Adventure brief
DIY 3D Printed Shoji Lamp Workshop
Build your own 3D-printed Shoji lampshade in a one-hour, beginner-friendly class in Arvada. Learn sustainable printing practices from Andrew Jordan and take home a unique, functional piece of design.
On a quiet block in Arvada, Colorado, the DIY 3D Printed Shoji Lamp Workshop offers a compact, hands-on introduction to modern maker craft. In this one-hour class led by 3D printer Andrew Jordan of SkullNook (https://skullnook.com/), participants assemble a Japanese Shoji-style lampshade printed in advance, learn sustainable printing practices, and leave with a finished piece that blends traditional form with contemporary fabrication. The workshop opens with a short walkthrough of Shoji design principles — the lightweight grid frame and the way translucent surfaces diffuse light — then moves into guided assembly.
Students select from curated design options, fit panels into a 3D-printed frame, and fasten connections with simple hand tools supplied by the instructor. The process highlights precise tolerances that make additive manufacturing ideal for repeatable decorative parts, while Andrew explains filament choices, waste-reduction strategies, and repair techniques so your lamp lasts. What makes this class a standout for travelers is its mix of craft and conscience.
Arvada sits west of Denver and is a convenient base for outdoor excursions across Jefferson County and the Front Range. After a morning on a nearby trail, the workshop provides a low-impact, creative afternoon activity for hikers, bikers, and families seeking shelter from afternoon storms or seasonal smoke. The session’s wheelchair accessibility and 10+ minimum age make it an inclusive option for multigenerational groups.
Key scene features are modest but distinct: the Shoji-inspired grid, translucent panels that mimic rice paper, and the precision of 3D-printed joints. Those elements make it a compact study in light, shadow, and material efficiency. Culturally, Shoji screens originated in Japan as sliding room dividers; this workshop reframes that aesthetic with plastic filament and digital tools — a small lesson in how tradition adapts to technology.
Practical notes: classes run about 60 minutes, groups cap at 16, and kids under 15 must attend with an adult. No advanced skills are required; the experience is designed for beginners and curious makers. Bring a phone to document progress, wear comfortable clothes, and arrive five minutes early to keep the session on schedule.
Whether you’re a maker looking to expand your portfolio or a traveler seeking a hands-on urban craft stop, this workshop blends design literacy with a tangible souvenir — a lamp you built yourself that quietly carries the story of place and process home. Bookings are handled through the referral link and the host asks attendees to arrive five minutes early. With a maximum of sixteen participants the class stays personal, and Andrew will answer questions about filament recycling, finishing techniques, or adapting designs for lamps you may want to scale later.
The finished piece is a memorable travel memento and a springboard for future 3D projects. Reserve a spot before travel.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Arrive earlyessential
Arrive at least five minutes before start time to check in and settle; the class begins promptly.
- 02Bring a camerainfo
Photograph close-up joinery and the finished lamp—photos help if you want to replicate or scale a design later.
- 03Kids policywarning
Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult; group size caps at 16 to preserve hands-on instruction.
- 04Ask about sustainabilityinfo
Ask Andrew about filament recycling and repair techniques to reduce waste and extend your lamp’s life.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Phone or camera
Document assembly steps and the finished lamp for reference.
Comfortable shoes
You’ll stand and move around a worktable during the one-hour session.
EssentialNotebook & pen
Jot down filament types, finishing tips, and assembly notes to replicate the process later.
Mask (optional)
If you’re sensitive to filament dust or finishing fumes, a mask adds comfort.
Local insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Olde Town Arvada arts district for local galleries and studios, Ralston Creek Trail for a quick riverside walk before or after class
Local fauna
red-tailed hawk, squirrel
Historic heritage
Arvada grew as a supply and trade hub west of Denver; local maker culture mixes that working-town heritage with contemporary craft practices.
Mindful exploration
The workshop emphasizes sustainable 3D printing choices and waste-reduction strategies; attendees are encouraged to learn about filament recycling and repair rather than disposal.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Close-up of hands assembling joints, Finished lamp on a windowsill to show diffusion, Detail shot of grid pattern and filament texture
- Subjects
- lamps and light diffusion, hands-on assembly, material textures and joinery
- Best times
- Midday for natural window light, Evening to photograph the lamp lit, Golden hour for warm exterior shots of Olde Town Arvada
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Do I need prior 3D-printing experience?
No experience required; the class is structured for beginners and focuses on assembly and basic concepts.
What age is allowed to participate?
Minimum age is 10; kids under 15 must attend with an adult.
Is the workshop wheelchair accessible?
Yes — the listing notes wheelchair accessibility for the venue.
Will I take the lamp home the same day?
Yes — lamps are assembled during the one-hour session so you leave with your finished piece.
How large are the class sizes?
Groups are capped at 16 participants to keep instruction personal.
How do I book and pay?
Book via the provided referral link; payment and scheduling details are handled through the booking page.