How to Make a Cardboard Sphere

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Things You'll Need

  • 4 long strips of thin cardboard

  • Scissors

  • Protractor

  • Ruler

  • Stapler

  • Needle and thread

Cardboard spheres are versatile crafts. Once you set up a secure framework for the sphere, you can cover it with a variety of flexible materials, such as cloth or paper mache, to create balls, ornaments, unique boxes or a globe. The frame for the sphere can be compared to a globe: poles at the top and an equator running around the diameter. Cardboard is an ideal medium because it provides enough flexibility to shape your desired object. Staples provide more security than tape to accurately hold the position of the strips.

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Step 1

Cut three strips of cardboard to equal length. Position one strip horizontally and align the other two strips at 60 degrees so it looks like a six-pointed star (use your protractor for accurate measurements).

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Step 2

Check that the center of each strip intersects. Staple the center where all three overlap to secure the star (one staple should secure the cardboard in place).

Step 3

Connect the ends of the cardboard strips together and allow about a 1/2-inch overlap. Use your protractor to make sure each strip is aligned 60 degrees from each other. Secure the center with one or two staples.

Step 4

Poke your threaded needle through the center of the overlapped cardboard (from the outside). Poke the threaded needle through the other side of your sphere to connect both poles (poke the other pole from the inside). Push the poles together to determine the shape of your sphere (for example, push the poles closer together for a shorter, wider sphere or keep the poles farther apart for a more elongated sphere).

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Step 5

Securely tie and knot the string to retain your desired shape. Cut the thread and set the threaded needle aside.

Step 6

Position the remaining cardboard strip around the equator of the sphere. Staple the cardboard strip to each of the previously secured strips (use one staple per strip). You can make further adjustments to the shape of your sphere by spreading out the strips because the equatorial strip serves as a frame.

Tip

When your sphere frame is complete, you can cover it with cloth or paper mache for a ball or globe.

Thread bells in the center of your sphere for ornaments.

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