Paper Sculpture for Set Design
A course by Sarah Louise MatthewsPaper Engineer
A course by Sarah Louise Matthews, Paper Engineer
Learn paper crafting techniques to create beautiful 3D illustrations and structures for a product photography set
Through paper crafting, you can transform a simple 2D sheet of paper into a beautifully tactile 3D object. Paper engineer Sarah Matthews uses the world around her as inspiration to create window displays and product set designs for clients including Selfridges, Pandora, and Ted Baker.
In this course, Sarah teaches you how to make your own three-dimensional papercraft structures. Learn paper crafting and design techniques to build layers of intricate details that capture people’s attention. Are you ready to build your very own universe out of paper?
What will you learn in this online course?
22 lessons & 35 downloads
Researching the Final Project
10 minutes, 51 seconds
Sketching the Design 1
15 minutes, 19 seconds
Sketching the Design 2
15 minutes, 11 seconds
Toolbox
6 minutes, 46 seconds
Basic Paper Techniques
20 minutes, 19 seconds
Decorative Details
14 minutes, 26 seconds
What's included in this course?
Begin by getting to know paper engineer and your teacher for this course, Sarah Matthews. She talks through her creative career which has seen her work with some of the biggest brands in the UK, along with the influences which inspire her work.
Explore the possibilities of paper design and discover Sarah’s top tips for working with paper, from using good lighting to improvising. Find inspiration for your paper sculpture using swatch books and researching reference images. Then sketch your design before diving into the tools needed for this course and how to use them.
Sarah demonstrates a range of different paper crafting techniques for both 2D and 3D sculptures. Begin with basic techniques before moving on to adding decorative details and creating three-dimensional objects. Discover how to create templates for your designs in Adobe Illustrator to make your creative process faster and more efficient.
Use the techniques learned from the course to create your sculpture, starting with your paper foliage. Create the flowers for your set and craft your insects. Arrange all of your elements into a captivating set design for a product of your choice.
To finish the course, Sarah shares her advice for taking care of your paper pieces for longevity and sharing them on social media. Discover how to photograph your work, when to share it, and more.
What is this course's project?
Create a series of paper illustrations and props for a set design, featuring geometric shapes, 3D flowers, and insects.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is for anyone with an interest in learning a new creative skill and building striking works of art from paper.
Requirements and materials
No previous knowledge is needed for this course.
You will need paper, a scalpel, a cutting board, glue, and other materials specified by the teacher in this course. A computer with Adobe Illustrator is optional for anyone who would like to digitize their creative process.
Reviews
- 7 months ago
Toller Kurs!
- 8 months ago
Wunderbar 👍💕
- 8 months ago
Genial.
- javosanvalPLUS1 year ago
Un cusrso formidable para empezar un pasatiempos.
- 1 year ago
Perfecto, me ha encantado
Since then, she’s built a following of over 30K on Instagram and created paper window displays for brands including Ted Baker, Pandora, and Selfridges. She’s also written for Mollie Makes Magazine and published her own book, Paper Craft Home, in which she shares her expertise.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Preparation
- Before We Begin: Exploring the Possibilities and Sharing my Top Tips
- Researching the Final Project
- Sketching the Design 1
- Sketching the Design 2
- Toolbox
- U3
Techniques
- Basic Paper Techniques
- Decorative Details
- Creating Simple 3D Shapes 1
- Creating Simple 3D Shapes 2
- Creating More Sophisticated 3D Shapes 1
- Creating More Sophisticated 3D Shapes 2
- Using Illustrator and a Plotter 1
- Using Illustrator and a Plotter 2
- U4
Assembling Our Pieces
- Making My Paper Foliage
- Finishing the Flowers
- Crafting My Animals
- Arranging Everything in Place
- U5
Showcasing and Taking Care of Your Work
- Photographing the Pieces
- Sharing Your Work
- Caring for Your Creations
- FP
Final project
- Paper Sculpture for Set Design
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this papercraft course is designed for beginners, covering essential techniques, tools, and step-by-step projects suitable for those with little or no prior experience.
You will need basic papercraft supplies such as paper, scalpel, metal ruler, bone folder, adhesives, cutting mat, and optional digital tools like Illustrator and a plotter. A detailed materials list is provided in the course.
You’ll learn traditional and digital papercraft techniques, including cutting, folding, embossing, 3D construction, template creation, set design, botanical modeling, and product photography for paper art.
No prior art or design experience is required. The course introduces all foundational skills and gradually builds up to more advanced projects.
Projects include making paper jewelry, window displays, floral and geometric sculptures, 3D models, paper insects, and set pieces for photography.
Yes, the course covers both traditional hand-cutting with tools and digital template creation and cutting using software and plotters.
You’ll learn best practices for protecting, cleaning, and packaging delicate paper artworks to prevent damage and ensure safe transit or display.