Cardboard Sculpting | How to Make a VASE!

Today I am going to take you through my technique for making a Vase from two different types of cardboard...

It took me 4 days to complete the project. I chose mine to be 19" tall, with a diameter of 10" It turned out to be surprisingly weighty, which is nice! because it feels substantial, getting us closer to our clay pot-dream!

While cardboard projects usually take on a flatter, straight, geometric shape, I wanted to see how to give cardboard a more organic, almost Pottery-Esq look, (and feel) to it.

It is also really interesting to place it in your living room, It lends itself VERY well to all kinds of personalization.

We will need the following:

1. ONE WALLED cardboard. (This is your standard box, that is used by packages, water cases, etc..)
2. TWO WALLED cardboard (double walled) Is found from furniture boxes, and in grocery stores) Thsi is essential for the outer layers of the vase texture.
3. Paper twine
4. Hot glue
5. PVA glue
6. Cutter
7. Ruler
8. Pencil
9. Pen
10. Cutting surface

That's pretty much it, but you may find some other tool to assist you later on.

This is the part where you set the basics for the entire build. I spent 30 minutes in Ink-scape getting the design REALLY how I wanted. There is ENDLESS possibility, with how many handles you want, lid styles, and shoulder-to-body ratios.

I went with a relativity simple design. (It's highlighted in green).

Cutting out a shape of the vase I kept it on hand as a reference for the rest of the build.

First I built the main structural foundation by cutting two large identical side-view profiles of the vase. I joined these two pieces together using a slot-and-tab design at the center to form a cross or 'X' shape. This establishes the overall form.

I then began adding the horizontal rings by cutting strips of cardboard and wrapping them around the circumference of the vertical profiles.

As the structure grew, I added more spars (vertical supports) and formers (horizontal rings) to enhance the framework. You don't want it to be too dense, so try to keep everything symmetrical while maintaining an airy frame.

Finally, I used longer strips of cardboard and applied them vertically along the contours of the vase. These strips follow the curves established by the formers to better define the shape and reinforce the structure.

I found that Hot glue proved to be invaluable for this work, as it is fast drying, and creates an unbreakably strong bond.

But for some parts, I used Aleens tacky glue (The best glue ever) and it also worked rather pleasigly...

By-hand, I tore the double walled cardboard into a small pile, deliberately exposing some courogations at times, and began glueing it over the frame, in an overlapped manner.

Try not to get repetitive, and don't be afraid to layer sometimes,

AFTER you have COMPLETELY covered the Vase, and it has dried and feels sturdy, fit your hand in the mouth and start pulling out the inner former's (This way you can actually fit stuff inside the Vase, lol.)

You do NOT have pull ALL of the formers out, Just the ones in the neck,

I made the handles using 2 layers of the THICK cardboard, I crushed the Corrugations, and glued two to each side of the pot.

I chose to make an Amphora styled vase, But if you so desire, you could give the pot a really interesting and unique vintage Jug style with 4 handles!

For the top I cut a straight strip of cardboard and as a means of finishing the top, I wrapped it around the rough edges of the Vase, then for the bottom I glued a circle of cardboard underneath.

NOTE: (So the bottom sits FLAT, be sure to double check, by squinting, etc, to check to see if the Vase sits straight.)

Make the lid, but doing a more simple version of the body. Be careful with applying the skin because you want it to be a decent cone! not all wonky. Its okay if you don't get it on the first try, the end is WORTH IT.

At the bottom I stacked some "stepped" rounds of cardboard to make a graded sort of bottom, it also helps keep the weight downwards, and helps it stay atop the jug :)

I used some paper twine, to carefully wrap around the lid on top, as well as tie a bow to the front of it, I think the bow ads a touch of interest, and something to lead the eyes.

Mine is currently holding some origami flowers in it.

Once you get a grip with the technique its endlessly fun to make different shapes, and designs!!! I actually made a second type myself, (See images)

Keep in mind that you can paint it if you want, or gloss coat it, or ANYTHING! so you can use this idea as a "Canvas" to build your very own...

(NOTE!!!, see "Jooste langeveld" for STUNNING origami flowers you can make!)

And thank you!

-Abdullah