DIY Bella Face from Z Gallerie: Easy Cardboard Craft Tutorial

Updated at: 02/06/2025

Love the sleek, modern aesthetic of Z Gallerie's Bella face sculptures, but the price tag leaves you feeling a little… pinched? Don't despair! You can easily recreate this iconic design at a fraction of the cost with this simple DIY project. Using readily available cardboard, paint, and a few other crafting essentials, you can bring a touch of Z Gallerie style to your home without emptying your wallet. This project is perfect for beginners, requiring minimal crafting experience and yielding surprisingly impressive results. The satisfying process of transforming ordinary cardboard into a stylish statement piece is incredibly rewarding.

This easy-to-follow tutorial will guide you through each step, from gathering materials to the final finishing touches, allowing you to create your own stunning Bella face replica. So grab your crafting supplies and let's get started on transforming plain cardboard into a chic, minimalist masterpiece that will be the envy of your friends and family!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Cardboard
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Scissors/Craft Knife
  • Hot Glue Gun
  • Skewer/Tool for Spacing
  • Poster Board
  • Sharp Blade
  • Mod Podge
  • Sand
  • Spray Paint (White and Blush)
  • Glitter
  • Cloth
Safety Guidelines
  • Use sharp craft tools with adult supervision. Cardboard can be sharp and cause cuts, especially for younger crafters.
  • Always use a well-ventilated area when using spray paint or other aerosol products. Inhaling fumes can be harmful.
  • Dispose of craft materials responsibly. Recycle cardboard where possible and properly dispose of paint and other chemicals according to local guidelines.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Materials

    • Measure and cut 12 pieces of cardboard (4x20 inches).
    • Draw the face shape on cardboard and cut it out as a template.
    • Prepare a cardboard tube (20 inches long).
    Prepare a cardboard tube (20 inches long).Prepare a cardboard tube (20 inches long).Prepare a cardboard tube (20 inches long).
    Prepare Materials

  2. Assemble the Frame

    • Measure and mark the placement of cardboard pieces on the tube to ensure equal spacing.
    • Glue the cardboard pieces onto the tube.
    • Use a skewer to separate pieces and ensure equal spacing.
    Use a skewer to separate pieces and ensure equal spacing.Use a skewer to separate pieces and ensure equal spacing.Use a skewer to separate pieces and ensure equal spacing.
    Assemble the Frame

  3. Fill Gaps and Shape

    • Cut and glue poster board pieces to fill the gaps.
    • Cut off excess poster board with a sharp blade.
    • Apply and press paper onto the frame to create texture and outline the cutting areas.
    • Trim up the pieces for an even look.
    Trim up the pieces for an even look.Trim up the pieces for an even look.Trim up the pieces for an even look.Trim up the pieces for an even look.
    Fill Gaps and Shape

  4. Close and Seal

    • Cover the top and bottom with cardboard pieces and seal the gaps with hot glue.
    Cover the top and bottom with cardboard pieces and seal the gaps with hot glue.
    Close and Seal

  5. Add Texture

    • The video suggests layering this for better results).
    • Seal the sand with a cloth and Mod Podge.
    Seal the sand with a cloth and Mod Podge.Seal the sand with a cloth and Mod Podge.
    Add Texture

  6. Paint and Decorate

    • Spray paint with white first, then blush pink.
    • Apply Mod Podge and glitter for extra shine.
    Apply Mod Podge and glitter for extra shine.Apply Mod Podge and glitter for extra shine.
    Paint and Decorate

Read more: DIY Farmhouse X-Style Coffee Table: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use a sharp blade for precise cutting of poster board.
  • Apply Mod Podge and sand in layers to avoid clumping.
  • Press paper firmly to outline the cutting areas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Cardboard Cutting

Reason: Using dull scissors or not following the template precisely can lead to jagged edges and inaccurate dimensions.
Solution: Use sharp scissors and carefully follow the template markings for clean, accurate cuts.

2. Incorrect Glue Application

Reason: Too much glue can cause warping or unsightly seeping, while too little results in weak bonds and instability.
Solution: Apply a thin, even layer of glue only to designated areas, allowing for drying time before assembling.

3. Poor Paint Application

Reason: Using too much paint at once, not allowing sufficient drying time between coats, or skipping primer can result in a messy, uneven finish.
Solution: Apply thin coats of paint, allowing ample drying time between each, and consider using a primer for a smoother finish.

FAQs

What kind of cardboard is best for this project?
Corrugated cardboard, like the kind found in appliance boxes, works best. It provides enough rigidity to hold its shape while being easy to cut and manipulate.
What type of paint should I use?
Acrylic paints are ideal for this project because they dry quickly and adhere well to cardboard. You can use either craft acrylics or artist-grade acrylics, depending on your budget and desired finish.
How can I make sure my Bella face is symmetrical?
Carefully trace your template onto the cardboard, ensuring it's centered. Use a ruler and pencil to lightly mark key points before cutting to help maintain symmetry. You can also fold the cardboard in half to aid in creating mirrored sides.