How to Make Paper Sculptures | Turn Flat Sheets Into 3D Art

In a survey about popular hobbies, 26% of respondents claimed to prefer DIY and arts and crafts. If you’re also considering taking up such a pursuit, paper sculpturing might pique your interest. The process may seem intimidating, but the astounding end result usually makes all the effort and patience worth it.

In this article, we’ll explore How to Make Paper Sculptures. We’ll not only guide you on the tools you’ll need for paper sculpturing but also explain each step of the process.

Understanding Paper Sculptures

Unlike paper marbling and origami crafts, paper sculptures are a more recent form of paper art. It uses different sizes and shapes of paper to make 3D objects. Now, you may be wondering why this sounds quite like a papier mache sculpture, but there are some differences.

For one, papier mache sculptures involve gluing paper strips to a solid structure base. Paper sculpturing, however, involves cutting, folding, and joining paper sheets to create a more detailed piece of art.

What You Need to Make Paper Sculptures?

Following are the tools you’ll require to make a paper sculpture:

1. Sheets of Paper

First things first, you’ll need several sheets of paper. The paper you use can be of any kind, including plain white printing paper, textured cardstock, or even newspaper.

You can also use paper with printed patterns or text to add more character to your sculpture. The more complex your paper sculpture, the more thick paper is recommended.

2. Stationary

Next, you’ll need various stationary items like scissors, cutters, a ruler, and a cutting mat. Make sure that your cutting tools are sharp for more neat cuts. You don’t want the paper sheets to have rough edges.

Also, keep a paper pad on which you can sketch your vision for the sculpture before you start.

3. An Adhesive

You’ll also want to add a reliable adhesive to your craft kit. This could be a glue stick, liquid glue, or double-sided tape. The adhesive is what will hold the paper sheets together and keep the structure of your sculpture intact. The adhesive should be strong, or you’ll have to hassle with frequent touch-ups.

4. Bone Folder

A bone folder is a flat tool you’ll be using to ensure your paper folds and creases are always crisp. It’s pretty easy to find in art shops and is usually made of Teflon, plastic, or bone. If the sculpture is complex, you can use other scoring tools like tweezers and craft knives as well.

How to Make a Paper Sculpture?

Following are steps to making your very own paper sculpture:

• Start by researching paper sculpture ideas on the internet and sketching your vision of the end result. Since the project will be your first, google “paper sculpture for beginners” for simpler and doable ideas.
• Next, use your tools to cut the sheets into the shapes outlined in your sketch. Experiment with different folding methods to see which would suit best for your sculpture.
• After you’ve cut the sheets, start layering the different parts together using glue. Let the glue thoroughly dry between each layer.
• Once you’re done with the sculpture, attach it to a base for stability if needed. After that, you can work on more details or make any minor adjustments to the folds.

Conclusion

Now that you know a good deal about paper sculptures, you’re all set to start your journey. Don’t be disappointed if your first project doesn’t accurately meet your vision. After all, practice makes one perfect. The key to mastering paper sculptures is patience and persistence. 

Also, remember that paper sculptures are only as good as the quality of paper used. Contact us at PapersPapers to check out our many options. Our wide range of paper types is a dream come true for all paper sculpture enthusiasts.