Since I already had a mockup of the box, I decided to do a mockup of the slide.
Using a craft knife I cut a rising sun pattern.
It is definitely not perfect, but it gets the general idea across. The thinner wood (1/16″) is definitely easier to cut through, but unfortunately that threatens structural integrity a bit. It is also difficult to cut straight, but I think that can be improved with practice.
However, I am looking into using the laser cutter (I’ll show you guys my W.I.P.s down below).
I also added the color cellophane.
I think it’s a good start!
I still need to play around with what colors I have, I might try to look around to find more colors or combine the colors I have to make new ones (the orange I have in this is actually yellow and red together). I also need to find a better way to attach the cellophane. I used tape because that is all I had on hand, but it’s hard to not make it visible. I am going to try glue next time.
I am going to work hard to perfect it.
Slides Concept
For my slides, I decided to move forward with a four seasons theme for now. If it goes well and I have time, I hope to make another set of some other theme. I am planning to use the laser cutter, so hopefully that will give me the time.
I have not made a file yet, but these are my sketches.
Tree 😀
Additional Update
While playing around with the lighting, I discovered that the projection only really works if the light is focused and on the smaller side. I tried using a larger, squarish light and the projection was just totally lost. Just straight light.
Therefore, my current plan for the lighting is to drill a 1 cm (diameter) hole in the center of the back panel and attack a light on the back. I have no reason to think this won’t work, but I will know for sure after this weekend.
Shopping List
- birch plywood (1/2″,1/4″,1/8″) – already owned, scrap wood
- wood glue – already owned
- wood stain – already owned
- acrylic paint – already owned
- birch plywood 1/4″ – not purchased yet (I need to decide on dimensions)
- 12 balsa wood sheets 6×6 – purchased
- cellophane 6×6 sheets, multicolored – purchased
- might order more
- glue – not purchased yet
- COB rechargeable keychain light – already owned
- wall hook (to hang the keychain light) – already owned
Tools
- wood saw
- craft knife
- scissors
- laser cutter
- drill
I love the theme you’re going with. My only question would be how are you going to differentiate spring & fall? They seem to use the same drawing, which could be totally fine if you have ways to make them unique from each other.
I really love this idea and can’t wait to see the final result. The laser cutter really is going to be your best friend, just be prepared to possibly need to recut some things and always push the wood a little bit. Anytime I’ve used either of the lasers on campus the farther the laser gets from the top left corner, the weaker it cuts, and it has left me with some pieces not fully cut. If you have space for a test cut (preferably on the bottom right corner) I’d definitely try that before choosing your percentages and passes for the whole piece. Good luck!
That art is awesome! I think if you are struggling with creating the “perfect colors”, that frosted acrylic would be a much better medium that would give you a lot more freedom with color variants; you could also do what Macayle did with using a highlighter over acrylic.