by @MarionTaslé
Completion time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Download and print the vase templates at full size by clicking the link above.
Transfer these shapes onto the Airplac Black, White, and CORE boards.
To transfer the templates:
use tracing paper or cut out the printed shapes to use them as patterns.
Aligning the templates with the corners of each sheet helps save material.
Cut out all the elements using a precision cutter, a metal ruler, and the cutting mat. Make sure to cut the thicknesses perfectly perpendicular to the board.
For straight lines, use the metal ruler.
For curved shapes, follow the line freehand, carefully, and keep the blade perpendicular to the cutting surface at all times.
For curved shapes, insert the cutter blade into the foam board and rotate the board itself around the blade, following the traced curve.
This gives you better control and results in a cleaner, smoother cut.
Once all the pieces are cut, you can finish them by running the flat of your fingernail along the foam-board edges to smooth and clean the cuts.
Position arch C behind face A, centering the two arches. Trace the outline of shape C onto shape A. Using a brush and white glue, coat the back of staircase A inside the traced outline.
Glue the front of arch C onto the back of A, making sure the arches are perfectly aligned.
Create notches on all the short sides of the 9 steps B and risers B’, and on one long side of the 4 steps B, so you can build clean, sharp right angles throughout the entire staircase:
On the back of shapes B and B’, draw a line 5 mm from the edge along each short side.
Using the ruler as a guide, run the cutter along this line, cutting through the top layer of cardboard and the foam, but leaving the bottom layer of cardboard intact.
Gently slide the cutter blade horizontally to remove the top cardboard layer and the foam, leaving only the front cardboard layer of shapes B and B’.
Repeat the same process on one of the long sides of shapes B, on the back side.
In the same way, create notches along the long sides of shape D.
Apply TAC adhesive to the back edge of staircase A.
Glue this edge along the groove of shape D, ensuring it is perfectly perpendicular and that the sides are properly aligned.
In the same way, apply adhesive to the back edge of staircase A’ and glue it along the other groove of shape D.
Using the TAC sheet, apply adhesive to the edges of the first riser on staircases A and A’.
Glue the first riser B’ at the bottom of the staircase, positioning it between shapes A and A’.
Using the TAC sheet, apply adhesive to the edges of the first step on staircases A and A’, as well as to the edges of riser B’.
Glue a step B onto the riser, positioning it between shapes A and A’.
Continue in the same way, gluing all remaining risers and steps to complete the staircase.
Apply TAC adhesive to the long-edge sides of shapes G and G’.
Assemble shapes F, F’, and G, G’ to form the inner tower of the vase.
Apply adhesive to the four edges of shape H and glue it to the bottom of the tower to form the base of the vase.
Slide the inner tower of the vase into the staircase.
As in steps 4 and 15, create 5 mm notches all around the back side of shape E.
Apply TAC adhesive to the top edge of the vase.
Place and glue shape E onto the top of the vase.
Place a bouquet of dried flowers in the staircase.
Did you enjoy this project? Explore all our tutorials!
