Paper Mache Sculpture for Beginners: Make a Fun Figure

Have you ever looked at a pile of cardboard and newspaper and thought, “Surely I could make something with that”?

You can!

In this beginner-friendly course, I'll show you how to turn simple, inexpensive materials into a colourful three-dimensional paper mache figure — step by step, from the very first piece of cardboard to the finished painted sculpture.

You don't need any previous experience with paper mache or sculpture, and you don't need an expensive collection of art supplies.

We'll use everyday materials such as cardboard, newspaper, masking tape, glue, paint and a few basic tools to build the sculpture from scratch.

What will you make?

We'll make a fun, colourful female figure with a simple armature and gradually build up the body, head, arms, legs and other shapes.

I'll take you through the whole process:

• Making the stand

• Creating the armature

• Building the body and limbs

• Adding volume and shape

• Applying paper mache strips

• Making and using paper clay

• Sanding and preparing the surface

• Planning your painted design

• Painting the sculpture

• Adding varnish for protection

The finished figure is inspired by the colourful, playful spirit of large contemporary female sculptures, but the techniques you learn can be used to make all sorts of characters and sculptures of your own.

And that's the really useful part.

I'm not just going to show you how to copy one sculpture. I'll explain the basic techniques so that you can start making your own.

Why paper mache?

One of the things I love most about paper mache is that you don't need much to get started.

Cardboard packaging, newspapers and other everyday materials can become the beginning of something completely different.

You can start with what you already have at home rather than buying lots of specialist sculpting materials.

Paper mache is also wonderfully forgiving. You can add more material, take some away, change a shape, cover a mistake or build up an area that doesn't look quite right.

So if you've never tried sculpture before, don't worry about getting everything perfect straight away.

I'll show you how I build the sculpture gradually, concentrating on the big shapes first and then adding the smaller details.

What you'll learn

By the end of the course, you'll be able to:

• Build a simple, stable armature for a three-dimensional paper mache figure.

• Use cardboard and newspaper to create the basic structure of a sculpture.

• Create and attach the different body parts, including the head, arms, legs and body.

• Build up rounded shapes and volumes using simple materials.

• Apply paper mache strips to strengthen and cover your sculpture.

• Make and use paper clay to add shape and detail.

• Fix gaps and uneven areas before finishing your sculpture.

• Sand and prepare the surface for painting.

• Plan a colourful design for your finished figure.

• Paint and build up colour on your sculpture.

• Apply varnish to protect the finished piece.

• Adapt the techniques to create your own characters and figures.

• Work with inexpensive and easily available materials instead of specialist sculpting equipment.

• Gain the confidence to start experimenting with your own paper mache sculptures.

What makes this course different?

I have been making paper mache for around 20 years, and over that time I've learnt that you don't need fancy equipment or a perfect studio to make something interesting.

Sometimes the most useful materials are the things that would normally go into the recycling bin.

I love taking ordinary materials and seeing what they can become.

That's the approach I'll bring to this course.

I'll show you what I'm doing as I build the sculpture, but I'll also explain why I'm doing it.

Why use cardboard here?

Why add more paper there?

Why does the armature need to be built this way?

What happens when a shape isn't quite right?

Understanding these little decisions will help you much more when you eventually start creating your own sculptures.

You don't have to be “good at art”

If you've ever thought:

“I'd love to make sculptures, but I wouldn't know where to start.”

This course is for you.

You don't need to consider yourself an artist.

You don't need to know how to sculpt.

And you certainly don't need to produce a perfect sculpture on your first attempt.

The aim is to get you started.

Once you understand how a simple armature works and how to build up shapes with paper and other materials, you can begin experimenting with your own ideas.

You might change the shape of the figure.

You might make a completely different character.

You might create an animal, a person or something that doesn't resemble anything in particular!

That's where paper mache gets really fun.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for:

• Complete beginners who have never tried paper mache sculpture.

• Anyone who enjoys making things with their hands.

• People who want to try sculpture without buying lots of expensive materials.

• Paper mache beginners who want to understand how to make a three-dimensional figure.

• Creative people looking for a fun new project.

• Artists who want to experiment with inexpensive or recycled materials.

• Anyone who likes the idea of turning ordinary household materials into something beautiful.

• Anyone who simply looks at a finished paper mache sculpture and thinks, “I'd love to make one of those!”

You can work at your own pace and pause the lessons whenever you need to.

What materials will you need?

Most of the materials are inexpensive and easy to find.

You'll need things such as:

• Newspaper

• Cardboard

• Masking tape

• Glue

• A few basic tools

• Brushes

• Paint

• Varnish

• Sandpaper

• A suitable work surface

I'll explain the materials and equipment at the beginning of the course so you know what you'll need before you start.

You don't need a professional art studio.

A table, some basic materials and a little bit of space to let your sculpture dry are enough to get started.

A little warning...

Paper mache can be addictive!

You may find yourself looking at cardboard boxes, newspapers, packaging and other things around your home in a completely different way.

Once you start seeing the possibilities, it's difficult to stop.

And that's something I really want you to take away from this course.

Not just one finished figure, but the confidence to look at some ordinary materials and think:

“I wonder what I could make with that?”

So grab some newspaper, cardboard and tape, and let's make a sculpture.

I can't wait to see what you create!