Fabrication · CAD · Material Studies

Fabrication + CAD

Three physical builds: a laser-cut and 3D-printed cloud lamp, a storage vessel with a drawer, and a bag sewn from repurposed denim.

2024 · Designer · Fabricator · UCLA

A laser-cut, cloud-shaped wall lamp mounted on a shelf edge, backlit blue with its power cable hanging down.

Cloud Lamp

Laser cut + 3D printed lamp exploring shadow and light.

I designed a cloud-shaped night-light with repeated cutouts that cast patterns across the wall. I also designed a 3D-printed sliding mount so the bulb holder could move up and down for easier access, along with four mounting holes for nails or pushpins.

Sketches

Pencil sketch of a cloud-shaped form in an isometric view, showing ribbed cutout details, in a spiral notebook.

Pencil sketch of a flat cloud outline with labeled construction details, a pushpin hanger and a slideable bulb holder with a slanted support, alongside a separate sketch of a bracket shape.

CAD + Lighting

3D CAD render of a wood-textured cloud-shaped shell on a neutral gray background, showing its internal structure and a light bulb socket.

3D CAD render of the same cloud-shaped shell in a dark material, lit from inside with light glowing through its cutouts.

Final Object

Photograph of the unlit, unmounted cloud lamp on a table, showing the raw MDF material and its internal shelf structure.

Photograph of the finished cloud lamp mounted on a wall and lit, casting light and shadow patterns through its cutouts.

Vessel

Laser-cut storage vessel with a drawer, divided compartments, and 3D-printed details.

I wanted the vessel to combine separate storage compartments with a drawer. While designing the lid, I developed it to function almost like a lock: the drawer can only be opened once the lid is lifted. I incorporated cherry blossoms throughout the piece, including the handle and top details, and adapted a koi fish motif to follow the curve of the lid.

3D CAD render of an open wooden box with a drawer and a floral decorative accent, on a neutral gray background.

Photograph of the finished wooden vessel closed, showing a laser-cut cherry-blossom medallion inlaid on the lid and a koi-fish motif engraved across the front corner panel, with small painted cherry-blossom details on the drawer front.

Photograph of the vessel with its lid lifted open, revealing divided compartments inside, with the drawer beneath also pulled open and empty.

Denim Bag

Machine- and hand-sewn bag made from repurposed denim and pleather.

I began by choosing the materials, knowing I wanted to work with either denim or leather. After finding a pair of jeans, I realized I could preserve the existing pockets and seams as part of the bag's design. I paired the denim exterior with a glossy blue pleather interior. Because both materials were difficult to machine-sew, I hand-sewed much of the lining, the connection between the materials, and the handles. I finished the bag by experimenting with our lab's embroidery machine to create the butterfly and celestial design.

Photograph of the tote bag's other side, showing the jeans' front-pocket panel with an embroidered butterfly design.

Photograph looking into the open tote bag, showing its dark lining and a zip pocket.