Looking for fun and simple Blender projects to improve your skills?

Whether you're just starting out or looking for quick Blender exercises, this list has you covered.

Each project is designed to reinforce core 3D skills like modeling, texturing, lighting, and animation—all while building something cool!

Each project comes with a step-by-step video tutorial and a downloadable .blend file for CG Cookie members.

If you're new to Blender, consider tackling these in order. And when you're ready for more, check out our free Press Start course, which walks you through your first full Blender project. 

9 Beginner-Friendly Blender 3D Projects

Follow along with these hand-picked tutorials from our Let's Build it in Blender series. These projects will help you:

• ✅ Improve your modeling and texturing skills
• ✅ Gain experience with modifiers and constraints
• ✅ Explore animation and lighting techniques
• ✅ Have fun while creating real projects from start to finish

All of these videos come with a downloadable .blend resource for logged-in CG Cookie members.

Quick Intro: What is the “Let’s Build it in Blender” Series?

If you're new here—welcome! CG Cookie is your home for structured Blender learning. While we offer in-depth courses to our members, we also run a free YouTube series, Let's Build it in Blender, featuring fast and fun projects for artists of all levels.

Your host is Charlie “Chunck” Trafagander, who will show you what to do (and just as importantly, what NOT to do) as you build each project.

➡️ Watch all Let's Build It in Blender episodes here.

Now, let’s dive into some awesome projects! 🔥

Project #1: Make a Table Lamp in Blender

🎥 Watch the tutorial: [Link to video]

📂 Download the .blend file: [CG Cookie members only]

The first episode explores the workflow for creating a simple pivot desk lamp using Blender’s bevels and subsurface modifiers. This project is great for learning:

💡 Hard surface modeling basics

💡 How to use subdivision modifiers for smooth curves

💡 Pivot animation techniques for simple rigs

By the end of this tutorial, you'll have a clean, well-modeled desk lamp—and a better understanding of how to refine edges, maintain good topology, and set up simple pivot animations.

Project #2: Model a Bonsai Tree in Blender

🎥 Watch the tutorial: [Link to video]

📂 Download the .blend file: [CG Cookie members only]

In this project, Chunck trades in his 3D skills for a green thumb by creating a beautiful bonsai tree in Blender. This tutorial is ideal for learning:

🌿 Organic modeling techniques using simple shape, 

🌿 How to create convincing tree structures using Blender’s sculpting tools, 

🌿 The basics of procedural texturing to make the tree bark and leaves more realistic, 

This is a great introduction to sculpting and a fun way to practice organic forms.

Project #3: Make a Low Poly Urban Building

🎥 Watch the tutorial: [Link to video]

📂 Download the .blend file: [CG Cookie members only]

Learn how to design a low-poly city building using simple instancing and modifier techniques. This project will help you:

🏙️ Use modifiers like array and mirror to quickly create urban assets

🏙️ Understand game-ready workflows for low-poly environments

🏙️ Experiment with simple materials and texturing to enhance the look

Perfect for beginners interested in game asset creation or low-poly art. 

Project #4: Build a Subway Train Cart

🎥 Watch the tutorial: [Link to video]

📂 Download the .blend file: [CG Cookie members only]

This longer tutorial covers modeling, texturing, and rendering a subway cart scene in Eevee. You'll learn:

🚆 How to model complex structures using modular design

🚆 Techniques for realistic materials and lighting

🚆 How to compose a cinematic render in Eevee

Great for improving scene composition and storytelling through lighting!

Project 5: Build a Machine and Piston Rig in Blender

🎥 Watch the tutorial: [Link to video]

📂 Download the .blend file: [CG Cookie members only]

Let’s build a mechanical piston rig! This tutorial is a great introduction to rigging and animation mechanics, teaching you:

🤖 How to rig simple mechanical parts with constraints

🤖 Inverse Kinematics (IK) for realistic motion

🤖 Techniques for animating robotic structures

Perfect for those looking to explore basic rigging and animation.

Project #6: Create a Low-Poly Pizza in Blender

🎥 Watch the tutorial: [Link to video]

📂 Download the .blend file: [CG Cookie members only]

This project is all about hand-painting textures and working with low-poly modeling techniques.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to model a simple pizza shape using basic Blender tools

✅ The basics of UV unwrapping and hand-painting textures

✅ Techniques to keep models lightweight while maintaining detail

Project #7: Witch Ingredients on a Shelf

🎥 Watch the tutorial: [Link to video]

📂 Download the .blend file: [CG Cookie members only]

Create a fantasy-themed scene filled with potion bottles, scrolls, and mushrooms! This tutorial teaches:

✅ Blocking out basic objects and adding sculpted details

✅ Using simple materials and lighting to enhance storytelling

✅ How to arrange props in a visually appealing way

Great for beginners looking to build small dioramas and themed environments.

Project #8: Halloween Jack-o-Lantern Costume

🎥 Watch the tutorial: [Link to video]

📂 Download the .blend file: [CG Cookie members only]

This seasonal Blender project focuses on character accessories and stylized modeling. You’ll learn:

✅ Creating a glowing jack-o-lantern effect using Blender’s materials

✅ How to model and modify a simple character costume

✅ Using modifiers for clean, stylized modeling

Fun, simple, and perfect for adding seasonal flair to your 3D creations!

Project #9: Animate a Sci-Fi Door in Blender

🎥 Watch the tutorial: [Link to video]

📂 Download the .blend file: [CG Cookie members only]

Get started with rigging and animation by building an animated sci-fi door! In this project, you’ll:

✅ Use bevels and hard-surface modeling to create mechanical parts

✅ Learn the basics of rigging for mechanical objects

✅ Animate a realistic opening sequence using keyframes

A great introduction to hard-surface animation and Blender’s rigging system!

Looking for More Blender Projects?

If you've completed these beginner projects, why not take the next step? Check out these additional Blender learning resources:

📌 Press Start Course: A free beginner-friendly project to help you build your first full 3D scene.

📌 Blender Basics Guide: Learn the core principles of modeling, texturing, and animation.

📌 Top 3 Things Every Blender Artist Should Model: Discover essential practice projects for improving your skills.

📌 FREE Blender Teaching Guide: Perfect for educators and students looking for structured learning.