Specialization: Paper Art Storytelling

I’m going to show you some of my favourite artists and explain why I love their work, and how their pieces have made an impact on me.

Influences | Eileen Ng

Influences | Helen Fiel

Here I will share some of my favourite paper engineers, as well as the creative and influential figures who have had a meaningful impact on my work over the years.

Influences | Karishma Chugani

In this lesson, I will share with you some of the main influences for creating innovative paper formats for books and toys.

In this lesson, I will describe the tools and materials you will need to complete your project.

Module 2

Explore the art of paper sculpture with Jeff Nishinaka. You'll learn to cut, fold, and roll paper to create three-dimensional compositions, discovering the material’s subtlety and how it comes to life through light, depth, and precision.

13 lessons (2h 19m)

Tools and Materials

In this lesson, I will explain to you how to create a blueprint drawing.

The Blueprint Drawing

Cut, Score and Bend the Paper

In this lesson, I will show you a way to set up your workspace with safety in mind. I will also show you a technique for cutting a smooth straight line, a curved and an S-shaped line.

In this lesson, I will show you how to use the small wood dowel to create a rounded edge on the paper and how to use the larger acrylic dowel to create an overall curved shape to create the illusion of depth and volume. I will also demonstrate how to use the circle cutter and cut the sunrays.

Roll the Paper

Gluing the paper

In this lesson, I will demonstrate how to apply glue to the paper for proper and clean assembly and how to prepare the background for mounting the Final Project.

Moodboard

In this lesson we will research photos and create a moodboard on Pinterest. We will look for photos of the elements that are included in our final project. These photos will be used as inspiration and can either be traced or redrawn according to your vision and imagination of what you would like to create.

Sketches

In this lesson we will create 2 or 3 rough sketches of your ideas. These are simple and rough so don’t worry about being accurate or adding a lot of detail. These are just ideas so set your mind free and have fun.

Create and Break Down the Blueprint

In this lesson we will choose your favorite sketch and refine it into a cleaner drawing. We will make a larger copy of it on a copy machine and create a blueprint for each element on separate sheets of vellum. If there are no elements that overlap then you will only need one sheet of the vellum for the blueprint.

In this lesson we will transfer the blueprint drawing onto the paper making sure to separate the individual pieces for each element. This will be easier to see and cut because each element will be on a separate sheet of vellum. Each element will have its own blueprint.

Flower and Bird Transfer

In this lesson we will cut the pieces of paper in the project.

Cut the Pieces of Paper

Bend and shape the paper

In this lesson we will show how to score and shape all the parts of the sculpture for the final project.

21m

Glue and Mount the Sections

In this lesson I will demonstrate how to glue the cut pieces together into separate sections. We will then assemble and glue these sections together to complete each element. Finally I will demonstrate how to mount these elements together onto a background to complete the final project.

In this lesson we will see a couple of options for displaying your paper sculpture with either a custom made frame or a shadowbox frame you can buy online. We will then see a simple lighting setup for the student to photograph their paper sculpture in their own home. This is not a professional setup but one that you can do to show your sculpture for this course and for your own collection.

Framing and Lighting

Module 3

Get ready to bring paper to life with Sarah Matthews! You’ll transform flat sheets into stunning 3D creations using clever crafting and design techniques. Inspired by the world around you, you’ll build intricate, eye-catching structures just like the ones Sarah makes for top global brands.

20 lessons (4h 11m)

Before We Begin: Exploring the Possibilities and Sharing my Top Tips

Once you have learned the paper techniques I share in this course, the possibilities will be endless! In this lesson, I will describe what I will be making for my project and give you some ideas as to what else you can create with your new skills. But before you get started on your creation, I'll be sharing some of my tips with you.

Researching the Final Project

It’s time to define your project. In this lesson, I will decide what elements I will be including in my project. To that end, I will research reference images and select a colour palette.

To design your project, you'll start by sketching out a composition for your paper elements, either by hand or using Illustrator – whichever you prefer!

Sketching the Design 1

Here, I'll continue my design on Illustrator and finish planning out my composition.

Sketching the Design 2

In this lesson, I will explain the materials and tools you'll need for this project.

Toolbox

Basic Paper Techniques

To start, I will teach you the basic paper-crafting techniques of cutting, scoring, folding, and attaching. Then, we will make a layered pleated paper flower.

Now we will get a bit fancier, as I will teach you how to add some decorative detail to enhance your designs. For this, we will use different techniques, such as curving, embossing, shaping, and adding texture and layers.

Decorative Details

Creating Simple 3D Shapes 1

In this lesson, I will teach you how to turn a flat sheet of paper into a range of 3D paper shapes, which you can use, adapt and combine to create innumerable different paper objects. I'll start by showing you how to make a 3D bud and cube.

Creating Simple 3D Shapes 2

We have one more 3D shape to learn for our basics: the pyramid.

Creating More Sophisticated 3D Shapes 1

Now I will show you how to create some more complex 3D shapes. These can all be adapted and combined with other templates to create a great variety of objects! I'll begin by showing you how to make a 3D quarter circle and a round plinth, which I'll use for my project.

Creating More Sophisticated 3D Shapes 2

Now we'll learn how to make a cone and a sphere shape.

Using Illustrator and a Plotter 1

This is an optional lesson (but a valuable one!) where I will give you some tips for designing and organising your templates on Illustrator. We will start by seeing how to design flat shapes.

Using Illustrator and a Plotter 2

Now we'll move on to designing the templates for 3D shapes. You'll also see how to use a plotter to cut out your vector designs.

In this lesson, I’ll show you how to make some paper foliage for the greenery of the set. This will include making the paper gorse and finishing the paper leaves.

Making My Paper Foliage

Now I’ll be putting the paper craft techniques I've taught you to use, as I finish making the paper flowers for my set.

Finishing the Flowers

On to the final element of my paper set design: the insects. I'll be showing you how to assemble them in this video.

Crafting My Animals

Arranging Everything in Place

It's almost all done! To finish, I’ll be arranging my paper props to have it all ready to be photographed.

Photographing the Pieces

In this lesson, I’ll be photographing my work, then importing the photographs over to Photoshop to edit them slightly. This will make them ready to be posted in a portfolio and on social media.

Now that we’ve photographed our pieces, it’s time to share the images online! In this lesson, I’ll be showing you how I usually like to share my work on my social media.

Sharing Your Work

Caring for Your Creations

For this final lesson, I’ll explain how I care for my work, whether it be to display it in my studio or to send it off to a client.

Module 4

Step into the world of creative set design through the magic of papercraft. You’ll learn how to turn ideas into striking paper compositions, from sketch to final photo-ready piece. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your design, crafting, and business skills to bring bold, product-centered visuals to life.

20 lessons (4h 54m)

Materials and Tools

Here we’ll share our go-to materials, which are very useful.

Paper Explorations: Making It Dimensional

Here we’ll be covering different types of paper and techniques on how you can treat paper to make it dimensional. We’ll be sharing tips and tricks and giving you new insights.

21m

Paper Explorations: Making It Three Dimensional

Here we’ll continue to explore paper techniques by focusing on making paper three dimensional.

How to Work on Your Projects

It’s very important to teach yourself a clear structure when working on commissions. In this lesson I'm going to explain to you how we approach our productions and what is involved.

Planning

In order to keep a production running smoothly, it’s very important to make clear agreements with clients when certain aspects are delivered. In this lesson we will show how we approach this.

We will be covering how to pick a brand you like and we’ll be doing some brand research. We’ll also fix the basis of the concept.

Doing Research

After the brand research we can move on to sketching the image we want to create. We will also handle color.

Making a Sketch

In this lesson we will select all the colors and type of papers for our Final Project.

Adding Colors

21m

Designing the Treatment

In the previous unit we already briefly discussed the importance and content of the treatment. In this lesson, we'll dive deeper into this part of the process of working on a commissioned visual. We’ll be putting the document in this lesson.

Making the Designs in Illustrator: Basic Introduction

How do we design our paper set? That is what we will discuss in this lesson. We do this by using Illustrator. We'll share a basic introduction and share tips which make the workflow faster.

Making the Designs in Illustrator: Translating Flat Illustrator Designs to Templates

In this lesson, we'll discuss how we normally translate our designs to paper. We will show how we translate flat illustrator designs to template which are ready for cutting and printing. We will show how we make a 3D shape out of a flat shape.

We explain how we prepare the files for cutting with a plotter and what the advantages are of using a plotter. If you're just starting to work with paper, you probably don't have a plotter yet. That's why in this lesson we'll also show you how to translate the digital designs to paper by hand.

Preparing Your Templates

Building the First Pieces I

Now we can finally start with the step where the whole idea comes to life. We are going to put the designs together and share some tips on how to do this even faster with a clean result.

Building the First Pieces II

We continue building our first pieces in this part of the lesson. Pay close attention!

In this lesson we will focus on the more complex shapes and the shaping of the flowers to make them more dimensional. We will add little stands behind the shapes so the elements can stand on their own.

Finishing the Pieces I

We continue finishing our pieces in this part of the lesson. Don't miss it!

Finishing the Pieces II

Introduction to Photography and Set Building I

Here we will give you some tips on how to build your photography set and how to light. After this we will start building our scene and photograph it.

Introduction to Photography and Set Building II

We continue to cover how to build our photography set and how to light it. You can't miss it!

Post-production I

Post-processing is an important part of the entire process and brings an image to the next level. We will share some tips to clean up the image and how to give more space around an image. After this your visual is done and we learn how to export the image into different formats.

We continue to delve deeper into post-production. Make sure to keep going!

Post-production II

Module 5

Discover how to recreate the beauty of nature using just paper with Eileen Ng, also known as Eileen Handmade. You’ll craft lifelike petals, leaves, and stems to build stunning botanical sculptures that bring a sense of harmony and organic elegance into any space.

13 lessons (1h 29m)

What We Will Do in the Course?

Here, I’m going to give you a brief explanation of what we’ll be doing in this course.

Tools and Materials

First I’m going to talk about the tools and materials we will be using in this course.

Talking about Different Flowers, Leaves, Arrangements

In this lesson, I’m going to talk about a few types of flowers and leaves, and also about some different styles of floral arrangements in a vase.

Introduction to Paper, Card, Twigs, Wire, and Tape

In this lesson, I’m going to give you a more detailed explanation of the materials we will use in this course.

Techniques for Creating the Centre of the Flowers and Leaves

I’m going to show you how to cut and shape three types of centre for the flowers using crepe paper, and then I’m going to show you techniques for making leaves.

Techniques for Creating Petals

In this lesson, you will learn how to cut and shape 3 different types of petals for the flowers.

Choosing a Vase and Where It Will Be Placed

In this lesson, I’m going to talk about different types of vases and what to consider when choosing one, and also where to place it in your home or workspace.

Choosing Your Colour Palette

I’m going to give you some tips and tricks to help you choose your colour palette.

How to Make a Stem and Branches, and Attach Centres and Petals Using Glue

In this lesson, you’re going to learn how to make a stem, and then attach the centre and petals to it.

How to Create a Complete Flower- Creating a Branch with Leaves Using Floristry Tape

Here you’re going to learn the technique of winding floristry tape around a stem to create a complete flower and a branch.

Planning Your Floral Arrangement

In this lesson, I’m going to show you how to arrange your flowers and leaves in a vase.

Where to Place Your Floral Piece

I’m going to talk about where to place and where not to place your arrangement.

Tips on Cleaning Your Floral Arrangement

I’m going to show you a technique to clean off dust from your flowers and leaves.

Module 6

Travel through paper and light with Helen Friel as you create your own interactive pop-up book. You’ll build three city-themed spreads and learn how to weave lighting into your designs, adding a magical touch that transforms each scene into a glowing, immersive world.

18 lessons (4h 14m)

Materials, Tools, and Workspace

What will you need to make the project? After explaining what the project of this course will be, I will take you through the materials and tools I use in order to create your own pop-up book.

The Box and Floating Platform 1

I will now share with you two key mechanisms that will form your eventual book: the Box and the Floating Platform. Once you know these foundational techniques and begin to master them, you'll then be able to apply and adapt them to other projects. I will start by showing you how to assemble the Box.

The Box and Floating Platform 2

The second mechanism I will demonstrate is the Floating Platform. This mechanism creates a nice effect of weightlessness. You can also use it to insert a light beneath it.

The V-Fold and Combining Mechanisms

Our fingers are warmed up. I will share with you two other pop-up approaches that will be crucial in the creation of your book: the V-Fold and the 90-Degree Angle mechanism. These two are really useful and simple options you can learn to create pages that are kinetic with power.

Finding Ideas and References

In this lesson, I will explain my process for finding ideas for books, and I will show you where I gather reference material when starting out.

Designing Page 1: Big Ben

For the first page of the book, I will be using a box mechanism with a pyramid lid and a flat lid to create Big Ben. Arguably the world's most famous clock, I will first establish its shape and then hone in on capturing its iconic silhouette. The key here is to think about how to translate the main design elements that make Big Ben instantly recognisable, but also distill these into simple forms so that it's suitable for a pop-up. Let's go into Illustrator!

Assembling Page 1: Big Ben 1

I can now put together the first page of the book using a box mechanism with a lid. I will do this in two stages. The first one will consist in cutting the Big Ben model.

Assembling Page 1: Big Ben 2

In this second stage, I will glue the different elements together and onto the page to create a 3D model. Once everything is set, I will test out the lighting.

Designing Page 2: Leicester Square 1

The second page of the book will represent Leicester Square, which lies right in the heart of London's lively and exciting West End. It's a location that is synonymous with performance and entertainment – all of which I want to capture. To design this page, I will be using the Floating Platform mechanism.

Designing Page 2: Leicester Square 2

I have designed all the layers of Leicester Square. I will now separate the elements that will make it pop up.

Assembling Page 2: Leicester Square 1

Having successfully designed the Leicester Square model template, I will translate this now into a physical model. Just as I did before, I will start by cutting out the elements then I will glue together the layers.

Assembling Page 2: Leicester Square 2

Here I will continue adding the smaller shapes of the model. Then I will glue the crowd element and attach the base page.

Designing Page 3: Hyde Park 1

On the third page of the book, I will work on capturing Hyde Park, the largest park in central London and one of the city's most important green spaces. In this case, I will design a V-fold and 90-degree mechanism.

Designing Page 3: Hyde Park 2

After finishing creating the vector file of my design, I will separate it out into the different pop-up elements.

Assembling Page 3: Hyde Park

Let's assemble the final landmark! I will be putting together the third page of the book so you can see how to work with the V-Fold and the 90-degree mechanism.

Putting the Book Together 1

First, I will use simple bookbinding techniques to combine the pages into a book that can be kept forever. This will involve making a cover and spine to secure everything.

Putting the Book Together 2

After finishing the back cover, I will assemble everything and add on the three pages I have made.

The last step will be to add a decorative flourish to the cover by creating a logo. I will also explore how you can play with light to enhance the interactive experience and share other options you could undertake to personalise and tweak the minimal page designs to your taste.

Finishing Touches

Module 7

Let your imagination unfold as you dive into the world of papercut storytelling with Karishma Chugani. Using cutting and folding techniques, you’ll explore ideas in your sketchbook and craft a picture book dummy—opening the door to a creative, fear-free way of making and sharing stories.

16 lessons (4h 1m)

What’s in Your Toolbox?

In this lesson I will talk to you about the importance of creating a toolbox that is constantly growing to suit your newly acquired skills.

Creating a World Inside Your Sketchbook 1

Here I will summarise the method for working an entire project inside a sketchbook that I have developed over my years as an artist. I will share my sketchbook manual for the method. I will also show you other projects that began in sketchbooks and end up as published books.

Creating a World Inside Your Sketchbook 2

Let's continue to take a look at the process of creating sketchbooks for your projects.

Now, we will begin playing around with a story using three basic elements: a setting, some characters and an action or conflict. For each step, we will begin making quick paper cut formats so that we can enter the story and watch it grow.

Planting a Story Seed 1

Let's continue working on the sketchbook using simple collage techniques. As you will see, I like to use diverse visual references.

Planting a Story Seed 2

Entering a Paper Playground 1

Now that we have defined the principle elements of our story, in this lesson we will begin playing around with simple formats to enter a paper playground of cuts and folds.

Entering a Paper Playground 2

Let's now apply the formats I've shown you into my own sketchbook.

What Is My Book Going to Look Like? 1

This lesson is a feast for the eyes! I will be showing you many different book formats and demonstrating how each offers its own particular narrative.

What Is My Book Going to Look Like? 2

In this part of the lesson, I will show you some other books that play with flaps, perforations and folds.

Creating a Dummy: Collection of Folded Cards

In this lesson I will begin working through my story in a folded card series format. With basic cuts and folds, I will show you how the narrative evolves from daytime to nighttime.

Creating a Dummy: Pop-up Accordion 1

We will now move on to one of my favorite folds: the accordion! In this lesson, I will make my second dummy, a pop-up accordion miniature book.

Creating a Dummy: Pop-up Accordion 2

I will continue to work on the maquette, cutting out the negative spaces of my composition. Sometimes mistakes happen! Here I will also show you how to repair things.

Creating a Dummy: Tunnel Book 1

In this lesson, I will begin by creating a small maquette of a tunnel book and then work on a slightly bigger scale on coloured sheets of paper. Through the process, I will alter the format, creating a semi-tunnel book which can be read in multiple ways: flipping the pages, as a tunnel and as a round carousel!

Creating a Dummy: Tunnel Book 2

In this part of the lesson I will work on the rest of the layers of my house, including the light source, which will go behind the whole composition.