How to Design a Hanging Bird Nest using 3D CAD Software

Designing something with your own hands has always been rewarding, but 3D modeling takes that experience a step further by allowing you to turn ideas into functional, real-world objects. In this project, you’ll learn how to design a hanging bird nest using SelfCAD, a beginner-friendly tool that makes it easy to create and refine your designs directly in your browser. Beyond just learning the basics of 3D modeling, this project introduces you to purposeful design, where you consider shape, space, and functionality to create a structure that is not only visually appealing but also suitable for birds in your environment.

Follow along with the interactive tutorial at; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/5bsf3dt5g4q69s4d2cc4j5o126hp21e6o2w4

Once you launch the editor;

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose sphere; Set horizontal segments to 50, vertical segments to 50.

Tick the checkmark to finalize sphere

From the deform category on the toolbar choose taper; Set x to -90, z to -90 using highlighted gizmo.

Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 15, Bottom radius to 15, height to 25, horizontal segments to 50, position x to 33, , position y to 15, rotation z to 90.

Tick the checkmark to finalize cylinder

From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cylinder; Set top radius to 1, Bottom radius to 1, height to 25, position y to 90.

Click on mesh 4 to select it. Click on mesh 12 to deselect it

From the modify category on the toolbar choose add thickness; Set thickness to 2.

Click on mesh 8, mesh 12 to select it

Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 8, mesh 12 to subtract.

Tick the checkmark to finalize difference

As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.

More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace