Workshops - Driftwood Dreams

Papier mache sculpture from Anita Russell workshop

papier mache workshop with Anita Russell

Papier mache teacup and dunking biscuit Anita Russell

Workshops

Anita Russell has run many Papier Mache workshops at a huge range of schools, homes and art centres. Learning the art of Papier Mache Sculpture intrigues children and adults alike. Tuition can be for one person, a group of children, a family or adults. A taster session of two hours will help you to learn the skills to create your own sculpture. Sessions are relaxed and full of humour, always accompanied by drinks and snacks. Anita will provide a range of resources sharing her knowledgeable guidance. Just bring your imagination and creativity.

Papier mache sculpture created in an Anita Russell workshop

You will develop your own style using existing creative skills to create your own papier mache piece. Or perhaps you fancy giving a gift voucher to a friend or relative. Let Anita know what suits you and she can provide the paper work ( in the form of a unique voucher) to give a much anticipated and intriguing present.

Two hour papier mache sculpture workshops are held on evenings and at weekends to suit your timings. Workshops are held for one to three persons at your convenience. All workshops are held at Anita’s picturesque cottage in Richmond Surrey. Anita does not adhere to exact times so you often get extra time over the two hours. These birds were created by a couple as their anniversary gift to each other.

Anita Russell papier mache workshop creation anniversary present

Creative Projects

Over a set of lessons, it is possible to create a finished sculpture – completed and varnished. These figures show how polished and refined your sculpture can be at even the first attempt. It is fun to bring a friend or two, chat, learn the skill of papier mache and take home an item of which you will be very proud.

Anita has many images from herself and other artists on her Pinterest boards. This is a great place to start to get ideas. She also has many books and photos to use to help you come up with ideas. It helps if you have an idea of what you want to make but it is not essential.

Papier mache ballerina made in an Anita Russell workshop

papier mache tree spirit. Made in a workshop at Driftwood Dreams

There are also many sponging and painting tips and techniques Anita can share with you so the finish will be enhanced. Anita also has a range of papers, materials and tissues so that you can finish your creation faster whilst it is damp.

Children's Workshops

Anita has created large designed art installations, Papier Mache workshop projects and workshops with large and small groups of children. Further sessions have been taught at Richmond College, Richmond Young Carers and many local schools. She has recreated the London Eye on several occasions with whole classes and has also run workshops with small groups of children teaching and sharing her skills.

Please follow the link to see more of her work with children.

Crafts for Kids
A school project created, designed and implemented by Anita. This was worked on with 30 children, once a week over four months.
The theme was friendship. The school puzzle is two metres across. Materials were funded with Jack Petchey money and the puzzle celebrated ten years of the Circle of Friends project where children meet weekly to form support groups to the more vulnerable.

Papier mache school installation Orleans Park School - collaborative work students with Mrs Russell

Children’s and Student’s Papier Mache Workshops

Testimonials

“It all started when the papier mache book that sat on my bookshelf jumped out at me one day and I decided I would try and get some lessons. I searched the internet and found Anita. Her website looked fun and when I spoke with her she was very enthusiastic. I arranged to do 3 workshops and then I contacted a close friend and she said that she was more interested in art classes but she would come along. She then brought a neighbour that had been confined to her home due to foot injury and thought she might like it. So we all headed down to Anita not knowing what to expect. All we can say – It was great fun. Anita is very motivating and supportive of the very ambitious ideas we had. All the sessions were fun and a great time to relax and to be creative. Not to mention good girl chat!. Thoroughly recommended”
text review
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Workshops photo gallery

Here in the gallery you will see a range of items made by adults. From storage boxes to complex sculptures there is something for all.

Sessions are normally two hours long and cost from £50 for one, £80 for two or £100 for three people. If you arrange a two or three session set of slots prices may be negotiable. All classes are at Anita’s lovely cottage near Richmond and you will be surrounded by colour, papier mache sculptures, beautiful china and a lovely garden to work in or look out towards. All materials are included as well as a drink and snack.Anita makes her own home made scented glue and uses two colours of newspaper to ensure an even covering. All papier mache needs to dry so one will need a few days between sessions. Often at the end, Anita suggests you leave the piece if you do not live far away and she will varnish it for you if you want, or you can just take it home. It is also possible to create masks if you look at the Theatre page you can see some of the masks Anita has made.

If you tell her what you would like to make, she will happily research the item for you and come up with lots of suggestions. It may also be possible to negotiate online sessions on zoom if the Lock-down continues. (May 2020)

papier mache workshop at Anita Russell's house

collaborative project with Anita Russell

Papier mache love birds by Anita Russell