StoryScapes is a creative virtual workshop where students bring stories to life through 3D model-making. Using simple materials they’ll explore character, setting, and plot, then build miniature scenes that reflect their narratives. No art experience is needed—just imagination! The program ends with a gallery walk, where students share their creations and stories. StoryScapes combines storytelling, visual art, and hands-on design in an engaging, inclusive experience.
Workshop plan each day (5 days/sessions): 10 mins: Intro 15 mins: Demonstration 20 mins: workshop 10 mins: closing reflection
Overview: This five-day virtual workshop guides students through the process of creating an original story and expressing it through collage and 3D model-making. Using accessible materials, students will explore atmosphere, character, and space through visual storytelling.
Day 1: Introduction & Story Development Activities: Welcome students. Introduce yourself, your work, and your field. Share your website/portfolio. Students introduce themselves. Project Overview: Present the overall goals of the week. Introduce the storytelling project. Creative Activity: Begin creating a story. Students complete a story chart answering questions about: Who is the main character? What do they want? What stands in their way? Where does the story take place? What changes?
Day 2: Setting Collage Activities: Welcome and sharing: Invite students to talk about any recent creative work. Material collection and workspace setup. Collage 1: The Setting Materials Needed: A4 paper (white or recycled) Color paper, magazines, or patterned paper Glue, scissors, ruler Pastels, colored pencils, markers (optional) Instructions: Imagine the story’s setting as if you’re a fly on the wall—observe light, texture, and mood. Tear and collect textures, colors, and patterns to represent the atmosphere. Avoid words and commercial images. Use the full page with pure design elements: line, color, shape, texture, proportion. Glue materials down; no white paper should be visible.
Day 3: Character Collage Activities: Welcome and sharing time. Material collection and workspace setup. Collage 2: Characters Materials Needed: Same as Day 2 Instructions: Imagine the characters—each with distinct textures and energy. Create one full collage per character using design elements only. No text, objects, or logos. Think about how textures represent emotions, roles, or personalities.
Day 4: Continue Character Collages & Begin 3D Model Activities: Welcome and creative sharing. Material collection and setup. Creative Work: Finish character collages if needed. Begin 3D model-making using the shoebox as the base. Review principles: perspective, texture, light, and spatial storytelling.
Day 5: Final Model Assembly & Presentation Activities: Welcome and sharing time. Material collection and preparation. 3D Model Construction: Materials Needed: Shoebox (base) 4 completed collages Color paper, glue, scissors, ruler Plain paper for character silhouettes At least two props or furniture pieces using scale Instructions: Build your 3D story scene inside the shoebox. Choose a point of view for the audience. Incorporate all four collages as background, ground, and atmosphere. Add characters as cut-out silhouettes. Design props to scale to complete the scene. Daily Wrap-Up: Students collect and organize materials. Reflect briefly or share progress. Clean up workspace.
Date Options:
Mondays
Wednesdays
or Fridays
Time Options: Time will be scheduled directly with teacher