REPO Ornament Build

Welcome to the Alastor Workshop. We’re kicking off a massive three-part series bringing a piece of cult cinema history into the real world: the REPO: The Genetic Opera ornament. In Part 1, we are at the desktop for the "Digital Forge" phase. I’m taking you through the entire 3D modeling process in Blender—adapting game-style Semibot assets into solid, manifold geometry ready for high-resolution resin printing. In this episode: Blender Workflow: Modeling the Semibots and why "squashing meshes" works for 3D printing. Geometry Tips: Adding rings to maintain sharp edges while using smooth modifiers. Slicing Strategy: Why I use Prusa Slicer for supports even though I print on a Mars Resin Printer. Lore & Assets: Utilizing a custom cart from Thingiverse and prepping the custom resin bases the ornaments sit on. We don’t work here—we create. Let’s Play!

Welcome back to the Alastor Workshop. We are moving out of the digital forge and onto the physical workbench for Part 2 of the REPO: The Genetic Opera ornament build. This is where the project starts taking shape as a physical piece of art. In this episode, we are handling the "messy" side of the maker craft. We’re cleaning up our high-detail resin prints, stripping away the supports, and beginning the construction of the diorama scene itself. What we’re covering today: Resin Post-Processing: Removing Prusa-generated supports and cleaning the Semibot prints for a smooth finish. Diorama Construction: Building out the scenery using the 3D-printed Cart and environmental assets. The Foundation: Prepping the custom resin-cast bases that the ornament will eventually sit on. The Prime Phase: Applying the base primer to the Semibots and the scenery to reveal the details and prep for final paint. We don’t work here—we create. Let’s Play!

Welcome back to the Alastor Workshop. We have reached the third and final stage of our REPO: The Genetic Opera ornament build. In this episode, we move from the gray primer to a high-detail finish, bringing the Semibots and their environment to life with a gritty, industrial aesthetic. Because we used high-resolution resin prints, we can take full advantage of the micron-level detail. We’re focusing on techniques that make the mechanical components pop and give the entire diorama that weathered, used look from the film. In this final episode: Dry Brushing & Detailing: Leveraging the sharp geometry of the resin prints to highlight edges and mechanical textures. Multi-Layered Painting: Applying base colors and washes to create depth across the Semibots and the cart. Industrial Weathering: Adding the grime and wear-and-tear essential for any Gene Co. asset. Final Assembly: Installing the diorama into the ornament shell and mounting it on the custom resin-cast base for the final reveal. We don’t work here—we create. Let’s Play!