#cardboard construction

[k00331082]

The Final Results and Parade!

These are the photos of how the mask looked when it was completed! The ones with the white background were very kindly taken by Paul! We then paraded around the school with a drum in a way that definitely didn't make us seem like a cult.

Overall I was very happy with how the mask turned out, but I'd definitely change a lot if I did this project again.

Firstly, I'd definitely put more time into planning the construction part of the mask! I rushed into building it and as a result, failed to consider scale and structure. Even though the mask worked out in the end, for future I've learned how important it is to properly plan out cardboard constructions.

Secondly, I feel as though I could have used more cardboard than fabric and paper! I haven't done much cardboard construction in the past, and I found myself gravitating towards areas I was more familiar with to complete the mask, for example using crochet and lots of sewing! I think it would have been really cool and engaging to challenge myself to make a completely cardboard build, as it would have forced me out of my comfort zone a bit more.

I would also build the helmet a bit bigger in future, because the paper maiche layer caused it to shrink a bit and additionally, the spider added a lot of weight to the helmet, making it hard to wear.

Overall, I think the mask could be improved by better planning and a little more thought- but I had so much fun making it and I'm glad I persisted with it when it got difficult, because I'm really proud of the finished product.

[copperbadge]

A few months ago the book Cat Castles was recommended to me; it’s a how-to guide for converting plain boxes into more exciting designs for cats to play in. It’s a little thin on good technique but it is strong on inspiration, and I decided after buying a proper cardboard knife (paradigm-shifting, it’s like nothing I’ve ever used on cardboard before) that I would try engineering a better version of one of their designs. I was also inspired by Polk sitting on the roof of their camper-van box and crushing it completely.

Anyway, above is the the Cat Food Truck, partly assembled (I didn’t take earlier process photos because it would just have looked like a heap of cardboard). I finished it this weekend. 

I used plain corrugated cardboard, about half from various shipping boxes and half from the big flat 18x22 sheets that padded the last shipment of poster frames I bought. (If you are in the US and looking for reasonably priced frames btw, FrameUSA has done right by me for years and they just reopened their plant with covid safety measures in place; they’re a union shop based out of Ohio and you could do worse.) As you can see from the top photo, it has internal support columns on the sides to make sure the roof, hood, windshield, and back entry stay firmly attached and that Polk can sit on the roof if she wants without destroying it. 

I intend to paint it eventually, I just need to buy some gesso to pre-treat the cardboard first. But do Deebs and Dot even like it? 

Polk is a cat on a mission. A mission to sell slightly overpriced food to hipsters. 

[k00331082]

Building the Mask (Part 2!)

Once I came to the disappointing realisation that the bin bag structure wasn't going to work, I decided to take the head I made for the original spider and use it as the body for the new one instead.

I then started to create a head for the new spider by using another technique Sarah showed me. I crumpled a piece of brown paper to make a sphere shape, and then I wrapped it in masking tape. Next I covered it in the same fabric I used for the body.

Around this time, Sylvia came over to see how I was doing, and when I told her about my idea of draping the cobwebs, she suggested that I make one using hot glue!

However, this took a lot of trial runs! I first tried to draw with the glue on acetate, but it was so hot that it welded into the sheet and was stuck to it. I also tried it on two sheets of plastic, one of which worked and one which didn't.

The best solution I found was Sarah's suggestion of using a metal sheet sprayed with protective material to stop the glue from sticking; as well as preserving the metal so it could be reused.

I peeled the web off and started constructing a cardboard helmet to attach everything to- an idea suggested to me by Aisling. I then added three layers of paper maiche to the helmet, placing my pencil case inside it to stop it from shrinking too much.

I'm excited to see what I can add to the piece tomorrow!

[sailoreuterpe]

I made my young charge a cardboard digger! It's my own design. The bucket can come off to add different instruments. Tomorrow I'm going to try to make a dump truck!

[amerart]

Spent my first day of break building a tiny beach house, because I can 😎

[zmcrook]

The Pineapple Hat 2013

Custom made for Niki Z MacRae, drummer of Bristol band Jalandahr, for the tropical themed club night, Happy Daze - The Tripical Island.  Constructed with whatever materials could be found around the house; cardboard, PVC glue, staples, fabric, UV paint, double sided tape, spray paint, children's craft scissors, blood, sweat and tears.  You may be surprised to know that Niki managed to keep his hat on at all times, even whilst rigorously drumming!