Because of my unemployed status i’ve got a shitload of free time to deal with.
So there is a little post about my lifelong hobby for your entertainment
Warning: по неизвестным причинам, я написал этот пост на английском, и потом две недели пытался перевести на родной русский с сохранением интонаций.
Please forgive me ‘cos i’ve failed.
1. Why?
- it takes time.
- it requires patience, precision, skill, imagination, spatial reasoning.
- it gives tangible results you can show off
2. Tools of trade.
Printing models
- Paper.
- Paper of various sizes and types. White and colored paper. Cardstock. Cardboard. Normal “office paper”. There’s never too much paper.
- Inkjet Printer.
- I’ve read some recommendations to get one with separate cartridges for different colors, but it’s up to you. I own a simple Canon PIXMA all-in-one.
Cutting
- Sharp “hobby” knife
- My main cutting tool – good for strait lines and little details. Blades can be replaced or sharpened.
Find the one that’s comfortable to you. - Sharp scissors
- I rarely use them this days – mine are dreadfull. I’m searching for my perfect pair now.
- Cutting mat
- Green self-healing mats are avaiable in different sizes from various brands. I got a big one from Bantex.
Scoring
variety of things that can be used as scoring tools are astonishing:
- knitting and sewing needles
- empty ballpoint pens
- dull blade
- your own fingernails…
Glueing
- Glue
- Universal recommendation is using PVA (white) glue, but i had some trouble finding glue that will not cause discoloring of printed parts…
My ideal glue and various rejected alternatives are pictured below.
I use almost exclusively glue for decoupage by Decola – it dries clear and it dries FAST
Applying glue
- TOOTHPICKS
- This is the most valuable advice anyone can give you in case of papercraft:
Use common household toothpicks to apply glue!
I can’t stress this point less – USE THEM!
Neat results, can be used to apply glue to the most small details, and they are disposable!
No more cleaning! - Brushes
- Sometimes is an inevitable evil. Clear them right away ;)
Measuring
- Rulers
- Several in different sizes. Get one made from clear plastic – it will prove itself useful when scoring folds.
Additional tools
- Pliers \ tweezers
- Useful for handling small details: holding, folding, glueing.
- Markers \ paint
- For colouring the cut edges of the paper so they don’t show
- Various round objects
- For curling parts.
- Scotch tape
- Good for reinforcing parts from inside
- Wire
- Good for reinforcing parts from inside
Software
- PDF viewer of your choice
- I use Foxit Reader as an alternative to bloated Adobe creation
- Pepakura Viewer
- Viewer for .pdo files – provides both template and instructions in one file!
On the left – 3D model of finished product, on the left pages with details and tips what goes where.
3. Where to start?
- start with smth simple: cubecraft models, various papertoys (some of them are even glueless!)
- pros:
- instant gratification!
- thousands of models based on popular culture characters!
- and this step will teach you some basics about handling paper, folding, assembling basic geometric types (cones, spheres, cubes etc)
- cons:
- none
- move to more advanced models – search for professionaly designed models with clear instructions.
it’s time to try Canon Creative Park. - pros:
- various models: cars, planes, architecture, animals..
- each model comes with easy to understand instructions, that guarantee a satisfying result.
- following their instructions will teach you how to assemble more complex models: which flaps to glue first?
in what order assemble parts? - cons:
- none
- now you can attempt some serious, complex models.
- try assembling model which comes in .pdo format – it’s used by many amateur papercraft designers.
amateurs have no limits in their models themes: movie, anime and games characters;
complex, detailed models of spacecraft – you name it, there’s a papercraft for it.
p.s. of course you can IGNORE those recommendations – my first model was Serenity space ship %)
4. Resources
- Cubecraft
- Glueless cubee models of various cartoon\movie\game\comix characters
- Canon Creative Park
- Canon papercraft paradise – professional models with great instructions
- Yamaha Papercraft
- Professional models with instructions: animals, bikes (some of this bikes will take your breath away)
- Papercraft.net, Papercraft Paradise
- Blogs with daily updates on released models. check out their links sections for more papercraft resources
- 4chan /po/
- Papercraft and Origami image board. Usual warnings apply %)
5. My collection
6. Current work in progress
Swordfish II from Cowboy Bebop.
As of now – almost done, measures 50cm x 60cm