How to start having fun with your 3D Pen

1. Start Small: Draw Shapes, Lines & Doodles

Think of this as your warm-up lap. Get a feel for how the pen extrudes, how fast you move your hand, and how to control corners or curves. Start with simple lines and basic shapes like stars, triangles, and spirals. It’s the best way to get comfortable with flow and technique—plus, it’s oddly satisfying to watch your flat drawings come to life.

🎨 Beginner Tip: Use a silicone mat or clear plastic sheet as your surface—it’s easy to peel off dried filament without mess.

2. Use Stencils to Trace and Lift

Once you're comfy, add a stencil into the mix! These are your secret weapon for neat results (especially when you're not quite ready to freestyle). Trace a butterfly, a name, or even a whole 3D box template. Once dry, gently peel the piece off and assemble it into something upright. It’s like building with plastic Legos you made yourself.

Download our free starter stencils here to get going in minutes.

3. Write Your Name (Because It's Personal AND Cool)

There’s something so satisfying about seeing your name pop out of the page—literally. Try bubble letters, cursive, or your favorite font. This is a great beginner project and a favorite for kids who want to label their door, desk, or school binder with extra flair.

🧠 Creative Boost: Try doing the first letter of your name in a fancy design—flames, flowers, or geometric patterns. A fun identity twist!

4. Create Custom Keychains or Bag Tags

Keychains are the ultimate quick-win project. They're functional, expressive, and easy to make in under 30 minutes. Try initials, animals, emojis, or favorite symbols. Add a loop at the top while the filament is still warm—and boom, it’s ready to clip onto your backpack or keys.

✨ Parent tip: These are fun weekend projects for kids—and they make adorable handmade gifts for teachers and friends.

5. Play with Color & Filament Effects

Switch it up! Try different filament colors or types: metallic, neon, translucent, glow-in-the-dark. You can even switch mid-design for an ombré effect or use two pens to create color-blending magic.

🎨 Fun idea: Draw a simple flower in multiple colors—each petal can be a different filament for a rainbow effect.

6. Build a 3D Cube or Structure

Let’s level up! Use stencils to draw the six sides of a cube, then assemble them with your pen. Not only does this teach geometry and spatial awareness (hello, learning moment!)—it’s also a gateway to building more complex things: houses, robots, or mini towers.

👷♂️ Tinkerer idea: Use your pen to create joinery between parts—like welding in mini-form.

7. Make Figurines or Cute Creatures

Whether you're into cats, robots, or dragons, sculpting mini characters is where 3D pens shine. Start with simple body parts—head, body, arms—and fuse them together. Add details like eyes, spikes, or accessories. You’ll build storytelling AND crafting skills in one go.

💡 Pro move: Make a stand for your figurine so it doesn’t topple over. Or build a little scene for them to live in!

8. Decorate Household or School Items

Give plain objects a personality boost! Add borders to picture frames, decorate your phone stand, or customize your pen holder. Use raised lines or squiggles for grip and style. This is also a subtle way to introduce practical uses for your pen early on.

🌈 Style inspiration: Try designing matching desk accessories in your favorite color scheme.

9. Design and Wear Your Own Jewelry

Who said 3D pens were just for desk projects? Design funky earrings, rings, or pendant necklaces. Try looping filament into spirals or layering lacy patterns for elegant effects.

👗 Fashion-forward idea: Use glow-in-the-dark filament for party-ready accessories, or pair with beads for mixed-media fun.

10. Add Dimension to Cards & Gifts

You know what makes a handmade birthday card next-level? 3D! Draw a raised balloon, heart, or the birthday person’s name across the card. Or make tiny gift toppers—flowers, stars, snowflakes—that stick right onto the wrapping paper.

🎁 Holiday tip: Create reusable tags with your pen. Personalize them and use every year!

11. Join a Challenge or Show Off in a Craft Community

Need motivation? Or maybe just some oohs and aahs? Join the MMBrands Skool Community to enter our monthly craft challenges, get fresh project ideas, or simply cheer on fellow makers. We love seeing what you’re building, and sometimes… prizes are involved. 👀

🙌 Kid-friendly bonus: Kids LOVE getting positive feedback on their creations—it builds confidence like nothing else.

12. Fix Stuff Around the House

Yep. Your 3D pen is more than a plaything—it’s your creative fix-it tool. Broken zipper pull? Missing drawer knob? Phone charger cable starting to fray? Whip out your pen and patch it up like a plastic wizard.

🛠️ DIY Fix Tip: Use the pen to reinforce weak points or add ergonomic grips to everyday tools.

Final Thoughts: It's Not About Perfection—It's About Play

The beauty of 3D pen crafting is that there's no such thing as doing it “wrong.” Every squiggle is a step toward discovery. Every project teaches you something new—whether it’s patience, technique, or a cool new shortcut you’ll use next time.

So go ahead—make something weird. Make something wobbly. Make something uniquely yours.

🎨 Whether you're creating with your kid, crafting for stress relief, or experimenting with functional hacks, your MMBrands 3D Pen is a gateway to something amazing.