3D Dog Artwork With Cardboard Upcycled Frame

I like the idea of creating low-cost artwork that combines upcycling and technology using supplies that I have lying around.

My inspiration for this project was some packaging from a recent purchase that looked like it could be used to frame an art project. Combine this with a 3D printer and some bright colours and it’s easy to create some fun artwork for your wall.

This project is easily customisable to use any image/paint/frame/technology that you have available.

Technology requirements:

-         3D printing technology

Note: this project assumes that you are familiar with slicing and printing an .stl file.

-         3D printer (Ender 3)

-         3D printer slicer (PrusaSlicer)

-         Filament (PolyAlchemy FX PLA filament 1.75mm, Sandstone)

-         Computer with access to the internet

-         .svg image of a line drawing – either sourced online (be aware of licencing of any image you use) or draw one yourself. In this project, I am using a line drawing of a dog I created in Inkscape based on a creative commons licenced image. Other ideas for artwork: silhouettes, low poly line images etc

-         Tinkercad (https://www.tinkercad.com/) – this is online 3D modelling software. You need to sign up for a free account.

Other supplies:

-         Frame – I am upcycling the packaging from a recent purchase, but any frame will work just remove the glass and backing board

-         3mm cardboard, sized to fit in the frame – I used an old cardboard box

-         Ruler

-         Cutting instruments e.g. scissors or box cutter and cutting mat

-         Water based acrylic paint – 2 similar shades of the same colour - turquoise

-         Paint brush

-         Super glue

Open Tinkercad at https://www.tinkercad.com/ and sign up for a free account if you don’t already have one.

Follow these 4 steps (see image):

1.      Import .stl image of line drawing into Tinkercad

2.      Resize image by dragging corner to ensure that the printed image will fit inside your frame. The visible area of my frame is 150mm square, so I sized my image to 140mm tall

Tip: hold shift while dragging to keep aspect ratio

3.      Change the depth of the 3D object to 2mm

4.      Export as .stl file

1.      Import .stl file into your chosen slicer and slice image

Tip: to ensure a better finish, iron the top layer

2.      Print image

Note: My print took around 1 hour to complete - while waiting for this, you can move on to step 3 and prepare the background

3.      Remove printed image from printer bed

Tip: the finished print is quite delicate so remove with care

1.      Measure the frame and cut the cardboard to fit in frame

Tip: if using a recycled cardboard box, choose a clean piece with no creases in it

2.      Paint cardboard

I used 2 shades of turquoise acrylic paint and squeezed drops on the cardboard. Then blended the paint in a criss-cross motion with the paintbrush.

3.      Allow paint to fully dry

Note: the cardboard my warp slightly as wet paint is applied. Generally, this flattens out as the paint dries. A slight warp is fine as fine. Alternatively, the fully dry painted cardboard can be placed under a heavy book over night to flatten it out.

Before gluing everything in place, I like to assemble the cardboard in the frame and play around with the positioning of the 3D printed image. For this image, I chose an off centre positioning.

1.      Glue 3D image onto cardboard using super glue

Tip: Apply small amounts of super glue to the underside of the 3D print, ensuring that you have spread the glue evenly

2.      Allow glue to dry

Tip: place a flat weight on top of the 3D print to ensure it adheres evenly to the background

3.      Fit cardboard into frame and glue in place

Tip: again you may want to apply weights to hold in place while the glue dries

Finished piece