing our world with their beauty.

But not all of the artist's creations are classically inspired. Recently, he made a pair of gilded snapback caps, which he created using the same wire threading techniques he uses in all of his work. Bevanati's expansive portfolio also features a truly dapper silver top hat, which is sure to make anyone who wears it the star of their dinner party.

As impressive as they are, Bevanati's masks are far from the only wearable art he has created. He also has a storied career in designing three-dimensional sculptures, which are made out of the same woven wire as his masks. They often resemble real-life objects, including pineapples, pigs, and pipes. All are either made of silver or gold wire, adding an air of sophistication to his already stunning creations.

To keep up with Bevanati's creative journey, you can follow him on Instagram. For a full list of his masks, be sure to check out the photo gallery on his website.

Giacomo Bevanati is a London-based artist known for his intricate masks that he creates by weaving brass and steel wire together.

 

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With their fantastical designs that are reminiscent of masks worn during the Italian Renaissance, many of his creations have an otherworldly feel to them.

 

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Though he may not always know how the final product will look, there is often some sort of animal element to it.

 

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Whether his creations are animalistic, mythical, or inspired by the human form, they are all surreal works of art that simultaneously give the wearer cover and draw attention to them.

 

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Giacomo Bevanati: Website | Instagram | Facebook

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READ: Haunting Handwoven Wire Masks Blur the Line Between Surreal Sculpture and Stylish Fashion

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Many people who work from home love the extra time that gives them with their beloved pets. But as anyone with a cat will tell you, the situation can be a little tricky. Best case scenario, they may just lie next to you on the ground or perhaps settle on your lap. Most likely, though, kitties can be much quirkier (and sometimes naughtier) than that and they like to block screens and sprawl across keyboards. But what if they had a dedicated space next to you without disturbing your work day? The Desk Nest Cat Bed may be the answer.

The company behind this new piece of pet furniture, Quantum Mango, describes the Desk Nest Cat Bed as a “lifestyle upgrade for people who want to keep their beloved cats close without interruptions, compromising workspace or comfort.” This round bed rises over your desk, standing 12 inches tall on a 4.5-inch round metal base. Despite its tiny size, it can hold up to 25 pounds, and it is able to spin a full 360º around.

The Desk Nest Cat Bed is also easy to set up, without the need to drill or permanently modify your desk. All you have to do is attach the bed to the edge of your desk, adjust it to where you want it to be, and then just place your cat. For extra safety and coziness, the bed features raised walls and a padded cushion.

While it was designed with people who work from home in mind, the Desk Nest Cat Bed is also suited for students and gamers. Its clever design lets your furry friend get comfortable and stay close while keeping your workspace tidy and optimized. Its stylish design also comes in two colors—walnut and white oak—allowing it fit right in with just about any office decor.

This Desk Nest Cat Bed is so beloved that its fundraising campaign has already been fully funded. In fact, it was funded in only six minutes! If you'd like to get one for your feline coworker, you can buy it for a special price on Kickstarter.

What if your cat had a dedicated space next to you at your home office? Take a look at the clever Desk Nest Cat Bed.

This round bed rises over your desk, standing 12 inches tall on a 4.5-inch round metal base. Despite its tiny size, it can hold up to 25 lbs and spin a full 360º around.

For extra safety and coziness, the bed features raised walls and a padded cushion.

If you'd like to get one for your feline coworker, you can buy it now for a discounted early bird price on Kickstarter.

Quantum Mango: Website | Kickstarter

All images via Quantum Mango.

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This Modular Cat Furniture Keeps Cats Happy Without Sacrificing Design

READ: Make Room for Your Kitty in Your Workspace in a Stylish Way With this Desk Nest Cat Bed

 

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Like many little girls, Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi grew up playing with Barbie dolls. Now, she has one designed after her. Her doll, which is part of the brand's Inspiring Women Series, was released just in time for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May.

Yamaguchi, a two-time world champion and Olympic Hall of Famer, made history at the 1992 Olympics for becoming the first Asian American woman to win an individual figure skating gold medal. The doll design captures the likeness of the skater at those Olympic games, down to the sparkling black and gold leotard and the red and white bouquet that she held atop the podium. The doll also features her signature poofy 90s style bangs that Yamaguchi was sporting at the time.

Her victory came at a time when there were very few Asian American role models, and even fewer were women. While she was competing, some people in the figure skating community were concerned about Yamaguchi's race impacting her marketability and ability to get endorsements. But despite these challenges, the skater persisted and managed to cement herself as one of the greatest American female figure skaters of all time.

“It's a huge, huge honor,” Yamaguchi told The Associated Press. “I think a lot of pride comes along with it, not just recognizing the Olympic achievement, but also being recognized during AAPI Month and following in the footsteps of some incredible women that I idolize—Anna May Wong, Maya Angelou, and Rosa Parks.”

Yamaguchi’s Barbie doll is now available for pre-order on Mattel’s website, Target, and Amazon.

Mattel recently released a Barbie doll designed after the Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi.

Kristi Yamaguchi: Instagram | Facebook
h/t: [KCRA]

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Related Articles:

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Barbie Dolls That Traveled to Space Are Now on Exhibit at the Smithsonian

READ: Barbie Releases Kristi Yamaguchi Doll Honoring the Iconic Olympic Figure Skater

Some pieces of literature capture our imaginations from the moment they are published. The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter are two epic series that have done just that. Whether you've read all the books or watched all the films, these epic fantasy tales have had an undeniable impact on our culture. Now, you can bring a bit of the magic of these stories with you thanks to beautifully designed playing cards by theory11.

Filled with Easter eggs that any fan will love, each deck of cards comes in an artfully designed box with gold details and imagery from the series. With The Lord of the Rings, your traditional cards have been replaced by iconic characters such as Gandalf, Aragorn, and Legolas. Illustrations help bring you on a journey from The Shire to Mordor, and superfans will appreciate subtle touches that incorporate the Light of Eärendil, Lurtz, and Minas Morgul.

Harry Potter lovers will appreciate the chance to select between two different decks—red for Gryffindor house and green for Slytherin house. Once again, the box is a work of art with gold touches and illustrations on both that include the emblems of all four Hogwarts houses and other icons to draw you into Harry Potter's wizarding world. Of course, you'll find all of your favorite characters on the cards, from Harry and Hermione to Voldemort and Draco Malfoy.

Thanks to illustrations based on the films, the artful decks of cards are a treat even if you've only enjoyed these stories on the silver screen. John Rhys-Davies' Gimli and Elijah Woods' Frodo are unmistakable, as are Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson as Harry Potter and Hermione, respectively.

Any pop culture lover who enjoys a game of poker, rummy, or solitaire will enjoy these luxurious cards. Made in the U.S.A., the cards are printed on FSC-certified paper derived from sustainable forests, using vegetable-based inks and starch-based laminates. Honestly, they're so nice you might just want to frame them.

Scroll down to get a peek of these fun, magical card decks, and head over to My Modern Met Store when you're ready to check out.

Fantasy fiction lovers will be thrilled with these Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings playing cards filled with hidden Easter eggs for die-hard fans of both series.

Harry Potter Playing Cards (Gryffindor / Red)

theory11 | $14.95

theory11 | $14.95

theory11 | $14.95

Harry Potter Playing Cards (Slytherin / Green)

theory11 | $14.95

theory11 | $14.95

The Lord of the Rings Playing Cards

theory11 | $14.95

theory11 | $14.95

theory11 | $14.95

theory11 | $14.95

theory11 | $14.95

All decks are now available for purchase at My Modern Met Store.

theory11 | $14.95

theory11 | $14.95

theory11 | $14.95

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READ: Artistic Playing Cards Celebrate the Fantasy Worlds of ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’

 

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For many, a lamp is a functional piece of furniture that lights up a space. But for an artist known as bycal, illuminating a room presents a unique opportunity for a creative and inventive design. Instead of following the usual formula for a lamp, they went a completely different direction, and this is how the arndale lamp was born.

For context, the Manchester Arndale is a famous shopping center located in England. The building, which resembled an industrial office building, was initially constructed between 1972 and 1979 and was redeveloped after the 1996 Manchester bombing. Due to the lack of natural light and maze-like interior, it faced harsh criticism after it was built. The yellow tiles covering the exterior of the building, which one newspaper described as “bile yellow,” also didn't help.

Yet bycal decided to base their lamp design on this piece of architecture, choosing to fill a replica of the Manchester Arndale with light. The small wooden model of the shopping center is about 11 inches (28 centimeters) tall, and when the lamp is turned on, about half of the little windows glow yellow. All lamps are constructed and painted by bycal, and the craftsmanship on display is remarkable, as the replica is perfectly to scale. It really looks like the artist shrunk the building down to fit in someone's living room.

There is a bit of nostalgia to the piece, as the Manchester Arndale hasn't maintained its original design. Following the IRA bombing in 1996, much of the building had to be refurbished. This included removing the notorious yellow tiles and replacing them with modern-looking glass and metal and providing the structure with a more open floor plan. Today, the Manchester Arndale is Europe's biggest inner-city shopping center, with 1.4 million square feet of space, and hosting over 230 stores and restaurants.

But in the meantime, if you want to remember the Manchester Arndale for what it used to be, you can purchase the lamp from bycal's website for £180 (about $225). To keep up with the artist's creative journey, be sure to check out their Instagram as well.

The arndale lamp is a handmade replica of the famous Manchester Arndale shopping center, and about half of its windows glow yellow when the lamp is turned on.

bycal: Website | Instagram
Manchester Arndale: Website | Instagram

All images via bycal.

h/t: [this isn't happiness]

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READ: Imaginative Lamp Looks Like the Famous Manchester Arndale Shopping Center

 

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Even though we now tell time by checking our phones or perhaps a clock, the scientific passage of time is measured by the orbit of the Earth around the Sun, and the Moon around the Earth. The Tellurium by SpaceOne takes this idea literally, by reimagining the classic analog watch as a three-dimensional model of the Moon's orbit around Earth and Earth's orbit around the Sun. The ingenious design not only gives the time, but also provides the opportunity to observe the current locations of the celestial bodies that are most important to humans, bringing the wearer closer to the vast universe surrounding them.

SpaceOne is a company that specializes in space-themed watches, and the Tellurium is certainly no exception. The out-of-this-world watch was developed by Olivier Gamiette, who is “renowned for his fluid, futuristic lines and deeply audacious dials.” The timepiece comes with a sleek 42 mm titanium case, and has additional astronomical objects made of polished titanium contained within. The Moon, Earth, and Sun replicas are surrounded by a minimalist triangular clock face with the numbers 4, 8, and 12 printed on it. Additionally, the hour and minute clock hands are positioned in the center of the watch, and they glow in the dark, radiating the same light that the Sun produces every day. The Tellurium also features a sophisticated dating system, which ensures that the day display will change as soon as the hour hand hits midnight.

The Earth takes one year to orbit the Sun and the Moon orbits the Earth in 27.3 days. The Tellurium is equipped with a state-of-the-art mechanism called Soprod P024 Movement, which enables the little spheres contained in the watch to move at the same time as their real-life counterparts. The Earth replica is connected to a small piece of sapphire crystal, which is linked to a ring with 365 teeth, one for each day of a standard year. Beside it, there is another gear called the star wheel, which has 31 teeth and moves two smaller wheels to change the date.

The Tellurium is currently available for presale on the SpaceOne website for €2,990 (approximately $3,726). Delivery is predicted to start in October or November 2024.

The Tellurium by SpaceOne is a futuristic watch design, featuring miniature replicas of the Sun, Moon, and Earth to tell the time.

 

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More than just telling time, this remarkable timepiece tracks the exact positions of the Sun, Moon, and Earth in relation to one another.

 

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SpaceOne: Website | Instagram
h/t: [Designboom]

All images via SpaceOne.

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READ: Out-of-This-World Watch Tells Time Through Replicas of the Sun, Moon, and Earth’s Orbits

Photo: doomu/Depositphotos
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Whether you’re a budding artist or a fervent DIYer, 3D printing is a useful tool for bringing your designs to life. It can be used to create unique home decor, one-of-a-kind art, customized organizational tools, and so much more. For those who want to dive into 3D printing for the first time, it can be overwhelming, especially when looking for the best 3D printers for beginners. Top-tier printers can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, not to mention the complicated machinery and new design software learning curve. Starting small, both in terms of price and size, can help you build the foundation to become a 3D printing pro.

To compile this list of the best 3D printers for beginners, I did a ton of research. I scoured the web for top-rated options, read through reviews and customer ratings, and considered significant factors like price, features, user-friendliness, and more. Eventually, I landed on a Creality model as our best overall choice, along with some other great picks from brands like Elegoo and Entina.

Below, check out the best 3D printers for beginners.

Our Top Picks:

1. Best Overall: Creality Ender 3 V2 Neo 3D Printer – $245 at Walmart
2. Best Resin 3D Printer for Beginners: Elegoo Mars 3 – $209.99 at Amazon
3. Best Budget 3D Printer for Beginners: Entina Tina 2 Mini 3D Printer – $178 at Amazon
4. Best 3D Printer for Kids: 3Doodler 3D Pen – $49.99 at Target
5. Best Pen 3D Printer: MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro – $60.71 at Amazon

Reviews of The Best 3D Printers for Beginners

1. Best Overall:  Creality Ender 3 V2 Neo 3D Printer

Amazon | $199

If you’re a beginner,  the Creality Ender 3 V2 Neo 3D Printer is a great pick for its affordability and versatility. (There’s a reason other Creality models are also on My Modern Met’s list of the best 3D printers on Amazon.)

The printer is easy to set up and heats quickly, plus it has a relatively large print volume for its size. It only uses PLA filament, one of the most common and versatile 3D printing materials, and has convenient auto-bed leveling, which means you won’t have to worry about manually calibrating the printer bed every few prints. For a relatively affordable price point, this is a great pick.

$245 at Walmart

The Specs:

• Printing Material: PLA
• Print Volume: 8.7 x 8.7 x 9.8 inches
• Machine Dimensions: 17.2 x 16.7 x 18.6 inches

The Pros:

• Easy to use and assemble
• Good print quality
• Relatively affordable for a high-end printer

The Cons:

• Nozzle may need to be replaced
• Noisy
• Requires frequent releveling

What Others Are Saying

The Creality Ender 3 V2 Neo 3D Printer has a 4.2-star Amazon rating from more than 3,800 reviews. It’s also recommended by U.S. News & World Report 360 Reviews as the best 3D printer for beginners.

Buy the Creality Ender 3 V2 Neo 3D Printer:

$245 at Walmart

$199 at Amazon

2. Best Resin 3D Printer for Beginners: Elegoo Mars 3

Amazon | $209.99

Resin generally creates a more detailed and smooth surface because it’s a liquid that gets cured during the print process rather than a filament that is layered. For resin lovers, the Elegoo Mars 3 is the best resin 3D printer you can buy as a beginner. It boasts a sleek design, and won’t take up much surface area at 22 inches long by 11 inches wide.

The Mars 3 has convenient touchscreen controls and a USB port so you can easily import your designs and start building. It’s also quite sturdy and prints designs under a shield, which may make it a better option for those with kids or pets.

$209.99 at Amazon

The Specs:

• Printing Material: Resin
• Print Volume: 5.6 x 3.5 x 6.8 inches
• Machine Dimensions: 22 x 11 x 12 inches

The Pros:

• Sleek design
• Compact
• Sturdy construction

The Cons:

• Finicky touchscreen
• Confusing instructions make it hard to troubleshoot
• Small print volume

What Others Are Saying

The Elegoo Mars 3 has over 3,300 Amazon reviews and an impressive 4.5-star rating. The printer has also received positive reviews from Tom's Hardware, All3DP, and DIY Machines.

Buy the Elegoo Mars 3:

$209.99 at Amazon

3. Best Budget 3D Printer for Beginners: Entina Tina 2 Mini 3D Printer

Amazon | $178

If you want to try out 3D printing without spending a ton of cash, the Entina Tina 2 Mini 3D Printer is an excellent starter model. With auto bed leveling and a magnetic platform, this printer is not only affordable and easy to set up, but it’s also compact, which means it’s easy to store.

The Tina 2 Mini 3D Printer can print with PLA, PLA Pro, and TPU. As an added bonus, the printer arrives fully assembled, so you won’t have to spend hours diving into the user manual before getting started. Plus, its cool design isn’t too hard on the eyes, either.

$178 at Amazon

The Specs:

• Printing Material: PLA, PLA Pro, or TPU
• Print Volume: 3.9 x 4.7 x 3.9 inches
• Machine Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.3 x 8.3 inches

The Pros:

• Compact and easy to store
• Arrives set up
• Affordable

The Cons:

• Short lifetime
• Best suited for smaller prints

What Others Are Saying

This printer is recommended as the best budget-friendly 3D printer for beginners by U.S. News and World Report 360 Reviews and one of the best kid-friendly 3D printers by 3D Insider.

Buy the Entina Tina 2 Mini 3D Printer:

$178 at Amazon

4. Best 3D Printer for Kids: 3Doodler 3D Pen

Target | $49.99

For those looking to gift a 3D printer to the creative kid in your life, a 3D pen may actually be the better option—especially if it’s the 3Doodler 3D Pen. Not only is this 3D printing tool super affordable, but it’s also really easy to use, making it a great option for kids ages 6 or older under parental supervision.

The pen works like a hot glue gun—you just feed the filament through and start “drawing.” But unlike a hot glue gun, the pen (even the nozzle) won’t get hot while in use, making it super safe for young children. It’s also chargeable, so kids can use it completely cord-free.

$49.99 at Target

The Specs:

• Printing Material: PLA or ABS
• Print Volume: Unlimited
• Machine Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 2.6 inches

The Pros:

• Kid-friendly
• Inexpensive
• Safe
• Easy to use

The Cons:

• Short battery life
• Only compatible with certain refill filaments

What Others Are Saying

The 3D pen has over 7,000 Amazon reviews and 4.3 stars. It’s also recommended by U.S. News and World Report 360 Reviews and All3DP.

Buy the 3Doodler 3D Pen:

$49.99 at Target

$49.99 at Amazon

5. Best Pen 3D Printer: MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro

Amazon | $60.71

3D pens, like the MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro, are great for kids, adults, and beginners alike. This affordable  3D pen is a low-stakes way to get hands-on with 3D printing without having to purchase an expensive full-sized machine. Once you upgrade, the MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro is great to have on hand to fill in any gaps or add features to your 3D projects.

Like the 3Doodler 3D Pen, this MYNT3D pen is cordless and user-friendly while still offering a solid amount of control. You can adjust the temperature and speed, and there’s even a small OLED display that shows the temperature. The grip of the pen itself is also very comfortable, which is important if you’re going to be attempting larger, longer projects.

$60.71 at Amazon

The Specs:

• Printing Material: PLA or ABS
• Print Volume: Unlimited
• Machine Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 2.6 inches

The Pros:

• Easy to use
• Comfortable grip
• Precise temperature controls
• Comes in three colors of plastic filament

The Cons:

• Included plastic filament can go quickly
• Short cord

What Others Are Saying

The MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro has earned more than  12,000 Amazon reviews and boasts a 4.4-star rating. It’s also recommended as one of the best 3D printing pens by All3DP.

Buy the MYNT3D 3D Pen Pro:

$60.71 at Amazon

Other 3D Printers to Consider

Photo: cookelma/Depositphotos

Anycubic Photon Mono 2

This sleek resin printer has more than 1,960 Amazon reviews and is recommended by Tom's Hardware, CNET, and All3DP. While it’s in the same price range as our favorite 3D printer, reviewers found that it’s not as intuitive to set up or use. The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is available at Amazon for $159.99.

SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen

The most enticing feature of this 3D pen is its affordable price. The model is recommended as one of the best 3D pens by Popular Science, but unlike the 3Doodler 3D Pen, this pick has a bit of a learning curve, making it neither kid- or beginner-friendly. The SCRIB3D P1 3D Printing Pen is available at Walmart for $29.99.

AnkerMake M5 3D Printer

AnkerMake’s M5 3D Printer is super fast, operating at a speed of 250 mm per second, earning it a spot on CNN Underscored’s guide to 3D printing for beginners. It’s also compatible with PLA, PETG, TPU, and ABS filaments. However, despite its speed, the printer is hard to use and noisy, especially given its nearly $700 price tag.  The AnkerMake M5 3D Printer is available at Best Buy for $699.99.

Anycubic Kobra 2 3D Printer

The Anycubic Kobra 2 3D Printer is a very fast and reliable 3D printer that’s compatible with a large variety of printing materials, including PLA, ABS, TPU, and PETG. It has also been positively reviewed by PCMag and Techradar. While the printer may be easy to assemble initially, buyers found that it can be difficult to troubleshoot problems, particularly when it comes to leveling. The Kobra 2 3D Printer is available at Walmart for $209.

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Hi! I’m Grace, a graphic designer, freelance writer, and product tester for everything from appliances to the latest tech gadgets. My work has appeared in Gear Patrol, Apartment Therapy, and many other publications. I aim to help consumers find the best products to spend their money on.

For this guide to the best 3D printers for beginners, I researched a ton of models by reading through trusted publications and customer ratings and reviews. From there, I considered important qualities like price and easy setup to ensure each option is well-suited for beginners.

What to Know About 3D Printers for Beginners

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Things to Consider When Choosing a 3D Printer for a Beginner

From new vocabulary terms to confusing user manuals, finding a quality 3D printer can be quite a hassle for a novice. The main factors to consider when narrowing your search include bed leveling, float switches, printing material, and more.

Bed Leveling

Since 3D printing is done layer by layer, the first layer that goes directly on the heat bed must be level. 3D printers can have automatic and manual bed leveling where either you or the printer controls the levelness of the heat bed. While automatic leveling may be more beginner-friendly, it’s often associated with a higher cost.

Print Volume

Most 3D printers geared towards beginners will be on the smaller side because they’re lower in price and easier to use. However, if you have a specific design or item in mind that you’ll be using your printer for, make sure to check the volume that a printer can produce before buying. Keep in mind that 3D pens won’t have any size constraints since you’ll be designing freehand, but the bigger the design, the more unwieldy your project will likely be.

Printing Material

3D printers can come equipped to handle a variety or just one type of print material, such as resin, polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU):

• Resin: Resin 3D printing can use three different types of materials: stereolithography (SLA), liquid crystal display (LCD), or digital light processing (DLP). In general, this printing material is best for pieces with fine details and smooth finishes.
• PLA: This recyclable material is usually made from cornstarch or sugar cane. It performs best in lower temperatures but is great for stronger, more dimensional pieces.
• ABS: ABS is one of the most popular forms of 3D printing. It’s great for creating plastic solid parts and a variation of temperatures.
• TPU: This flexible and elastic material is good for creations that may require impact-absorption and a soft-touch surface.

Many printers come with a small amount of printing material to get you started. Make sure that the 3D printer you’re choosing will be able to print with your desired material.

3D Pen vs. 3D Printer

While full-size 3D printers tend to be the default when people talk about 3D printing, 3D pens are a great way to fill in existing 3D printed designs, free-hand your own designs, or get kids involved in 3D printing. Consider what type of projects you want to create prior to deciding on whether you want a 3D printer or a 3D pen.

Photo: Marina1408/Depositphotos

How Do 3D Printers Work?

Like a 2D printer, 3D printers will process a design given to them and print that design layer by layer, starting at the bottom and building its way to the top. The printer heats the material put into it so that it can become malleable and shape your design. Each 3D printer has a maximum build size that your design cannot exceed as well as a specific Z resolution, or layer height, that dictates how thin features of your design can be.

How to Use 3D Printers for Beginners

The 3D printing process starts with your design, which you can create yourself using beginner-friendly 3D design software like Tinkercard. You’ll then export your design as an STL file and import it into a slicing software, which will convert it into a Gcode that your printer can read.

From there, you can start setting up your printer with the material you’ll be using and dictate the size and placement of your design. Once all of this is done, you’ll be ready to print!

Photo: miata_dad

How Much Do 3D Printers Cost?

3D printers are sold at a wide range of prices, from hundreds to thousands of dollars. For at-home enthusiasts, high-quality printer models will usually be around $500 to $1,000. However, beginners can get away with machines that cost $300 or less, with the caveat that they may eventually have to upgrade to another more costly printer.

What are 3D Printers Used For?

3D printers can be used in a variety of fields and settings, but for the home hobbyist, these machines are generally used to create items like small figurines or other small-to-moderate-sized pieces of decor for their home.

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Prices were accurate at the time of publication.

READ: The 5 Best 3D Printers for Beginners in 2024

 

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Una publicación compartida por Dakota Patton (@paint_with_dakota_llc)

From a young age, many children take an interest in makeup, especially little girls. While most are attracted to the playfulness of feminine looks, one girl was instead drawn to the creative possibilities of special effects (SFX) makeup. A 6-year-old named Dakota Patton is now being lauded as the “World’s Youngest Makeup Artist.” Despite her age, she has mastered her craft, transforming herself and her family into spooky creatures and pop culture characters with a level of detail that has impressed special effects makeup experts.

Dakota's SFX makeup adventure started about three years ago, during a family movie night. After watching The Dark Knight, the girl was bewitched by the Joker's makeup, and was set on recreating it herself. After convincing her parents, they took her to Party City for makeup supplies. Thinking it would amount to a funny story, they never expected their child to nail the look. “From her color coordination to the way she recreated the details, everything was spot on,” Dakota's dad, Jarell, told POPSUGAR.

She then moved on to other characters, like Pennywise and Venom. The budding SFX makeup artist polished her abilities by watching YouTube tutorials. “YouTube videos made me feel like I could create the makeup looks,” the girl says. “When I first started watching them I would look at Madeyewlook's page a lot.” After noting her daughter's talent, the proud dad helped her set up an Instagram account to document her creations.

Now, she has created dozens of looks, which range from the fantastic to the truly scary. She created a Mondrian-inspired makeup look, turned herself into Beetlejuice and Annabelle, and even transformed her sister and dad into The Nun and the Grinch, respectively. Her family has supported her throughout her venture by sitting for her and modeling for most of her creations. Since many of Dakota's creations are in the bloody and gory territory, many have wondered if it's appropriate for a kid as young as Dakota to be into that. To them, the girl says that she has always known that the scary characters she's seen on TV, amusement parks, and the makeup conventions she now frequents, are fake.

Dakota now dreams of being the best makeup artist in the world—and she may well be on her way. She's known as “The Princess of SFX,” and has had the chance to meet up with the greats of her craft, like Academy Award winners Ve Neill (Beetlejuice, Mrs. Doubtfire, Ed Wood) and Michael Westmore (Mask, Star Trek). For now, she is really excited to go to Disney World with her family, and has planned makeups for all her family. First up, she says, “Dad could be Cinderella.”

Dakota Patton is a 6-year-old who is being praised as the “World’s Youngest Makeup Artist.”

 

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Una publicación compartida por Dakota Patton (@paint_with_dakota_llc)

Despite her age, she has mastered her craft, transforming herself and her family into spooky creatures and pop-culture characters.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Dakota Patton (@paint_with_dakota_llc)

Dakota's SFX makeup adventure started about three years ago, when she was bewitched by the Joker's makeup during a family movie night.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Dakota Patton (@paint_with_dakota_llc)

She was set on recreating it, and her parents were taken aback by the result. Dakota's dad notes: “From her color coordination to the way she recreated the details, everything was spot on.”

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Dakota Patton (@paint_with_dakota_llc)

Now, she has created dozens of looks, which range from the fantastic to the truly scary.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Dakota Patton (@paint_with_dakota_llc)

Her family has supported her throughout her venture by sitting for her and modeling for most of her creations.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Dakota Patton (@paint_with_dakota_llc)

Dakota now dreams of being the best makeup artist in the world—and she may well be on her way!

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Dakota Patton (@paint_with_dakota_llc)

See her work her magic in action:

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Dakota Patton (@paint_with_dakota_llc)

Dakota Patton: Instagram | YouTube
h/t: [Popsugar]

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READ: The “World’s Youngest Makeup Artist” Transforms Herself and Her Family Into Spooky Creatures

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Did you grow up playing with LEGOs? You're definitely not alone. And though many people may grow out of piecing the iconic little plastic blocks together, there are still a significant amount of people who do remarkable things with them as adults. Some have made the bricks their main medium of choice as LEGO artists while others have maintained their playful side as impressive hobbyists who build their favorite sets. For one LEGO fan known only by their YouTube channel name, Build it with Bricks, the toy bricks are a way for them to experiment, learn, and teach viewers more about the world around us. In one of their most popular videos, they used LEGO bricks to build and demonstrate coastal sea defenses.

In the video, the creator begins by setting up a mini beach. First, they add a pile of sand at one end of an aquarium tank. Next, they assemble a wave generator out of a board of LEGO bricks hooked up to an engine. The board is wired to move back and forth. Once water is added to the tank, this mechanism is designed to push against it, simulating waves. Now that the “coast” is complete, the wave generator is turned on to show how erosion occurs. The ripples of water being pushed by the wave generator rush against the small hill of sand, chipping away at it and pulling the grains into the sea as it sways back.

To combat this erosion, Build it with Bricks constructs multiple types of barriers, each with their own varying levels of success. They constructed offshore breakers, gabions, revetments, seawalls, and more, showing their effectiveness in preventing erosion of the shore. Throughout the video, viewers are introduced to new terminology and offered a visual understanding of how structural design affects success rate. Build it with Bricks' video is a fascinating watch that is both mesmerizing and educational.

Build it with Bricks has many videos that make big concepts more understandable as LEGO creations. To keep up to date with their builds and experiments, you can subscribe to them on YouTube. In the meantime, scroll down to see the full video about sea defense.

A YouTube channel known as Build it with Bricks uses LEGO bricks to build machines and to conduct various experiments.

One of their most popular videos uses LEGOs to show how sea defense structures can be built to resist erosion.

Build it with Bricks: YouTube | TikTok | Facebook
h/t: [The Kid Should See This]

Related Articles:

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LEGO Unveils New Sustainable Toy Bricks Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles

READ: LEGO Experiment Shows How Well Different Sea Defense Structures Resist Coastal Erosion