How to Design Your Own Cardboard Furniture |
by  Scriptoneon May 12, 2008in home & craft |   | |
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HOW TO SAVE A TONNE MONEY and help keep Planet Earth Green. If you need a quick way to create new spaces that weren't there before - here's the secret of making your own cardboard furniture. Recycle your CARDBOARD and create FURNITURE for your home that you've designed!
I really enjoy creating cardboard furniture ever since I purchased the step by step DVD from Vinestreet Works, featuring Eric Guiomar.
Had to watch it 5 times before I could get started and understand the concepts here. If you're a visual learner, you might like to purchase the DVD or check out the book.
Eric has written a book in French with very clear pictures (I'll be getting my copy soon)called: How To Create Furniture Out of Cardboard. If you scroll down you can see 2 pdf Tutorials to Create A Ming Chair in French
http://www.compagnie-bleuzen.com/livre.htm
Check out YOUTUBE VERSION
(UPDATED VERSION)
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=EKJ87grxJUY
DIAL-UP VERSION & Learn to Draw Cartoons in 1 Minute (How to Sketch Your Designs - CLICK on Draw Now!)
http://ca.geocities.com/oneminutecartoonist/cardboard_furniture.html
So CRAFTY RECYLCERS out there, grab all the FREE, CLEAN thrown away cardboard you can TODAY!
And btw all you need is a roll of sticky tape, sharp scissors and sharp craft knife. (Can be sharpened simply using a brick which is great - if you don't have a sharpening stone). To finish off a bottle of acrylic floor varnish / gift wrap / butchers paper.
I really enjoy creating cardboard furniture ever since I purchased the step by step DVD from Vinestreet Works, featuring Eric Guiomar.
Had to watch it 5 times before I could get started and understand the concepts here. If you're a visual learner, you might like to purchase the DVD or check out the book.
Eric has written a book in French with very clear pictures (I'll be getting my copy soon)called: How To Create Furniture Out of Cardboard. If you scroll down you can see 2 pdf Tutorials to Create A Ming Chair in French
http://www.compagnie-bleuzen.com/livre.htm
Check out YOUTUBE VERSION
(UPDATED VERSION)
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=EKJ87grxJUY
DIAL-UP VERSION & Learn to Draw Cartoons in 1 Minute (How to Sketch Your Designs - CLICK on Draw Now!)
http://ca.geocities.com/oneminutecartoonist/cardboard_furniture.html
So CRAFTY RECYLCERS out there, grab all the FREE, CLEAN thrown away cardboard you can TODAY!
And btw all you need is a roll of sticky tape, sharp scissors and sharp craft knife. (Can be sharpened simply using a brick which is great - if you don't have a sharpening stone). To finish off a bottle of acrylic floor varnish / gift wrap / butchers paper.
Check out books and catalogues for inspiration. The first cupboard I planned to make was a Chinese style black and gold one. In this instructable the same methods are used for every type of object you plan to make. I will show step by step techniques of how I made a craft cupboard to store my knicks knacks.
So now you've figured out you basic construction. You will be surprised at the strength of your cardboard structure.
This cupboard below holds up to 80kg of folders. I'm guessing.
After 1 month its still standing!
Look for clean cardboard thrown away in recycling bins. Large complete pieces are ideal - the size of a refridgerator or plasma tv.
You will need to work out the measurements for thicknesses for each layer ON PAPER.
6-10cm is ideal space between each LAYER.
Thicker ply of cardboard is definitely going to make aa stronger cupboard or chair or table.
In one structure I used 2-ply cardboard other times 3-ply.
1 ply is all that's necessary for the shelf layers (more on this later)
When cutting the shapes of the cardboard use a simple craft knife. Slice 3-4 times over the line you've drawn without using pressure. You'll be surprised how effortless it is compared to working with WOOD.
WARNING:
Accuracy in MILLIMETRES is essential, or your structure may collapse. (Seriously.)
So now you've figured out you basic construction. You will be surprised at the strength of your cardboard structure.
This cupboard below holds up to 80kg of folders. I'm guessing.
After 1 month its still standing!
Look for clean cardboard thrown away in recycling bins. Large complete pieces are ideal - the size of a refridgerator or plasma tv.
You will need to work out the measurements for thicknesses for each layer ON PAPER.
6-10cm is ideal space between each LAYER.
Thicker ply of cardboard is definitely going to make aa stronger cupboard or chair or table.
In one structure I used 2-ply cardboard other times 3-ply.
1 ply is all that's necessary for the shelf layers (more on this later)
When cutting the shapes of the cardboard use a simple craft knife. Slice 3-4 times over the line you've drawn without using pressure. You'll be surprised how effortless it is compared to working with WOOD.
WARNING:
Accuracy in MILLIMETRES is essential, or your structure may collapse. (Seriously.)
Now you will cut out the silhouette shapes.
Cut 3.
The middle one and the front one you will cut out the spaces for the shelves.
The 3rd silhouette will not be cut out inside as this is to be the BACK of the shelf.
In the pictures here, some like to cut 4 silhouette shapes for extra support.
Cut 3.
The middle one and the front one you will cut out the spaces for the shelves.
The 3rd silhouette will not be cut out inside as this is to be the BACK of the shelf.
In the pictures here, some like to cut 4 silhouette shapes for extra support.
1. The strut will be as long as you want the WIDTH of your structure to be
2. The strut is the inside skeleton that supports the whole
cupboard.
3. The width of each strut will be the same width as the THICKNESS of each layer.
A. Cut and measure your strut pieces. You will only need ONE silhouette to cut struts. This is the MIDDLE SILHOUETTE. You can create more than 3 silhouettes for extra strength for a long chest of drawers for example.
Label each SILHOUETTE : top and bottom, front and back.
B. Cut the struts approximately HALFWAY both on the silhouette and the strut
C. They are insert DOWNWARDS FOR EVERY SHELF SECTION except the bottom, where they are placed UPWARDS
2. The strut is the inside skeleton that supports the whole
cupboard.
3. The width of each strut will be the same width as the THICKNESS of each layer.
A. Cut and measure your strut pieces. You will only need ONE silhouette to cut struts. This is the MIDDLE SILHOUETTE. You can create more than 3 silhouettes for extra strength for a long chest of drawers for example.
Label each SILHOUETTE : top and bottom, front and back.
B. Cut the struts approximately HALFWAY both on the silhouette and the strut
C. They are insert DOWNWARDS FOR EVERY SHELF SECTION except the bottom, where they are placed UPWARDS
1. Place the uncut inside silhouette on the bottom level
2. Place the middle silhouette that has struts attached
3. Finally place the top level which will be the FRONT OF STRUCTURE
4. Put weights to add slight pressure so you can tape the pieces more tightly. I used coloured sand in zip lock bags.
A. Using very STICKY DUCT TAPE attach the stuts at the top, bottom, middle. This takes a while to do, but its relaxing exercise.
Warning, you must be very accurate in measuring and assembling at this stage or structure may collapse because edges do not meet exactly.
With my first Chinese cupboard, I had problems because of a slight measurement off here and there. Use a FILE or RASP to even edges sticking out.
2. Place the middle silhouette that has struts attached
3. Finally place the top level which will be the FRONT OF STRUCTURE
4. Put weights to add slight pressure so you can tape the pieces more tightly. I used coloured sand in zip lock bags.
A. Using very STICKY DUCT TAPE attach the stuts at the top, bottom, middle. This takes a while to do, but its relaxing exercise.
Warning, you must be very accurate in measuring and assembling at this stage or structure may collapse because edges do not meet exactly.
With my first Chinese cupboard, I had problems because of a slight measurement off here and there. Use a FILE or RASP to even edges sticking out.
1. Measure your depth of each shelf space. Cut out accurately using 1 PLY cardboard for the roof and bottom shape to insert into TOP SIDES AND BOTTOM of inner space. 1-2 ply thick is enough for inside. The strength lies in the 3-PLY silhouette frame and internal skeleton.
2. Sticky tape all joins carefully with duct tape for good quality strength. Aim for a FLAT and SMOOTH edge. This helps when decorating with paper to sit nicely.
2. Sticky tape all joins carefully with duct tape for good quality strength. Aim for a FLAT and SMOOTH edge. This helps when decorating with paper to sit nicely.
1. With the Chinese cupboard I covered everything with duct tape then spray painted it black
2. The second cupboard was covered with double-sided tape and gift wrapping paper
3. Eric Guiomar uses papier mache techniques, but you might be impatient as I was to use it immediately and cannot wait for the toilet paper and starch paste to dry.
Varnish = Acrylic Floor varnish around $4 per bottle
Rice Starch Glue Paste recipe
Rice flour
Water
2 T Salt dissolved in boiling water
1. Cook until translucent. Keeps in fridge 3 days.
Eric Guiomar suggested the following tip for me today:
You can try to stick the paper on the cardboard. Then, when the collage is dry, to paint with the acrylic painting above. Then varnish the piece of furniture.
The best is to use nepalese paper. You can get it in arts shops, shops of craft, framing and home-made creations. This paper is really good. You can find it in a lots of differents colours. You don't have to use painting on it. Just varnish after the collage.
2. The second cupboard was covered with double-sided tape and gift wrapping paper
3. Eric Guiomar uses papier mache techniques, but you might be impatient as I was to use it immediately and cannot wait for the toilet paper and starch paste to dry.
Varnish = Acrylic Floor varnish around $4 per bottle
Rice Starch Glue Paste recipe
Rice flour
Water
2 T Salt dissolved in boiling water
1. Cook until translucent. Keeps in fridge 3 days.
Eric Guiomar suggested the following tip for me today:
You can try to stick the paper on the cardboard. Then, when the collage is dry, to paint with the acrylic painting above. Then varnish the piece of furniture.
The best is to use nepalese paper. You can get it in arts shops, shops of craft, framing and home-made creations. This paper is really good. You can find it in a lots of differents colours. You don't have to use painting on it. Just varnish after the collage.
The door imitates the internal structure of a single piece of 1-ply cardboard.
1. Cut 3ply struts into strips that are slightly reaching the edge of your cupboard door.
2. Stick with duct tape along the full length
3. YOu can use hot glue but I found it elevates the height of the door too much.
4. Cover the door and edges to create a sturdy box door.
5. Decorate the surface of door then glue a piece of balsa wood / masonite the size of a hinge. Drill holes for screws. The wood provides solid support for the hinge. I experimented with fabric hinges rather than metal ones.
6. Attach a hinge to cupboard and door. Attach a magnet or velcro.
1. Cut 3ply struts into strips that are slightly reaching the edge of your cupboard door.
2. Stick with duct tape along the full length
3. YOu can use hot glue but I found it elevates the height of the door too much.
4. Cover the door and edges to create a sturdy box door.
5. Decorate the surface of door then glue a piece of balsa wood / masonite the size of a hinge. Drill holes for screws. The wood provides solid support for the hinge. I experimented with fabric hinges rather than metal ones.
6. Attach a hinge to cupboard and door. Attach a magnet or velcro.
You'll be so inspired by these Design Ideas below!
Here are some other Cartonnistes - Cardboard Furniture Designers from France you might be able to pick up more tips from if you can write in French and ask for advice.
Go to
http://www.vinestreetworks.com/cartons.html and click under the title MEET THE CARTONNISTES!
Also check out
http://ppc33.free.fr/ppetc_Pages/Diaporamastagesfinal/diaporamastagefinal.htm
http://www.lescartonnistesassocies.com/atelier-creatio.html
Here are some other Cartonnistes - Cardboard Furniture Designers from France you might be able to pick up more tips from if you can write in French and ask for advice.
Go to
http://www.vinestreetworks.com/cartons.html and click under the title MEET THE CARTONNISTES!
Also check out
http://ppc33.free.fr/ppetc_Pages/Diaporamastagesfinal/diaporamastagefinal.htm
http://www.lescartonnistesassocies.com/atelier-creatio.html
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