Minecraft Inspired Storage Box

A Storage Box Inspired by Minecraft for Grass Blocks

The goal is to create a storage box that looks like a Minecraft grass block. The cube-shaped box should have sides that are around 12 inches in length. To replicate the game's recognizable 3D appearance, the outside should have a realistic pixelated grass texture with brown for the dirt sides and green for the grass.

Supplies:

1. Paintbrush: A medium or small-sized brush for detailed strokes.
2. Acrylic Colors:
3. Green: For natural elements like foliage or background accents.
4. Black: For outlines, shadows, or adding depth to your painting.
5. White: Ideal for highlights, blending, or creating lighter shades.
6. Brown: Great for earthy tones, tree trunks, or grounding elements in the painting.
7. 3D Printer: For creating the base structure of the grass block box.
8. 3D Printing Filament: Use colors that match the Minecraft grass block:
9. Green for the top (grass).
10. Brown for the sides (dirt).
11. Acrylic Paint (optional): If you'd like to add extra details or touch up the printed design, use green, brown, black, and white.
12. Sandpaper: To smooth any rough edges after printing.
13. Glue (optional): For assembling different parts if needed.

The Idea of a 3D-Printed Minecraft Grass Block Box

The 3D-Printed Minecraft Grass Block Box project brings the iconic appearance of Minecraft into the real world by fusing fan enthusiasm for the game with ingenuity and usefulness. The concept is to create a storage box that resembles the recognizable grass block from Minecraft, which is distinguished by its vibrant hues and blocky texture.

It is a Grass Block Pot Plant replica.

Grass Block - Minecraft Pot Plant by CalebTimoteo | Download free STL model | Printables.com

3D Printing Process:

1. Design the Block: Use 3D modeling software like Tinker Cad or Blender to create a simple cube that matches the dimensions of a Minecraft grass block. Divide the cube into two parts: the bottom section (dirt) and the top lid (grass).
2. Detailing the Textures: For a realistic Minecraft look, add pixelated textures to the surface of the model:
3. On the sides, create the pixelated dirt pattern by adding small, raised squares.
4. On the top, mimic the grass texture using a pixel grid for the green section.
5. Slicing the Model: Import your model into slicing software like Cura or Prusa Slicer. Adjust the settings based on your 3D printer and filament. Suggested settings:
6. Layer height: 0.2 mm (for detailed textures).
7. Infill: 20% (for a sturdy but lightweight box).
8. Supports: Enable only if needed for overhanging parts.
9. Filament Choice: Load the filament in the following colors: (I'm Using it because I had White Filament leftover.)
10. Green Filament for the top (grass).
11. Brown Filament for the bottom part (dirt).
12. Print the Block: Start the print and monitor for any issues, like layer shifting or filament clogging. Depending on the size of your block, the print may take a few hours.
13. Post-Processing (Optional):
14. Sanding: Once printed, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
15. Painting: If needed, use acrylic paint (green, brown) to add finer pixel details or touch up imperfections.

Steps for Painting the 3D-Printed Minecraft Grass Block Box:

1. Prepare the Surface:
2. Before painting, ensure the surface of the block is smooth. Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand any rough edges or imperfections.
3. Clean the block to remove dust or debris using a dry cloth or a brush.
4. Prime the Block (Optional but Recommended):
5. Apply a coat of acrylic primer to the entire block. This helps the paint adhere better and gives a smoother finish.
6. Let the primer dry completely before moving on to the painting process.
7. Painting the Dirt Section (Bottom Half):
8. Brown Acrylic Paint: Start by painting the bottom half of the block in brown to mimic the dirt layer.
9. Apply two coats for a solid, even color. Let the first coat dry before applying the second.
10. If your 3D print already uses brown filament, you can skip this step or touch it up with brown paint if necessary.
11. Adding the grass texture (top half):
12. Green Acrylic Paint: Use green paint for the top section of the block to represent the grassy layer. Apply two coats for good coverage.
13. Leave the edges of the grass layer clean and sharp for a pixelated look that matches the Minecraft aesthetic.
14. Detailing the Grass & Dirt Borders:
15. For a realistic Minecraft look, use black paint to outline the pixelated border where the grass meets the dirt.
16. Paint small black lines to create a "grid" effect along the top and sides, replicating the blocky appearance of pixels.
17. You can also use white paint to add highlights to the grass for a more vibrant look.
18. Painting the Pixel Patterns (Optional):
19. For added detail, use small brushes to paint individual "pixel" squares on the dirt section using a slightly lighter shade of brown and dark brown. This gives it a more realistic texture.
20. On the grass section, you can add tiny squares of lighter green or white to mimic the variation in pixel shades.
21. Final Touches:
22. Check for any smudges or uneven areas and touch up with the appropriate color.
23. Once all painting is complete, allow the block to dry fully.
24. Seal the Paint (Optional but Recommended):
25. Apply a clear acrylic sealer or varnish to protect the paint and give it a smooth, polished finish. This will also add durability to the block, especially if it's being used frequently.

Once dry, your painted 3D-printed Minecraft grass block will have a clean, vibrant, and pixel-perfect look!

Steps for Detailing the 3D-Printed Minecraft Grass Block Box:

1. Plan the Pixel Patterns:
2. Before starting, plan the placement of the pixel details. You can reference images of a Minecraft grass block to mimic its pixelated texture.
3. Consider dividing the block into small sections that resemble the Minecraft pixel grid (16x16 pixels per face is common in the game).
4. Mark the Pixel Boundaries:
5. Use a fine-tip pencil or light masking tape to gently mark the lines where you want to paint pixels. This helps keep the patterns uniform and organized.
6. Focus on areas where the dirt and grass meet, as this is where pixel transitions happen in the game. Add some variation in the shape of the grass edge for realism.
7. Add Shading and Pixel Details (Dirt Section):
8. Start with the dirt section:
9. Use two shades of brown: a lighter brown and a darker brown.
10. Paint small squares randomly across the surface of the dirt section, alternating between the two shades. These should look like "pixels" to simulate the blocky texture of Minecraft dirt.
11. Let the paint dry between shades so they don't blend.
12. Use a tiny brush or even a toothpick for precise square shapes.
13. Create the Grass Edge Detail (Transition to Grass Section):
14. Next, focus on the grass edge where it meets the dirt:
15. Use black paint or a fine black marker to outline the boundary between the grass and dirt. This sharpens the "pixel" appearance of the edges.
16. Create a staggered pattern where grass pixels overhang the dirt section. These can be painted in light green and dark green to match the game’s pixel style.
17. Highlight Grass Section (Top Surface):
18. For the top grass layer:
19. Mix two shades of green (light green and dark green) and apply them in small squares across the surface. These squares should be randomly placed, mimicking the pixelated texture.
20. Add tiny white squares to the top surface as highlights, giving the block more dimension and a vibrant grassy look.
21. Use a small brush for precision and avoid blending the squares together.
22. Add Shadows and Depth:
23. To make the details pop, use black or dark brown paint to add shadows between certain pixel squares, especially where the grass overlaps the dirt. This adds depth and contrast to your detailing.
24. Apply very lightly, so the shading appears subtle but effective.
25. Refine the Edges:
26. After detailing, check for any overlapping or smudged areas. Use a steady hand and a clean brush to refine and sharpen the edges of your pixel squares.
27. Correct any mistakes by touching up with the original base colors (brown or green).
28. Optional final touches:
29. If desired, apply a thin coat of gloss varnish to give the pixel details a smooth, shiny finish, which will also protect the paint from wear.
30. Alternatively, you can use a matte finish if you prefer the block to look more natural and game-like.

With these detailed steps, your Minecraft grass block will have a textured, pixel-perfect appearance that replicates the in-game design!

The finished product is Grass Block Box

Folks, that is all for today.

If you need assistance with this project, please DM me or leave a comment.

Again, thank you; I will be back shortly with a new project.