Featuring a glow-in-the-dark spooky spider
If you’ve ever held a 3D pen and wondered what kinds of projects you could create with kids, here’s the good news: it’s easier than you think. A 3D pen is basically a drawing tool that lets you build upward, outward, and in three dimensions—perfect for young imaginations.
Today’s featured project is a great example of how simple and fun it can be. We created a scary-looking spider with a touch of glowing magic, and it’s a project that anyone can make, even beginners.

Why 3D Pens Are Great for Kids’ DIY Projects
A 3D pen is accessible, quick to set up, and instantly rewarding. Kids get to see their creations take shape right in front of them, which keeps them engaged and excited. There’s no waiting for a print to finish, no complicated software, and mistakes can be turned into new ideas on the fly.
It also encourages hands-on creativity, problem-solving, and the joy of experimenting with shapes and textures.
The Glow-in-the-Dark Spider Project
This spider looks surprisingly realistic, but the process behind it is straightforward. You only need a 3D pen, black filament, a ping pong ball, glow-in-the-dark paint, and a few small beads or drops of filament for the eyes.
1. Shape the Legs
Start by drawing eight legs using the 3D pen. Kids can help outline wavy or curved shapes on a piece of parchment paper or a work mat. Perfect symmetry isn’t important—natural spiders aren’t perfectly consistent either.
2. Build the Head and Upper Body
Use the 3D pen to draw a small rounded head and a slightly larger front body section. These can be hollow or filled in, depending on how sturdy you want the figure to be.
3. Form the Abdomen Using a Ping Pong Ball
This is where the project becomes especially fun. Take a ping pong ball and begin coating it with black filament from the 3D pen. Once it’s mostly covered, paint it with glow-in-the-dark paint. The paint charges in sunlight or under indoor lights, making the spider glow at night.
4. Assemble the Spider
Attach the legs one by one to the body, warming the filament slightly so it bonds firmly. Kids love this step because the spider starts to take shape instantly.
5. Add the Eyes
Use tiny beads or small dots of cooled filament to create the spider’s eyes. You can add as many as you like—real spiders often have eight.
The Best Part
Once the paint is dry, turn off the lights and watch the abdomen glow. Kids are always delighted to see their creation come alive with light.
This project often inspires more ideas: glowing insects, creative creatures, robots, or seasonal decorations. With a 3D pen, the possibilities are almost endless.
Working together on a project like this is not only creative but also a great bonding activity. You don’t need special skills—just curiosity and the willingness to play with shapes and ideas.
Just do it and create!












