Papier-Mâché Sculpture for Beginners
Learn papier-mâché art with our visual arts and craft short courses in Sydney!
Papier-mâché is one of the world’s most accessible and eco-friendly artforms — transforming simple paper and paste into imaginative 3D sculptures and functional objects. This beginner-friendly course introduces you to the rich history and cultural traditions of papier-mâché, before guiding you step-by-step through the process of building, layering, and decorating your own creations.
Across three enjoyable sessions, you’ll gain knowledge and confidence while exploring the possibilities of this versatile craft. Guided by your experienced tutor, you'll create small projects such as an owl, tray, jewellery box, and vase — each designed to build technical skills while allowing freedom for personal expression. You'll learn to use recycled materials, develop strength and structure in your work, and master finishing techniques for surface decoration.
No prior experience is required and all basic materials will be provided, making this course ideal for anyone with an interest in sustainable art practices, sculpture, or mindfulness through creativity.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the cultural history and significance of papier-mâché
- Construct armatures and apply layering techniques for form and strength
- Create and decorate guided projects using recycled materials
Course Outline
- Global history and traditions of papier-mâché
- Safe practices, tool use, and sourcing recycled materials
- Techniques for form building and creative decoration
Course Materials
- All tools and materials provided
- You may choose to bring old magazines and newspapers
What to Bring to Class
- Lunch, snacks, water bottle, and your own cup
- Closed-in shoes and clothes suitable for messy work
Schedule & Pricing
- Start Date: 21 March 2026
- Time: 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
- Venue: 2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039
- Price: $189
Details
You will learn
- Understand the cultural significance of papier-mâché
- Construct and layer armatures using recycled materials
- Design and finish creative 3D projects such as masks and boxes
You will get
- Guided instruction from an experienced tutor
- All tools and basic materials provided
- Projects to take home including decorative sculpture pieces
Appropriate for
Perfect for beginners and creatives interested in sustainable art, sculpture, or mindfulness through hands-on experience.
Preparation
What to bring
- Lunch, snacks, and water bottle
- Comfortable clothes and closed-in shoes
- Optional: old magazines and newspapers
What to wear
Comfortable clothes that can get messy
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
Sydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
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Papier-Mâché Sculpture for Beginners
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