Sculpture Garden Landscaping Model

How to make a sculpture garden architecture model! This project is split into two parts. The base that represents the landscaping of the are, and the sculptures themselves.

1. Corgaited cardboard (one large box should do)
2. Box cutter/ scissors
3. Pen/marker
4. pencil
5. paper/cardstock
6. exacting knife
7. hot glue gun or other chosen adhesive

The first step to any successful project: planning!! I knew that I wanted to contrast organic shapes in the landscape with harsh geometric shapes of the folded sculptures, so I made sure to emphasize this in my drawing. I also wanted to have a defined walking path so I added that. TIP: drawing what you want in 3d and then going back and drawing a “sky view” will help with paneling later

1. Using the top view sketch, draw out a full sized version onto a cardboard panel of your chosen size
2. This does not have to be perfect (you can see where I messed up) because this will only be used for size reference when cutting out layers later.

1. Using your “map” cut out each shape and stack them on top of each other. Tip: cut out about the size you want as a rectangle, and then round it off from there.
2. Cut out a cardboard panel the same size as your “map” to stack everything on top of so that no sketch lines show through.

1. Stack and hot-glue/other adhesive all rounded pieces together to create hills and contours. I found it the most helpful to start from the top piece and work my way down to the base. Keep in mind that hot glue dries instantly so if using another adhesive, you may have to wait/be cautious between steps.
2. Once this is done, use an Exacto knife to cut away and clean up any torn edges or glue strands.

1. Draw out where you want the path to be on the model
2. Using an exacto knife, carefully cut the desired path into the first layer of the cardboard and peal up the layer. This works best if you go in small sections

1. This was the most challenging (and most fun!) step for me.
2. Starting with pieces of paper, fold them into any basic origami shape you may know. The start of a paper plane, crane, flower, etc. and keep folding until you have a form you are happy with
3. Using an exacto knife, cut shapes out of the folded structures. You may have to cut through 2-4 layers of paper, so go slowly to avoid slipping.
4. My overall goal with these structures where to make the silhouettes as unique as possible, and make each shadow that they cast (as seen in the photo above) distinct and original

1. After finishing sculptures, place them around the walking path where it would be likely for a person to go up and look at if this were a functional garden.
2. Don’t be afraid to build supports, cut into the model, and play with competition here!