Due to its ability to create detailed prints, resin 3D printing has become the go-to choice for printing jewelry, miniature game figures, and other intricate designs that require a flawless finish. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the world of 3D printing, resin printing offers unparalleled printing quality and is a great option for bringing your designs to life. Let’s explore more about resin 3D printing and STLs that you can use to start your adventure!

Examples of our 3D printed jewelry pieces! From the left:

Demonic Ring / Ring of Rat King Dominion / Ring of Celestial Patronage

Dragon Earring / Elven Earring / Earring of Communication

Signet of the Spider Queen / Ring of Book Storage / Claw Ring Armor

Advantages of Resin Printing

One of the biggest advantages of resin printing is that it typically produces smoother surface finishes than FDM printing. This is especially important when printing small objects, as it can be difficult to achieve a smooth surface finish using an FDM printer.

Another advantage of resin printing is that it generally is more stable compared to FDM print, in terms that on elevated temperatures it wont bend. This is due to the fact that the resin material is less prone to thermal expansion and contraction. Resin printers are also easier to maintain and calibrate than FDM printers, making them a great choice for beginners who are just starting out with 3D printing. 

At Props&Beyond, we have some STLs that are perfect for 3D resin printing like jewelry pieces. While you can certainly print them on FDM printers, the level of detail and precision will be much higher when using a resin printer. Take a look at the comparison below:

On the left you see a resin printed brooch, on the right FDM printed. The resin print is more clean and smooth, but of course both look good! The brooches come from the Mystic Machinery Steampunk Campaign.

What Do You Need to Get Started?

Before you start with resin 3D Printing, it is important to have the necessary equipment in place. The basic equipment required includes a resin 3D printer and a photosensitive resin.

It is also critical to prioritize your safety while working with resin 3D printers. To protect yourself from skin and eye irritation caused by uncured resin, you must wear safety gear such as gloves and goggles. You should never compromise on safety while dealing with resin 3D printers.

Proper ventilation can help you avoid any respiratory issues and ensure that you are working in a safe environment.

After printing, it is also crucial to thoroughly clean your print and the workplace of any uncured resin. This will ensure that you do not come into contact with any hazardous materials and that your work area remains clean and safe.

Choosing Best Models for 3D Resin Printing

As a beginner, it can be tricky to figure out which models to use when starting out. Fortunately, at Props&Beyond, we have a wide selection of resin-oriented pieces to choose from. Our collection features an array of fantasy jewelry options, such as 3D rings, brooches, bracelets, amulets, earrings, and other unique items perfect for D&D roleplay games, LARP, cosplay, or even as everyday fashion pieces. 

We take pride in offering diverse jewelry designs that cater to different styles, shapes, and sizes. 

If you’re new to our store and want to check out the quality of our products before making a purchase, we understand! That’s why we’re offering a free Ring of the Ram for you to download and test out for yourself. 

Print Process for Resin 3D Printing

Once you have decided on the model you want to print, the next step is actually printing the model. Before you start the print, make sure to shake your resin bottle for about a minute to ensure that it’s properly mixed. It’s important to note that resin doesn’t print that well in low-temperature environments, so make sure that your printer is in a place where the temperature doesn’t go under roughly 20C. 

Once your 3D resin model is printed, it needs to be washed, and this can be a bit of a hassle without the proper tools. But don’t worry, you can make your job easier by using a few containers and IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) to clean the model in stages.

Start by cleaning the model in the first container using a brush or a toothbrush to remove most of the resin. Then move to the second container with cleaner IPA to remove the remaining resin off the model. Finally, repeat the process in a third container to ensure that your model is thoroughly cleaned and there’s no more uncured resin left on it. With these simple steps, you can clean your 3D resin model easily and effectively.

Once the model is clean, it’s time to remove the supports and cure it. After you thoroughly clean the model, submerge it in hot water (~60C-70C) for a few seconds. This will allow you to easily remove the supports with minimal damage to the model.

All Props&Beyond STLs are pre-supported or supportless (in case of bigger objects) so there is nothing to worry about. Small pieces like 3D jewelry are pre-supported and the supports are very easy to remove, leaving almost a clean surface. See the pic below!

As you can see, the ring is straight after removing supports and everything looks already clean! This Ring of Domes comes from the Mystic Machinery Crowdfunding Campaign.

Finally, the model is now cleaned, supports are removed, and it’s ready for the last step, which is curing. To cure a 3D printed resin model, you can use sunlight or a UV lamp. Sunlight is the cheapest but slowest option and may not work well on cloudy days. A UV lamp is faster and more reliable, taking only a few minutes to cure the model. But, be careful not to over-cure your model while using transparent resins because that can make it really fragile and damage the material it’s made of or even change the resin color.

What Printer Should I Use? – Tips for Choosing the Best Printer

If you want to print small and detailed objects like 3D printed jewelry or miniatures, there are several important factors to consider before making a purchase. 

Firstly, the resolution of the printer is crucial as pieces of jewelry or small tabletop minis typically have a lot of details that require high precision. Therefore, it’s recommended to look for a printer that can produce fine detail. 

Material compatibility is also a vital consideration. It’s best to opt for a printer that is not limited to one manufacturer’s materials. 

Additionally, cost is an essential consideration when purchasing a 3D printer. It’s not just the printer’s price that needs to be taken into account, but also the cost of maintenance and materials.

It’s worth noting that no matter how good a printer sounds on paper, the only way to evaluate its suitability for your workbench is to ask the manufacturer for a sample print. Most manufacturers will be happy to demonstrate the capabilities of their printers in practice.

Join Props&Beyond now and enjoy your new fantasy pieces!

Looking for an opportunity to expand your creative horizons? Look no further! For just $9.99, you can receive a monthly Prop-Drop pack, which contains a wide variety of unique and interesting props to elevate your next gaming session. And that’s not all! You’ll also receive a Welcome Pack that features 12 models and a 40% storewide discount!

The jewelry models in the picture come from the May 2022 Prop Drop – Get Slavic!

In our next post, we’ll dive deeper into the advantages of FDM printing, so be sure to stay tuned!

If you are a fan of roleplay gaming, you are probably aware of how useful real size props can be to bring your game to life. These props add depth and complexity to your world, making your gameplay experience more immersive and enjoyable. They can even be used for LARP, cosplay, or as decoration pieces. However, building a collection of props can be a costly venture, and new players may not know where to start. Additionally, choosing where to buy your next fantasy STLs can be a daunting task, as everyone wants to ensure that their money is well spent. The quality of the models is also a crucial factor to consider, as low-quality props can ruin the immersive experience.

To help ease these concerns, we offer a vast selection of high-quality, free models to choose from. Our collection includes various props, such as weapons, armor, and other accessories, all designed to provide an authentic look and feel to your gameplay. All of our models are pre-supported or supportless, ensuring that you can print them right away without any hassle. We understand the importance of having reliable props, so we make sure that each model we offer meets the highest quality standards.

Now let’s explore the freebies you can get!

Mystic Machinery – Bottle of Timekeeping

Introducing the Steampunk Bottle, a fascinating prop straight from the ‘Mystic Machinery’ Steampunk-themed campaign. This life-size creation is the perfect addition to any gaming session, adding an extra layer of excitement and immersion to your play. With its intricate design and attention to detail, the Steampunk Bottle is a must-have!

Abyssal Artifacts – Ceremonial Dagger

Looking for a perfect addition to your Cthulhu-themed game? Look no further than the Ceremonial Dagger straight from the abyss! This spooky dagger is designed to summon the old ones and will leave you feeling like you’ve really entered another realm. 

Ring of the Ram – Puzzles and Props Volume 2

With this ring, you can use ranged spell attacks or break any object you want! Imagine the endless possibilities and fun scenarios you can create with this powerful item.

Below you can see Ring of the Ram (and the Ring of Feather Fall) beautifully painted by @DM_Dango and shared on our Discord server.

Orb of Dragonkind – Puzzles and Props Volume 2

This crystal globe may seem innocent at first, but beware of its dragon essence! Although it can grant you a lot of power, it can also charm you into doing evil deeds…

Horn of Devil’s Pet – Puzzles and Props Volume 2

Imagine having the power to teleport to the dark and sinister realms with just a blow of a horn. This item not only looks great as a Halloween prop or as part of your costume, but it can also add a lot of twists to your game as it can teleport players to random locations!

Below you can see the horn printed and painted by @littlesunshine91 and shared on the MyMiniFactory page!

Ioun Stones – Puzzles and Props Volume 2

The Ioun stone is a unique item named after a god of knowledge and prophecy. In the game, there are many types of Ioun stones, each having a distinct combination of shape and color. These stones can provide a wide range of benefits to players, such as increased stats, improved spellcasting abilities, and other unique abilities.

Hand of the ArchLich – Puzzles and Props Volume 2

This malevolent object is not for the weak! It can serve as a thrilling addition to your game, but be careful because it can cast powerful spells on your companions! Imagine the suspense and excitement that comes with not knowing what type of curse it will cast…

Below you can see a stunning work of @Pardinha shared on the MyMiniFactory page!

Whether you’re looking to improve your painting skills or simply need some inspiration, our freebies were designed to help you get the most out of your gaming experience! We hope you will use them to have a lot of fun during your next gaming sessions!

What is the ‘Abyssal Artifacts’ Campaign?

Abyssal Artifacts is a Cthulhu-themed crowdfunding campaign. It will feature over 40 STLs of real size, printable 3D items,  including 5 puzzles of varied complexity. This props will be perfect for RPG tabletop games, D&D, LARPs, cosplays and more. With the upcoming Halloween spooky season, Abyssal Artifacts will be a perfect match for every roleplay tabletop games enthusiast!

The Abyssal Artifacts will be released as a separate MyMiniFactory FronTiers Campaign. Thanks to this all supporters will get instant downloads from MyMiniFactory, and will be able to start printing right away (files will be sent out after the Early Bird 48 hour period). STLs also come with 5e compatible item cards.

Subscribers of Props&Beyond will receive a 20% discount for all Tiers, including the Early Bird tier.

Print the Ceremonial Dagger Freebie!

The Abyssal Artifacts campaign launches October 12! To get notified on launch and get a free STL of Ceremonial Dagger just click the button below. Model prints without the need for supports on both FDM and resin printers.

You need to sign up and then click the “Get Notified” button. And that’s it! The Ceremonial Dagger will be added automatically to your library so you can print it right away.

Below you can see the Ceremonial Dagger painted beautifully by Diona and shared on our Discord server!

So how will it be? Will you dare to take up these eldritch creations and uncover the nightmarish truth? The choice, dear Seeker, is yours to make, but know this: once you gaze upon the Abyssal Artifacts, there is no turning back!

New adventure awaits…

As the doors open with a gentle push, you step into the Alchemist’s Repository. The air around you thickens with an enchanting aura. You are greeted by a vast chamber, seemingly endless in size. The room is filled with shelves, cabinets, and alcoves. You come closer to take a look at rare and extraordinary treasures.

Huge Musket, Veteran’s Cane and magnificent Mirroring Dagger are first to catch your attention, but when you go deeper into the room, monster trophies lure your gaze. Terrifying yet weirdly beautiful Displacing Shadowcat Tentacle makes you gasp. On the nearby shelf, Pixie Wings glitter with delicate light.  You turn your head to see a weird plant and when you recognize a face, you already know – it’s a legendary Mandrake! 

Nearby, you find an enormous book that stands on a Lectern of Knowledge. You touch the thin paper filled with ancient spells. If you could just learn this forbidden magic…

Then, you hear footsteps. You’re not supposed to be here, are you…?

What you will find in Alchemist’s Repository?

Welcome to the August 2023 Prop Drop! When we were preparing this Prop Drop, we wanted to feel like we were in the middle of a fantastic adventure. We wondered what would happen if we discovered something that should not be seen by us? That’s how we decided to explore the secrets of Alchemy and break into Alchemist’s Repository! Just look at what goodies we have found:

• Apothecary Cabinet

• Chomping Amulet

• Displacing Shadowcat Tentacle – Monster Trophy

• Draconic Ring of Time

• Lectern of Knowledge

• Mandrake

• Mirroring Dagger

• Musket

• Pixie Wings – Monster Trophy

• Snake Potion

• Veteran’s Cane – Staff Topper

• Print Friendly Item Cards

All of them are waiting for you! Just subscribe to our monthly Prop-Drop and enjoy your new adventure! 

Huge thanks to all the contestants for the amazing entries published in September! This time the photos you’ve taken were really original, and it was a pleasure to assess them all! In September all the entries had to be connected to the main theme and focus on light, darkness, or both, depending on the participant’s vision and creativity. How did they do? Let’s see!

In 3rd place

Scroll Case by Jeffrey T. Squires

A skilfully painted and lightened Scroll Case, and an even more beautiful model captured by Jeffrey grabbed third place this month! We appreciate the surrounding, as the context mattered the most this time! You win $20 voucher for our Digital Store and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription!

In 2nd place

Pearlmaking Dragon by Jessica Henry

The beautiful Pearlmaking Dragon painted beautifully by Jessica! It’s not the first time when she has grabbed a prize in our contest – and this time, as always, it’s entirely well-deserved! We love the dragon’s color scheme and pierced sight! Jessica wins a 50$ PICK3D Token, a 20$ voucher for our Digital Store, and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription. Congratulations!

In 1st place

Wand of Darkness by Michael Lupton

We simply love this work. Michael managed to play with the theme (he added a few fiery sparkles to the wand that was originally connected to darkness), did it bravely and with humour, and that’s exactly what we were looking for choosing this month’s theme! Congratulations on your work Michael! Please, contact us to claim a $100 PICK3D Token and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription!

Congratulations!
How to claim the prizes?

The winners need to write to tpgeomarketing@gmail.com or contact us through our Social Media to agree on the PICK3D token prize that is connected to the 3D printing field. The prize value should be equal to the voucher’s (with shipping cost included!). It won’t be possible to get the voucher’s value in cash. The winner shall message us and agree on the prize within 30 days from the date of the contest’s settlement. Otherwise, the prize will lapse!

Stay up to date with our painting contests and other amazing events! Don’t miss a chance to join and get amazing prizes!

This time I’ll start from obviousness – as women we aren’t a minority at all. We state more or less 50% of different groups, definitely of different societies. Why then this fact still doesn’t have a reflection in fantasy and tabletop hobbies? During the DnD is a Woman campaign I’ve read through multiple comments. Almost each and every one of them mentioned a women’s rocky start to the hobby. The long roads that they usually had to build with their very own hands and creativity to eventually be able to play a session. Sometimes it was about being excluded by a male party directly. Other times, they were unable to find clothed miniatures, in other than surrender poses. They were browsing for hours to find genuine female miniatures. Why do we have to trail blaze our way to the hobby? Even though we’re smart, strong, and diligent enough to do it, I dream about a world where we wouldn’t be forced, prompted, or expected to do so.

I’ve decided to start a series of interviews with enterprising women in our hobby. With brave daredevils, leaders, brilliant DMs, and adventurers in tabletop gaming. As the first interlocutor, I invited AJ Winters, an Australian writer, actor, and awesome storyteller who creates magical worlds for a living. We’ve discussed her start in the hobby, the problems that she encountered at the beginning of her DM adventures, and the newest project that she’s working on – an Australian D&D series starting on Twitch on the 2nd of August. Let’s dive in to know her point of view!

By Emilia Kharie Popiela

Check out Winters Tales HERE!

Kharie: Let’s start from the very beginning. How did you get into the RPG world? What were your first experiences with both playing and DMing?

AJ Winters: When I was 16, my Mum and I tagged along to my Dad’s work trip to New York and upon arriving at the hotel, booked by his company, we walked straight into Dexcon 15. It was like walking into Narnia; fauns, fairies, fantasy creatures galore. My Dad may not have been happy, but it was 16-year-old me’s absolute dream! Seeing the smile on my face, they bought me a ticket and I spent the entire weekend role-playing and playing my first ever D&D game.

Kharie: Oh my, I can imagine it was an awesome experience, this first encounter!

AJ Winters: When I got back to Australia I tried to drag others into a game, but it wasn’t until University that I was able to find friends with enough passion as me to start a campaign. I have always been a writer, and so when I learned I could also roleplay in these worlds I was creating, it lit a fire within me.

Kharie: Could you say something more about your first campaigns in Australia?

AJ Winters: My first campaign actually started as a leaving party for one of my friends. I decided to host a One-Shot for him, and built an entire evening out of it with potions that the players had to drink and riddles to solve. We had the best time laughing and role-playing with each other; so much so that we tried to turn it into an international online campaign. Unfortunately, it didn’t last past 2 or 3 sessions, but that became the motivating force behind turning my passion into a stream show. 

Kharie: In what circumstances you became a DM? Did you feel like a precursor as a female? Or maybe it used to be a common experience in your social bubble?

AJ Winters: With my background in film and theatre, I could see how this “hobby” of mine could turn into a fully immersive role-playing live show. So I joined some online groups via Facebook and discord and started a video call with some females who were passionate about RPGs, to ask them what they’d like to see in the TTRPG space online. They were 100% behind me using my production company to build a female lead TTRPG stream company and future campaign. But my first goal was to make a reputation in the community as a player and DM before launching my channel. So I spent 2 years playing in other online stream shows, and even guest DMing 2 seasons of a homebrew campaign. When I saw how receptive people were to my style of playing and my world-building, I knew it was time to hit the ground running with my own content creation.

K: So in your case, a hobby was unfolding gradually into something bigger. It’s interesting how you felt at the very beginning that it’s something for you and that you’ve consciously decided to get better at it, to gain some skill, having already a bigger picture and plan sketch in your head!

AJ Winters: I really wanted to make an inclusive space and channel with a female DM at the helm. Unfortunately, I had a few people who tried to convince me I’d do better on their channels instead of starting my own. However, this was balanced by many people voicing how much they believed in my dream, and how excited they were to see what I could do.

Kharie: Have you ever experienced any kind of exclusion due to your gender or beliefs that you had to overcome or find another way to take part in any event or activity?

AJ Winters: I have been incredibly fortunate to not run into any exclusion, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t present in the TTRPG space. I have made every effort to foster a community with inclusion and creativity at the heart, especially being a female and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. When I started this endeavor, I laid down a significant demand of no harassment, no disrespect, and no exclusivity. This is a space for everyone and creativity comes in all shapes and sizes; so why not showcase what those who haven’t seen the spotlight yet, can do. 

Kharie: Is this a common thing in your area to be a female DM?

AJ Winters: Unfortunately, I have not run across many female DMs in the streaming space, especially from Australia. It’s definitely still a male dominant space, but the female and non-binary DMs are starting to come to the forefront and that is absolutely incredible to see.

Kharie: I agree! I think it would be awesome to see more females in the hobby! Could you say something more about making the gaming space more inclusive?

AJ Winters: 100%. When I was casting the upcoming D&D campaign for Winters Tales, I wanted to find players and performers from different backgrounds to help tell unique perspectives and stories. Inclusivity is about providing a safe space for everyone; allowing people to be heard and seen. And so I have encouraged each of my players to show themselves how they’d like to be seen so that the viewers can feel represented by them. To see someone in a show that they feel a connection to, to feel as though someone like them can be at the forefront of this hobby and content creation; was important to me. 

Kharie: Do you have any tools, techniques, or kind of approach you apply as a DM to make people feel more comfortable, seen, and respected?

AJ Winters: As a DM I focused on adding safety tools to my games, to foster open communication between my players and myself, and include all pronouns in my introductions to NPCs. I strive to create a realistic world where characters that my players interact with are real and complex, so including non-gender conforming people into my stories was also crucial. I do checklists with my players before games about what they are comfortable with, topics they want to avoid, and what they’d like to see within the game or the world we’re playing in. My players for this upcoming campaign are absolutely amazing and agree wholeheartedly about inclusivity and representation. Stories are never just told from one perspective, so why would we limit ourselves in our own storytelling?

Kharie: I totally agree and that’s, I believe, a huge advantage of inviting representatives of different minorities to the show – the different points of view. While I can understand that there is something tempting in sticking around our own perspective as it’s a well-known land that we know how to work with, lacking of different insights, in my opinion, make the whole story less colourful and textured. It makes it somehow flat and unrealistic.Could you tell me something more about the technical details regarding your show? Where we can find you, when, and what is the whole thing about?

AJ Winters: On the 2nd of August at 8 pm AWST on Twitch.tv/WintersTales we kick off our flagship D&D campaign, set in an entirely homebrew world. We are streaming live from the first D&D studio in Australia with a female DM, a diverse cast, and a unique plot; with the 6 characters waking up in the first episode without any memories. This means the players don’t even know who they are playing; not the race, the class, or any part of their backstory – not even their name. The campaign is all about identity as the characters have to unravel the mystery of their situation whilst finding out who they are. We are excited to bring you this new story, and especially proud of how unique will believe it will be.

Kharie: I keep my fingers crossed for the project! Could you say a few words about what inspired you to create it, to make the Winters Tale project real?

AJ Winters: I adore storytelling. TTRPGs gave me the chance to tell stories with others; to combine my love of writing, world-building, and performing into one incredible experience. My inspiration for this particular show was to create a fully immersive story for the players and the audience. The set is tangible with Props and Puzzles for the players to interact with, the plot line of memory loss pushes the cast members to experience D&D like never before, and the SFX we’re planning will give some visual immersion to top it all off. I live by the quote “you don’t know how far you can fly until you spread your wings,” and this project was just that; I am aiming to soar. I have gathered my experience in theatre and film and brought it together for the production, the set design, and the storytelling medium that is live theatre. I knew that if I wanted to try and make this dream a reality, I needed to put in 110% to make it happen. That was my inspiration.

Kharie: I like that quote. And also, regarding the wing’s spreading – what are your current aims and plans connected to the project?

AJ Winters: The Australian TTRPG community is incredible and I want to be able to show off what Australia can do! Right now, there are no D&D streams from studios like Critical Role or Dimension20 coming out of Australia. It would be an absolute dream to build and run a production company in Western Australia where multiple TTRPG streams can have sets and streams running, to show what Australia is truly capable of. So instead of just wishing it would happen, I am striving to make it a reality – one step at a time.

Kharie: Awesome! I wish your dreams will come true and I’m happy that the Australian TTRPG scene gains this show thanks to you!

AJ Winters: Thank you, I appreciate that so much! At the end of the day, we are all still fighting for equality. This show may just be a small part, but I am so proud of my team for being a positive step in the right direction. We will not stop fighting, for all.

Kharie: We won’t! Thanks a lot for your time and support!

June painting contest has come to an end, and here’s the results announcement! Take a look at the best pieces and brace yourselves before bigger painting contests that will take place within the next few months! For now we’re taking a brake from the contests so you could gather some painting inspirations and set off a new propsy project when the time comes! For now, let’s get to know the winners!

In 3rd Place

Wand of Magic Detection by Franky Jr Thijs

The smooth paintjob and wooden effect caught our attention in this one! Franky wins $20 voucher for our Digital Store and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription!

In 2nd Place

Figurine of the Dephts by Alaura Morris

We love the watery glimpse and the overall colour dissolves on this figurine! You win a 50$ PICK3D Token, a 20$ voucher for our Digital Store, and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription. Congratulations!

In 1st Place

Lyre of Bard Control by Jessica Henry

We’re always happy to see the little ones engaged in the prop-arations! We love the wooden effect in this piece as well as the fact that it’s fully prepared for playing! Congratulations on your work Jess! Please, contact us to claim the prize of $100 PICK3D Token and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription!

Congratulations!
How to claim the prizes?

The winners need to write to tpgeomarketing@gmail.com or contact us through our Social Media to agree on the PICK3D token prize that is connected to the 3D printing field. The prize value should be equal to the voucher’s (with shipping cost included!). It won’t be possible to get the voucher’s value in cash. The winner shall message us and agree on the prize within 30 days from the date of the contest’s settlement. Otherwise, the prize will lapse!

Stay up to date with our painting contests and other amazing events! Don’t miss a chance to join and get the amazing prizes!

This month’s contest for painting your favorite prop has finally been judged! It was amazing to see which props grabbed your attention and watch them come to life under your brushes! The discussion was heated, but, in the end, our jury chose the winners!

May’s Contest Winners Are:

In 3rd Place

Dragon Tooth Dagger by Andy Fundinger

An awesome shot of a skilfully painted dagger and its author! Andy gets the prize of $20 voucher for our Digital Store and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription!

In 2nd Place

Wondrous Marble Elephant by Miguel PalauGalarza

Miguel has put a lot of work into preparing this beautiful item, and we appreciate the real marble final outcome! You win a 50$ PICK3D Token, a 20$ voucher for our Digital Store, and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription. Congratulations!

In 1st Place

Helm of the Wind Rider by Jessica Henry

With the hair attached to the helmet looked like the real ones, and an amazing paintjob, this helmet wins the grand prize! Congratulations, Jessica! Please, contact us to claim the prize of $100 PICK3D Token and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription!

Congratulations!
How to claim the prizes?

The winners need to write to tpgeomarketing@gmail.com or contact us through our Social Media to agree on the PICK3D token prize that is connected to the 3D printing field. The prize value should be equal to the voucher’s (with shipping cost included!). It won’t be possible to get the voucher’s value in cash. The winner shall message us and agree on the prize within 30 days from the date of the contest’s settlement. Otherwise, the prize will lapse!

Stay up to date with our painting contests and other amazing events! Don’t miss a chance to join and get the amazing prizes!

Thank you to all the participants of the April’s edition of Props&Beyond painting contest! This month the entry was free for all our props. Are you curious who won this time and what are the entries? Let’s jump right to that!

April Contest Entries

In 3rd Place

Chimera Claw by Turtnerd

That bone’s color is simply perfect! We love the weary parts and scratches. Great job! You receive a 20$ voucher for our Digital Store and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription!

In 2nd Place

The Chest Mimic by Jackson Price-Maxwell

We’d be able to recognize remarkable Jackson’s style on another planet, really! It’s awesome, the colors are brave and distinguish. I love the slimy strings on the lids! You win a 50$ PICK3D Token, a 20$ voucher for our Digital Store, and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription. Congratulations!

In 1st Place

Staff of the Python by Saar Oostveen

We love the effect of old gold that you’ve managed to get on this staff. The smooth, skillful color transitions and patina turned out just perfect! It’s an awesome painting piece! Congratulations Saar! You win a 100$ PICK3D Token and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription!

Congratulations!
How to claim the prizes?

The winners need to write to tpgeomarketing@gmail.com or contact us through our Social Media to agree on the PICK3D token prize that is connected to the 3D printing field. The prize value should be equal to the voucher’s (with shipping cost included!). It won’t be possible to get the voucher’s value in cash. The winner shall message us and agree on the prize within 30 days from the date of the contest’s settlement. Otherwise, the prize will lapse!

Stay up to date with our painting contests and other amazing events! Don’t miss a chance to join and get the amazing prizes!

This time the painting contest was special because of its theme – the contest gates were open only for the entries referring to Legendary Creatures! You’ve all done a great job choosing, there weren’t many concerns on the route, and eventually, we’ve received many entries to assess. Thank you for all your works and for joining the contest this month. Hope to see your all in the upcoming editions. Now read on and know the winners!

Check out some of the entries first!

In 3rd Place

Figurine of the Dephts by Diona

We appreciate this properly gloomy, watery paint job! The figurine looks like it’s just jumped off the water which thoughtfully states a background of the pic! Great job Diona! You win 20$ voucher for our Digital Store and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription.

In 2nd Place

Signet of the Spider Queen by Doomed_Minis

This Spider Queen Signet looks just perfect! We love both, the painting skills and the creative presentation! You win 50$ PICK3D Token, 20$ voucher for our Digital Store, and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription! Congratulations!

In 1st Place

Griffon Head by Lars Schneider

Someone has dropped a beautiful griffon trophy in the forest! The painting is astounding! We love the smooth, smoky beak and penetrating gaze of this one! It’s a brilliant piece, congratulations! You win a 100$ PICK3D Token and a Free Prop-Drop Subscription!

Congratulations!

How to claim the prizes?

The winners need to write to tpgeomarketing@gmail.com or contact us through our Social Media to agree on the PICK3D token prize that is connected to the 3D printing field. The prize value should be equal to the voucher’s (with shipping cost included!). It won’t be possible to get the voucher’s value in cash. The winner shall message us and agree on the prize within 30 days from the date of the contest’s settlement. Otherwise, the prize will lapse!

Stay up to date with our painting contests and other amazing events! Don’t miss a chance to join and get the amazing prizes!

This time I invited an incredibly interesting and brave knife designer, Fernando, for a chat. Be prepared, as this is going to be the talk that goes far beyond the knives. You’ll get to know about the tragedy that led to the knowledge. About the roots of Fernando’s passion and resilience. He’ll guide us behind the stage of the knife-designing process explaining what tools he uses in his everyday job. How do the lacking points conjure up the creativity? Why it’s so difficult to become a professional knife models creator and if we can guess the one’s origin based on the knife he/she carries? Welcome to the interview with Fernando, an indispensable hero that stands between the customers and the 3D blacksmiths!

By Emilia Kharie Popiela

CHECK OUT FERNANDO’S MODELS -> HERE!

Kharie: I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t start with a question that puts everything at the edge of… Knives. What are all the fuss and the best thing about them?

Fernando: The best thing about knives is that they can have an infinite number of designs, while still managing to do the same tasks. It is one of those objects that every civilization created in some sort of convergent evolution. Knives allow its creators to infuse them with their particular culture and history as well as to pass, in a way, the story of their creators. Of where they live and what are their common chores in daily life. Do they live in the jungle or near the beach? You can tell a lot of things of this kind when you see the tools someone uses.

K: Do you have your favourite type of knives? If so – why these?

F: Yes I have two favourite types of knives, both fixed blades. Firstly, the hunting knives, because I consider them very personal possessions. As almost ritual objects, if you wish. They are the conduits between hunter and prey together, and the act of skinning and quartering prey is a moment of introspection, the harvest of life. My second favourite types are the fighting knives because self-defense is one of the main reasons knives were invented apart from hunting. They were thought to protect their owner from a beast or a rival. What amazes me also is that it takes a lot of studies to come up with a design that has just the necessity to be efficient in combat. Handling a fighting knife gives some sense of adventure and in a way connects you with all the past generations that have used these tools to protect them.

K: Are you a hunter yourself? I’m curious if you had attended huntings before you got interested in knives?

F: Yes I’m a hunter and a fisherman myself, I started fishing when I was very young. For some reason, I have always felt attracted to animals. My parents used to hold me while we visited our local lagoon as I got quite excited when I saw fish and they thought I might try to jump and catch them! [laughs] I started fishing with a soda bottle tied with a rope and some bread inside. Later I found out about archery and have hunted a couple of times. Here in Mexico there is a big stigma about hunting and hunters and it’s very expensive as well, you can only do it in high fence private ranches.

K: Oh! Then, from my point of view, it looks like the knives were your destiny! In a way, your current life is just a continuation of your childhood hobbies! [laughs] On the other hand, maybe it’s not so unusual. I believe as children we all have this intuition about the things that we like. It’s great if we’re able to recognise and follow it later on!

F: Almost seem like it, right? I used to take out the fine cutlery of my grandmother to go sharpen them on the rocks in the garden! [laughs]

K: [laughs] Yes, I can picture it!

F: My interest in survival was almost always there, my family used to go on weekend excursions to the forest. I would invite my cousins to come and we were playing with sticks and making makeshift spears. The adventure thing came from my mother’s side as she is an anthropologist so she knows what it’s like being in the wild for long periods.

K: I understand it, as I was living and working in deep mountains myself. I remember that the knives were one of the most important things that we always needed to keep close in case of… Anything, really. Before I started to work there I asked about the essential equipment I need to prepare myself for the job. I got a simple answer: a knife. A good, reliable knife is enough. Do you agree? What makes a knife good and reliable?

F: I would agree that a good knife or a machete is truly invaluable while in the wilderness but there is also a ton of other stuff you need. Simple things like water, fire, shelter are more important. But the most valuable thing out there is knowledge. You can come up with many solutions if you lack some equipment but you are lost if you don’t know how to survive. Glad to hear you are an outdoors enthusiast yourself! 

K:  I defo am. I wouldn’t survive (even having water, food, and warmth!) locked up.

F: [laughs] I think a knife is reliable as long as it is solidly constructed, no matter which type (hidden tang, partial or full tang) it is. It’s good as long as it can do what it needs to do properly and comfortably!

K: So, now we know that you’ve always been interested in survival and hunting and that it called you. But when your fascination with the knives specifically set off?

F: I started getting interested in knives because of my younger brother. We used to go to shopping malls just so he could look at sporting knives when we were very young. He made my parents buy him quite a good assortment of knives and he still has a good collection. After some time I also got into survival and camping, just like my brother, and thus I started to look at knives. I realised how many different types and designs there were and how much history some knives had. I just got sucked into researching and learning everything I could on the topic. I watched lots and lots of videos before making my first purchases because most of the brands that were interesting to me could only be obtained through international shipping so reviews helped me get a better idea of what to look for in a good knife. My first purchases were these types of blades but as soon as I got them I became very disappointed, as most of them lacked comfortable handles and were too heavy for quick and nimble movements.

K: Yes, I think it’s quite often the case that the lacking prompts us to make something better or in a different way than usual. Did it work like this in your case? Were these missing points made you create your first knife project?

F: Yes, that’s when I decided to start designing my own knives. I had no prior experience in drawing so a couple of years went by while I was still trying to improve my drawing skills. Apart from that, I tried to get to know knifemakers who were willing to make my designs. I actually had my first knife done by a local blacksmith. I did give him all the specks it should have but the blade shape was most of his creations. Both of these things, drawing and bringing the projects into life, proved quite challenging as there are basically no resources to learn how to draw knives, and getting the custom designs done is quite expensive. And then, after I got my first knife made, a disaster stroke.

K: A disaster…?

F: I got very sick, so much that I had to stop going to college for a year. Those were hard times when I was bound to the bed. I couldn’t leave my home for more than a year and I spent every single day in bed. Luckily I had an iPad with me during this time and as soon as I got a little better I asked for a Notebook and pens, and I started drawing every day. For all days, no joke. I was spending roughly eight hours per day on that notebook. At first, I just put the paper over the iPad screen and copied the designs but as the months went by I started getting a “feel” of the forms, curves, and dimensions of the blades, started venturing again on making sketches of my own. Surprisingly these new drawings were far off from all the previous things I had done, they finally looked good! Once I got better and life began to follow its course again, I hadn’t stopped drawing. I was better and better at it. I hadn’t known any rules when I learned to draw, so as I realised later on, contrary to most knife designers I draw everything freehand, just with a pencil and paper. 

K: I’m… I’m just speechless. Really. I’m so sorry that you had to come through it all. At the same time though, I want to say that the story you’ve described above is incredible. It takes quite a spirit to don’t collapse when something terrible happens. Moreover, in your case, it wasn’t just about survival (which would be incredible by itself!). You’ve turned the disaster, as you called it, into gold. You not only didn’t give up but also used it to your advantage. Like a superhero, who discovered his superpower while being pushed to his very limits. Thank you for sharing this story with us.

F: Thank you very much for your kind words. I do believe it was a very fortunate thing to have been able to focus on something sort of productive. It helps a lot to have something to vent when you are struggling.

K: Could you say what was next? How does the drawing skill that you’ve honed during this tough period came into selling the knife models?

F: I gifted my first knife to my brother. At the beginning of 2018 I started to do some business selling camping supplies online, mostly knives, folding knives, and crossbows. A bit later I started getting interested in 3D designing and that same year I started working on Fiverr. I had the opportunity of getting some other knives made. One of them turned out pretty good even with the craftmanship limitations it had, and coincidently it was the first design I sold. By 2019 I was already printing stuff and was somewhat proficient in the CAD. I haven’t stopped since then. I started learning CAD to come out with my own brand but in the end, it was clients looking for knives who forced me to get better modeling.

K: What is the model you’re particularly proud of and why? Do you have your own brand for your knives projects?

F: My brand is called Santos Knives. I think I am most proud of the first knife I got a manufacturer to make. It was made with two sun knives and I call it “Alchemist”. It’s still available in the market I think.

K: The Hunting Knife you’ve made for the December Prop-Drop release is awesome! I appreciate its solid, wild look and the fact that even after a first glimpse my first thought is “I bet it fits well in hand”! [laughs] Could you say something about this model’s “making of” process?

F: I have like 600 different drawings already, so sometimes I just remember something I have already drawn, something that seems like it would fit, and just make the necessary adjustments. That was the case with the hunting knife but I was drawing Rambo style Bowies at the time I came up with that! I have the original drawings lying around but it was only the blade and half the handle so I finished it with a pommel that fitted the overall look. I was asked to do something with fantasy style so it seemed alright to use some Indian/ Arab fullers and grinds on the blade.

K: Also, I saw the models you’ve made for the Dagger Customizer! Now everyone can create the knife they like setting the parts of your designs together! Is this the first project of this kind that you were working on?

F: Yes! I loved the project as soon as I got to know the details of it and I hope everybody that sees them finds at least a thing or two that they like. It was very exciting to see the customizable app all put together, you guys made awesome work! I have been a fan of videogames, movies, and overall fantasy-inspired weapons for as long as I can remember but I have noted over and over again that most of the time the knives used prioritize looks over function and some of the blades are terribly unrealistic. So I set myself to come up with designs that could have some fantasy elements to them but still would be feasible for real use. The most challenging aspect was to make everything fit together while still looking good. Some of the blades are bigger and wider so it was a process of trial and error. I as well tried to make some of the designs with varying degrees of ornamentation and fantasy elements. Overall I tried to stay a little bit conservative with the designs, especially with the blades.

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K: I have one last question! What’s the most important thing when it comes to the knife’s design?

F: The most important thing while designing is to know what purpose the knife is gonna serve, that’s the main thing, the rest is just creativity which of course has a lot to do with prior designs you have seen and like but occasionally something just comes out almost on its own. Maybe a twisted line on the other side of the paper matches unexpectedly or a bad stroke with the pencil just happens to look good.

K: How did Bob Ross put it? ‘We don’t make mistakes. We have happy accidents!’

F: Exactly! Once you have figured out the flow knives have you can let yourself experiment. I do look a lot to historical knives and swords to get inspired and I’m almost certain I know all the models being currently manufactured by the biggest brands.

K: Thanks a lot for the interview, Fernando! I’m honoured that I’ve met you and that you decided to share your story with us!

F: Thank you very much for the interview, I really appreciate this. Whatever you guys need just let me know, love to work with you!

Get some props for your upcoming RPG sessions and become a part of our community! FOLLOW THE LINK!

As monthly contests take place on our Socia Media, here is a quick tutorial on taking the pics. It will help you make your entry masterpiece more visible and easier to assess! Here come a few tips on what to do to make it look better and match the contest rules. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

Rule 1: Leave the Basement

It’s important for the pic to be taken in daylight. This way it looks best so take the entry prop for a little walk and shed some real light on it!

Rule 2: Make Your Prop a Star

Other items and creative background can make a part of your entry pic but it’s crucial to let your prop play a leading role.

Rule 3: Make It Big

We need to see your paint job in full glory, so we won’t accept entries with a shorter edge

less than 1080px.

Rule 4: Choose Your Weapon

Remember that we can’t assess the things that we can’t see clearly so choose the device with possibly the best resolution!

Rule 5: Don’t Pump It Up (too much)

The entry pics can be color corrected, contrast and white balance can be fixed, i.e. standard photograph post-processing. However, photo manipulation, digital picture mashups or drastic changes are not allowed.

We’ll message you if we think it’s too much.

Rule 6: Keep Your Heads Up

We will message you asking for taking a few additional pics in case of assessment struggles. In such case, you have 24h to send us another one/s!

Aaand that’s it! Good luck! Don’t hesitate and message us in case of any struggles!