Gilded Pine Cone Decoration 3

This Gilded Pine Cone Christmas Tree Decoration is the third of 4 designs based on pine cones and walnuts. These are produced from real pine cones and walnuts found in my yard. I think the neighbour is feeding the squirrels walnuts as we don't have any pine cone trees in the area.

The pine cone is based on my 3D photo capture of a real pine cone. The 3D photo scanned model can be found on SketchFab at: https://skfb.ly/oDsqP

In the 3D capture process, 50 photos of the pine cone taken from all angles are analyzed and assembled into the 3D model using PhotoCatch on a MAC computer.

The 3D model was then manipulated in Blender 4 to produce the STL file included here. In this stage, the pine cone was split down the centre in halves for printing flat to avoid having to print supports. Alignment holes were added to the back of each half for ease of alignment when gluing. This STL includes alignment pins as well as the 2 halves.

In Cura 5.3 I scaled the pine cone to 82mm and printed on an Ender 3 printer with PLA filament.

Print settings were
Ender 3 printer
Bed temp 60
Filament temp 200
Speed 60mm
No supports

Post printing, the alignment pins were tested for fit, then the 2 halves were glued together with two-part, 5 minute epoxy. An elastic band held the pieces together while the glue set.

The pine cone was then sprayed with a coat of Rustoleum brand primer, and then Rustoluem brand silver for colour. I recommend printing them in the colour of your choice to avoid the painting, perhaps in gold PLA to look like a gilded pine cone.

Lastly, a ribbon is added for hanging it on a tree and your decoration is complete.