If you could touch and feel every idea or piece of art your mind conjured, wouldn't that be just splendid? Or maybe something that you created in your drawing book years ago could finally be turned into a tangible masterpiece?

Technology has significantly changed the way we work, and the way we produce and imagine things. Ideas don't have to be just ideas; there are enough tools and gadgets available that can help us turn them into actual products and objects.

Breaking away from two-dimensional images and art, a 3D pen (or 3D printer pen) brings your work out of the paper and gives it an actual structure of its own. Using plastic, which is basically materials like ABS, PLA or Flexy as the “ink” to create art. 3D printing in today's world is a whole other ball game!

You can draw on a particular surface and move upwards, creating a perfect 3-dimensional image that you can touch, feel and see like an actual object.

Related: 3Doodler PRO, the future of 3D Printing is now!

How does it work?

The pen needs to be connected to a power source to work. Once connected and turned on, the plastic material moves through the pen, goes through a patented melting and cooling process, and then comes out through the tip. You can use it to draw either in the air or on a flat surface as well.

These devices are pretty innovative and can be used to create some stunning work. Art enthusiasts all over the world have been using these pens and experimenting with its capabilities. So, if you’re looking to buy a 3D pen, there are a number of brands and variants in the market to choose from. However, since this is a relatively new technology, you must be careful while making a purchase.

3D printing in today's world has been revolutionized to become very much accessible to people. You could check here to see what are the best options in 3D pens in the current market. Choosing the right 3D pen for you has all to do with what you want to create, how comfortable you are using one, how much you're willing to spend on it, and so many other factors.

For now, let's look at the pros and cons of using a 3D pen:

The Pros:

1. Whatever idea you have in mind, you can turn it into an actual, live creation using a 3D pen. There are several tutorials that show you how you can do this in the most efficient way possible. And they also come with vibrant filament colors, so there's nothing to stop your imagination.
2. 3D pens are not very expensive for what they are able to do. These come at a nominal price, and most brands don't price them too highly. This means that even if you're just fascinated by the idea of a 3D pen and want to try one out, you can always purchase one and not feel the pinch of it if you don't use it regularly.
3. 3D pens can be used by absolutely anyone. Right from professional artists to enthusiasts who aren't too great at drawing but still want to give it a shot, anyone can buy a 3D pen and enjoy its features. There are also some brands which have specifically designed a range of 3D pens that can be used by beginners and even kids above a certain age.

The Cons:

1. Getting the hang of using a 3D pen can take some time, and doing it without any guidance or freehand would be quite a waste of time (and filament) for a beginner. And, considering that filaments are not as cheap as ink or lead for a pencil, you do have to be a little more careful while experimenting with a 3D pen.
2. Although these pens are very handy, they aren't exactly very comfortable to use. Some users have complained about noise while using, the filament coming out too slow, the model not drying fast enough, the mechanism of using the pen being too complicated, and so on. So yes, there are a few downs to it, but the end result isn't too bad.

Conclusion

All-in-all, one can't deny that 3D pens are pretty cool, and open up a whole number of new opportunities for artists and enthusiasts. If you want to know more about these pens and where to get them, you could check here. With proper research, understanding of the technique, and maybe even some video tutorials, you could easily explore a whole new world of creation with a 3D pen in hand!

Have you been pondering about ways to organise a family activity that gets everyone involved and where creativity is the theme? Then how about making the newest, coolest thing that has garnered the full attention of kids since Pokemon Go. The Fidget Spinner!

Now, you could probably go out and buy one like most people but because you're reading this article, I'm pretty sure you have something better in mind. So why not go one step further and make your own fidget spinners.

You might be wondering how? Well you're in luck! I happen to have the solution below.

STEP 1- Preparation and choosing a design

The first thing you will need are the ball-bearings and weights for your fidget spinners, a 3Doodler pen and some filaments. After which, depending on a chosen theme or individual interests, find a design that each person likes on the internet and then print it out.

Alternatively, you could encourage team-work by having family members discuss a theme and draw out designs of their own.

You can purchase your ball-bearings here.

Step 2- Plan your design and start the outline

After you have your chosen design, take your ball-bearings and weights and place them on your design, then draw around them. Take note that the ball-bearings and weights should be of equal distance from each another as if not, your spinner will not spin well.

STEP 3- Time to fill in your design


Once you have your completed design drawn out, switch on your 3Doodler* and start to outline and fill in the design with filament colours of your choice. Remember to leave a little space between your ball-bearings, weights and the outline so they fit into their spot easily later. 

*3Doodler tip:
Move the tip of the pen at roughly the same speed at which the plastic is exiting the pen to ensure smooth, consistent lines.

Step 4- Insert your Ball-Bearings and Weights


Next, carefully insert the ball-bearings and weights into your budding design then doodle around them to secure them in place.

Step 5- GET SPINNING!

Marvel at your family's creativity whilst everyone spins away. The possibilities, as you can see are endless with the 3Doodler. Why not design more fidget spinners tweaking the design as you go along. 

If you have more things you think you would like a tutorial on with the 3Doodler, send me a message and I will be happy to accommodate if possible and if you would like to learn some tips and tricks, I happen to conduct classes on how to use the 3Doodler to create several items. To find out more, contact me at [email protected].

3Doodler is the award-winning 3D printing pen that has enthralled the creative minds of children and adults alike in the creation of some amazing pieces of art. The best of which are featured in their yearly 3Doodler Contests with prizes amounting to U.S.$7000 in 8 categories. Below are 2 examples from 2015.

The way this marvel of technology works is by inserting the filament into the 3Doodler pen and through the use of heat generated within the pen will melt the filament into a molten form that one can manipulate with the movement of the pen. The variety of filament colours and properties ensures you'll always find the suitable materials for your next 3Doodler project.