Paper model Facts for Kids

Paper models, also called card models or papercraft, are cool models you can build mostly from sheets of strong paper, cardstock, or foam. It's like building something awesome just by cutting, folding, and gluing paper!

What are Paper Models?
Where to Find Paper Models
- Turning 3D Models into Paper Models
What Can You Build?
Images for kids
See also

What are Paper Models?

Paper modeling is a fun hobby where you create amazing 3D objects from paper. This can include different types of paper art:

Origami is when you make a paper model by only folding a single piece of paper. You don't use glue or scissors.
Kirigami is like origami, but you can use scissors to cut the paper too.
Card modeling is when you build detailed models from special sheets of cardstock. These sheets usually have the parts printed on them in full color.

To make a paper model, you cut out the printed pieces. You might score the edges (make a light line) to help them fold neatly. Then, you glue the pieces together, often using white glue. Since the parts are usually already colored, you don't need to paint the model when you're done.

Some people like to make their models even better by adding paint or extra details. Because paper can be delicate, some hobbyists seal their models with varnish or fill them with spray foam. This helps the models last longer. You can even use paper models as a guide to create props from other materials, like making a paper costume first, then covering it with resin.

Where to Find Paper Models

It's easy to find paper model patterns online. You can print them out and build them at home! Many companies, like Yamaha and Canon, even offer free paper models on their websites for fun.

Because you can download and print many models for free or very cheaply, paper modeling has become super popular around the world. Printing at home also means you can easily change the size of a model. For example, you can make two different models match in size.

You can also buy inexpensive kits from special publishers. Many of these are from Eastern Europe.

Experienced modelers often design their own paper models. They might draw them by hand or use computer software. Programs like Blender or SketchUp can help turn 3D designs into flat patterns you can print and build. There are also special programs, like Pepakura Designer, that help convert 3D computer models into printable templates for papercraft.

Turning 3D Models into Paper Models

It's really cool how you can take 3D models from video games and turn them into paper models! People often use special software to do this. First, they get the 3D model from a game. Then, they use a program like Blender or Metasequoia to prepare the model. After that, they use a papercraft program, like Pepakura Designer, to flatten the 3D model into pieces that can be printed. This program also adds tabs for gluing, which makes building the model easier.

What Can You Build?

Since people can create their own designs, paper models are only limited by imagination! You can build almost anything.

Vehicles are very popular, like cars, trucks, and even space shuttles. Some use realistic pictures from real vehicles to make them super detailed.
Buildings can be simple or incredibly detailed, with thousands of pieces to put together.
Video game characters and objects are also very common because they are popular and often easy to turn into paper models.

Online, you can find hundreds of models from different designers. Some are very challenging and ambitious, like life-sized creations! Paper models of buildings are also popular with people who build model railways.

Paper models are also used in tabletop games, especially wargaming. It's easy to make armies and buildings from paper. Players can even personalize their models with unique designs.