Why make this?
The Frame project is my way of merging creativity with 3D printing. Watching the warm, golden glow emerging from the outside and seeing a picture come to life feels amazing. I’ve always loved giving people handmade products, and this has become my unique way of doing so. Along the way, I’ve learned a great deal about how light interacts with different plastic thicknesses to create varying shades, known as a lithophane. With my most recent Frame 2.0, I feel like I’ve come close to perfecting the technique.
Even better.
Frame 2.0
Built in June 2025
This version of Frame was built to look like a product. Using a feature called fuzzy skin, I upgraded the texture of my prints to make it feel better for the user.
Utilizing Mechanisms
The light puck that I used had a on/off button on the back of its PCB, the same one that’s used in Frame 1. For Frame 1, I used a remote to turn it on, making it simple to use and bypassing the problem. For the new and improved Frame 2, I added a functional button to turn on/off the light puck, adding functionality to the Frame and tackling the problem directly. I designed a mechanism and tuned it with enough force so it converts horizontal force to perpendicular force.
More images, more memories
The image-removal tool is easily the best feature I’ve added to the Frame series. It lets users swap out any picture they want, whenever they want. The mechanism is tucked discreetly in the back, giving the Frame a clean and streamlined look. The video and photos shown here have varying exposures and contrast levels to highlight different elements of Frame 2.0, so some shots might appear over- or underexposed. If you're curious, feel free to reach out, I'm always happy to share it with you!
A piece of art.
Frame 1.0
My Design Choice
The design for my flower frame was a rollercoaster. At first, my inspiration came from square Chinese lanterns and I would have 4 pictures, one on either side. After some thought, that seemed too tacky to me however I also wanted some curves in my design so that’s another reason. I then came up with the idea of putting the picture in a circle so as I modeled that, I started thinking about possible design on the outside of the circle and came up with putting flower petals on the side, with the whole thing looking like a big illuminated flower. For the color, I wanted it to fit in most homes so I made it simple black and white.
Features
Flower Petal Inspired Design
Better optimized print thickness allows for better shading, enhancing the resolution
80 Lumen Light Puck
Able to be detached from the back frame
Controller Holder on the Back
Sleek modern design
