Paper Sculpture Techniques: Create Stunning Paper Artworks
A course by Jeffrey NishinakaPaper Sculpture Artist
A course by Jeffrey Nishinaka, Paper Sculpture Artist
Learn paper sculpture techniques to create elegant, curved pieces with expert guidance.
Jeff Nishinaka, a master of paper sculpture, will share his techniques for transforming simple sheets of paper into intricate 3D works of art.
Throughout these lessons, you will learn how to work with paper to bring your ideas to life using cutting, folding, and rolling techniques. This delicate and precise art form will not only teach you to create but also to appreciate the subtlety of paper as an expressive medium.
You will learn to manipulate and understand the properties of paper so that, under proper lighting, each piece comes to life with an almost magical presence.
What will you learn in this online course?
15 lessons & 15 downloads
Tools and Materials
13 minutes, 7 seconds
Cut, Score and Bend the Paper
10 minutes, 19 seconds
Gluing the paper
2 minutes, 46 seconds
Create and Break Down the Blueprint
17 minutes, 1 second
Cut the Pieces of Paper
8 minutes, 43 seconds
Glue and Mount the Sections
16 minutes, 42 seconds
What's included in this course?
To start, you'll get acquainted with the essential materials and how to set up your workspace for creating paper sculptures. You'll learn how to choose the right type of paper and prepare the necessary tools to get started.
Next, we'll teach you the basic cutting techniques and how to manipulate the sheets to achieve initial three-dimensional effects. Then, we'll delve into more advanced methods like edge rolling and folding to maximize dimensionality without compromising the paper's integrity.
Finally, you'll explore the scoring technique to create precise folds and how these folds affect the paper's interaction with light, which is crucial for the final outcome of your projects.
What is this course's project?
The final project involves crafting your own paper sculpture using the techniques you've learned to design and build a piece that showcases your personal style.
This project will not only test your newly acquired skills but also allow you to express your creative vision through paper.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Designed for artists, designers, and anyone interested in exploring new forms of artistic expression.
This course is perfect for those looking to unlock the potential of paper as a sculptural medium and learn techniques to incorporate into their own creative projects.
No prior skills are needed, just a desire to learn and experiment with such a versatile material as paper.
Requirements and materials
You'll need high-quality art paper, an X-Acto knife, and some basic art supplies like glue and marking tools. These materials will enable you to effectively apply the techniques taught and create your own paper sculptures.
Reviews
- 2 months ago
O curso é interessante , o professor explica bem, mas para um bom resultado precisa de mais conhecimento.
- 6 months ago
Good teacher, easy to follow along with. Beautiful product at an affordable price. Love this
- 6 months ago
Ce cours se démarque par sa spécificité. Très complet, riche en explications. L’instructeur est très sympathique !
- 8 months ago
This is an amazing course! I never thought it was possible to add volume and make a paper cutout three-dimensional. But it is possible. It's very painstaking work, for hard-working and disciplined people. The cost of the necessary three-layer paper is a little disappointing, but you can try using single-layer paper. The main thing is desire.
- 1 year ago
I recommend this class.
He has collaborated with major brands such as Vogue, Cartier, and HBO, and his work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, including the MoMa in New York. Jeff has dedicated over forty years to perfecting his craft, continuously exploring and expanding the possibilities of paper as an expressive medium.
His focus on simplicity and delicacy sets him apart in the art world, making each piece a testament to his mastery and creative vision.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
The art of paper sculpture
- Tools and Materials
- The Blueprint Drawing
- Cut, Score and Bend the Paper
- Roll the Paper
- Gluing the paper
- U3
Let’s Start Our Paper Sculpture
- Moodboard
- Sketches
- Create and Break Down the Blueprint
- Flower and Bird Transfer
- Cut the Pieces of Paper
- Bend and shape the paper
- U4
Last Tips
- Glue and Mount the Sections
- Framing and Lighting
- FP
Final project
- Paper Sculpture Techniques: Curved Paper Pieces
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
Paper sculpture is the art of creating three-dimensional forms from paper. Beginners can start by learning basic techniques like cutting, scoring, and gluing to create simple shapes before progressing to more complex projects.
Yes, this course is designed for beginners and covers essential techniques, tools, and safety tips so anyone can get started, even without prior art experience.
You’ll need basic tools like an X-Acto knife, burnisher, circle cutter, foam core, glue, various papers, and a cutting mat. The course provides guidance on selecting the best materials for each project.
You’ll learn how to choose the right paper, use cutting and scoring tools, create bas-relief and dimensional forms, assemble sculptures cleanly, and add expressive details like humor, movement, and dynamic composition.
Heavier weight and archival-quality papers are recommended for stability and longevity. The course explains how to select paper based on desired effects and structural needs.
Always use a sharp blade, cut on a stable mat, and keep your hands clear of the blade’s path. The course covers detailed safety tips for all essential cutting and shaping tools.
Elmer’s glue and similar PVA adhesives work well for most paper projects. Applying glue with a skewer or brush and allowing adequate drying time prevents wrinkling and ensures strong bonds.