For my first Instructables project I decided to 3D print a futuristic human figure pot and make it as realistic as possible. All the parts of the project will be 3D printed, with the files included in the tutorial, and easy-to-find supplies and some basic tools lists.

All the stl files provided in the following steps can be modified and scaled depending on your needs and the plant you will choose (mine is called Echeveria 'Romeo'). For this tutorial, the final figure is about 30cm height so I had to scale the stl files 10 times.

Supplies

The included stl files
PLA Filament (for the 30 cm figure I needed approximately 500gr)
Glue (any glue suitable for plastics)
Water based wood putty
Sandpapers
Tape
Acrylic spray paint
Filler spray (optional)

Tools:

3D printer (mine is a Creality Ender 3-pro)
Cutters
Plier (optional)

Step 1: Modeling & Slicing

After a quick sketch and measurement of a pot that I had around I start modeling my project. Of course, I had to make some changes in my initial idea so that the body of the figure can balance the weight of the soil in the head. I didn't put much of an effort in my 3D model as I knew that I will have to lower the quality of the print so that I can reduce the hours of printing. Βut as a result the hours of sanding increased.

The slicing setting and how you will separate the model depends on the abilities of your printer and the scale of the model you will choose. Mine couldn't handle a whole print of the figure (152×152x306 mm) so I had to cut my figure in three parts as you can see in the picture. The slicing software that I used is Ultimaker Cura with the standard quality settings modifing infill density to 10% and support to touching buildplate.

Step 2: Preparing the Parts

As your 3D printer does the work for you, gather all the necessary tools and supplies you are going to need for sanding and gluing. For every part that is done you have to take off the supports which might leave some ugly scars on your print. Sand these scars and any flaws, then fill any gaps between the layers with the wood patty. When your patty is completely dry sand again until the surfaces are smooth.

Step 3: Assembling & Final Sanding

Make sure that the surfaces you are going to attach together are clean and dry. Firstly, if you have separated the figure as I did, glue together the two body parts. After you apply a thin and equable layer of glue use the tape to hold the pieces in place and clamp them together. If you don't have special equipment for that just press with your hands for a couple of minutes so that the glue can start to dry up. Be careful not to move the parts while pressuring!

For the head, you repeat the above process. For this step you have to pay extra attention on the place you are going to attach the body with the head. Test if the center of gravity you choose can balance the extra weight (soil). When you are finally sure mark the spot and glue.

I left the figure upside down for a day so that the glue gets totally dry. After that, fill the sections with wood patty and sand all the surfaces again until all the incisions are no longer visible.

At the end of this step you can apply a primer. I didn't have a filler spray so I continued the project without one and I was happy with the result.

Step 4: Painting

Before painting make sure that your model is clean and dry. Move the figure to a well ventilated space, wear a mask and gloves for your own protection and you are ready to start!

Spray a thin layer of paint all over the part. For better results keep your can 15-20 cm away from it and try to start and end your strokes out of the figure so that you can avoid any spills.

Apply many coats of paint until you are satisfied with the result!

I have to admit that it would be much easier if I had chosen a filament with a color closer to the one that I was going to paint!

I hope you all enjoy the process as much as I did and you make one for you or for someone you love! :)