Papercraft for Beginners: How to Get Started (Tools, Tips & Easy Projects)

Sometimes even the simplest stuff needs a little guidance, so today we’re diving into the talk about Papercraft for Beginners: How to Get Started (Tools, Tips & Easy Projects).

What Is Papercraft?

When people think of papercraft, they usually picture origami. Sure, but papercraft is actually a 3d model made from paper.

Basically, if there’s a plastic model, there’s probably a papercraft version too. And then there are custom original models made by 3d design geniuses around the world… Ones that aren’t even sold in stores.

To me, papercrafting is a hobby where you build the model you want for the lowest cost possible. it’s for everyone, all ages across every genre and category be it anime, architecture, toys, vehicles, sci-fi, and more.

And when you finish the model, it becomes a beautiful, accomplished piece of art.

It’s kind of like building a plastic model, but with a little more DIY and way less cost. If you do it right, you can end up with a really cool looking model that looks just like a $200 figurine.

Papercraft Tools You’ll Need (Beginner Kit)

The tools you’ll need to get started as a beginner papercrafter are:

Material Side

1. Scissors or hobby knife
2. Printer (inkjet or laser)
3. Paper for printing (preferable 180gsm and above)
4. Glue (preferably translucent glue)
5. Cutting mat – this is optional, you can use any surface you want
6. Tweezers – these are a must for small parts
7. A light source like an LED drawing board helps when you’re working with templates that have hard to see lines. Shining the light from behind makes the lines pop, which is super helpful, especially if the template scans aren’t great. It’s optional, but definitely a nice touch.

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Basically the tools are pretty much the same as assembling a Gundam models or any Plamo models. Except for number 7.

Software Side (Windows)

I’m only listing windows software since I don’t know how to open .Pdo files on Mac or ios.

1. Pepakura Software – You’ll be downloading Pepakura Designer but we’ll be using the built in Pepakura Viewer inside Pepakura Designer.
2. PDF Reader
3. WinRAR

4. Choosing Your First Papercraft Model

As a beginner, you should start with simple stuff, no tiny parts or complicated folds. In that regard, i’ll recommend Easy level papercrafts which usually only need around 4–6 A4 papers printed.

So usually that would fall under the category of simple buildings, chibi anime models, cars, and paper toys.

Here’s a list of few papercraft templates I recommend :

1. NHK Labo Chan
2. Rome Colosseum
3. Riksa Skuter
4. Fiat 500 Car
5. Akihabara Diorama
6. Bedroom Set Diorama

How To Open and View Papercraft Templates

Papercraft templates usually come in three file types: JPG, PDF, and PDO. They are usually archived inside a .zip or .rar file in mypapercraft.net

What is PDO?

PDO is a format used by Pepakura Viewer. I mentioned before that you need to download Pepakura Designer, but you only use Pepakura Viewer inside it.

PDO files are mainly for assembling guides because every part in Pepakura Viewer is clickable and tells you which parts go where. There’s also an option to print the templates directly from Pepakura Viewer.

What is JPG?

Jpg is a picture file format that can be opened using any photo app on your computer, tablet, or phone.

What is PDF?

Pdf is a document format that can be opened using any pdf reader. you could basically use any pdf reader you want.. Acrobat reader, foxit, etc… But for papercrafting, we usually go with acrobat reader because it’s free.

It can also be open using an Internet Browser like chrome and Internet Explorer.

What is WinRAR

Winrar is a file archiver, and papercraft templates are often large in size. archiving them in .zip or .rar format makes the files smaller. I usually compress them with a password that can only be opened using winrar.

So, please use winrar when opening .zip or .rar files from this site.

Cutting & Scoring Basics

For cutting and scoring basics, if you need help I think a video might be more appropriate to show you how to do it. So please watch the video below.

Or if you’ve got the money, you could use a paper cutter machine.

Gluing & Assembling Your First Model

I have an article made just for this: Best Transparent Glues for Perfect Paper Crafts . Basically, don’t rush when gluing your project, be patient and use a light, thin coat.

Expectations and Patience!

So you finished building your first papercraft and it didn’t look the way you expected? don’t worry, everyone’s been there.. Even me.

I’m still in the same boat after all these years. Mistakes happen, and things don’t always go as planned, just like real life.

But after a few tries and some trial and error, I’m sure your model will end up looking like the fine $200 figurine you’ve always wanted.

So don’t give up and keep going . After all, you’ve already spent that money on the 180gsm paper, that brand-new printer, and that fresh ink cartridge.

There are so many awesome papercraft templates out there, and like any skill, papercrafting takes time and practice to get good at.

Have fun papercrafting! Once you get good time to head for the next level – Medium Difficulty!