Jelly Bean Ring: a Sweet Take on 3D Printing

When I first imagined creating a piece of jewelry that combined playful aesthetics with digital fabrication, I knew I wanted something whimsical yet personal. That’s how I landed on the idea of making a 3D printed ring that looks like it’s made of jelly beans. This project merges additive manufacturing techniques with artistic creativity, using color, texture, and digital modeling to transform a sugary concept into wearable art.

Much like projects on Instructables that bridge art and technology, this ring project celebrates both the engineering process and the joy of making. What follows is a step-by-step guide that takes you from concept to creation, ending with reflections on what I learned about digital design thinking and maker culture.

Computer with internet access

ChatGPT or another AI prompt tool

Tinkercad account (free browser-based CAD software)

Bambu Studio (slicing software)

3D printer (I used a Bambu Labs printer)

Acrylic paints and small brush

Sandpaper or file (for cleaning up prints)

Every great design starts with an idea, but sometimes, we need a little digital nudge to visualize it. To start, I turned to generative AI for inspiration. My initial prompt was simple:

“Create a ring made out of jelly beans.”

Within seconds, I had several AI-generated renderings showing rings composed of glossy, bean-shaped segments in vibrant colors. These renders gave me a strong visual foundation to refine the aesthetic and think about form, scale, and ergonomics.

In class, we discussed the role of computational creativity—how tools like AI can expand human imagination rather than replace it. This was my first direct application of that concept. By iterating on prompts (“make the beans smoother,” “increase realism,” “arrange in a circular pattern”), I used the AI as a collaborative design partner.

The end result was a conceptual image that balanced playfulness with wearability—a candy-inspired ring that could easily exist in the digital jewelry world.

With the concept clear, I moved into Tinkercad, a beginner-friendly yet powerful tool for 3D modeling. Tinkercad’s interface allowed me to search for pre-existing “bean” shapes. I found several that could serve as the foundational geometry for my jelly beans.

Here’s what I did:

1. Opened a new workspace and searched “bean” in the shape library.
2. Duplicated the shape multiple times—each bean representing one “candy.”
3. Adjusted the curvature and angle of each bean to form a perfect circle that fit around my ring finger.
4. Scaled the beans to approximately 1 cm long each—small enough to be wearable but large enough to show texture.

To ensure a snug fit, I measured my finger circumference (around 17 mm for the inner diameter). This precision reflects an important concept from our course: parametric design, where measurable constraints guide aesthetic and functional choices.

When satisfied with the ring’s form, I grouped all the beans together into a single object and exported the file as an STL. The STL format preserves the model’s geometry and is the standard for 3D printing.

The next stage was preparing the design for printing. I imported the STL file into Bambu Studio, a slicing program that converts 3D models into printable instructions (G-code).

Here’s the setup process:

1. Imported the STL file and oriented the ring flat on the build plate.
2. Chose PLA filament—a biodegradable, easy-to-print material ideal for jewelry prototypes.
3. Adjusted the layer height to 0.16 mm for fine detail and smooth curves.
4. Added minimal supports to maintain the circular structure during printing.
5. Sliced the model to check estimated print time (around 25 minutes).

In our coursework, we explored how material properties influence product design. PLA’s smooth finish and low melting temperature made it a perfect match for a colorful, candy-like look. Additionally, slicing software demonstrates the principle of digital fabrication workflow—translating digital form into physical reality.

After confirming settings, I exported the G-code and sent it to the Bambu printer. Watching the machine methodically build each jelly bean layer by layer was like witnessing digital craftsmanship come to life.

Once the ring was printed, I removed it from the build plate and carefully detached the supports with a file. The raw PLA surface was smooth enough to paint directly, though a light sanding gave it a more uniform texture.

I used acrylic paints to transform the plain print into a rainbow of jelly bean hues—reds, oranges, blues, pinks, and purples. Painting by hand gave the ring a handcrafted charm that balanced its digital origins.

At this stage, the piece evolved from a prototype to a final artifact. The process embodied a concept from our readings on hybrid craftsmanship—the merging of digital tools and human touch.

Each color choice added personality, turning the object into both an accessory and a conversation piece. The final look captured exactly what I envisioned: playful, bright, and unmistakably sweet.

Looking back, this project taught me more than how to make a cute ring. It highlighted several key insights from our class and the broader maker movement:

Collaboration Between Human and Machine

1. Using AI as a design partner expanded my creative range. It reminded me that artificial intelligence enhances creativity when used intentionally, not passively. I guided the AI through iterations, maintaining human authorship while benefiting from computational imagination.

Design Thinking in Action

1. Each stage—from ideation to modeling to printing—followed the design thinking process: empathize (what makes a ring comfortable?), define (how to translate “jelly beans” into geometry), ideate (generate visual options), prototype (print), and test (wear and evaluate).

The Tactility of Digital Objects

1. While 3D printing often feels sterile, adding paint reintroduced the warmth of handmade design. The contrast between digital precision and manual imperfection gave the ring a sense of authenticity.

Reflection on Learning

1. The biggest lesson was understanding that digital fabrication isn’t about the tool—it’s about the vision. A simple idea like “a ring made of jelly beans” can evolve into a meaningful exploration of color, texture, and technology when guided by creativity and curiosity.