Paper mâché clay leaf workshop

Participants will come away with a collection of small hand-made paper mâché leaves that can be displayed inside or outdoors. We will explore the garden and examine different types of foliage as we build our own sculptural forms. A special behind the scenes tour of the centre will conclude the four part, half day, workshop series.

Workshop One: Sunday 20th March: 9 am to 12 noon with time to grab a coffee at the café

We will explore the garden, draw sample leaves, cut wire armature, and cover the pieces with a layer of recycled paper mâché using the traditional technique. The leaves will be left to dry at the centre.

Workshop Two: The Sunday 27th March: 9 am to 12 noon with time to grab a coffee at the café

This week we will make paper mâché clay using paper clay using plaster and recycled paper. This speeds us the process of layering and forms a stronger structure. One side of the leaves will be coated and left to dry at the centre.

Workshop Three: Sunday 3rd April: 9 am to 12 noon with time to grab a coffee at the café

During this session we will cover the other side of the leaves with paper mâché clay and discuss different ways to finish the leaves. Participants can take the leaves home with a clay slip and coat the surface during the week, or leave them as they are to dry at the centre.

Workshop Four: Sunday 10th April: 9 am to 12 noon with time to grab a coffee at the café

In this final session, we will prepare and paint the surfaces with metallised paints or participants own choice of finish. While the first side is drying, we will take a behind the scenes tour of Eden Gardens with the exhibition curator, Meredith Kirton. When the second sides of the leaves have been painted and are touch-dry the leaves will be ready to be taken home and proudly displayed indoors or participants can take home an additional glaze to enable the pieces to be installed outside.