Designing pop-ups is a fun and fascinating process. Join leading pop-up designer, Duncan Birmingham, and learn to make a range of pop-up paper creations that might be used to make unique cards, be incorporated into art books, sculptures, art journals and more…
You will learn to make a range of varied pop-up cards. Duncan’s technique is simple with no need to do any measuring of lengths and angles – all that’s needed is card, scissors, glue and a certain amount of dexterity.
On day one you will explore the simple principles that underpin all pop-up designs. You will build the basic shapes and then turn them into surprisingly complex creations by using small additional pieces. On day two you will be building more sophisticated models – solid shapes, and mechanisms that move in surprising ways.
Duncan also has a great collection of pop-up books to explore – a great source of explanation and inspiration. They illustrate the imaginative ways in which paper engineers have used the mechanisms that you will be making as well as showing some of the most modern, advanced and highly complex pop-up books to delight and amaze you!
What to expect
Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all. We provide the environment, space and guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors plus the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.
We encourage you to arrive at 9.30am. This will allow time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning workshops at 10am. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a delicious homemade 2 course lunch. There will be a further afternoon break with tea or coffee and cake. All food and refreshments are included in the price of your workshop.
The finish time given is a target. There is some flexibility depending on how your work is progressing. Depending on the tutor and the group, start times for day 2 can be flexible too.
We aim for your day to be a real treat. You could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make sure we provide a day where you will be looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!
What you’ll need to bring with you
All equipment and materials will be provided. Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting messy.