A 3-D Gorilla From Cardboard

The gorilla from the glue bottle looked like a good candidate to be a three dimensional mask to mount on a sign for the wall.

Step 1: First, Make a Sketch

I used the picture on the bottle to draw a life-sized version of the gorilla. I just grabbed a piece of orange paper because it was there.

Step 2: Next I Copied the Sketch 4 Times

I wanted to make a four layer gorilla, so made the copies and cut them out.

Step 3: Use Previous Cutouts for the Templates

Cutting around the levels so that there are four pieces, these are used to trace outlines on cardboard.

Step 4: Glue Layers Together, Then Paint

Glue pieces together as shown. A minimal drying time is needed, so that painting can be done almost immediately. I used acrylic craft paint to paint the various structures as shown.

Step 5: Make the Eyes

Note how the eyes are made of three separate pieces of paper. The largest is white, which is then painted with yellow around the periphery. The iris is cut from black paper, and then a highlight is added by cutting them out of white paper as well. All pieces are glued together, and then added into the "eye socket".

Step 6: Make Letters From Cardboard

For the lettering, I use cardboard from the same stock. First, the letters are printed out on the computer in the font and size selected. These letters, which are printed on heavy cardstock, are then cut out and used as patterns to trace onto the cardboard.

Step 7: Cut Letters Out on the Bandsaw.

The letters are traced onto cardboard using a regular pencil. I think the letters could be cut out with scissors, but it would be very arduous.

Step 8: Paint Lettering and All Features As Shown.

Notice how the orange is added to the border circle. This sets off the black painted small letters. Green is added to the background and any places missed are touched up at this point. Will you dare to be creative?