I've always hated how Christmas ornaments lose their little ornament caps. So today, I designed a key-cut version that’s replaceable — and I’m going to show you how to use it on any 3D model you want to turn into a holiday ornament.
We’re all starting to feel that holiday mode kick in, and there’s no better time to bring your 3D prints into the festive spirit. So, today, I’m going to show you how to make holiday ornaments out of any 3D model you already have — even the random ones sitting on your desktop.
Why Turn Your 3D Models into Ornaments?
Have you ever looked at one of your 3D models and thought, “Wow, that would look great on a Christmas tree?” Well, today, we’re doing exactly that.
I’ll walk you through three different methods, from simple to more advanced, all inside Nomad Sculpt. But don’t worry — you can use the same principles in Bambu Lab Studio, Blender, or any 3D modeling software you like.
Two of these methods are quick and easy. The third one’s a little more complex — but it’s worth it. When you’re done, your tree is going to look like a shrine to your inner maker spirit.
So grab your stylus, some hot cocoa, and your favorite festive filament. Let’s make your model Bryan-bright.
Step 1: The Simple Torus Hook
For the easiest version, open up Nomad Sculpt and grab your model — in this case, I used a goblin.
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Add a torus shape to your scene.
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Adjust the inner and outer radius to make it thick enough to hang from.
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Stretch it slightly so it looks right proportionally.
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Move and align it onto your model’s head.
And just like that — you’ve got a simple, clean hanging hook for your ornament. This is the “quick and dirty” version, but it works great for most models.
Step 2: The Classic Ornament Top
Next up, let’s make it more festive — something that looks more like a traditional ornament top.
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Add a cylinder and scale it up slightly.
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Add another torus around the top of the cylinder for that rounded cap look.
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Adjust the thickness for strength and stability.
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Clone your cylinder and stretch it down a bit to create the base.
It should now resemble the top of a Christmas ball. You can decorate this part however you want — engrave patterns, emboss details, or even sculpt small accents.
Once you’re happy with the look:
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Select all the ornament top parts.
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Voxel remesh them together (around resolution 400 works well).
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Align and merge it onto your 3D model.
Now you’ve got a clean, solid ornament cap attached to your print. I’ll be making these available for download soon on MakerBuildIt and possibly MakerWorld, so check the links in the description when they go live.
Step 3: The Lock-and-Key Ornament Cap
Now for the advanced version — the one with a replaceable, lock-in ornament top.
This design uses a cylinder and box combo to create a keyed slot that twists and locks into place.
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Add a larger cylinder that fits just inside your model’s head.
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Add a box that overlaps part of it — this forms the key shape.
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Voxel remesh them together to create a single piece.
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Clone and scale that piece slightly larger to form the outer key cap.
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Cut the hole into your model’s head by voxel remeshing again.
Now you have a slot in your model’s head and a keyed cap that twists in — just like a real ornament top!
It’s a little more involved, but it’s worth it for prints you want to reuse year after year or swap out designs easily.
Printing and Assembly
Once everything looks good, export your STL and print it in your favorite filament — metallic PLA or silk filament looks awesome for holiday builds.
Be sure to:
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Clean out any internal supports using a dental pick.
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Test the fit before gluing or painting.
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Loop in some string or a hook, and you’re good to go!
If you don’t want to design your own ornament tops, I’ll include the STL files for download so you can print them directly.
And that’s it! Your 3D prints are now ready to deck the halls — or at least your maker workshop. Loop, scale, and print your way to instant holiday magic.
Now go fire up the printer, spread some filament-fueled cheer, and I’ll see you on the next build.
Oh, and remember — Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
I’m going to go hang these little guys on my tree… I’m sure my wife’s going to love it.
🖨️ TOOLS & FILES (Some Affiliate Links)
💾 STL Download - https://makerbuildit.com/products/ornament-top-replaceable-key-style
💾 STL MakerWorld - https://makerworld.com/en/models/1983640-ornament-top-replaceable-key-style
🖋️ Software – Nomad Sculpt - https://nomadsculpt.com/ (works with Blender or Bambu Lab Studio too)
🎨 Filament – Metallic or silk PLA for that festive shine - https://amzn.to/3JMiNPl
🖨️ 3D Printers - https://amzn.to/4hWgVAb