Koi Carp Square Envelope – Luck and Serenity

Square Envelope - 3D Printed Koi Carp – Symbol of Luck and Serenity 🎏🐟🌊

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Koi carp with this 3D printed square envelope, where digital craftsmanship meets Japanese tradition. Each delicate pattern, inspired by the shimmering scales and graceful movements of these sacred fish, is precisely sculpted to evoke the fluidity of water and the cultural richness of Nishikigoi. Let yourself be enchanted by this creation where technology enhances the timeless beauty of nature

Why this model

✨ Traditional and modern inspiration: Stylized Koi carp patterns, 3D printed with a delicacy reminiscent of Japanese prints (ukiyo-e), but with digital precision. A touch of Asian elegance for your most refined projects

🔲 Unique square shape: An envelope with harmonious proportions, perfect for cards, invitations, or small gifts. Its original format adds a sophisticated and memorable touch

🌊 Lightness and fluidity: Tulle or a transparent and flexible backing adds an airy dimension, as if your message is floating on water. Ideal for evoking the lightness of Koi carp gliding through rivers

🖨️ Accessible 3D Printer: Compatible with most 3D Printers (PLA for rigidity, TPU for flexibility). A DIY project that combines creativity and technique

🔧 🎨 Usage Ideas

📜 Elegant Mail:

• Envelopes for personal letters or themed postcards (travel, greetings, thank-yous)
• Invitations for events inspired by Japanese culture (weddings, tea ceremonies, art workshops)

🎨 Decoration:

• Wall hangings or scrapbooking elements for albums about Japan or nature
• Details for artistic stationery projects or aquatic mood boards

🎁 Gifts:

• Unique packaging for jewelry, tea bags, or small symbolic objects (like Koi carp figurines)
• Presents for special occasions (birthdays, Lunar New Year)

✂️ DIY & Art:

• Creative projects to decorate a bedroom or office with a zen atmosphere
• Ephemeral installations or decorative elements for events (weddings, exhibitions)

🔧 Printing Tips

🧵 Filament:

• PLA: For a rigid structure and sharp details (ideal for embossed scale patterns)
• TPU: For a flexible and foldable envelope, perfect for a more organic look

🪡 Support:

• Tulle: For a light and aquatic effect. A pause is integrated after the first layer to facilitate tulle insertion (fixed with magnets or by hand)
• Alternative: Use a thin transparent film for a smoother finish, or tracing paper for a matte effect

🌟 Plate:

• I used a wave-patterned plate to enhance the aquatic ambiance, but you can experiment with textured or colored supports

⚙️ Settings:

• Moderate speed (50-70 mm/s) to preserve the delicacy of the patterns and avoid smudges
• Infill: 15-20% for a good balance between lightness and strength
• Layer height: 0.2 mm for fine details
• CAUTION: The model may break when removing it from the plate. Please remove it gently, using a scraper for the scales if needed (But maybe I was just unlucky and my tulle was too fragile)

💡 Tip: For a "mother-of-pearl" effect, use a metallic PLA filament (gold, silver, or iridescent blue) and add a thin layer of glossy varnish after printing

💬 A word about this creation…

This model was born from a fascination with Koi carp, symbols of perseverance, luck, and transformation in Japanese culture. As with my first creation, I'm still learning and I'm eager to improve this design

If you have suggestions for:

• Optimizing supports (other tulle attachment techniques, alternative materials),
• Expanding the range of patterns (other aquatic animals, wave patterns, cherry blossoms),
• Sharing technical tips (settings for mother-of-pearl effects, filament combinations),

… I'm all ears Your feedback is invaluable for evolving this project

Inspired by art, nature, and patience – like Koi carp that grow with time

📥 Downloads & License

📁 Available files : 3MF (compatible with most 3D printers) 

📜 License : CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 – Non-commercial use, share alike. Credit to the author mandatory (@CreationsSamaki).

Want to sell your prints of my models 

⚠️ Important note : I do not share the base model used to create these envelopes, as it represents the core of my creations. Thank you for your understanding!

💌 A big thank you!

Thank you for supporting this romantic and artistic creation! If you print or use this model, feel free to:

✅ Share your makes on social media with the hashtag #CreationsSamaki. 

✅ Tag me (@CreationsSamaki) so I can discover your creations and send you a little word of encouragement! 

✅ Leave a comment with your feedback, pattern ideas, or printing projects!

🚀 Ready, set, print! 💖🌠✨