Digital Snow Globe – Printmas Showcase Edition
Print Profile(1)
Bill of Materials
- Adafruit QT PY RP2040 x 1: https://www.adafruit.com/product/4900
- Neo Pixel Strip 1 Meter x 1: https://www.adafruit.com/product/2541
- USB C Cable x 1: https://www.adafruit.com/product/4474
- #2 x 3/8-in Brass Screws x 4 x 1: Purchase Here - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-2-x-3-8-in-Gold-Brass-Round-Interior-Exterior-Wood-Screws-12-Count/3035730
- M Screw Set Various x 1: Amazon.com Full link in Assembly Guide
- Heat Insert Kit Various x 1: Amazon.com Full link in Assembly Guide
- Magnetic Three Prong Connectors x 1: https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Extension-Electronics-disassembly-Connector/dp/B0FKBBBDP6/ref=sr_1_1?
- MITREAPEL CA Glue with Activator x 1: https://www.amazon.com/1x1-7oz-1x6-7-Professional-Cyanoacrylate-Accelerator-Woodworking/dp/B07Y6GM45Y/ref=sr_1_4?
Description
🎄 Digital Snow Globe – Printmas Showcase Edition
A safer, glowing, story-filled twist on the classic holiday snow globe.
Category: Home & Decor → Seasonal → Christmas
Assembly: prints + magnetic connectors + basic soldering
Focus: Hidden lithophane + four animated LED holiday scenes
🎬 Printmas Magic Comes Alive
Designed especially for Printmas 2025, this fully printable digital snow globe transforms a timeless holiday keepsake into a modern, modular, kid-safe centerpiece. Set the printed globe onto its magnetic base and—like holiday magic—the scene inside awakens. Thanks to a QT Py RP2040 and 25 embedded Neopixels, the hidden lithophane illuminates only when the sphere is docked, revealing a glowing winter village that appears from nowhere.
Within the safe, liquid-free globe, choose 1 of four animated holiday lighting modes bring the print to life:
• Gentle Winter Breathing — calming, snowy hues subtly pulsing through the frosted globe.
• Winding Christmas Lights — a spiraling red-and-green motion inspired by classic tree garlands.
• Ornament Sparkle Mode — a peaceful evergreen glow with a shimmering gold or white “ornament” wandering randomly.
• Winter Storm Snowfall — deep-blue background with striking falling flakes for a dramatic nighttime effect.
Every piece of this project is individually printable and replaceable, the wreath skirt attaches magnetically, and the electronics rely on safe, low-voltage three-terminal magnetic connectors to ensure the globe instantly shuts off when lifted—perfect for excited kids running around during the holidays.
👶 Printmas Builder’s Difficulty Grid
| Skill | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🧵 Printing | ⭐⭐ Easy | globe optimized for clean diffusion |
| 🔧 Assembly | ⭐⭐ Moderate | Magnetic connectors + heat-inserts + alignment marks |
| 🔥 Electronics | ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate | Simple soldering: QT Py → magnetic connector → Neopixels |
🎯 Why You’ll Love It
- Hidden lithophane reveals only when illuminated
- Four stunning animated holiday scenes programming included
- Magnetic power docking = safer than liquid snow globes
- Wreath accessory optional & magnetically attached
- Repairable, modular, and Print-Friendly for any skill level
- Full documentation included (assembly, soldering, heat inserts) in the documentation section.
📣 Contest / Community Info
This model is an official entry in Printmas 2025!
Join the holiday fun, upload your prints, and help spread the cheer:
- Contest Page: https://makerworld.com/en/contests/120?name=Printmas+2025#tab-Entries
- Rules: https://makerworld.com/en/contests/120?name=Printmas+2025#tab-Rules
If you print this project, please share photos, remixes, or lighting tweaks—community builds help keep the holiday creativity flowing and boost visibility during the event.
Boost Me (for free)
Your support keeps the lights on—literally! Boosts and prints motivate us to keep designing and releasing free models for the community.
Documentation (5)
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
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