When you find your model you need to download it as a “.stl” file. To find the base model you would like to begin with, look for it on Thingiverse, this is a site which contains thousands of free downloadable models used mostly for 3D printing. The example I will be making along the way will be an African elephant, it has a perfect mixture of large rounded edges with a few complex areas like the trunk, tail and tusks. Rounder, more curved models work best and retain their shape the most. Objects with thin long sections are very hard to recreate using nets (e.g. When choosing a model you intend to make, try to keep it simple.

Water based paints could deform and weaken the final structure of the model so stay away from these.Ĭlick here to download Pepakura Designerand click here to download Meshlab, you will need to install these before we begin. Do not use superglue, it doesn’t need to be that strong and it’s expensive.Īcrylic Spray Paint – You will need these if you intend to colour your model (if you do not already have coloured card). Glue – I used PVA glue in a little dispenser bottle but you can use any other craft glue on the market. Meshlab – This is free software used for converting the model into low polygonal shapes which we can use. Pepakura Designer – Unfortunately this program is not free to download but I would very much recommend you to buy it it’s great for everything papercraft.

I would not recommend using thin paper as the model will be flimsy and weak. For complex and smaller models, use standard card (120-200gsm). For bigger and simpler models, go for thicker card (between 200-300gsm). Paper! – This will differ on your model size and complexity.

I have had lots of fun making paper models and they create stunning pieces to display around your home, so let’s jump right in.Ī pair of scissors – The sharper the better, I prefer using a longer pair with a big handle, they’re easier to control.Ī printer – Nothing fancy just something that prints things onto paper. I love using paper for drawing, making pop up cards, models, paper aeroplanes and origami… so why not use it for making beautiful 3d scale models of anything you desire! Paper models can be quite time consuming depending on their complexity, and making one requires lots of patience and fiddley-ness. In this instructable you will learn everything from editing 3d computer models into flat nets, to creating your own finished paper sculpture.

Spyro pepakura pattern