At a recent teacher CPD session, I had the privilege of leading a hands-on workshop focused on 3D sculptures—an engaging activity designed to inspire creativity while promoting sustainability. Here’s an overview of the workshop format:

Objective: The workshop aimed to equip educators with the skills to facilitate 3D sculpture projects in their schools, fostering creativity and environmental awareness among students.

Activity Steps:

1. Reduce Waste: Participants were encouraged to think about the animal they wanted to create and consider its shape, features, and colors. Basic shapes like cylinders, spheres, and cones were discussed as building blocks for more complex forms.
2. Building the Structure: Using scrap paper and masking tape, participants formed the basic shapes of their sculptures. Additional layers of tape were added to reinforce the structure and ensure durability.
3. Covering with Tissue Paper: Tissue paper was torn into small pieces and applied with PVA glue to the surface of the sculptures. Participants layered the tissue paper, smoothing it as they went along. They were encouraged to blend different colors for a textured effect, adding depth to their creations.
4. Adding Details: Pipe cleaners were attached for legs, tails, and other appendages, allowing participants to bend and shape them to suit their designs. Finer details, such as ears, fins, or wings, were crafted using scrap paper. Pens were used to draw features like stripes, spots, or facial expressions, adding personality to the sculptures.

Top Tips:

• Be creative with shapes and colors to make each sculpture unique and visually striking.
• Experiment with different textures and patterns to add visual interest and complexity to the artwork.
• Encourage a spirit of fun and exploration, emphasizing the importance of reusing materials and promoting sustainability in the creative process.

In conclusion, the 3D sculpture workshop provided educators with a valuable opportunity to not only develop their own artistic skills but also to impart these skills to their students in a way that promotes environmental stewardship and imaginative expression.