This Artist Transforms Simple Cardboard Into Childhood Dreams With Ingenious Folding Techniques

"Glover, tapping into the universal dream of roaming the earth as one of these formidable creatures, has made it possible to step into the shoes, or rather, the wings of a pterodactyl."

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• April 7, 2024

Dinosaurs, those colossal creatures that once dominated our planet, hold a special place in both the hearts of children and the curious minds of adults. Their sheer size, diversity, and the mystery of their extinction have captivated humans for generations.

Among these ancient beasts, the pterodactyl, with its distinctive wings and reptilian features, stands out as a fascinating example of prehistoric life. Not technically a dinosaur, but a member of the pterosaurs group, the pterodactyl ruled the skies of the late Jurassic period, approximately 150.8 to 148.5 million years ago.

With wingspans ranging from as small as a paper airplane to as large as a fighter jet, these creatures were the masters of the Mesozoic skies.

Imagine, then, the delight of not just imagining these creatures but actually embodying one, thanks to the inventive mind of engineer Lisa Glover.

Glover, tapping into the universal dream of roaming the earth as one of these formidable creatures, has made it possible to step into the shoes, or rather, the wings of a pterodactyl. Her creation, a meticulously designed pterodactyl costume made from corrugated cardboard, is a testament to human creativity and our enduring fascination with dinosaurs.

This pterodactyl costume, while it might sport less-than-intimidating googly eyes, boasts an impressive wingspan that captures the essence of the ancient avian.

Constructed entirely from corrugated cardboard and cleverly held together with hot glue and rivets, this costume embodies the spirit of the Cretaceous period's skies.

The rivets are not merely for structure; they serve a functional purpose, allowing the wings to extend and retract.

With a wingspan that extends up to seven feet wide and folds down to four feet, this costume is a marvel of engineering and imagination.

The inception of this extraordinary project can be traced back to a homework assignment that Glover transformed into an opportunity to bring joy and wonder into the lives of others.

This initial project, a full-size velociraptor costume, not only delighted those who saw it but also sparked Glover's passion for creating accessible dinosaur experiences for all.

This led her to design and create not just the pterodactyl but a range of dinosaur costumes and models, all crafted from the humble medium of cardboard.

Glover's creations are not just about reliving childhood fantasies; they are a bridge connecting the past with the present, inviting us to explore the wonders of a world long gone.

Her work is available through various kits and models on her website, inviting enthusiasts to step back in time and experience the thrill of being a dinosaur, even if just in imagination and play.

For those who have ever dreamt of soaring through the Mesozoic skies or roaring like the mightiest of dinosaurs, Lisa Glover's cardboard costumes offer a unique opportunity.

They remind us that, despite the vast expanse of time separating us from these magnificent creatures, our fascination with them remains undiminished. Through Glover's creativity, the dream of experiencing the world as a dinosaur lives on, proving that our passion for these ancient beasts is as timeless as the creatures themselves.

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Sophia