| Pop-up Holiday Ornaments!
|
 |
| The response to last month's contest was so huge, with visitor's inquiring about Robert and Matthew's Pop-up Holiday ornaments, that we just had to bring you more details!
With the success of their Pop-up Holiday cards it seemed natural for the "pop-up boys" to create 3-dimensional paper ornaments.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| The challenge with creating pop-up ornaments is that the opened piece must remain open (unlike a pop-up card which is closed when it's finished) in order to hang on a tree. A honeycombed structure was designed in order to give the ornaments a full, 3-dimensional shape when fully opened.
|
The honeycombed structure is able to collapse completely flat in on itself making the ornament very small when closed. The various fold lines on the outside of the structure allow for other movable pieces to be attached, like legs for a reindeer.
|
After the main pieces are added to the body the details are refined. A roughly shaped neck and head are attached as well as basic antlers.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| More than 12 versions of the reindeer ornament were created in order to get just one where every single element worked! All the details are worked out including improving the antlers and adding just the right eyes.
|
The final reindeer ornament will have silver antlers and a red, translucent organza ribbon, perfect for hanging on the tree!
|
The same honeycombed structure was also used to create the dove ornament. Even though it may look only look like a box at this early stage the most important thing is that the ornament fully collapse and then fully expand to remain open.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| In order to soften the shape of the dove's body more paper and angles are added. A tail is defined and the head is developed.
|
Once a final working design is agreed upon the "cosmetic" work can be done. The wings are given a more feathery shape and the tail is increased in size.
|
A decision was made to add an olive leaf to the bird's beak as a symbol of peace. Even this simple addition will go through several stages. Should the leaf be green? If so, what color green? How about a vibrant, foil-stamped green? Yes!
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| The most challenging ornament to make by far was the snowflake! Instead of using the honeycomb structure this ornament opens like a wrap-around fan. One side is pull all the way over to the other side and the pop-up is revealed.
|
Each arm of the snowflake must be individually designed to make sure that it will fully open and not get caught on all the other arms which are opening at the same time!
|
Once fully opened, two small Velcro tabs hold the ornament open while it hangs on the tree. These ornaments will be available to you here at robertsabuda.com soon so make sure to check back next month!
|
