While the design was done by me, AI was incorporated into the rendering process. I believe AI shouldn't replace our work entirely, but it can sharpen ideas and expand creative boundaries.
Miffy DuoLamp
The Miffy Duolamp is a 3D‑printed reinterpretation of the character Miffy, designed to serve both as a Mid Autumn Festival lantern and a practical bedside lamp. Its dual functionality makes it versatile, offering a warm ambient glow when carried as a lantern and steady nighttime comfort when used as a lamp. Miffy’s resemblance to the moon rabbit gives the design a subtle nod to Mid‑Autumn traditions, while remaining useful well beyond the celebration.
Inspiration behind the Miffy Duolamp
Miffy DuoLamp began with a question: how can a festive lantern be reimagined as a lasting home decor rather than discarded after the celebration? I wanted to create a Mid‑Autumn lantern that wouldn’t be set aside or forgotten each festival, but instead endure as a reminder of joy and legacy. By transforming it into a lamp, the piece becomes both sustainable and meaningful, carrying the spirit of the celebration into everyday life.
Cultural Symbolism of the Moon Rabbit
I chose Miffy as the character because her gentle form reflects the moon rabbit celebrated in Mid‑Autumn traditions across Asia. In folklore, the rabbit leaps into the fire as an act of selflessness and is immortalised on the moon, where it becomes the companion of Chang’e after she ascends with the elixir of immortality. Together, they symbolise devotion and reunion, values I wanted this design to carry forward.
Lamp to Lantern: Dual Function Concept
I designed Miffy’s arm to hold a stick that doubles as the lantern stick. When I want to bring Miffy out, I lift her off the magnetic MagSafe wooden base and attach the stick to the hook at the top of her head. With the hook in place, the piece transforms into a lantern that can be carried or hung with ease.
Making Process Explained
Step 1: Miffy Duolamp Base Design
The 3D model was provided by 3dprintoutz4u on Thingiverse (link attached below) under the title Miffy Figure, serving as the base geometry for adapting the Miffy lithophane lamp concept.
The 3D model was provided by 3dprintoutz4u on Thingiverse (link attached below) under the title Miffy Figure, serving as the base geometry for adapting the Miffy lithophane lamp concept.
Click here to download the STL file: [Thingiverse]
Step 2: Miffy Design Adaptation
The Miffy 3D model was hollowed to form the lantern panel, creating space for lighting inside. A threaded opening was added at the base so the detachable lantern light can be screwed in and removed with ease.
The Miffy 3D model was hollowed to form the lantern panel, creating space for lighting inside. A threaded opening was added at the base so the detachable lantern light can be screwed in and removed with ease.
Step 3: Miffy Arm Slot & Head Hook
Miffy’s arm has an opening to hold the lantern stick, making it easy to store and carry when the light is detached. A hook at the top of the head allows the lantern to be hung.
Miffy’s arm has an opening to hold the lantern stick, making it easy to store and carry when the light is detached. A hook at the top of the head allows the lantern to be hung.
Step 4: Slicing & 3D Printing
The model was printed on the Bambu P2S, sliced at a fine 0.12 mm layer height for crisp detail. The 12‑hour print used E‑SUN PLA+ in white, resulting in a clean, translucent finish. For lamps with hotter bulbs, it’s best to switch to a material that can handle higher temperatures to keep the piece durable.
The model was printed on the Bambu P2S, sliced at a fine 0.12 mm layer height for crisp detail. The 12‑hour print used E‑SUN PLA+ in white, resulting in a clean, translucent finish. For lamps with hotter bulbs, it’s best to switch to a material that can handle higher temperatures to keep the piece durable.
Step 5: Assembly & Post-processing
After the printing is done, we add a personal touch by colouring the Miffy printed with paint markers. To finish off, we simply attach them to a magnetic ring, ensuring they snugly fit onto the wooden light base for a simple yet effective display.
After the printing is done, we add a personal touch by colouring the Miffy printed with paint markers. To finish off, we simply attach them to a magnetic ring, ensuring they snugly fit onto the wooden light base for a simple yet effective display.
Step 6: Laser Engraving (Additional Step)
Custom initials were laser‑engraved onto the wooden lamp base using a DAJA DJ6 Laser Engraving Machine, adding a precise and personal detail to the Miffy DuoLamp.
Custom initials were laser‑engraved onto the wooden lamp base using a DAJA DJ6 Laser Engraving Machine, adding a precise and personal detail to the Miffy DuoLamp.
Acknowledgments
Inspired by the timeless work of Dutch artist Dick Bruna, the Miffy Duolamp is a non-commercial, educational design concept dedicated to this beloved character. All rights, imagery, and copyrights belong exclusively to Mercis bv.
