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This is an adaptation of my Hexaleaf design https://thingiverse.com/thing:5154193 and inspired by https://thingiverse.com/thing:4761713 .

The hexagonal Lithophane has the same size as the panels used in my previous design, so you can use them for the Hexaleaf design.

Step 1: Creating the Lithophane

First you have to find a good Picture you want to turn into one. I tried nature and portrait pictures and both worked really well. I uploaded the picture to https://tool.itslitho.com/ and created a rectangular lithophane. You can adjust multiple settings though I mainly used the presets. I played around with the resolution to get the best one I was able to handle. The resulting file size was just under 1 GB. I then used the free program blender to cut out the hexagonal shape. https://thingiverse.com/gubutek created a very nice tutorial for it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=MJjva_eWyg8 I left the required blender file in the downloads. Since my filesize was quite large, it took a couple of minutes to do so.

Step 2: Printing

For the Lithophane I used a layer height of 0,08 mm. The print time was about 18 hours. All other pieces were printed with a layer height of 0,2 mm. I endorse you to create your own Bottom Piece Cover with your program of choice. The size is 100x36x2 mm with a text height of additional 1,5 mm. I added a customizable version but the options arent great.

Step 3: Programming

I am using WS2812 LED Strips and a WEMOS D1 Mini, this is a WiFi controlled ESP8266 variant. To control the LEDs I am using the WLED Project. They offer easy Set-Up and customization of your LED Projects. For a full documentation check out https://kno.wled.ge . Here I basically just used the quick install site https://install.wled.me/ and left the WiFi controlled settings to mostly their default.

Step 4: Assembly

I used 60 cm of WS2812 LED Strips that I soldered to a wire with a pin connector. The programmed WEMOS D1 Mini was also soldered to some wire. Notice that I use the RX/GPIO3 Pin instead of D4/GPIO2 to eliminate flickering problems. I am powering the Light per Micro-USB. In case you want to use a different power source, there is enough room to include a Step-Down-Converter. The LEDs can be slotted into position without using their sticky tape. To enhance light homogeneity I glued some aluminium foil to a piece of cardboard and stuck it to the backside of the panel. The Lithophane and Cover is press-fitted in place. In case of maintenance they can both be easily removed.

This makes for an excellent gift. Happy Printing!