3D-PEN wings ! New - Dragonfly wings - 04/02/2019

[RoseNoire]

Hi everyone.

Since I've heard of the 3D pen, I instantly fell in love with the possibilities so, a couple of years ago, I got one and even though I use it about once a year, it's still worth it. It's pretty neat to doodle some art from time to time.

I have a custom G4 Flutter pony project lying around on my desk for a few months now. I first tried to make her wings with metal wire and iridescent plastic like I've seen a Youtuber do for a custom MH doll. The problem I had faced was scale. The plastic wouldn't keep in place on the wire and it was an absolute pain to make two times a decent and similar enough frame. Anyway, lots of trouble, everything was way too small for that technique.

So I got an idea, making the frames and other details using melted plastic filament. And it worked. The result is rather wonky, but it's a first time, a proof of concept of some sorts.  Since the iridescent film is sensitive to heat, it would fuse to the filament and be kept in place. You just need to avoid accidentally melting it with the nozzle itself or it makes a tear.

There's also no risk of rust and it's pretty light. It's even resistant enough for light play. I've only stabbed the wings in place but it could be fixed with a bit of glue from the inside.

So yeah, on to the pictures.

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First glance. Her mane is poorly made, I will upgrade it eventually.

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Back view. It was tricky to make the tabs the same size. As you can see, the lines are rather rough and wobbly. I need to find a balance between patience, practice and sanding off the bumps properly.

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Closeup on the wing. I'm not lying, it IS bumpy. But I really think we're getting somewhere with this technique so I want to share it to you.

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I like this pic.

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Here's my second attempt. I used clear filament for these ones. Since Flutter Ponies in French are named "Dragonfly Ponies (Poney Libellule)", well, I made dragonfly wings for this Morning Glory. I hope you like them. ^^

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I think they are a bit better. Still wobbly, but it doesn't show too much. I like to think is makes them look more "natural", but that won't stop me from refining them in the future.

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As for the tutorial, it is kinda simple. All you need is a 3D pen, some filament, some iridescent plastic and a paper and pen/pencil for drawing the concept art.

Wing tutorial

1. Trace your wing on paper. One is enough.

2. Trace over the lines with your 3D-pen.

3. Flip your plastic structure so you see the flattest side.

4. Lay a piece of iridescent plastic over it. Tape it so it doesn't move.

5. Trace the wing again over the first one so it encases the film. That's where you need to be careful and quick enough so you don't tear the film with you pen's nozzle.

6. You can carefully un-tape the whole piece piece and trim the excess film with a pair of scissors. Cut close to the filament, but leave a tiny edge.

7. Now you can melt the edge on the wing frame using the side of the pen's nozzle. You can now add more filament all around the perimeter or the wing so it's 100% sealed.

8. Build a thin tab on the wing's base.

9. Stab/drill holes on your pony's back with the tool of your choice and then quickly put the wings in place. I you have a flutter pony, doodle a hook shape so it clips in place on their original wing tab.

10. It's done ! Of course, you can practice and refine the wings while you're building them using other tools. (Sandpaper, nail clippers,..)

I hope this gave you ideas. I want to try and make more wings. Probably using transparent filament, of even glow in the dark ! Lots is possible with a 3d-pen.

Thanks for reading, have a nice day.

Rose.

[Crowning_Glory13]

I love them!!! I love meeting a wing created. I wonder how easy it would be to use a 3D pen for my butterfly wings!!

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E2263CCB-5061-49BC-BDF5-2B9F46C5626F by s s, on Flickr


I love your wings. They are so beautiful

[RoseNoire]

Thanks. I really think your wings are way prettier than mine though. It's actually not easy to get clean wings with a 3D-pen. It would be way easier to get clean lines with a 3D printer. I just don't know how to model them and it's more expensive than my lil' doodler.

[brightberry]

Your doodle wings are very cute! It sounds like fun to use.

[RoseNoire]

Thanks ! Yeah, it's really fun to use, that's for sure.

[Griffin]

Who cares if your first pair is a little rough, I always love to hear about new exciting techniques! Great job, those wings are really cute!

[Crowning_Glory13]

Agree. Your first pair is so adorable. Keep perfecting:) might trade sometime:)

[RoseNoire]

Aww, thank you both ! I'd really like to improve those. ^^ I'm happy you like them that much. :3
Trade ? Oh my, I feel honored. I've never done such things before. I don't know how it works. ^^'

[Crowning_Glory13]

Sent PM on trades. Hope to see more wings and 3D oen work from you:)

[Shileah]

What a cool idea, I love it when we as collectors find a way to use modern technologies for our collections! They look really cute!!

[RoseNoire]

I'm really pleased you like them. 

I just made a second attempt ! In order to not damage my G1, the tabs are ending in a hook so they attach themselves without any glue. It's kinda poseable, but still rather fragile. I still like them though !


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Here's my second attempt. I used clear filament for these ones. Since Flutter Ponies in French are named "Dragonfly Ponies (Poney Libellule)", well, I made dragonfly wings for this Morning Glory. I hope you like them. ^^

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I think they are a bit better. Still wobbly, but it doesn't show too much. I like to think is makes them look more "natural", but that won't stop me from refining them in the future.

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Next up, I'm going to make Butterfly Wings for a G3 Star Flight. ^^

[Shileah]

Ohh! I love the dragonfly version even more, they are awesome! Such a pretty match to dear Morning Glory 

[Safflower]

These are so pretty! Especially the dragonfly ones! Nice job Rose

[NightGliderSA]

Interesting new concept, and I think it came out really well. With practice it is going to look even better. Thank you for sharing!

[RoseNoire]

Thanks everyone ! I'm really happy you like them. Indeed, I prefer her clear dragonfly wings better. Yesterday, I've ordered one kilo of clear filament. I'm going to have a LOT of fun coming soon if my own hype and motivation don't loose steam.

I will also try out a Butterfly wings design with glow-in-the-dark filament. I feel like it would look really nice on Peach Blossom. ^^