Introduction: How to Make a Slotted Cardboard Lobster Costume
This instructable is based on a technology project, where students had to research cardboard and flat pack construction. First, students in each class were split into groups of five, and picked themes for their costumes. Students then had to create a step-by-step procedure on how to make a marine-themed costume. This lobster costume is from the crustaceans group.
Design Brief: I will create a flat pack construction lobster costume made completely out of cardboard.
Specifications:
1. Must come apart and unfold
2. Easy to assemble
3. Easy and comfortable to wear
4. Fit the body of the average middle-schooler
5. Able to be worn on stage
Limits:
1. Made out of cardboard
2. Use slotted construction
3. May not use adhesives or fasteners like tape or glue
Materials:
ITEM MATERIAL DESCRIPTION QTY SIZE PART NAME
S1 LARGE CARDBOARD SHEET 1 6' x 1.5' BODY
S2 MEDIUM CARDBOARD SHEET 2 3' x 1' MAIN HEADPIECE
S3 SMALL CARDBOARD SHEET 4 1.2' x 1.2' MINOR HEADPIECE, HANDS
Tools and Equipment:
ITEM TOOL USE
T1 CUTTING MAT USE UNDER UTILITY KNIFE TO PREVENT SCRATCHING
T2 UTILITY KNIFE CUT CARDBOARD WITH PRECISION
T3 RULER MEASURE CARDBOARD
T4 PENCIL MARK WHERE TO CUT AND FOLD
T5 CIRCLE TEMPLATE TRACE HEAD HOLE FOR BODY PIECE
Parts:
ITEM QTY PART NAME
P1 2 SMALL HEADPIECE PARTS
P2 1 MAIN HEADPIECE PART
P3 1 BODY PIECE
P4 2 CLAWS
P5 2 CLAW STRAPS
P6 1 TAIL
P7 4 LEGS
Design Brief: I will create a flat pack construction lobster costume made completely out of cardboard.
Specifications:
1. Must come apart and unfold
2. Easy to assemble
3. Easy and comfortable to wear
4. Fit the body of the average middle-schooler
5. Able to be worn on stage
Limits:
1. Made out of cardboard
2. Use slotted construction
3. May not use adhesives or fasteners like tape or glue
Materials:
ITEM MATERIAL DESCRIPTION QTY SIZE PART NAME
S1 LARGE CARDBOARD SHEET 1 6' x 1.5' BODY
S2 MEDIUM CARDBOARD SHEET 2 3' x 1' MAIN HEADPIECE
S3 SMALL CARDBOARD SHEET 4 1.2' x 1.2' MINOR HEADPIECE, HANDS
Tools and Equipment:
ITEM TOOL USE
T1 CUTTING MAT USE UNDER UTILITY KNIFE TO PREVENT SCRATCHING
T2 UTILITY KNIFE CUT CARDBOARD WITH PRECISION
T3 RULER MEASURE CARDBOARD
T4 PENCIL MARK WHERE TO CUT AND FOLD
T5 CIRCLE TEMPLATE TRACE HEAD HOLE FOR BODY PIECE
Parts:
ITEM QTY PART NAME
P1 2 SMALL HEADPIECE PARTS
P2 1 MAIN HEADPIECE PART
P3 1 BODY PIECE
P4 2 CLAWS
P5 2 CLAW STRAPS
P6 1 TAIL
P7 4 LEGS
Step 1: MAKING PART 1: SMALL HEADPIECE PARTS
1. Use the small cardboard sheet (S3)
2. Trace a 12" x 12" square with a pencil (T4) in the center of the sheet
3. Cut 1" x 1" slots in the middle on three of the sides with a utility knife (T2) (also use a cutting mat (T1) to protect the table)
4. Cut the extra cardboard off the sides
5. Final measurements should be 12" x 12" with 1" x 1" slots on three sides
6. Repeat steps 1-5 for the other small headpiece part
2. Trace a 12" x 12" square with a pencil (T4) in the center of the sheet
3. Cut 1" x 1" slots in the middle on three of the sides with a utility knife (T2) (also use a cutting mat (T1) to protect the table)
4. Cut the extra cardboard off the sides
5. Final measurements should be 12" x 12" with 1" x 1" slots on three sides
6. Repeat steps 1-5 for the other small headpiece part
Step 2: MAKING PART P2: MAIN HEADPIECE PART
1. Use the medium cardboard sheet (S2)
2. Fold in thirds to make 1' x 1' pieces
3. On each side except top and bottom, use the cutting mat (T1) and utility knife (T2) to cut 1" x 1" slots INTO the cardboard
4. Cut a hole on one of the END sides so that there is only 1" left of cardboard on each side.
2. Fold in thirds to make 1' x 1' pieces
3. On each side except top and bottom, use the cutting mat (T1) and utility knife (T2) to cut 1" x 1" slots INTO the cardboard
4. Cut a hole on one of the END sides so that there is only 1" left of cardboard on each side.
Step 3: MAKING PART P3: BODY PIECE
Step 4: MAKING PART P4: CLAWS
1. Use the small cardboard sheet (S3)
2. Use a ruler (T3) and a pencil (T4) to measure and mark 6"
3. Draw a claw shape and cut with a cutting mat (T1) and a utility knife (T2)
4. Make a 1" slot 1/2" in and 1" above the bottom of the claw
2. Use a ruler (T3) and a pencil (T4) to measure and mark 6"
3. Draw a claw shape and cut with a cutting mat (T1) and a utility knife (T2)
4. Make a 1" slot 1/2" in and 1" above the bottom of the claw
Step 5: MAKING PART P5: CLAW STRAPS
1. Use scrap cardboard from the body piece (S3)
2. Use a cutting mat (T1) and a utility knife (T2) to cut an 8" x 1" strip
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2
2. Use a cutting mat (T1) and a utility knife (T2) to cut an 8" x 1" strip
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2
Step 6: MAKING PART P6: TAIL
1. Use (S2)
2. Use a circle template (T5) to make large, medium, and small sized overlapping ovals
3. Trace with a pencil (T4)
4. At the end of the small oval, add a rounded trapezoid to finish the tail shape
5. Add a 1' x 1" slot in the back of the large oval
2. Use a circle template (T5) to make large, medium, and small sized overlapping ovals
3. Trace with a pencil (T4)
4. At the end of the small oval, add a rounded trapezoid to finish the tail shape
5. Add a 1' x 1" slot in the back of the large oval
Step 7: MAKING PART P7: LEGS
1. Use use a cutting mat (P1) and a utility knife (T2) to cut out a leg shape
2. Add a 1" slot to the end to attach to the body
2. Add a 1" slot to the end to attach to the body
Step 8: ASSEMBLING THE HEADPIECE
1. Place small headpiece parts (P1) slots into main headpiece part (P2)
2. Repeat on other side
2. Repeat on other side
Step 9: ASSEMBLING THE BODY
1. Slide the tail (P6) into the back slot of the body piece (P3)
2. Slide the slots on the legs (P7) into the four slots on the front of the body (P3)
2. Slide the slots on the legs (P7) into the four slots on the front of the body (P3)
Step 10: ASSEMBLING THE CLAWS
1. Insert the ends of the claw straps (P5) into the slots of the claws (P4)
2. Pull straps (P5) out to adjust to hands
2. Pull straps (P5) out to adjust to hands