There Is No Collage Without Paper: Upcycled Paper Making Workshop

Discover the art of papermaking and transform everyday waste into beautiful handmade papers in this fun, creative, and eco-friendly workshop.

Using discarded materials including egg boxes, old book pages, scrap paper, dried flowers, and other rescued materials, you'll learn how to make your own unique sheets of paper from scratch. Guided step-by-step through the process of pulping, forming, and drying paper, you'll gain hands-on experience with this ancient craft while exploring its contemporary creative possibilities.

Along the way, we'll delve into the fascinating history of paper, looking at what people used before its invention and how papermaking has evolved over time. You'll also experiment with natural methods of adding colour and texture to your paper pulp, creating distinctive surfaces perfect for future creative projects.

Beyond collage, you'll discover how handmade paper can be used for card making, bookbinding, journaling, printmaking, gift wrap, and small artworks.

Who It's For

Perfect for creatives, crafters, collage enthusiasts, and anyone interested in sustainable making and traditional processes. No previous experience is required.

Age guidance:

• Suitable for ages 16+
• Young people aged 12–16 years are welcome when accompanied by an adult

What You'll Take Home

• A collection of your own handmade upcycled papers
• Knowledge of the papermaking process from start to finish
• Techniques for adding natural colour and texture
• Ideas and inspiration for using your handmade papers in future creative projects

Facilitator

Agnieszka Zając is a mixed media artist, collagist, author, and trained Collage Care The: Method™ facilitator. Originally from Poland and now based in Plymouth, Agnieszka combines creativity and wellbeing through an inclusive, holistic approach informed by her background in Human Studies, art therapy, counselling, mental health, and visual arts.

Passionate about making collage accessible to everyone, she explores its healing, cathartic, and empowering potential while encouraging collaboration and community connection. Her work has brought collage into schools, youth centres, museums, public spaces, and community venues across Plymouth and beyond.

A strong advocate for neurodiversity, Agnieszka believes that "Art is for everyone." She is the founder of the Plymouth Collage Collective, curator of the Polaroids Collage Club, author of Soul Garden, and creator of the ongoing Why Collage? project, featuring collages and reflections from more than 150 international collage artists.

Accessibility

♿ Wheelchair accessible. If you have any access requirements or would like more information about accessibility, please contact bethmunro@realideas.com.

Please Note

This is a hands-on, messy workshop, so please bring an apron or wear suitable clothing. ♻️📄✨