Flamingo Planter (Tinkercad)

I don’t know why but I really LOVE flamingos.

They are SO pretty SO colorful and SO elegant. Something about them is just summery and fun.

I even bought myself a flamingo lunch box and I felt as if anyone around me are jealous of me. So I guess I'm not the only flamingo fan.

I used Tinkercad to design this amazing flamingo planter. And I cannot be happier with the result!

All I want to do is make another one.

Step 1: Materials

A 3D printer / a 3D printing service (I use a TEVO tarantula)

Wood filler

Craft knife

Garnet paper 1 grit

Filler primer

Water sanding paper P400

Paint primer base

Pink, yellow and black acrylic paint

Paintbrushes

Water based clear lacquer (search for a water resistant one)

Step 2: The Design

I designed the flamingo planter using Tinkercad.

You can adjust the size of the plant hole to whatever size you need. I made it just big enough to fit a small succulent.

Tinkercad is actually very accessible and effective so it wont take long to adjust anything in the design. If you don’t feel comfortable designing a 3D print, I suggest playing a little bit with Tinkercad, it is great and intuitive for any beginner or professional.

Step 3: Printing

I printed the parts using PLA in a TEVO tarantula. I used cura as the slicer with these specs:

Nozzle: 0.4 mm

Layer height: 0.2mm

Infill density: 20%

Printing temperature: 200 deg Celsius

Bed temp: 45 deg Celsius

Print speed: 200 mm/s

Support: 20%

Of course, you should adjust it to your own printer's personality.

Step 4: Fill the Cracks

After removing all support and unwanted bumps using either a craft knife or any sanding paper, use the wood filler to fill any large gaps and cracks.

I like using it to even out any lines that were left from the printing.

Let it dry completely.

Step 5: Sand

Use the 1 grit Garnet paper and sand the filler and the PLA until it appears more even.

Step 6: Prime

Use the filler primer to create a thin coat on the print.

Let it dry before applying another coat. Make 2-3 coats depending on how it looks after the second coat, if there are still imperfections make a third coat but not more than that.

Let it dry for at least 24 hours.

Step 7: Sand

Soak the water sanding paper for about 15 minutes.

Make yourself a little dish filled with soapy water.

Sand the part using the soaked sanding paper, use the soapy water to clean the paper every time it gets all messy.

Keep sanding until the print seems to be perfectly smooth.

If any imperfections still bother you that can't be fixed with sanding, repeat this step and make another coat of filler primer.

Step 8: Prime

Use the paint primer (I suggest white) to coat the print. One coat should be enough.

This base is mainly to create a base to any painting you'll use next.

Step 9: Paint

Use the pink acrylic paint to color the flamingo. Leave the beak white.

The edge of the beak should be black, and the rest of it Is yellow (as shown above).

Feel free to go crazy on different colors, I just love that color combination.

After the pink is dry add the eyes by simply making a black dot where it seems like a good placing for an eye.

After everything dries you can color the bottom of the flamingo planter in any color, I used the same pink as I used on the body.

Step 10: Finish

After the paint completely dries, use the lacquer to coat the print. Make sure everything is covered so it wont wear out by the water of the plant.

Let dry and place your desired plant in your new amazing planter.