Cardboard Takeover

Even though it's not Earth day anymore we can still do our parts in preserving Mother Nature. Recycling is more than just paper, plastics, cans and bottles. Cardboard is a great resource for creating anything you could think of from toys to furniture. It's versatile in that they come in many sizes. I've made really simple things out of cardboard such as books and wallets but I haven't yet figure how to go beyond this. For me, cardboard can only go so far. But the things one can create with just simple cardboard is just astonishing.
  
Cardboard houses are a staple in building a kid's creativity. I didn't have the luxury of owning one of these as a kid but I used my creativity and had multiple boxes which I pretended were houses. But these houses are more accessible today than ever. You can either make them yourselves with all the DIY tutorials out there or you can purchase them from companies such as Chasing Fireflies. These can shape one's creativity. They're meant to be drawn on and decorated, played in and around. It's versatile in purpose and well worth it's effort.

photo via Chasing Fireflies

Chris Gilmour is an artist who specializes in creating life-sized objects out of nothing more than cardboard and glue. This cardboard car took around two years to create and as you can see the details on it are amazing. Who knew cardboard could bend and mold into smooth curves and rounded circles?

photo via Chris Gilmour

Using cardboard for furniture is a clever idea. They are unique and just beautiful to look at. But first thing to think about is that cardboard is pretty fragile and won't hold heavy weights. Making cardboard chairs takes a lot of planning and mapping out. Creating a strong grid and structure is key in getting a usable chair. Glue doesn't hurt either.

photo via Jarvi & Ruoho

If you thought cardboard chairs were out there, check out this office made entirely out of cardboard. It was created by Dutch designer Joost van Bleiswijk and Design Director Alrik Koudenburg for an advertising agency. The best part is that is "no glue, no screw." This means it's quite sturdy. As you can see, this is a fully functioning office, with props and everything. The patio-styled deck has to be my favorite. I really need one of these to brighten my mornings and get me through the day.

photo via Inhabitat

Hands down robots have to be one of the coolest machines out there. Breaking them down and creating them out of cardboard is even cooler. They now defy their existence and become nothing more than just a visual stimulant. This cardboard robot was created by Calafant for your personal gain, it was made so you could build yourself a new friend. Can you feel the love?

photo via For Loveand Glory

Ikea even got on board and had AUGE Headquarter create their annual sale marketing campaign. Ikea is known for having furniture that literally fit into boxes making them easily accessible to customers. The idea of "you can get more" is cleaver in this way. Instead of showing an actual bed, this is a more creative way to represent the bed and still keep the brand integrity.

photo via Psfk

I'm a big fan of cameras so I saved the best for last. I love the idea of pinhole cameras and how they can easily be made out of virtually anything. The fact that this cardboard pinhole Hasselblad created by Kelly Good actually looks and function like a real camera is a major plus.

photo via Acriacao

All in all, save your cardboard scraps for something more useful, fun and creative. It doesn't have to be something seen as only a box. Be open minded and rethink the ordinary cardboard. They are the perfect resource for creating and expanding your sense of creativity!