PINKMarshmallow

A Beginner's Guide to 3D Printed Treasures - Inspirations and How-To's 

If you are reading this, you have likely stumbled upon something handcrafted by me — welcome, and congratulations! 🎉

Your item may be a 3D printed charm component, a keychain or jewelry charm, a lampshade, a small home decor piece, an ornament-style accent, or another creative little piece that can be used in more than one way.

3D printed items are a little different from things you'd buy at a big-box store. They have their own personality, their own quirks, and they need just a tiny bit of TLC to stay gorgeous for years to come. I sometimes give away the handmade/3D printed part itself instead of including every possible add-on because they can be so versatile and everyone likes to customize differently. Some people want gold hardware, some want silver. Some want a keychain, some want a necklace, some want a zipper pull, and some want to display their piece on a shelf.

So this guide is here to help you turn your giveaway item into something you’ll actually use and love.

🛑 First Things First: How to Care for 3D Printed Items

Do:

• ✅ Keep it Cool: 3D prints hate extreme heat. Keep your item away from high heat, hot cars, sunny windowsills, heaters, open flames, and hot light bulbs. Please don't leave your new decor sitting in a scorching hot car or right next to a radiator, or it might warp! Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight as UV exposure can cause fading and warping
• ✅ Cleaning: If your item gets dusty or dirty, just wipe it down with a damp cloth and some mild dish soap. Avoid harsh cleaners, acetone, rubbing alcohol, bleach, or abrasive scrubbing.
• ✅ Store in a cool, dry place if not on display
• Keep small charms and hardware away from babies, small children, and pets. Small parts may be a choking hazard.

Don't:

• ❌ Leave in a hot car — PLA in particular has a relatively low heat tolerance and can warp in high temperatures (Leave it in the sun, it will melt faster than my motivation on a Monday.)
• ❌ Submerge in water or put through a dishwasher
• ❌ Use abrasive cleaners or rough cloths
• ❌ Dishwasher, microwave, oven, or dryer.
• ❌ Place directly in front of a heat source (radiator, sunny windowsill in summer)

Unless specifically stated, 3D printed items are not food-safe. 

Unless specifically stated, they are not meant for aquariums, pet cages, toys, candles, or prolonged outdoor weather exposure.

Turn a 3D Printed Charm Into a Keychain

Skill level: Quick and Easy 

If you received some of my 3D-printed charms, you are holding endless possibilities! Because everyone has different metal sensitivities and style preferences, I left the hardware up to you.

You’ll Need

• a charm (e.g. 3D printed charm) with hole 

How to finish them: All you need is a basic set of jewelry pliers and some findings. You can easily turn these into statement earrings, chunky charm bracelets, or custom keychains for your backpack.

My Favorite Tools for the Job:

Steps

• Find the hole or loop on your charm.
• Open a jump ring by twisting it sideways with pliers. Do not pull it open like a “C” because it may weaken the ring.
• Slide the charm onto the jump ring.
• Add the jump ring to a split key ring or clasp.
• Twist the jump ring closed tightly.
• Give it a gentle tug test before attaching it to keys or a bag.

Quick tip: If your charm faces sideways, use two jump rings. One ring connects to the charm, and the second ring helps it face forward.

Turn a Charm Into Jewelry

A charm component can become a necklace, bracelet charm, earrings, or even a bag charm. This is where you can really match your personal style.

Here I attached a 3D printed ballet shoe to a beaded bow, creating a larger bag charm. 

A charm component can become a necklace, bracelet charm, earrings, or even a bag charm. This is where you can really match your personal style.

Lighting Up Your Decorative Piece

How to: 

Simply insert mini balloon lights or LED tealights

A larger decorative piece may be used as a lampshade

Remember: 

• Use only with a properly fitting, LED lamp base or battery LED light.
• Use low-heat LED bulbs only. LED bulbs stay cool to the touch. An old-school incandescent bulb will get too hot and melt your item!
• Do not use incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, heat lamps, real candles, or open flames.
• Make sure the shade does not touch the bulb.
• Keep ventilation around the shade.
• During first use, monitor it and check for heat. If the shade feels hot, soft, smells unusual, or changes shape, turn the light off immediately.
• Do not modify electrical wiring unless you are qualified to do so.

How to finish it: Because these are plastic, you MUST use an LED bulb. LED bulbs stay cool to the touch. An old-school incandescent bulb will get too hot and melt your beautiful new shade!

Paint or Customize Your 3D Printed Piece

Some pieces are intentionally simple so you can customize them. If you love painting, this is a fun way to make your piece match your style.

If you received some of our decorative pieces—like geometric planters, wall art, or shelf sitters—it’s time to style them!

The best thing about these pieces is that they are so lightweight. You don't need heavy-duty hardware to display them. If you want to customize them further, you can even paint them! Acrylic paints work wonderfully on 3D prints.

Basic Painting Steps

• Wipe the piece gently to remove dust.
• Test paint on the back or a small hidden area if possible.
• Apply thin coats and let each layer dry.
• Add details with paint pens or small brushes.
• Seal if desired, following the sealer directions.
• Let the piece cure fully before using it as jewelry, decor, or a keychain.

Avoid heat guns, harsh solvents, and heavy sanding. If sanding is needed, wear eye protection and a dust mask, and work carefully.

I’d Love to See What You Make

Tag me on Instagram @pinkmarshmallow1009

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Disclosure: This post may contain some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you) but I'd be grateful for your support. Don't worry, I only recommend products I actually use and have found value in. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Pink Marshmallow and keeping Charlotte and Mr Socks in the lifestyle they demand.

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Helen Wong. All Rights Reserved.

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helenwong@helenwong.co.uk