Newpaper and Wood Glue

First day of class we were told to create a project that would support a cinder block, and make it as tall as possible.  The challenge was that we could only use a small stack of newspapers and wood glue.

My first thought was to make long narrow strips to try and make it taller, so I started folding the sheets into 2" widths.  As I was folding I realized that it probably wouldn't be sturdy enough, so the thought of create a wicker pattern would produce more strength.  I continued the 2" strips and made enough to create the wicker pattern.

I also glued a base for the top using the more sturdy advertising pages, to put the block on top.  As I began assembling the project, I realized that it still wasn't going to be sturdy enough (only had 10 minutes left).  I completed the assembly, set it aside to dry/harden.

Once we began testing the projects, a classmate recommended that I should have stuffed more paper inside the cylinder to add more support.  Wished I had thought of that earlier :)  It definitely needs more central support, as you can tell in the picture.