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What is Papercraft?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Papercraft is a form of crafting in which paper is used to create three dimensional objects such as models or sculptures. Some people refer to papercraft as pepakura, in an homage to the large Japanese papercrafting community. Papercraft can be large or small, humble or ambitious, and it is incredibly varied. It is also easy to learn, and the Internet has greatly facilitated the exchange of papercraft designs and patterns. In addition, many Internet forums provide useful tips for budding papercrafters who may be struggling with their work.

Unlike origami, papercraft involves cutting up paper or cardboard and gluing it back together, although some folding and bending may be involved. Very basic papercraft is often taught in schools, so that children can bring polygons to life in the form of polyhedra. Simple papercraft does not require extensive math skills, but it can be used to illustrate basic math, or to get people excited about mathematics. More advanced papercraft can call upon impressive math abilities, which is part of the fun for some crafters.

Papercraft is the art of making models or sculptures, such as paper toys.
Papercraft is the art of making models or sculptures, such as paper toys.

Paper sculptures can get quite elaborate, running the gamut from replicas of sculptures made from other materials like marble to models of things like trains, boats, and planes. Really dedicated crafters will sometimes devise papercraft objects with moving parts, which requires a very fine eye and a lot of patience. The structure of the three dimensional object may be supported with stiff paper, cardboard, or even wood, to ensure that it will not collapse, and it may be painted, dyed, or textured with applied materials as well. To prevent warping, some papercraft is covered in a protective coating which will make it even sturdier.

X-acto knives are considered an important tool for paper-craft making, because they allow for accurate cutting.
X-acto knives are considered an important tool for paper-craft making, because they allow for accurate cutting.

Freehanding papercraft is challenging, though enjoyable, and it requires a good eye for design. Some papercrafters use software design programs which do much of the work for them, by converting a three dimensional object into a flat pattern which can be printed out. When a papercrafter devises a particularly complicated pattern, he or she may share it with others, in the spirit of cooperation among crafters, and in the hopes of seeing new takes on the design which may integrate more elements or solve design flaws.

Tweezers may be used to papercraft.
Tweezers may be used to papercraft.

The tools for basic papercraft are very simple and affordable. It helps to use a razor or Exacto® knife to cut, rather than scissors, since the blade can create precise, clean lines. In this case, a firm cutting surface is needed. Tape and glue are also useful, as is thick paper stock. You may also find dies and stamps useful, along with tweezers and other tools for manipulating very small pieces of paper while you work.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Papercraft is the art of making models or sculptures, such as paper toys.
      By: Chepko Danil
      Papercraft is the art of making models or sculptures, such as paper toys.
    • X-acto knives are considered an important tool for paper-craft making, because they allow for accurate cutting.
      By: Rob Byron
      X-acto knives are considered an important tool for paper-craft making, because they allow for accurate cutting.
    • Tweezers may be used to papercraft.
      By: Tarzhanova
      Tweezers may be used to papercraft.
    • Gridded mats may be useful for cutting paper to the correct size.
      By: Theo Malings
      Gridded mats may be useful for cutting paper to the correct size.