Papertunity has been helping people transform waste items into works of art through a series of workshops in Enfield this summer, writes Anna-Louise Adepegba
A school art technician from Tottenham brought his eco-conscious arts experience business back to Dugdale Arts Centre this month.
Papertunity transforms recycled paper into unique art experiences, and began by holding a Christmas decorations workshop in a church in 2022. Four years later, Papertunity hosts a variety of workshops across schools, after-school clubs, community workshops and parties.
The business promotes the power of recycling to shape a greener future, and says its mission is to educate and engage communities by turning discarded paper into beautiful, meaningful creations and “by promoting sustainability, creativity and environmental responsibility, we empower individuals to see waste as a valuable resource”.
The workshops have been held every Wednesday at the Dugdale this month, with the final one taking place next week (26th August) from 12pm, when participants will be making houses using recycled paper.
Founder Olu Shabawole, who has a background in art and sculpture, thought of the idea for Papertunity when he was asked to throw away paper at his workplace. He began thinking that something better and more inspiring could be done with the materials.
In 2021, Olu spent time making two types of paper materials, a rock material out of newspaper, and paper clay from general office paper, which is used to make the sculptures, and taught at some of the sessions held.
Olu told the Dispatch: “I have always been passionate about art, and passionate about reimagining waste. At Papertunity, we have been inspiring people to see waste as a valuable resource.
“There is also a great social and educational element to the business, giving different members of the community a chance to be creatively expressive, socialise and learn skills.
“I used to make sculptures out of chicken bones, removing all the chicken and drying them down. It has been my philosophy, caring for the environment and providing positive experiences for people.”
Papertunity’s workshops include sculptures and traditional themes such as Christmas or Valentine’s Day, where making heart-shaped crafts is a way to show love for the community. At this week’s session, attendees including children and their parents created safari-themed posters made out of different coloured paper materials. The session was fun and educational, inspiring the children to ask questions, learn and problem-solve while being creative.
“We use all sorts of activities to make the crafts, finding unique types of recycled waste that are discarded to create something beautiful,” Olu said.
“Some of my favourite moments have been workshops where we made ice cream cones and rockets. Teaching them step-by-step is fun and educational. How to make the cone, then the ice cream scoop, then putting it all together.”
Other members of the team include operations director Emma Archibald who Olu spotlights as a key part of the company’s beginning.
“Emma joined and became my business partner at the end of 2025, and that is when Papertunity truly came to be and became a business. I had the ideas and the creativity, but Emma had the business mind to bring it all together.”
Papertunity offers work experience to young people, which Olu says is a crucial part of what they give to the community, with there “not being enough opportunities for young people”.
Many who have participated have put the work experience on their CVs.
Papertunity also sells creative kits containing the sculpture materials and tools, allowing people to create their own recycled-paper sculptures and continue the creative experience outside of the workshops.
For more information about Papertunity:
Visit papertunity.com
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