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Create a 3-D Doodle Artwork

Create a 3-D Doodle Artwork
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Make a 3-D doodle artwork using paper strips, glue, and markers. Learn layering, depth, and simple sculpture techniques while decorating your design.

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Step-by-step guide to create a 3-D doodle artwork

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What you need
Adult supervision required, coloured paper or scrap paper, colouring materials such as markers crayons or coloured pencils, glue or glue stick, pencil, plain white paper, ruler, scissors

Step 1

Gather all the materials listed and set them on a clear workspace.

Step 2

Pick a doodle idea you want to turn into a 3 D artwork.

Step 3

Lightly draw the doodle outline on your base paper with a pencil.

Step 4

Cut the coloured or scrap paper into strips of different widths and lengths.

Step 5

Curl or fold some strips into loops arches or coils to make 3 D shapes.

Step 6

Arrange the paper strips on your sketch without glue to plan the layers and positions.

Step 7

Glue one paper strip to the base paper where you planned it.

Step 8

Glue the next strips one at a time layering them to build depth and form.

Step 9

Press each glued spot gently for a few seconds to secure the strip.

Step 10

Wait about ten minutes for the glue to set until it feels not tacky.

Step 11

Decorate the strips and the background with markers to add patterns and color.

Step 12

Let the whole artwork dry completely before moving it.

Step 13

Share your finished 3 D doodle artwork on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have coloured or scrap paper or craft glue?

If coloured or scrap paper isn't available use magazine pages, wrapping paper, or cereal-box cardstock cut into strips and replace craft glue with a glue stick or double-sided tape when you reach the 'Glue one paper strip to the base paper...' step.

My paper strips keep flattening or the glue stays tacky—how can we fix that?

If strips flatten or glue stays tacky, press each glued spot longer and temporarily hold loops with small clothespins or paper clips while you 'Wait about ten minutes for the glue to set' so layers and coils hold their shape.

How can I adapt this 3-D doodle project for younger or older kids?

For preschoolers pre-cut wider strips and simple loops for them to arrange and glue, while older kids can cut varied widths, create tight coils and complex layered compositions during the 'Curl or fold some strips...' and 'Glue the next strips...' steps.

What are easy ways to personalize or make the artwork more advanced?

To enhance the piece, add foam tape under select strips for extra height, glue on sequins or textured fabric before decorating with markers, and photograph the finished 3 D doodle to share on DIY.org as in the final step.

Watch videos on how to create a 3-D doodle artwork

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Easy 3D drawing on Paper for Beginners - Step-by-Step | How to Draw 3D | Optical illusion

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Facts about paper sculpture for kids

✂️ Papercraft artists often use slits, tabs, and interlocking pieces so components fit together without glue.

🖊️ Markers come in water-based and alcohol-based inks; water-based markers are easier to blend and safer for kids.

🧻 Paper can hold surprising strength when folded or layered—many paper sculptures support their own weight without frames.

📚 Pop-up book engineers use clever folds, layers, and tabs to create depth—perfect inspiration for making layered 3-D doodles.

🎨 Zentangle is a modern doodling practice that uses repeating patterns to create relaxing, decorative designs—great for 3-D doodle surfaces.

How do you make a 3-D doodle artwork?

Start by sketching a simple doodle design on sturdy paper or cardstock. Cut or tear colored paper into strips, loops, and shapes. Use a thin glue bead to attach the first layer, building up pieces to create hills, arches, and raised patterns. Twist, roll, or fold strips for volume and glue them in layers to create depth. Finish by adding marker details and shading to emphasize shadows and highlights. Let dry flat before displaying.

What materials do I need for a 3-D doodle artwork?

Gather cardstock or heavyweight paper, colored paper or scrap paper for strips, child-safe scissors, white glue or glue stick, and permanent or washable markers for decorating. Optional helpful supplies: a pencil and ruler for planning, a craft knife (adult use only), tweezers for small pieces, double-sided tape for fast attachment, and small weights or clips to hold layers while glue dries. Non-toxic materials are best for kids.

What ages is this 3-D doodle activity suitable for?

This activity suits a wide range: preschoolers (4–6) can make simple curled strips and glued shapes with supervision, early elementary (6–8) can follow basic layering and patterning, and older kids (9–14+) can plan complex compositions and experiment with sculpture techniques. Provide adult help for cutting or using craft knives. Adjust complexity and tool access to match each child’s fine-motor skills and attention span.

What are the benefits, safety tips, and variations for 3-D doodle artworks?

Making 3-D doodles boosts fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, creativity, and patience while teaching layering and basic sculpture. For safety, use child-safe scissors, non-toxic glue, and supervise small pieces or craft knives. Variations include using recycled magazines, corrugated cardboard for texture, metallic markers for shine, painting layers before assembly, or creating collaborative murals. Turn designs into greeting cards, framed art, or 3-D letters for personalized gifts.
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Create a 3-D Doodle Artwork. Activities for Kids.