
Shape a luminous styrofoam chandelier pendant by outlining, trimming, and smoothing with common home tools, then prepare for the modeling paste.
Prepare a clean workspace, coat the styrofoam with clear wood glue using a brush, mix water gradually to avoid thinning, and rotate the piece while it dries for even absorption.
Master a beginner-friendly papier mache layering technique using plop, a rolling pin, smoothing tools, and edge pressing to build a stable, dry shell.
Advance papier mache layering by smoothing ridges and shaping edges with smoothing and pottery tools, maintaining a half-centimeter thickness, and drying slowly away from direct sunlight.
Sand the papier mache surfaces to smooth edges, wear a mask, wipe dust with damp cloth, then apply a white coat and check lamp fitting and wire color before painting.
Attach the lamp and socket to the papier mache structure, route and secure a white wire (backup black) with wood glue, and choose wire color to match the paper mesh.
Apply a white plastic-based undercoat to the papier mache volume, cover recessed areas with tapping strokes, and test colors gradually to achieve the desired tone.
Apply a patina to the painted papier mache volumes to create an aged look with tapping that forms an orange peel texture; test blends to reach a beige coffee tone.
Waterproof the pieces with a water-based acrylic varnish, apply a glossy coat using a cotton cloth at 10 or 15% water, wear gloves, then hang to dry before lamp installation.
Model curved forms directly in SketchUp using a plugin to create and manipulate irregular lighting and furniture geometries. Use straight geometry guides to build curves and strengthen spatial visualization.
Create an egg-shaped form in SketchUp by building from a square and circle, grouping geometry, using arc and scale tools to produce smooth, tangent curves and welded edges.
Convert an egg shaped surface into a 3D volume in SketchUp, set on a base plane, create three egg profiles, offset the middle for a belt, and add holes.
Install the Curve Loft and libFredo6 plugins via SketchUp's extension manager to generate forms, then group three surfaces and bridge them with a centered extruded cube through the forms.
Find the center of the forms and align them, then create bridges between forms with tangent arcs. Mirror the half to achieve symmetry, then weld edges for a continuous curve.
Learn to model curved surfaces in SketchUp with curviloft and libfredo, turning panels and bridges into a seamless lighting fixture.
Explore curved volumes in interior design and furniture by modeling organic forms with two-point arc tools and the Curve Loft plugin to create seamless, three-dimensional surfaces within historic architecture.
Learn to render in Lumion 2023 by importing models, applying materials, configuring lighting, and creating multiple views to produce a realistic chandelier and curved furniture scene.
Think with Your Hands, Create with Your Hands, and Live with Your Hands.
Working with my Hands has always been a form of Therapy for me — going beyond the Mind and losing Myself in the process is the greatest thing a person can experience in our Modern World.
Ready to Explore the World of Sculptural Papier Mâché?
In this course, you’ll learn how to shape, layer, and form beautiful 3D objects using simple materials — turning paper and glue into elegant, organic chandeliers that transform any space.
And if you’d like, I’ll also show you how to model your designs in SketchUp.
What Makes This Course Different?
70% Hands-on + 30% Digital : From Physical Creation to 3D Modeling
Working with Real, Tangible Materials
Techniques for Building and Refining forms — from Structure to Paint, Glue, and Pulp
Real Results: End with a waterproof, installable chandelier you made
Business Ready: Learn to launch your custom lighting brand
Proven Plugins: Master Curviloft & LibFredo for smooth organic shapes
Section 1: Physical Creation with Papier Mache
Styrofoam foundation structures for strength
Papier mache layering techniques – first and second layers
Sanding, painting, and finishing
Safe lamp and socket installation in crafted structures
Waterproofing methods for real-world durability
Section 2: 3D Modeling
Curved object modeling in SketchUp – 2D to complex 3D volumes
Curviloft and LibFredo plugins
Wireframes and smooth surfaces for organic shapes
Lumion rendering : Materials, lighting
Perfect For:
Anyone who loves working with their Hands
Art enthusiasts who want to turn their Handmade Creations into a Business
Those seeking to go Beyond the Noise of Everyday Life
Anyone looking for a truly Artistic and Mindful form of Therapy
DIY crafters wanting to create Professional Lighting
Interior designers building Custom Fixtures
Creative Makers bridging Digital Design with Physical Crafts
SketchUp beginners struggling with Curves & Plugins
What You Get:
Step-by-step HD video tutorials
Lifetime access + instructor support
Certificate of completion
Downloadable SketchUp files and templates
Real Student Results: "Finally learned curved modeling and built my first chandelier!"
Enroll now and transform your SketchUp skills into beautiful, functional lighting that lights up rooms and businesses!
And remember: if you have any questions along the way, I'm here to help and support you throughout the learning journey.