Witness the Magic: Life-Sized Pokémon Made from 3D Stained Glass

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Rediscovering My Love for Pokemon
3. Building My Own Pokemon
4. Designing a Digital Model
5. Reducing the Poly Count
6. Finding the Right Model
7. Refining the Model in SketchUp
8. Adding Thickness and 3D Printing
9. Planning the Stained Glass Pieces
10. Cutting and Foiling the Glass
11. Soldering the Pieces Together
12. Challenges and Adjustments
13. Making Progress on the Assembly
14. Adding Patina and Finishing Touches
15. Feedback on Eyes and Base
16. Conclusion

Rediscovering My Love for Pokemon and Building My Own Pokemon

Growing up, Pokemon Silver was my favorite game. The nostalgia of playing it again recently reminded me of my childhood dream of having my own Pokemon. Determined to make this dream a reality, I set out to build a life-sized version of my favorite Pokemon, Squirtle, out of stained glass. But I didn't want just a flat image; I wanted a three-dimensional creation. This article will take You through my Journey of designing and building a digital model, cutting and foiling the glass pieces, and ultimately assembling my own Squirtle Pokemon.

1. Introduction

Have you ever stumbled upon something from your childhood that reignites a passion inside you? That's exactly what happened to me when I found my old Pokemon Silver game cartridge. The memories of playing that game flooded back, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of nostalgia. It made me realize just how much I had always wanted to have my own Pokemon when I was a kid. Now, as an adult, I decided it was time to bring that childhood dream to life.

2. Rediscovering My Love for Pokemon

Pokemon Silver was more than just a game for me. It was a gateway into a world filled with adventure, friendship, and endless possibilities. As I cleaned out some old boxes, I stumbled upon my old game cartridge and Instantly felt a surge of excitement. I couldn't resist the urge to relive those cherished memories.

3. Building My Own Pokemon

As I replayed Pokemon Silver, I couldn't shake off the desire to have my own real-life Pokemon. While I knew I couldn't Create a living creature, I realized I could use my skills to build a life-sized version of my favorite Pokemon, Squirtle. Squirtle has always held a special place in my heart, and I firmly believe it is the coolest starter Pokemon ever. Its playful nature and Water-Based abilities make it a fan-favorite.

4. Designing a Digital Model

To bring my vision of a life-sized Squirtle to reality, I needed to design a digital model. As someone with limited experience in this area, I knew it would be a challenge. However, I was determined to learn and succeed. I started by searching for existing Pokemon models online and stumbled upon a Squirtle model. Although it needed some modifications, it served as a rough starting point for my project.

5. Reducing the Poly Count

The Squirtle model I found had a high poly count, meaning it had a complex geometry with 1.2 million triangles. While this might be suitable for video games, it was too detailed for my purposes. Each triangle would represent a separate piece of glass in my stained glass creation, so I needed to reduce the poly count to make the project more manageable. By simplifying the model's geometry, I could create a template for the stained glass pieces.

6. Finding the Right Model

After realizing my mistake in selecting the wrong Squirtle model, I went on a new search for low poly Squirtle models. Thankfully, I found a 3D print file that suited my needs. With the improved model in HAND, I transferred it to SketchUp, a 3D modeling software, and refined it further to match my vision. This involved making adjustments by hand to ensure the model accurately represented the Squirtle I had in mind.

7. Refining the Model in SketchUp

Working in SketchUp allowed me to fine-tune the Squirtle model and address any remaining issues or imperfections. I carefully adjusted the points and surfaces to ensure the final digital model closely resembled my ideal vision. This refining stage was crucial in preparing the model for the next steps of the process.

8. Adding Thickness and 3D Printing

To transform the digital model into a physical guide, I needed to add thickness. Each part of the model would become a separate piece of glass, so thickness was essential for the stained glass creation. After adding the necessary thickness, I divided the model into separate parts for 3D printing. Given the size and complexity of the project, printing the model in multiple parts proved to be the most efficient approach.

9. Planning the Stained Glass Pieces

With the 3D printed guide parts in hand, I could start planning the stained glass pieces. This stage required careful consideration of colors and design. I chose three colors: one for the belly, one for the shell, and one for the arms, legs, and head. Using the digital model as a reference, I extruded the surfaces to represent stained glass pieces and identify any potential problems or collisions.

10. Cutting and Foiling the Glass

Armed with a plan and a layout of the stained glass pieces, it was time to start cutting and foiling the glass sheets. With precision and Attention to Detail, I laser cut tape to match the specific shapes on the layout. This enabled me to transfer the digitally designed pieces onto the glass sheets. The tedious process required careful cutting, ensuring each piece would fit together seamlessly.

11. Soldering the Pieces Together

The ultimate challenge of this project was soldering all the glass pieces together. I carefully wrapped each piece with copper foil to provide a solid base for soldering. The joints required flux to aid in the soldering process. It was crucial to join the pieces in small portions, ensuring a secure and accurate assembly. Gradually, the separate pieces started coming together to form the majestic Squirtle Pokemon.

12. Challenges and Adjustments

Throughout the process, I encountered several challenges and had to make adjustments along the way. Aligning the two halves of Squirtle was a concern, but by joining the parts gradually, I minimized the risk of misalignment. Another obstacle was soldering in hard-to-reach areas, such as behind the shell and tail. Despite these challenges, I persevered and made progress, always striving for perfection in my creation.

13. Making Progress on the Assembly

With patience and determination, I continued assembling the stained glass Squirtle. Each completed section brought me closer to the finished masterpiece. The 3D printed guide proved to be a valuable tool, ensuring the stained glass pieces fit together flawlessly. As the individual parts came together, Squirtle began to take Shape, captivating me with its translucent beauty.

14. Adding Patina and Finishing Touches

To add the finishing touches, I applied patina to the stained glass joints. This transformed the reflective silver solder lines into a sleek black finish, enhancing the overall appearance of Squirtle. The patina also helped define the individual glass panels and added depth to the piece. The final result was a stunning, life-sized Pokemon sculpture made entirely of stained glass.

15. Feedback on Eyes and Base

As with any project, there are always decisions to be made. Two areas where I would appreciate feedback are the eyes and the base of Squirtle. For the eyes, I initially considered using rectangles, but I'm open to other suggestions that better capture the essence of Squirtle. Additionally, I am undecided about the base and welcome input on whether to leave it open, transform it into a lamp, or create a dedicated base for Squirtle.

16. Conclusion

Building a life-sized stained glass Squirtle has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. Rediscovering my love for Pokemon and transforming it into a tangible creation has brought me a Sense of fulfillment and joy. This project has allowed me to explore new materials and push the limits of my skills as an artist. Squirtle now stands as a testament to the enduring magic of Pokemon and the power of creative endeavors.