Delicate organic shapes can be notoriously tricky to 3D print cleanly. Paper-thin petal edges often curl under cooling fans, while aggressive overhangs usually demand a forest of stubborn support structures that scar the visible surface during post-processing.
The Forever Carnation was designed from the ground up to solve that exact challenge.
It captures the ruffled, organic aesthetic of a blooming carnation while retaining solid wall geometries that slice cleanly and print reliably on standard desktop machines. Whether you are looking for an everlasting desk accent, a handmade gift, or a reliable piece to add to your display shelf, this model brings a polished floral finish straight off your build plate.
Ready to slice files for this model in .stl and .3mf formats can be downloaded from Patreon.
Print Quality & Build Gallery
Quick Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Recommended Tech | FDM (Filament) or Resin |
| Material Tested | PLA / PLA (Silk Purple blossom, Olive Green leaves) |
| Nozzle Size | 0.4 mm standard |
| Layer Height | 0.12 mm – 0.16 mm (for smooth curved petal contours) |
| Perimeters / Walls | 3 wall loops |
| Infill | 10% Gyroid |
| Supports | Minimal tree supports recommended under deep outer petals |
| Files Included | Clean .STL meshes + Pre-oriented .3MF project files |
Slicer Tips for the Best Finish
- Optimize Your Layer Height: While 0.20 mm standard layers print fine, dropping down to 0.12 mm or 0.16 mm makes a dramatic difference in how the subtle curves of the petals resolve, almost entirely eliminating visible stepping on the flower’s upper surfaces.
- Cooling is Key: Keep your part cooling fan running at 100% after the first few layers. Quick cooling prevents the outer petal tips from curling upward as the nozzle makes subsequent passes.
- Try Silk or Dual-Color Filaments: Silk PLA highlights the layered texture of the petals under ambient room lighting, while dual-color co-extruded filament gives the bloom a natural two-tone highlight as you view it from different angles.
Materials & Tools Used
- Blossom Filament: Anycubic Silk Purple PLA (Smooth flow and vibrant surface sheen)
- Stem & Base Filament: Anycubic Black PLA and Olive Green PLA for leaves
- Bed Adhesion: Textured PEI Sheet (Gives a secure grip during printing and effortless pop-off release once cooled)
Download the Digital Files
The digital files for The Forever Carnation are hosted directly on Patreon. The download bundle includes universal .STL files for any standard slicer, alongside tuned .3MF project files with pre-tested orientations.
Get The Forever Carnation Files
Grab the complete download package including clean .STL meshes and dialed-in .3MF slicer files.
Free for personal use. Commercial sellers must hold an active Commercial Licence.
Commercial Use Notice
All digital files remain the intellectual property of Steven Cousley. Personal printing is free and unrestricted. If you run a 3D printing business and wish to sell physical prints of this model, you can obtain authorized rights by joining the Merchant / Commercial Tier on Patreon. For complete details on physical production rules, please read our Commercial Licence Agreement.