During the half-term break, we had an incredible opportunity to attend a pop-up model workshop led by the renowned children's author and illustrator, Paul Stickland. My daughters and I have always been big fans of his work, especially the beloved book "Dinosaur Roar," which they explored during their Reception year dinosaur theme. After following him online as he crafted a massive dinosaur head on Google+, I secretly wished to bring the girls to one of his hands-on sessions.
We spent a delightful couple of hours at Gosport Library creating pop-up creatures. The experience was truly magical, thanks to Paul’s boundless enthusiasm and inspiring teaching style. We began by examining some of his pop-up books, which captivated the girls—especially the "Bouncy Boxes Pop-Up Book," which required careful handling to prevent the boxes from popping out dramatically.
Following a quick tutorial on constructing a pop-up creature, I was thrilled to discover that creativity trumped perfection. Unlike typical art classes where kids often compare their work to the instructor’s model, this workshop encouraged individuality. The freedom to experiment and adapt using simple semi-circular shapes allowed us to explore our imaginations without fear of failure. Even better, mistakes became opportunities to create something entirely unique.
The results were nothing short of astonishing. With just colored card and sticky tape, the children produced vibrant, imaginative designs. My twin girls transformed their creations into sparkling bags, while my eldest, Molly, dove headfirst into the process, crafting three distinct creatures before reluctantly leaving. Her passion for paper engineering has now rubbed off on me—I’m seriously considering incorporating similar activities into my own teaching practice.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the workshop was seeing both adults and children equally engaged. Watching the kids explain their thought processes and proudly display their finished projects was heartwarming. For me, the highlight was realizing that even seasoned educators could rediscover their artistic side through such accessible techniques. No expensive materials or tools were needed—just a willingness to try something new.
If you ever get the chance, don’t hesitate to sign up for a Paul Stickland workshop. His sessions aren’t just educational—they’re transformative. Whether for schools or families, these events foster creativity and confidence. As we left, the table was scattered with colorful scraps of card—a testament to the joy and inspiration we’d shared. This experience reminded us that art isn’t just about the final product; it’s about the journey of discovery.
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