Carrier Project
CARDBOARD BOXES
For the assignment of creating 6" boxes out of corrugated cardboard, I first started out by cutting out 3 squares that were 6" as the intial pieces. One of the ways I initially thought of attaching the squares was through cutting indents and matching them together in a tapered zig-zag like pattern. however, I realized that this did not work as well as I hoped and was not sturdy enough because the indents weren’t as deep to interlock properly. I decided to leave the somewhat stable connection and cover it with tape.
The two other ways I tried to create the corner of the cube was with solely glue, and then the other, neatly lining the edges with tape. I found that these types of methods using an adhesive was the cleasest way to make the model, but it required the additional resource. When considering making packaging, one of the factors is resource efficiency, so from this assignment I learned that I could still create the cube corner neatly using an adhesive, but it uses up a resource. Later on I’d maybe want to try making it in a way that is more successful without additional materials.
MACARON MODEL
The object I was given to purchase were macarons, French almond cookie pastries that are sandwiches with a filling. I decided to explore and try a high quality place called the Macaron Bar near Target, and while it was expensive, the taste of the macrons were incredible. The cashier actually took so much care in packaging them for me that when she tried to fit the last one and it slightly chipped, so she gave it to me for free because it “ruined” the shiny top. I then realized that you pay not only for the packaging, but the service, the presentation, and the brand name. These cookies are very fragile because of their smooth tops, but also because of the chewyness of the cookie when you bite into it.
When I started making my cardboard model, I simplified the process into the basic shapes I saw in the cookie which was obviously the circle. I used a knife to cut out several 2" diameter circles, and noticed that I could press the centers and slightly bend or dome the piece. This could function as the top and bottom sandwiches. I also noticed the thickness of the cardboard had wavy fibers, and they reminded me of the “feet” or the crumbly edges that the macarons have towards the center, which is the signature mark of a successful baking process. I used an exacto knife to score this part to make it look more rough like the feet of the macarons.
Cutting the circles out was surprisingly difficult because rushing would lead to straight lines or miss-cuts. But after I finished the pieces for the top and the middles, I took the two that I slightly domed, and used masking tape to resemble the color of the coconut macarons, and I worked in a spiralling process to tape the circles. To add the garnish of the toasted coconut, I twisted little scarps of cardboard and masking tape and glued them to the tops. The last image to the right is the cardboard macaron in comparson to the actual one which I ate as a treat afterwords :)
CARRIER TRIALS
In order to start making the carriers for my macarons, I first decided to try and remake my macarons through a different method. I learnt from my peers that the cardboard could be ripped and split into paper that was thinner and easier to work with. I used this technique when cutting out circles that I could pinch and glue together as the macaron sandwich tops.
My first idea for the macaron carrier was to make a pop-open rectagular compartnment that was made out of folds. I used a pencil to map out a template onto the cardboard, then I used a knife blade to cut it out. Using a bone folder, I gently creased the lines remaining on the inside, and folded them so the sides became flexible.
Next, I used a hot glue gun and glued the folded sides together into a prism shape, and I tucked the top flap inside so the box sealed . This was an efficient but simple carrier method for the macarons, and it was able to be opened and closed.
I decided to try and make a second style of carrier, and this time I chose to do a traditional gift box style that had slots for the macarons to rest. I used a similar method by creating a square foldable prism template, and then I cut out a flat square and cut smaller rectangles. I inserted this layer by sliding it to fit in the base of the box. This method worked, however, I found that the rectangles may have been a little too big for the macaron shape I created. Either the macarons could be larger, or the slots smaller.
Lastly, I used the leftover scrap cardboard pieces from the second carrier attempt, and tried to build a mini structure fit for one or two macarons only. I used improvisation and experimentation in this trial, and tried to build with what I had to minimize waste. I eventuallly constructed a mini basket-like shape and hot glued a handle. This carrier turned out dainty, and it held the macarons, but in reality for a longer amount of time it would not protect the macarons as well as a sealed case would.
MORE EXPERIMENTATION
In attempt to continue the process of trial and error, i decided to think of new ways I could create a carrier but without any adhesives. This was particularly challenging because I had ideas that potentially seemed to work, but it ended up pushing the limits of the cardboard. Because the cardboard is sturdy yet only at certain times with force it csn be bendable, it made it difficult to turn ideas into functioning ones because my ideas are more fit for thinner paper models.
I learnt this lesson through trying to create a pop-open box like structure, and also something similar to a treasure chest.
The process for trying to make this version of the carrier was that I first made a paper model, then tried it with cardboard and it seemed to work on a small scale. I multiplied the size of the template so that more macarons could fit. While this could have worked, it was hard to create the closure and have the box sit tightly sealed without having to tie it at the top in a bow. I also realized that placing the macarons in a sidewatys way in slits makes it more prone to damage.
CLASS DISCUSSIONS
From class discussion, peer critiques, and smaller breakout sessions I learnt that this was not the most successful carrier because people said the heart shaped closure tab seemed almost too romantic or cliche. Other feedback I recieved were that the size was comfortable enough for the macarons but it was difficult to open, because of the string tie. The penalty for misuse was also high mainly because the tray structure was not secure in the container. While keeping this in mind, I still decided to play around a little more with creating tabs, notches, and foldover flaps to make another tray like structure to fit better.
From these experimentations I learnt alot about the carboard and its limitations. Sometimes my sketches seemed do-able but only after I tried out an idea did it fail, or break or become problematic to construct.
What I think was successful in this project was that I learnt abilities to improvize and still create an idea from a model that didn’t quite function properly. Though I stuggled with working around and modifying my design from something that didn’t work, I think it taught me that I need to continue to keep trying in order for an idea to work.
With the last model for my carrier, I changed the resting method for my macarons and chose to place them on their faces instead of sides so the don’t get as crushed as being in slots or trays. I created circle cutouts and these serves as indents for the macarons to rest it, and I found that it worked better than previous models. At first i thought making two laters of cardboard would work, but I chose to make it one stencil later or circle cutouts so the bottoms are even. I used improvisation to create a latch covering.
To turn a not working model around, I changed the format and tried to resemble a painters pallete because the macarons resembled dots of paint to me. I took this idea and used it to create the placement of the thumb rest. For more decorative purposes and to resemble the “feet” or the curving edges of the macaron middles, I created a scalloped side.
TAKAWAYS
From this project I want to takeaway and learn from it that I need to develop a bettr practice of sketching ideas and experimenting more. I feel that the reason it was diffucult to come up with a working idea was that I needed to spend longer time in the experimentation stage. I could improve upon craft for sure but that is more of a personal skill I need to develop because I’ve had no prior cutting experience like this. While not completely a fail, I personally feel there are areas that need improvment, but I really enjoyed the process and challenge of trying to do something in attmept to fix something that was not a success becuase I learned thinking skills through it. This helped me learn the harder way, and I believe it will be beneficial lessons I can hopefully apply in the next project to do better.
