What if the empty space between two faces could hold flowers? That is the idea behind Fahz 2.0, a personalized 3D printed vase project from Brooklyn designer Nicholas Desbiens, now on Kickstarter through November 2, 2026.
The trick is an old optical illusion called Rubin's vase. Picture two faces in profile, nose to nose. The gap between them forms the outline of a vase. Fahz takes that illusion and makes it personal: you upload side-profile photos of up to six people, and software converts those silhouettes into a printable 3D model. You can rotate it, rearrange the faces, and preview the result before ordering.
What makes this a nice example for beginners is how practical the model is. Each vase is designed to print on a regular FDM printer with no supports, in black or white PLA, with an engraved serial number and position markers. Production is handled by Slant 3D, a U.S. print farm, which receives each order automatically, prints it, and ships it. The original 2015 campaign relied on manual design and fulfillment, so this version shows how automation can turn a one-off art idea into on-demand 3D printing.
Want to try something similar? Start with a simple side-view silhouette of a face. Trace the outline, smooth any sharp points like the nose or chin, and mirror the shape around a center line to make a round vase body. Keep overhangs gentle so you do not need supports, and print it in spiral vase mode or with a single wall for a light, elegant result. PLA filament is the friendliest material to start with. A quick test print at a small size will show you whether the profile reads clearly before you commit to a tall one.
Try it on your printer: Pick a profile, scale it to about three inches, and print a test vase this weekend. Browse filaments, upgrades, and printable ideas at flarelab.com to get your setup ready.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Rubin's vase?
It is a classic optical illusion where two faces in profile, looking at each other, form the outline of a vase in the space between them.
Can I print a profile vase on a regular FDM printer?
Yes. A smooth vase shape with gentle curves prints well with vase mode or a single-wall setting, and no supports are needed if the profile avoids steep overhangs.
What filament works best for a decorative vase?
PLA is the easiest choice for beginners. It prints cleanly, comes in many colors, and is fine for dry decorative use. Use a liner if you want to hold real flowers or water.
How do I make a face profile printable?
Trace a clear side-view silhouette, keep the shapes simple, and smooth sharp noses or chins so overhangs stay gentle. Then mirror the shape around the vase axis.
Inspired by reporting from 3D Printing Industry. Original story: Fahz 2.0 brings automated design and on-demand 3D printing to personalized vases. Rewritten by Flarelab for beginners.
