Papercraft

A collection of lesson resources for teacher and key stage level 3 & 4 students

All of the lesson resources listed below have been themed around our recent exhibition ‘PULP: paper in all its forms’, displayed in our Jubilee Gallery 20 January - 13 April 2024.

Paper as a material is a versatile, economic and relatively inexpensive material to use in classroom teaching and projects.

Layla May Arthur

Gallery Tour

PULP: paper in all it’s forms.

20 Jan -
13 April ‘24

This 3D virtual tour allows you to move around our Jubilee Gallery to view the recently concluded papercraft exhibition, PULP. Use it to see all of the individual exhibitors and the information about their work.

All of the activities and downloads below can be used in conjunction with our virtual gallery tour.

Resources

The History of Paper

Use this downloadable PDF to help students build a wider historical understanding of paper and its history as a material.

Under Water: paper and movement

A short video showing some of Nathan ward’s work alongside his ‘Whale’ sculpture which was exhibited as part of PULP. This was the first collaboration between G . F Smith and students from Kingston School of Art.  

Under Water: Paper and Movement explored the dynamic qualities of the G. F Smith Colorplan range through a large-scale installation. 

In collaboration with Euphemia Franklin and Tilda Rawls. Film by William Webb. 

Life-size Cardboard Sculptures

James Lake talks to WIRED about how he makes his cardboard sculptures.

WIRED is where tomorrow is realized. Through thought-provoking stories and videos, WIRED explores the future of business, innovation, and culture. 

Practical Activities

Papercraft with POPUPOLOGY

Download the pdfs provided and follow the instructional video for a quick lesson or homework task.  

House

©Popupology 2013

Download the pdf below, print on 200 - 270gsm card stock, cut and fold! 
Watch the video for folding tips.

Recommended equipment: craft knife, cutting mat, steel ruler

Suggested time: 45 – 60 mins 

Invasion!

©Popupology 2010

Download the pdf below, print on 200 - 270gsm card stock, cut and fold! 
Watch the video for folding tips.

Recommended equipment: craft knife, cutting mat, steel ruler

Suggested time: 45 – 60 mins 

Make a Cardboard Trainer or Shoe with James Lake

James Lake guides you through making a realistic replica or your favourite trainer or show made entirely out of cardboard.  

Materials list:

  • Recycled corrugated cardboard

  • Single ply card

  • Maksing tape

  • Hot or cold melt glue gun

  • Scissors / craft knife & cutting mat

  • Pencil / pen

  • Trainer or show (to work from’

More film demonstrations can be found on James’ website, where several workshop packs and instructions can be purchased through contacting the artist.  

Cardboard Workshop Packs - James Lake Sculpture 

Contextual

You can use this document to help students analyse and write about a piece of art or craft. It contains key questions, based mainly on the formal elements of art, to help students build their visual literacy and written skills.

This resource can be downloaded and used in a lesson or a visit to our galleries!

Nathan Ward Under Water - Paper & Movement film credits: Nathan Ward, Euphemia Franklin, Tilda Rawls. The film was created by Will Webb, who is a London-based director and filmmaker.