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About Project

In the charming world of Animal Crossing, one of the most delightful surprises is spotting a colorful balloon drifting overhead, carrying a neatly wrapped gift. It's a simple, heartwarming moment that fans of the game know well-watching the balloon float by, then rushing to shoot it down and discover what's inside. That little floating gift has become a symbol of joy, curiosity, and quiet satisfaction.

At FacFox, we helped bring that moment into real life with a custom 3D printed wall lamp modeled after the game's iconic balloon gift. Designed as both a tribute and a functional decor piece, the lamp features a glowing yellow balloon gently suspended above a red-ribboned gift box-just like in the game.

All the visible components, including the balloon, gift box, and ribbon, were created using standard PLA filaments. The red ribbon, often mistaken for fabric at first glance, is fully 3D printed as part of the box lid, allowing for clean geometry and durable assembly. A simple rope connects the balloon to the box, enhancing the floating illusion while ensuring stability. Inside the balloon, an LED strip provides soft, even lighting, transforming it into a cozy night light or mood lamp.

This project is a great example of how 3D printing can transform virtual moments into physical designs. With accessible materials and creative modeling, something playful and nostalgic becomes a tangible, functional object for everyday spaces.

At FacFox, we specialize in helping creators, designers, and fans bring their ideas to life-whether it's inspired by games, pop culture, or original IP. If you're dreaming of your own custom decor, character figure, or themed lighting project, we're ready to help you make it real.

Let's build something magical together.

Solution

• Step 1: 3D Modeling. The balloon, gift box, and ribbon components were digitally modeled using CAD software. The design was referenced from in-game visuals to ensure accurate proportions and stylistic details. All parts were prepared as separate, printable meshes to simplify assembly and finishing.
• Step 2: 3D Printing. Each component was printed using standard PLA filament on FDM printers. The balloon was printed with a hollow structure to allow space for internal lighting. The gift box and ribbon were printed as distinct parts to enhance color separation and detail fidelity. Printing was performed at a layer height of 0.2mm to balance speed and surface quality.
• Step 3: Post-Processing. After printing, the parts were cleaned and lightly sanded to remove any visible layer lines or stringing. No painting or coating was applied, as the desired colors were achieved through filament selection during printing.
• Step 4: Lighting Installation. An LED strip was cut to size and installed inside the balloon shell. The strip was fixed in place using adhesive backing, and wiring was routed discreetly through the balloon’s mounting point to maintain a clean appearance. Power was supplied via USB.
• Step 5: Assembly. The ribbon was glued onto the top of the gift box, and the box was sealed. A rope was used to connect the gift box to the balloon. The rope was measured, trimmed, and fastened securely to both parts. A vertical rod was attached to the rear of the balloon to enable stable wall mounting.
• Step 6: Final Inspection & Testing. The assembled lamp was inspected for alignment, finish quality, and lighting performance. The LED strip was powered on and tested to ensure uniform illumination. The lamp was then mounted on a vertical surface to confirm overall visual balance and structural stability.