The sculpture is designed for elegance and functionality. It features a hollow body with a opening in the center, for use as a lamp or vase. The body walls are 1.6mm thick, giving the sculpture strength while also allowing enclosed LED light to pass through. A center opening allows light to be cast onto the faces of the mother and child.
An optional base piece may be attached to the bottom using screws.
Print with a light colored PLA for the best light permeability and ensure you're using a 0.4 nozzle. The sculpture prints with fuzzy skin for added texture.
Cut-aways below illustrate possible display options. The Walmart LED options have been tested with great success and are featured in the project photos. Links are provided if you'd like to purchase the lights. The puck lights come in 2-packs, so hang on to the second light for an upcoming Father's Day sculpture.
Walmart LED Puck Light | Walmart Color Changing Puck Light | For the electronics-minded of us, there is plenty of inner-space for custom LED lighting. | Standard LED Tea Light 1-½" diameter | Flower Vase! I considered a Skittles vase, but it would be too tough to get the candy out. ;) |
The puck light fills the base of the sculpture, so you won't use the printed base. To better secure the puck light in the sculpture's base, you may choose to glue the light in place. Because battery access is from the bottom, affixing the puck light with CA glue from the top is an option.
Center the light within the base, gluing it in place if desired.
Because the sculpture is hollow, you have many options for lighting fixtures, even positioning LEDs in the heads. The center opening is intended for light to pass onto the mother and child's faces, or to place a flower and use the sculpture as a vase. The opening is not for air-flow and flamed candles. Do not use flame candles or incandescent light sources.
The base accomodates LED light sources up to 41x45mm. You may choose to drill a hole through the bottom of the base if your light source has a power switch.
The base attaches with two No. 6 ¾" screws.
Thank you for browsing and happy Mother's Day!