Design Museum Academy Young People Workshop
Design Camp: Wearable Paper Sculpture for 11 to 14 year olds
In this creative workshop, young people will explore the art of paper sculpture guided by artist Peter Ayres. Through hands-on exercises, they’ll discover craft techniques that transform simple sheets of paper into elegant, curving forms.
What to expect
In this one-day workshop, young people will explore the creative possibilities of paper folding to make their own three-dimensional sculpture.
The workshop is inspired by our PLATFORM display, showcasing the work of British designer Bethan Laura Wood, whose designs explore colours, patterns and textures.
The day will start with a brief introduction to the history of paper sculpture, followed by a practical session covering essential techniques such as straight and curved folding, cutting, and joining. Through a series of guided exercises and playful experimentation, participants will develop an understanding of how flat sheet materials can be transformed into dynamic three-dimensional forms.
In the afternoon, the young people will put these techniques into practice, making their own designs before collaborating with others on large-scale, complex wearable sculptures.
By the end of the day, participants will leave with new crafting skills, a deeper understanding of sheet materials and their sculptural potential, and a selection of beautiful paper models.
Learning outcomes:
Principles of straight and curved folding
Theory of paper folding
Creative folding processes
Sculpting with paper
How to make complex objects from simple elements
*Please note: *
This workshop is suitable for young people aged 11 to 14. All participants must be dropped off and picked up by an adult. You can find additional information in the sections below
Capacity is limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment
All equipment and materials will be provided, but participants will need to bring a packed lunch
Workshop images: Matthew Kaltenborne
Images: Peter Ayres
Facilitator
Peter Ayres
Peter is a paper sculptor and educator with over 25 years of experience helping people explore their creativity. He creates expressive and playful sculptures from simple materials like paper. Peter has run many workshops for people of all ages, helping them build confidence through hands-on making and imaginative design. He recently worked on a creative project with University College London (UCL), bringing his passion for paper crafting and creativity to a wider audience. More about Peter.
Book online
Booking information
Child: £78
Child (Early bird): £71
Member*: £63
*Please note that this benefit only applies to the cardholding Member’s children and not those of additional guests.
Early bird until Monday 6 October.
Check the Design Museum Academy refunds and cancellations policy.
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*Information on Design Camp tickets for Members:
• Membership Plus and Family members
The member’s discount applies to up to 3 Child or Young person’s tickets.
• Access, Student, Individual, and Members & Guest members
The member’s discount applies to 1 Child or Young person’s ticket only.
• Requests for Carer tickets for Design Camps: Please email DMAcademy@designmuseum.org in advance if your child needs additional support.
Additional information
All participants must be dropped off and picked up by a parent, carer or responsible adult. A member of our team will greet you on arrival and sign participants in
We ask all bookers to provide an emergency contact name and number. Please ensure this person is available for the duration of the session
The workshop content is tailored to a specific age group. Participants outside the advertised age range may find the session less accessible or engaging
If there’s anything we can do to support your child’s participation, whether around mobility, communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation or anything else, you’re welcome to let us know at checkout. Sharing access needs is entirely optional and helps us prepare the session in the most inclusive way
This session has capacity for up to 20 participants, led by one or two facilitators, with a typical adult-to-child ratio of 1:10
If your child receives additional support in their education setting, you are welcome to bring a supporting adult with them at no extra cost. Please note that we are not able to provide one-to-one support ourselves
If you have any questions or want to discuss specific access requirements, please get in touch with the team at DMAcademy@designmuseum.org
What's On
Background image: Matthew Kaltenborn