Whimsical Paper Sculptures
Let Your Imagination Soar!
Using just three simple folded shapes—a teardrop, accordion, and spiral—you can create anything your imagination dreams up. Make a flower, an animal, a person, an abstract design, or something completely original. There are no rules—just creativity, curiosity, and fun!
What's Inside Your Paper Sculpture Take-Home Kit?
1-inch paper strips in a variety of colors
Glue
3 clips
Curling stick
Directions
1) Make Your Frame
Glue four paper strips together to create one large loop or frame. Overlap each strip about ½ inch when gluing. Set it aside to dry. We recommend using the same color for your frame, but feel free to mix colors if you'd like. This loop will become the base for your sculpture.
2) Fold Three Simple Shapes
Teardrop
Bend a strip into a teardrop shape.
Overlap one end by about ½ inch.
Fold it over, glue it in place, and use a clip to hold it while it dries.
Accordion
Fold a strip back and forth like a fan.
Try to keep each fold about 1 inch wide and as even as possible.
Spiral
Wrap a strip tightly around the curling stick.
Squeeze it gently while it's still on the stick, then slide it off.
Let it uncurl as much or as little as you like.
3) Create!
Make several of each shape in different colors and sizes. You can cut or tear the strips to make shorter pieces.
Begin gluing your shapes to the frame. Connect shapes so they support one another. Don't forget—you can glue shapes on the inside and outside of the frame to add depth and dimension.
Keep experimenting, adding, rearranging, and building until your sculpture feels complete.
When your sculpture is finished, hang it on a nail or thread a string through the frame to display it in a window or anywhere you'd like.
Tips:
Use the clips to hold glued shapes together while they dry.
Turn your sculpture as you work—you may discover new ideas from a different angle.
There is no right or wrong way to create. Let your imagination lead the way!
Remember:
This is fun art, not fine art! Enjoy the process of experimenting, playing, and discovering. Sometimes the most wonderful creations are the ones you never planned.
We'd love to see what you create. Take a picture of your Paper Sculpture and send it to Frame Gallery. Your artwork may be featured in our online gallery!
Need more inspiration? Watch this short video demonstration by Mary Susan McConnell, EdD, on Instagram (@marysusanmconnell) as she makes a Paper Sculpture.
