Introduction: Geode Inspired Head Piece

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This project is created as a course assignment at the California State University, Long Beach; taught by Behnaz Farahi: DESN 551: Materials, Tools, and Techniques of Prototype.


I chose to use a geode and transform into a wearable piece for my first 3D printing project. I wanted to create an abstract jewelry piece, so I transformed a geometric geode into a curvilinear headpiece.

The more I worked on this project, the more I wanted to push myself further. I ended up adding a smaller geode piece to the center of the headpiece and connecting all of the pieces with a chain.

Geodes naturally encompass a turbulence design within itself. Geodes come in multiple different colors all have different designs and textures. Geodes are generally rough and gray on the exterior like a regular rock, however when you look inside a beautiful crystal is revealed.

Geodes are spherical rocks that contain a hollow cavity that is lined with crystals. They form in both igneous and sedimentary rocks. First a hollow cavity is formed inside the rock and then silica rich groundwater flows into the cavity, forming crystals along the walls of the rock and solidifying.

Supplies

  • Geode
  • Foam Core
  • Tape
  • Water Bottle/ Stand
  • Natural Light
  • Phone/Computer
  • Gold Chains
  • Jewelry Pieces
  • Headband

Software Used:

  • Scaniverse
  • Meshmixer
  • Rhino
  • 3D Printer

Step 1: MidJourney Exporation

Steps:

  1. Input prompts into Midjourney until you are satisfied with your inspiration image

Step 2: Setting Up & Scanning

Steps:

  1. Using the tape create a box out of the foam core
  2. Place the water bottle/stand in the center of the box
  3. Place the geode on top of the water bottle/stand
  4. Start scanning object using scaniverse app
  5. Import scan as an .obj file

Step 3: Cleaning Up Scan in Meshmixer

Steps:

  1. Import .obj file from scaniverse into meshmixer
  2. Use select tool to get rid of everything in the file except for the geode
  3. Use the inspector tool to fill in any holes in the geode

Step 4: Creating the Shape You Want

Steps:

  1. Find the side of the geode you like the most
  2. Still in meshmixer, use the mirror tool to create a longer geode
  3. use the mirror tool again to create a full circular geode
  4. Make sure it is to scale
  5. Export as an .obj file

Step 5: Forming the Goede to a Head

Steps:

  1. Bring the .obj file from Meshmixer into Rhino
  2. Import a human head template
  3. Use the meshbooleandifference command to cut out the shape of the head from the geode
  4. Export as a obj. file

Step 6: Creating Holes for Jewelry

Steps:

  1. Import .obj file into meshmixer
  2. Use the meshmix tool and select a cylinder
  3. Place cylinder in the desired spot to form a hole
  4. Make sure the cylinder is to scale
  5. Use the duplicate and transform tool to place each cylinder
  6. Make sure to extend the cylinder through both sides of the model
  7. Export as an .obj file

Step 7: Cut Out Holes for Jewelry

Steps:

  1. Bring .obj file into Rhino
  2. Use the meshbooleandifference command to cut out the cylinders from the geode
  3. Duplicate the piece to create two for each side of the head

Step 8: Adding a Secondary Jewel

Steps:

  1. Go back to the original full geode and scale it smaller
  2. Create an oval for the backing of the jewel
  3. Create holes in the oval to attach to the head pieces

Step 9: Printing & Assembly

Steps:

  1. Send file to be 3D printed
  2. Once printed run gold chains through each hole in the head piece and attach through the holes in the oval piece
  3. Attach chains together at the back of the headpiece so it does not fall apart