emeline ong crafts candy-like tables from composite paper pulps

3d printed molds give form to playful pastille collection

Emeline Ong fuses paper and craftsmanship in a playful table series where the process is the design itself. The Pastille Collection is shaped from a composite paper pulp mixture which is tamped in to custom 3D printed molds, resulting in organic monolithic forms. The tables reveal distinct seams and textures made during the de-molding process, where excess material forms visible layers of the materiality as simple graphic lines. With gentle forms and inviting colors reminiscent of candy, contrasted by a brutal finish, the handcrafted tables blend femininity with rawness as the textures capture the tactile nature of the process.

all images by Isaac Lim Yi Jie

emeline ong fuses paper and craftsmanship

The paper pulp mixture is compressed into 3D-printed molds composed of multiple parts held together by nuts and bolts. Emeline Ong layers and compresses the material by hand from the top, using simple tools and materials that could be easily sourced from common household items — such as a blender, paper shredder, paper from her brother’s discarded school notes, or even a stick.

Maintaining a close connection to the making process, the Singapore-based designer also introduces a split mold design wherein smaller molds are combined to create a larger piece — an idea which emerged while working within the constraints of a medium-sized build plate, a more common size for hobbyist 3D printers. By designing the molds in parts, the challenge of large-scale production was overcome while introducing a practical yet distinct design language to the collection.

a playful table series where the process is the design itself

Low Blue Milk Table

Bubblegum Pink Table

a composite paper pulp mixture is tamped into the molds

the mixture is flattened using common household items, such as a cloth and stick, to achieve a smooth, even finish

upon demolding, the series reveals distinct seams created by excess material, resulting in minimal graphic lines

Emeline Ong presents a playful table series where the process is the design itself

the 3D-printed molds are composed of multiple parts held together by nuts and bolts

each table is handcrafted

made using tools and materials sourced from household items, including a blender, paper shredder, and a stick

project info:

name: The Pastille Collection
designer: Emeline Ong | @emeline.ong

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom