My Maker Story: Printing a New Path Out of the Darkness

Introduction: Why I’m Sharing This Storyindependent? Actually the text is as provided.

Trigger Warning: Mental health content

In 2024, life threw me a curveball—a tough mental health battle that left me questioning who I was. I was no stranger to anxiety and depression, but this time, it felt different. I needed an outlet, a way to reconnect with myself and my creativity while supporting my ADHD.

That outlet arrived in a box from Bambu Lab. And what started as a single print would soon become a new step in a Maker’s journey.

I am sharing this story to give hope to others, change some perspectives, or give others the courage to dive into their darkness and heal.

The Beginning: My First Print, A Simple Box Cutter

In September 2024, I unboxed my very first Bambu Lab X1 Carbon (X1C) printer. The moment was a mix of excitement and a bit of hesitation—would I even know what to do with it?

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Spoiler: I had never 3D printed in my life; but have always been the tech guy; how hard could it be?

My first print? A simple box cutter — not glamorous, not groundbreaking. But it was a first step out of the fog I had been living with. I can’t tell you how often I just sit and watch it print — it’s fascinating and brings me such joy!

Credit to: https://makerworld.com/en/models/583712-box-opener-plastic-knife-with-teeth-and-bambu-logo#profileId-504850

Finding My Flow: Shapr3D, HueForge, and My First Model

By January 2025, I was hooked and needed to take the next step.

I had spent countless hours learning from the incredible MakerWorld community with their creativity, resourcefulness, and grit. Inspired, I dove into Shapr3D for modeling and HueForge for beautiful filament art/printing.

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Publishing my first MakerWorld model lit the spark that I could turn a difficult period into a creative journey.

That led to publishing my first MakerWorld model: an Astronaut HueForge piece.

This was the turning point — I realized there was no turning back. The joy of designing, printing, and sharing was something I hadn’t experienced before; creating things that people really love. It’s a new feeling, admittedly.

Modeling Techniques I Learned

Leveling Up: Hexagon Magnetic Wall Art

This wasn’t just about making something pretty. I wanted something people could make their own with their colors of choice. This meant I had to learn how to implement more modeling techniques like:

• Tolerances
• Dovetail joints
• Magnet embedding

This design challenged me technically — and creatively. And seeing it come together was a confidence boost I didn’t know I needed. It’s available on MakerWorld for anyone to print!

Entering the MakerWorld Garden Contest: The Birth of GrowTote

Then came a happy little surprise. In May 2025, I stumbled across a gardening contest on MakerWorld. My partner Cory and I immediately had an idea: what if we created a modular garden caddy.

Thus, the GrowTote was born. It was only my second full design — but we dreamed big. Modular, practical, and flexible. And then… it won 2nd place! (And yes, the $200 Bambu gift card was a nice bonus.)

Credit to: https://makerworld.com/en/models/583712-box-opener-plastic-knife-with-teeth-and-bambu-logo#profileId-504850

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Creativity grows where courage meets perseverance.

Along Came Version 2 Packed with Updates

With some feedback and prints under my belt, there were a few areas of the original design that I wanted to optimize, so I started working on Version 2 of the GrowTote. It took several weeks of tinkering and lots of scrap and failed prints. I came out with a refined version that packed a ton of updates:

• Optimized shell thickness and filleted edges to eliminate sag
• Thick base in v1 removed to reduce waste
• Interior Slide-In Bins now have thumb slots for easier removal
• Sleeker hanging hooks with removable system in progress
• A new ergonomic handle
• Optimized Multiboard T-Bolt threads for a tighter fit
• New non-Multiboard versions now available
• Two sizes of Stanley Quencher holders
• New GrowSpikes for temporary staking
• And more!

The Real Story: Hiccups, Lessons, and Growth

Not everything was smooth sailing. Also in May, as I was preparing a new contest submission, my nozzle tip broke off — mid-project!

Cue full-on panic mode and a frantic hunt for a replacement nozzle. But here’s the thing: every hiccup is an opportunity to learn.

I’ve dealt with:

• Failed prints
• Self-doubt and burnout
• Questioning if I belong

And every time, I’ve reminded myself: it’s okay. Growth isn’t linear. It’s okay to hit bumps along the way. What do I do with failed prints like you see below? I melt them down into different objects like skulls and turtles to reduce waste and do my part!

Credit to: https://makerworld.com/en/models/583712-box-opener-plastic-knife-with-teeth-and-bambu-logo#profileId-504850

Beyond the Printer: The Power of Therapy and Community

While 3D printing has been a major part of my healing, my real power-up has come from:

• Therapy
• Self-love practices
• Connection with the people important to me
• Daily check-ins, habit forming, and guidance using the Finch app (@finchcare)

Some days are a grind:

• A print fails catastrophically
• Impostor syndrome creeps in
• My ADHD takes over and focus feels elusive

But what I’ve learned is this: community and mental health support matter more than anything.

What’s Next: More Designing, More Healing, More Sharing

So, what’s next?

• I want to keep designing
• I need to keep healing
• I want to keep sharing this journey with all of you

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your own path — or if you just love watching ideas come to life — I hope this story resonates. Together, we can make more than prints.

We can make change. ️ #BambuLetsMakeIt

Final Thoughts

To anyone out there fighting their own dark days — know this:

Creating heals. Community heals. You can start with one simple box cutter.

And who knows where it will take you!

Want to Follow My Journey?

• Follow me on Instagram
• Visit me on MakerWorld

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