From the Ridiculous to the Sublime: Beautiful Recycled Cardboard Decorations
Image source: Blog.craftzine.com
We think of cardboard as a disposable means to an end. It’s the stuff we use to ship and store the stuff we buy. It’s the packaging for all manner of items—from cereal to pots and pans—and we throw it in the recycling without second thought. But cardboard is an extremely versatile material. It’s stiff, so it’s great for sculptural projects, and it’s durable so it works well as a stand for food or drinks. It doesn’t have to be dull brown either—cardboard comes in myriad colors so it can match any color palette. Cut out shapes or letters and paint them for signs, or if you’re not the DIY type, consider purchasing a recycled cardboard sculpture online.
Wreaths
Image source: Etsy.com, seller CardboardSafari
This recycled cardboard wreath has stunning delicate detail. It’s three-dimensional and dynamic. In the right light it will cast beautiful shadows on the surface beneath. Wreaths are symbolic of the harvest, bounty, rebirth, and health. This would look lovely on the door leading to your ceremony or reception, on the wall behind your food table, or as a decorative accent on the front of your sweetheart table. This seller offers many other striking three-dimensional recycled cardboard creations—from rocket ships to trophy bison heads—that will suit a wide variety of eco-friendly themes.
Image source: Etsy.com, seller, CardboardSafari
Letters and Words
Image source: Etsy.com, seller Aineff
This distressed cardboard letter is bold and beautifully cut. Cardboard is strong but it’s also easy to cut and manipulate. If you’re creating cardboard letters at home, use a stencil and draw your letter directly on the cardboard. The paint will cover any lines. You can string cardboard letters up to create large-scale banner signs, tape them to trees, or prop them up on tables. If you fashion a little three-sided backing, you can create freestanding cardboard letters. Cardboard is so much less cumbersome than wood or metal, and it’s easy to recycle it after the wedding.
Cake and Pastry Stands
Image source: Etsy.com, seller Mishbetset
This pastry stand is darling, portable, and easy to assemble. It’s conveniently disposable, perfect for a picnic wedding where you don’t want to carry around lots of heavy platters. Simply fit the pre-cut legs into the grooves of the platform and voila! This stand would also work well for small pies, cupcakes, candy, appetizers, or shot glasses.
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by Anni M.
