Etsy photo by seequin
In Random Recast, I explore new ways to look at the ordinary things in our lives. This week, it's cardboard.
It was a late evening spent huddling over a pile of cardboard with an X-Acto knife (my hand forming a sort of lobster claw from being locked into position for so long) when I realized this: No one should do these cardboard crafts.
Make that, no one should do these cardboard crafts...unless they have access to a laser cutter.
This is coming from someone who DIY's for a living: Cardboard is an exceptionally difficult material to work with in terms of slicing and cutting. I know you see those effortlessly simple, kind of rustic, cardboard objects that indie crafty websites love to feature. And you think, "Well, it's cardboard, so it must be easy!"
No. Just no.
Chances are you'll be using broken-down boxes, in the noble interest of recycling. But most boxes are made from heavy-duty cardboard which is made specifically not to be, you know, cut into amazingly detailed chandeliers.
This yellow decorative centerpiece was made by etsy artisan seequin, who specializes in laser cut chandeliers. Definitely buy from the pro here.
But if your day has been going just a little too well and need something frustrating to try, here's a template for a cardboard chandelier. But don't say that I didn't warn you.