Nate Olson
12 posts

Final Report Pt.2 – Puzzle Box

Manufacturing proved to be very difficult over the course of this project. I began by creating a CAD model of my design and tweaking it so that it would be…

Final Report Pt.1 – Puzzle Box

For my final project, I wanted to combine functionality and form, and I wanted my dynamic element to be purposeful and not solely aesthetic. I chose to create a puzzle…

Puzzle Box Progress Report

In order to create my puzzle box, I first determined which wood would be used for each part, then ordered S4S hardwood blanks corresponding to exactly what I needed. I…

Design Preview – Celtic Puzzle Box

For my final project, I wanted to choose something that was decorative and ornamental as well as functional and purposeful. I landed on a puzzle box, which is a box…

Specifications and Constraints – Puzzle Box

The aesthetic that I chose for my project incorporates elements of Celtic design, and because of this, my puzzle box project will be shaped like a triskelion (pictured below). This…

Alternative Aesthetics – Puzzle Box

My current plan for the aesthetic of my project is to create a wooden puzzle box with celtic patterns and engravings covering the exterior faces, as well as potentially some…

Main Project Inspirations – Celtic Puzzle Box

Since childhood, I’ve always been fascinated with puzzles and mechanical challenges – counterintuitive box openings, linkages, and physical brainteasers to solve have always been of interest to me. I would…

Admired Designer – Jeremy Fish

Jeremy Fish is an illustrator that I learned of due to his work with 303 Boards, a local skate shop in Boulder. Born in 1974, he has been commercially active…

Musician’s Garden Report

My inspiration for this project came from my love of music and retro styles, as well as my desire to implement nature and greenery into everyday objects and environments. I…

Upcycling Progress Report – Succulent Garden

As elaborated in my previous post, I am creating a succulent garden centered around upcycled music equipment and accessories and displaying a 70s aesthetic. After experimenting with molding records, I…

Upcycling – Succulent Garden

My upcycling project will center around a music-themed succulent garden. The basin for the plants and soil will be a molded vinyl record with the label at the base. I…

Aesthetic Exploration – Blobject

A blobject is characterized by flowing curves and the absence of sharp angles or brutalist styles. They’re typically brightly colored and feature friendly childlike design. This style reached ultimate popularity…