Thanks for joining this class! We explored the art of creating whimsical sculptures using toilet paper, water, and watercolors.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Flat Objects

1. Lay out several layers of toilet paper, stacking them on top of each other.

2. Dip the layers as one unit into water or spray with a spray bottle.

3. Tear or cut the wet paper into the size you need.

4. Layer with dry toilet paper on top and bottom until the desired thickness is achieved.

5. If you need more wet paper, dip into water or spray as needed.

6. Lay the paper onto a paper plate, cookie sheet, etc., in the shape you desire.

Round Objects or Objects with Depth

1. Start with dry toilet paper and shape it into a ball.

2. Lay out several layers of dry toilet paper to create layers (overlap the layers to make wider objects).

3. Dip the layers in water or spray with water.

4. Wrap the wet layers around the ball shape.

5. Shape as needed.

6. Continue making more layers and adding to the object (some layers will be wet, and some will need to be dry).

7. Change directions as you lay down layers.

8. Remember to keep the centers dry and only use wet layers when needed, as larger objects will take longer to dry. If you use too much water, you may risk mold.

9. Let sit and dry for 48 hours.

Joining Pieces

1. Think of small wet toilet paper pieces as joint compound. This will allow you to join pieces together.

2. Make sure you add these joints on the front, back, and sides.

3. You can add dry layers over the top of the joints.

4. Move carefully to a paper plate, cookie sheet, etc., and let dry for 24-48 hours, depending on the thickness of the object.

Adding Color

1. After the pieces are completely dry, you can add watercolors.

- More water = less color/value

- More pigment = more vibrancy/value

2. The more you layer color, the more your object will come to life.

3. Let the pieces dry fully.

4. You can spray them with sealant if you want a glossy look, but make sure they are 100% dry first.

Tips:

Place your sculpture on a plate, cookie sheet, etc., so that you can easily move the pieces to their drying location.
Use inspiration pictures to see details in objects you want to make.
You can easily tear wet toilet paper and cut both wet and dry toilet paper.
Use the least amount of water needed, and squeeze out excess water before sculpting to avoid mold.
Make sure you place the pieces on the drying plate, cookie sheet, etc., exactly how you want them to dry.
If you have a sunny, warm day, you can dry your pieces in the sun to speed up the drying time.

*See the attached pdf for a printable version of the instructions on creating the Toilet Tissue Paper Sculpture.