• A simple piece of paper provides endless sculpting possibilities.paper image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
  
  You can use several different techniques to create a 3D paper sculpture. Origami, or the art of paper folding, is one of the most popular types of 3D paper sculpture. You can also make pieces using paper mache, rolled paper, quilled paper and paper coating over a wire frame. The wide assortment of sculpting techniques means there is also a wide assortment of possible projects. From a simple origami paper flower to an elaborate quilled paper butterfly, almost any sculpture idea is possible.
  
  

Giant Egg Sculpture

• Try paper mache and an egg-shaped object to create a giant, decorative egg sculpture. The sculpture frame can consists of a large Styrofoam egg, wire mesh egg or lightly sanded plastic egg. The flour and water dipped strips of paper covering the frame provide a smooth surface for the decoration. Any type of decoration can cover the dried paper mache egg, including painted patterns, stencils, ribbons and plastic gems.
  
  

Log Cabin Sculpture

• Long pieces of tightly rolled brown paper serve as small logs for a paper sculpture of a miniature cabin. The paper "logs" are cut as needed to form a basic square cabin with four walls, a door, two windows and a sloped roof. Decorative details can include hand-painted wood grain on each "log" and painted hinges on the "log" door.
  
  

Rose Ball Sculpture

• Combine origami with crumbled paper to create a 3D paper sculpture of a traditional rose ball. The origami roses consist of squares pieces of bold red paper folded into a small rose shape. The 1-foot ball consists of tightly wadded pieces of green construction paper held together with a glue and water varnish. Origami roses cover the entire ball sculpture, leaving very little green peeking through. A green ribbon attaches to the top of the ball so that the decoration can hang from a wall, ceiling or window frame.
  
  

Quilled Butterfly Sculpture

• Layered strips of quilled paper create a classic ornamental design for a 3D paper sculpture. Quilling consists of tiny strips of colored paper rolled firmly, but not tightly, around a feather's quill, or toothpick, to create a spiral shape. The spiraled paper is pinched into different shapes, such as a spiral square or triangle, to provide material for a complex picture.
  
  A combination of big and small quilled pieces in assorted colors create a 3D butterfly shape. Tiny, round, quilled black paper form the butterfly body and outline of each wing. Small quilled papers fill the butterfly's wings with assorted colors and patterns. Thin strips of yellow paper with a quilled curl on the top forms the butterfly's antennas. Once each quill is glued into the structure and the glue dries, you can hang the butterfly decoration on a wall or in a window.