Paper Workshop

Sequential, cyclical, and spiral learning – Working with varying papier mâché techniques is often referred to by the Artmakers as very therapeutic. The technique relies upon physical repetition and can have a calming, soothing effect. Through this repetitive, base construction process we are able to introduce new ideas, projects, tasks with the opportunity to learn and develop.

Each new piece of work made enables us to promote further exploration of ideas and, as firm believers in the spiral approach to learning, it enables the opportunity for use of prior knowledge, skill and experience with the materials leading to the growth and development of work and ideas. This not only allows consolidation of knowledge and skill but also opens up to many more possibilities and an increased aspirational attitude to the work and their own capabilities. Artmakers increased confidence in their own abilities and the work produced leads them to set more challenging work.

We follow the annual themes for the centre and work in response to outside commissions and events. But, most importantly, we facilitate personal practice and ideas. Many of the Artmakers choose to work towards their own goals and ideas.

The paper workshop improves the personal, social, emotional and general wellbeing of the Artmakers by creating a safe, creative space in which to work.

We embrace individuals, build positive relationships, are inclusive, provide a space to talk, act and intervene appropriately when needed, and create a welcoming environment.

Emotional: Creating art enables self-expression and helps individuals communicate their thoughts, emotions, and ideas. This is a valuable tool for personal growth and development, as well as for communicating with others.

Social: Providing opportunities for collaboration and social interaction, such as working on a group project or sharing materials, knowledge or ideas, helps individuals develop their social skills and build connections with others in the workshop.

Communication: Regular conversations and the opportunity to reflect upon the work helps develop self-awareness and individual goal setting. An increased understanding of your self helps with understanding others, and we encourage active listening and caring about each other. We are quick to pick up on verbal and non-verbal cues.

Physical Improvements: Working with pencils, brushes, sponges and processes such as applying papier mâché to a 3-dimensional model can help improve fine motor skills hand-eye coordination, dexterity and control which are important for many everyday activities, like writing, using utensils, cooking, getting dressed, going shopping etc.

Mindfulness: Paper mâché building, paper making, and paper quilling, are all based upon a physical repetitive process that enables art makers to work in the present. Its sensory nature means it is often referred to as a grounding activity.

Sensory exploration: Using different materials and textures, such as different types of paper, paints, and glues, and different physical processes like paper making and papier mâché construction, can help individuals explore their senses and engage in a tactile experience. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with sensory processing challenges.

Purpose: Creating art within the framework of meaningful opportunities like for gifts, sales, exhibitions, and installations encourages commitment, strength and gives the art makers courage and belief in their work and abilities.

Recognition and validation: Exhibiting and selling work boosts self-esteem and confidence. It also provides opportunities to engage with the community and promote more social integration thus challenging stereotypes and prejudices around disability. It can also provide opportunities for professional development, such as working with other artists, receiving feedback from art professionals, and gaining exposure to customers and a wider audience.

All these benefits are important parts of self-care, self-awareness and building resilience.

We actively encourage Artmakers to work independently from developing ideas to making and creating and cleaning up after themselves! Artmakers are encouraged to draw their own design ideas or to come up with a design idea through discussion with the workshop leader.

Problem solving: Working with paper and papier-mâché requires problem-solving skills, as Artmakers need to figure out how to make their ideas come to life using these materials. This can help develop critical thinking and analytical skills, and the ability to come up with creative solutions to problems is a valuable skill that can be applied in many areas of life.

Independence and autonomy: Creativity and self-expression empower individuals, which enables them to believe in creating their own ideas, work, projects, and making their own artistic decisions. This can be reflected in everyday life when making informed decisions or recognising a deprivation of liberty.

Peer Mentoring: Peer teaching and support is actively encouraged in the workshop and helps strengthen communication skills and social confidence and has the ability to motivate yourself and others.

Time management: Creating papier-mâché sculptures is all about process and timing and requires patience and perseverance. This can help the Artmakers develop a sense of determination and persistence that can be applied in other areas of their lives, such as working towards a long-term goal or dealing with a challenging situation or simply understanding the importance of sticking to a timeline or a particular process.

Recognition and validation: Exhibiting and selling work with the outreach programme boosts self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of personal fulfilment. It provides opportunities to engage with the community and encourage more social integration. It can also provide opportunities for professional development working with other artists, receiving feedback from art professionals or organisations, gaining exposure to customers and a wider audience and can lead to working with members of the public delivering creative workshops.

Environmental awareness: Working with paper and other recyclable materials can help the Artmakers develop an appreciation for the environment and the idea of sustainability. It is an opportunity to become more conscious of our impact on our local and global environment and may create a desire to reduce waste in other areas of life.

• Verbal communication – expression, explanation.
• Basic Makaton and finger spelling.
• The use of PECS.
• Visual demonstration or modelling of processes.
• Writing.
• Tactile explanations and markers – guiding an Artmakers hand so that they can place their work, materials and access a space safely.
• Encourage Artmakers to ask questions or ask to repeat instructions and to ask for help/guidance.

Paper is a well-attended and popular workshop. We have many Artmakers that are long term participants and there is not much movement of Artmakers from the workshop. Artmakers enjoy the social aspect of the workshop and enjoy sharing stories about their activities and friendships.

There is a strong sense of community and caring about one another.

The paper workshop is a supportive, fun, friendly, and often a messy and noisy environment! We endeavour to facilitate every idea – no matter how crazy! Collaborative projects create a buzz and a wonderful sense of working together but there is also space for those Artmakers working on personal projects. The Artmakers makers talk passionately and proudly about their work and are always keen to share the progress of their work with others. There is a strong sense of ownership of the work and the workshop in general.

Paper mâché is such an accessible medium, and we are able to facilitate a wide range of abilities. The the sensory and tactile aspect is also hugely appealing to those Artmakers with visual impairment and complex needs. The work produced also makes a huge visual and tactile impact and has proved incredibly popular at recent exhibitions and installations. The work is frequently used to market and publicise the centre.