Hello Friend and welcome to Part 3 of our series where we will explore the techniques of Paper Engineering & Paper Sculptures.
PAPER ENGINEERING
Paper Engineering is a term that has 2 different meanings.
In one area it refers to the science behind making paper. However, in the world of Paper Crafts, the term Paper Engineering refers to the craft of using principles of mathematics & physics to create movable structures and pop-ups in books or cards. These mechanisms fold, pull and pop into place.
Practitioners of this craft are referred to as Paper Engineers.
POP-UPS
A Pop-up is the transformation of flat folded sheets of card into 3 dimensional objects that appear to pop out of the folds. Modern Pop-ups can be said to be an extension if Kirigami pop-ups, using multiple pieces of card to create their 3D forms as opposed to a single sheet.
Mechanical 2D cards use principles of physics to make devices like levers, gears etc to create motion cards. These are often found in greeting cards and pop-up books.
(University of Delaware)
PAPER TOYS
With origins in Japan, the art of Paper Toys uses Paper Engineering techniques to create mechanical devices that perform actions without the use of computer programming.
Some use the humble rubber band to create dynamic figures known as Kamikara.
Other versions use mechanisms like gears, cranks, cams, and levers known as Karakuri which are traditional Japanese toys. Building Karakuri toys is a blend of art, engineering, and science, often used in STEAM education.
Packaging & Invitation designers are also adopting Paper Engineering techniques to design dynamic products that create a WOW factor for their clients.
PAPER SCULPTURE
Paper Sculptures cover paper crafts that are 3 dimensional and also sometimes 2 dimensional.
2D Paper Sculptures are created to look like they are emerging out of the flat sheet of paper, an art technique called Bas Relief. Some use folding techniques, others use layering of cut pieces of paper. The outcomes range from abstract to life-like artistic pieces. They sometimes also feature as illustrations for advertising campaigns.
For 3D paper Sculptures, the techniques are wide and varied. There’s Paper Mache which involves using strips of paper soaked in a glue solution to create a paper pulp that is shaped into a form.
We also have low-poly 3D Paper Sculptures which use computer polygon graphics & art to create patterns that transform flat paper into 3D forms by cutting, folding and gluing. The outcomes are generally used for interior or event decorations or costumes. Some also feature in shop window displays.
Paper flowers are also a popular 3D Paper Sculpture used mainly in the events industry.
That’s it for Part 3rd in our series. There is still lots of other types of Paper Crafts to explore. It is such a wide and vast field but I think I will condense as much as I can to make the 4th part be the finale of this series 😉 Till next time!
Thoughts Paper Scissors 
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