We have the pleasure of working with Dejuan Stroud, a top event design, florist and decor company based in NYC known for their exceptional creativity and unique event setups. For this project, they approached us to create a set of 3D acrylic letters that would serve as a freestanding name sign for a Sweet 16 celebration. The twist? Each letter was to be filled with marbles, adding a distinctive and elegant touch to the display.
The Challenge of Curving Acrylic
For those familiar with acrylic fabrication, you know that creating curved acrylic structures can be particularly challenging. The project involved crafting 24-inch high by 4-inch deep 3D acrylic letters using 1/4" clear acrylic for the fronts and backs and 1/8" clear acrylic for the sides. Our team had to combine both precision and artistry to bring this vision to life.
Fabrication Process
The process began by setting up the cut file for the CNC router to cut the front and back pieces of the name "Grace" from 1/4" clear plexi. Once the lettering was cut, the next step was to prepare the pieces for assembly. This involved sanding the edges to ensure they were smooth, followed by running each piece through a buffing wheel to achieve a high-polished finish. This polishing step is crucial for giving the letters a pristine, professional appearance.
With the front and back pieces ready, we moved on to the most challenging aspect: creating and attaching the sides. Our highly skilled acrylic fabricators carefully heated the 1/8" clear acrylic strips and molded them around the curved edges of each letter. This step requires an expert touch, as the acrylic must be heated to the perfect temperature to ensure it becomes pliable without causing any distortion or bubbles. The sides were then precisely adhered to the front and back pieces, forming the 3D structure of each letter.
Attention to Detail
To achieve the client's vision of filling the letters with marbles, we left a small opening at the top of each letter. This required careful planning to ensure the structure remained seamless and sturdy while still allowing for the marble fill. Once the acrylic letters were fully assembled and cured, we carefully filled each one with a selection of marbles, creating a beautiful and unique effect that catches and reflects light in dazzling ways.The result was a stunning, freestanding 3D acrylic name sign that served as a show-stopping centerpiece for the Sweet 16 celebration. The clear acrylic combined with the marbles created a captivating visual effect, making the name "Grace" appear both delicate and bold at the same time. Our team takes great pride in overcoming the challenges of curving and assembling acrylic, and this project was a testament to our craftsmanship and attention to detail.
We are thrilled to have partnered with Dejuan Stroud on this unique creation and look forward to more opportunities to bring innovative design ideas to life. Whether it’s a custom sign for a special occasion or a complex acrylic fabrication, we are always ready to take on new challenges and create something extraordinary.
