Let's Make Plaster Pets!
Have you ever wanted a pet that you don’t have to feed? A plant you don’t have to water? Introducing: Plaster Pets!
In honor of the back-to-school season, we’re making our very own class pets out of plaster strips. Let’s get messy and build some mascot heads while learning the basics of character design and plaster sculpture.
In this class, Sam will give a brief lesson on character design! As a professional animator on shows such as Tuca and Bertie and Regular Show, she’s an expert in all things expressive and adorable. After the lesson, she’ll do some technical explanation of drawing techniques and go over the basics of character design.
Then, students will have free time to draw, sketch and plot the perfect plaster pet. Once the design process is done, the class will begin the sculpture process by creating their base, laying their plaster, and finally painting with acrylic.
This class is all about letting go, having fun and embracing chaos. Don’t expect to create a picture perfect animal, but to get your hands dirty and make something that only a mother could love.
About the Instructor: Sam Maurer currently lives and works in Queens, NY. She graduated from the California Institute of the Arts with a BFA in character animation. Her illustration work has been published in the New York Times and The New Yorker while her films have screened at animation festivals in the US and EU. She was an artist in residence at Ox-Bow (2025) and Popps Packing (2021).
Materials Provided:
Sketching Supplies
Plaster Strips
Mesh Wiring and Cardboard
Acrylic Paint
What you'll walk away with:
One kind of insane looking plaster pet
About Kiki and Bouba Craft Lab: Kiki and Bouba is an experimental craft lab run out of our private studio in East Williamsburg. Artists ourselves, we spend our days tinkering so we can bring you exciting, new crafts you won't find anywhere else. Our classes are intentionally very small so you'll have your instructor's attention throughout the class. Questions are welcome at every step.
What to Expect at Our Workshops: This is not a paint-and-sip. We specialize in 2–4 hour workshops that teach you the fundamentals of skills that have taken us years to hone. Classes are skill-intensive and hands-on, with a small seat capacity so everyone gets the attention they need. Come ready to embrace the learning curve. The skills and satisfaction you walk away with are always worth it.
Refund Policy: Kiki & Bouba Craft Lab is a small, artist-run studio led by just the two of us, Adrianna and Zolzaya. Every ticket directly supports the materials, space, fees, and care that go into each workshop. Because of this, all ticket purchases are final and non-refundable, so we encourage you to book thoughtfully. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to pass your spot along to a friend. Just email us at kikiandboubacraftlab@gmail.com so we can update the registration.
Photography & Video Notice: We take photos and videos at our workshops for promotional use. By purchasing a ticket, you consent to being recorded and potentially featured in future marketing materials. If you prefer to not be included, please let us know in writing prior to your class. Thank you so much!
Please Note: Participants will receive a liability waiver by email before the class begins, required to be completed prior to class. Please arrive on time to maximize your making time.