Quick Summary
A genius maker has transformed recycled electronics into a fully working Gary the Snail speaker using custom 3D-printed parts.
The playful design proves old gadgets can be given a second life with a little creativity and a 3D printer.
Is your desk setup is looking a little too serious? This clever 3D printing project could be just the inspiration you need. South Korean creator Momandeum has recreated Gary the Snail from SpongeBob SquarePants as a functional Bluetooth speaker, using recycled electronics hidden inside a custom 3D-printed shell.
Instead of building the speaker from scratch, the project begins by dismantling an old alarm clock. The internal components are carefully measured before a digital model of Gary's body is designed around them. Once printed, the individual parts are trimmed, sanded, primed and painted to recreate the cartoon character's distinctive look.
The result is more than just a novelty ornament. Gary's shell houses the speaker hardware, while the turntable-inspired base conceals the original circuitry, wiring and charging components.
Magnets are used throughout the build so sections can be removed without visible screws, helping preserve the clean cartoon aesthetic. When powered on, the first sound it plays is Gary's famous "meow".
Projects like this show how far home 3D printing has come. No longer are makers simply creating decorative models. Now they're designing functional enclosures that breathe new life into ageing electronics. It's a fun way to reduce waste while ending up with something far more personal than another black plastic speaker.
While there's no indication this Gary speaker will ever be sold commercially, it's exactly the sort of project that makes you want to dust off a 3D printer. Whether you're a SpongeBob fan or simply like the idea of giving forgotten gadgets a fresh purpose, it's a reminder that a little imagination can completely transform yesterday's tech.
