Cardboard Greenhouse

Hello, my name is Marissa Molina, and for my submission to the Paper and Cardboard Contest, I created a unique cardboard greenhouse. Using a laser engraver, I cut out the pieces I designed and assembled them to form the structure. Inside the greenhouse, I have filled the space with different types of plants and flowers. Most of the plants and leaves in the pots are made out of paper.

1. AutoCAD
2. LightBurn
3. Laser Engraver
4. Cardboard pieces
5. Plastic sheet
6. Glue gun
7. Acrylic paint

I designed the exterior walls, roof, and furniture in AutoCAD, while adding extra details to the walls. I did this so that when I cut it out later it would still look interesting with the fake glass. I had to ensure the floor and roof dimensions were perfect, so they would fit with the rest of the walls. For the counter to hold the plants, I had to add all of the little pieces so I could make the interior items be 3D inside of the greenhouse.

After designing the objects I wanted to turn into physical items, I imported them into a software called LightBurn. This software helps me print my design onto the cardboard. Before printing, I select which lines will be cut and which ones will be engraved. The red lines represent what the laser engraver will cut. This shows how I want all the windows open to place the fake glass in later.

Once all the cardboard walls were cut, it was time to assemble them. I painted the counter brown and everything else white. After that, I added cut out sheets of plastic behind the walls and roof to make it look like glass for the greenhouse. I used a hot glue gun to attach the floor and all four walls together.