Christmas cards with a difference

The 3D Christmas cards are infused with cinnamon and orange clove oil, and each unfold to reveal a message to their recipient.

A Cardiff University Architecture student is designing his own bespoke Christmas cards for friends and family this festive season.

Hugo McCloud, the son of Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud, crafts a series of cube-shaped cards that unfold to slowly reveal a message to each recipient.

The wooden 3D cards are imprinted with messages using laser-engraving technology, and are then infused with cinnamon and orange clove oil from Cardiff’s Christmas market.

Hugo has been making his own Christmas presents since an early age, partly due to financial reasons, but he cites his main motivation as being able to create something authentic.

The 25-year-old explains, “Last year I created a folding card that sprung forth a Christmas tree and message upon opening.” However this year he wanted to go one step further and create something truly magical.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRrfHwTwEU4[/youtube]

Christmas greetings with a twist

An Architecture student at Cardiff University is designing Christmas cards with a difference this festive season. The cube-shaped cards are made with infused wood, and unfold to reveal a different message on each side to the recipient.

Each of the bespoke 3D cards is made with incredible attention to detail, and created using one of six designs: Star, snowflake, snowman, heart, reindeer and candy canes.

The cards typically hold the message:

1) Dear (Name) & (Name)

2) Wishing you a Merry Christmas

3) and a Happy New Year

4) Lots of love, (Name) x

The Concept

Hugo McCloud, the creative designer of the cards, explains the idea behind them: “The concept arose from the authentic spirit of Christmas. Everything has to ooze ‘Chistmassyness’, from the presentation, to the design, to the human interaction.

“I wanted a three-dimensional interactive object that played on emotions, excitement and the senses, hence the Christmas oil.

“I believe that instead of just going into a shop and buying a kooky piece of tat for an extortionate price, a present, or in this case a card, has far more meaning and authenticity if one has put time and effort into creating it.”

Contact Hugo at hugomcc@hotmail.co.uk for more information about the Christmas card cubes.

Architecture, Cardiff University, Christmas, Christmas cards, Craft, gifts