How to make paper models
Using white card stock is one of the cheapest and easy ways to exploring ideas and forms, and to the test proportions and spatial relationships of your designs.
White card provides a clean and neutral background, helping to emphasise the form, structure, and spatial qualities of the design without the distraction of colour or texture.
This reference guide is a great place to start with tips on cutting and forming paper with just a few tools.
Scroll to the bottom to see examples and links to other resources.
Ready your equipment.
You will need
Always use your cutting mat...
... and your metal ruler to ensure clean straight lines that are cut in scale
Guide the blade with your ruler and score the paper lightly
To create a fold
Press down on the card firmly with your blade
Repeat this motion to create a cut line
Score the card and fold your paper in to a Mountain Fold (Ʌ) or a Valley Fold (V). This will help you make origami folded models.
Example of a Mountain Fold
Use curved or circular objects to create your cut line for arched windows or an oculus. You can use your circular cutting template or household objects such as a bottle cap, a can or a cup.
You can use your circular cutting template. This will help you create curved openings that are to scale.
You can also household objects that a circular to help guide your curved cuts.
Cut your masking tape in to strips
Using masking tape will help you add support and joins to your model
Check out the DFL Pinterest page for more examples of models made from paper.
