Make a card that pops - introduction to pop-up paper design

A hands-on, two-hour workshop where you design and build your own pop-up paper page — new theme, new mechanism every session.

Each 2-hour session brings together 6–8 people to explore a single pop-up mechanism from the ground up — through a different theme every time. No two workshops are ever quite the same, so there's always a reason to come back and learn another trick of the trade.

This is an introduction-level workshop, built for curious beginners rather than paper engineering professionals. If you can fold a piece of paper in half, you're ready.

We first open with a walkthrough of the session's featured pop-up mechanism, explained clearly from the ground up. Then, we look through the mechanism in action inside real pop-up books, so you can see how it behaves before building it yourself.

Practical part starts by you making a sketch and testing your own design on scrap paper first — fold, adjust, fold again, no pressure to get it right the first time.

Finally you bring your design to life in the finished piece, then decorate it your way and take it home.

The session is run by Marina Sidelnikova, a self-taught hobbyist enthusiast who has spent years falling down every craft rabbit hole going. Marina loves nothing more than sharing that joy of discovery with others, and can't wait to help you make something you're proud to take home.

Date: October 11, 2026

• Theme: Autumn Leaves
• Mechanism: Parallel Fold

Date: November 1, 2026

• Theme: Halloween
• Mechanism: Moving arms

Date: November 22, 2026

• Theme: Weather
• Mechanism: Pull tabs

Date: December 13, 2026

• Theme: Christmas tree
• Mechanism: Twist

Date: December 20, 2026

• Theme: Christmas present boxes
• Mechanism: Angle fold

Date: January 17, 2027

• Theme: Transport
• Mechanism: Wheel

ALL MATERIALS INCLUDED

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED

Please bring an extra layer as the basement can get chilly

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Marina in advance: marusia.side@gmail.com

PLEASE NOTE this workshop is unsuitable for under 10s

Due to the basement location of the Print Room and Bindery, we regret we cannot offer access to wheelchair users.

Refunds

Please note, we are unfortunately unable to offer refunds for this event.

Reduced ticket prices

We’d like as many people as possible to access and enjoy Bell House. We can offer a bursary ticket to those who currently receive any of the following: Pension Credit, Universal Credit Disability Benefit, Income Support or Job Seekers allowance. Please email event@bellhouse.co.uk to arrange your bursary ticket.