Cardboard Sculptures for Beginners
By Laurence Vallières
Overview
In this beginner-friendly craft course, sculptor Laurence Vallières walks you step-by-step through creating three-dimensional forms using cardboard. The journey begins with her personal story—notably how a giant cardboard piece she made launched her artistic career—and moves on to exploring concepts of shape, size, and structure. Laurence demonstrates how to sketch your subject, determine the right scale, and build a stable internal armature. From there, she guides you in layering cardboard for surface detail, crafting expressive elements like eyes and nostrils, and adding finishing touches including varnishing and color. Throughout, the course emphasizes eco-conscious creativity, turning everyday recycled materials into striking artistic works.
What you'll learn in this course
Introduction & Inspiration
Discover Laurence’s journey and artistic approach using cardboard as a sculptural medium.
Materials & Sketching
Learn to choose tools, sketch your model, and plan its proportions.
Scaling & Armature Building
Scale your design correctly and build a sturdy internal support.
Surface Construction
Layer cardboard pieces to define volume, texture, and form.
Detailing Features
Add refined elements like eyes, mouth, nostrils, and ears with precision.
Finishing Touches
Apply varnish, coloration, and learn care tips for your sculpture.