Why is cardboard used in works of art?
In the world of hyper-linked visual media, high-tech and digitized technology, it has been observed that a small number of artists are beginning to take an interest in old, offline and not-so-precious metals and papers, whether that is pottery that soils by hand or suddenly. interest in using cardboard.
Artists have begun using cardboard to create aesthetic, conceptual, vibrant and quirky works of painting, sculpture, and environmental intervention.
The reasons for the use of stiff brown paper in the realization of precious works of art are as diverse as the works themselves. Since it does not have a specific format that states that it should be used in a particular way, artists find versatile ways to express themselves.
The important element of the cardboard is its contemporary modernity. Cardboard art is rising, albeit slowly, in society due to its economic and environmental advantages.
A prominent feature of cardboard is its recyclability if it is not coated with wax or any chemical. This ability to recycle provides several opportunities to reuse cardboard over and over again.
It is used in different forms and states according to the designer’s need. Old crumpled cardboard found on the streets is most often preferred. While some are out of sight to use in their work.
Different ways to use cardboard creatively
• Homemade toys for babies and toddlers
• Cardboard flowers
• Collage of cardboard shapes
• Stationary support
• DIY cardboard hexagonal floating shelves
• Jeweler
• Photo frames
• Makeup box
• Abstract designs
• Hanging art
• Diary of a cereal box
You can use your creativity and create whatever you want; there is no hard and fast rule to just do the crafts mentioned above.
Working with cardboard
Here are some ways that you can use to master your cardboard craft skills.
1. Cut a cardboard
The first and foremost thing to pay more attention to is knowing what kind of tool to use to cut the cardboard in the best possible way.
People often choose to use a pair of scissors, well that’s where it all goes wrong, using scissors is certainly not the best way and you end up with a not so clean cut. X-Acto knives are the best in this field and can be used to cut detailed designs in a clean and proper way.
For thicker cartons, using a hacksaw is a good option as it works very effectively and is a quick way to cut. Laser cutters are used when it comes to complex designs because they work well, but they don’t end up burning them in the process.
2. How to get rid of frayed edges
When cutting cardboard, you often have to deal with frayed edges, rough edges caused by the saw or scissors.
There is a simple and easy trick that can be used to handle these rough edges and that is to use sandpaper. Sandpaper can be used to smooth out rough edges and can give your craft a professional look.
3. Paint the cardboard the right way
Plain old brown looking corrugated paper is not very attractive; paint it to show your creative, aesthetic and artistic abilities. But people often find it difficult to paint and end up with not-so-attractive smudged paint spots. But there are ways to fix this problem.
The best way is to paint it with a base color and then paint it because doing so will make the colors appear and give it a neat look. Using white or beige as a base color is a good option to make the paint look vibrant and standout. Then comes another problem, that is, whether to use a matte or glossy color.
Well that’s not a big deal, you can choose whatever texture you like, but if you want to be sure, mix the matte and glitter and go for it. It will give a subtle look to the project. Do not use the same brush for different purposes; do not make the mistake of painting the small designs with a wide brush, the one used for basic painting.
4. How to use a glue
Glue often comes in different textures for different purposes. We have hot glue, glue stick and Elmer glue on the market.
It is a common notion among people that almost any glue can be used to glue things, but people also always end up destroying their craft because of their blind faith in that notion.
Hot glue can be used almost everywhere with effective results. Works best when two corrugated papers are to be joined. A good bond can also be achieved with the help of hot glue.
Whereas, on the other hand, when it comes to small joints, Elmer’s glue is a good choice. When it comes to gluing on icing paper, wax paper, and aluminum foil, using a glue stick can help. But don’t use it to glue together two thick cardboard because then you will end up with a craft that has all its parts scattered all over the place and you probably don’t want that to happen.