instructables

Create Faceted Papercraft-objects

by krummrey

Faceted sculptures and objects are all the rage these rel="nofollow">http://jan.krummrey.de/2017/03/face
days. And they are ideal to make from paper or ted-deer-head/ or Dropbox:
cardstock.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1133977/deer_h
You don't need fancy 3D-programs or design skills. ead_detailed-415-2farbig-h780.pdf
But it takes time and patience to make them. There's (Please don't share the pdf without the link to where it
a lot of paper to be printed, cut and glued. came from, thank you.)

If you want to skip the next steps and just want to

build the deer above - Here is the PDF: But you want to make your own, right? So let's get
It's meant to be printed on A3. You can print it on A4, started.
the deer will then be 75% smaller in the end.
UPDATE: I made a second tutorial for the Moose as
some of you have requested.

The PDF can be downloaded from my blog:

Create Faceted Papercraft-objects: Page 1

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1. Just for reference my tutorial on how to make paper-models:

www.instructables.com/id/Create-faceted-paper-objects/

Step 1: 3D-Model

The web is full of free 3D-models that we can use as them detailed like this you'd have to cut out tens or
a template. I found my deer on hundreds of thousand little paper triangles. Thats why
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:34277 we have to reduce the level of detail drastically. That
way we also get that cool faceted look.
There are plenty of other models on that site. If none
fits you try looking for free .obj or .stl on your favourite The free software Meshlab (for Windows, Mac or
search engine. Linux) can do that for us. Get it at:
http://meshlab.sourceforge.net/
Most of the time these models were made for
animation or 3d-printing. If you were to try to make

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Step 2: Importing the Model

Once you open meshlab and go through the menus you probably want to close it right away. But fear not. We will
only use one of all those tools.

So lets get started:

Import your model:

File->Import Mesh

You should see your model on the screen like this. Try to get rotate the model by clicking and dragging you
mouse. You can Zoom in and out with your scroll-wheel.

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Step 3: Chop Away Most Details

Now it's time to grind away the detail. I usually do it in 1000. That leaves a lot of detail to work with. I also
two steps. Chopping away in the first pass and then use Preserve Topology, Optimal Position, Planar
going back refining to the point where I'm satisfied. Simplification and Post-simplification cleaning.
Filters->Remeshing, Simplification and
Reconstruction->Quadric Edge Collapse Decimation Your model should start to look faceted now. Time to
save this step:
That sounds like rocket science, and under the hood File->Export Mesh as
probably is. But we don't have to know how it works, Doesn't matter what file-type you choose, meshlab
just how to use it. can read anything that it can write.
In the end I want to reach somewhere between 500
and 1000 faces. In the first step I reduce down to

Step 4: Select the Parts That Need More Detail

Meshlab crashes a lot. Especially after reducing tons region tool (red triangles being selected). Your cursor
of points. That's why I advise you to close this model should have a little box next to it, indicating that you
now and reimport it. are in selection mode. Anything that you enclose by
File->Close Project clicking and dragging your mouse will be selected.
File->New Project You can't rotate in this mode now. To do so toggle the
File->Import Mesh selection mode on and off by hitting the ESK key.
Adding to your selection can be done by pressing the
In this model I want to antlers to be more detailed CMD key while selecting more faces.
than the head an neck. Most models have parts that To remove parts from your selection use the SHIFT
need a little more detail. key.
In the toolbar is the Select Faces in a rectangular

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Step 5: Invert Your Selection

Orbit around your model to see if there are parts if you, like me in this example, have selected the
selected that shouldn't be or vice versa. parts that you want to keep detailed, you need to
invert your selection:
Depending on what you have selected you need to do Filters->Selection->Invert Selection
one more step.
If you have selected the parts that you want to reduce
even more that you can skip this step.

Step 6: Check Again

It never hurts to check again.

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Step 7: Reduce the Coarser Parts

Filters->Remeshing, Simplification and Reconstruction->Quadric Edge Collapse Decimation

By default meshlab will offer to reduce the details by 50%. In this case that's fine with me. Experiment with the
numbers. Just make sure that you save your steps, so that you can go back. Meshlab has NO undo!!!

This time make sure that you click on the Simplify only selected faces option.

1. This is important!!!

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Step 8: Your Model Is Ready for Unfolding

Save your model: rel="nofollow">http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-

File->Export Mesh as en/download/download.html

This time make sure that you save your file as an .obj There is a trial version that won't allow you to save
. The next program we use to unfold the model needs your work. But you can print it.
the file to by an OBJ. If you plan to make more objects like this, the price of
$38 is reasonable.
The other program we need is Pepakura Designer.
Sadly it's only available for Windows.

1. Make sure this is your file-type.

Step 9: Setting Up Pepakura

Before you start it is important to set your printer into stripes of 210mm width and a length of 400-
settings right. Try to print as large as you can. Most of 500mm. My inkjet printer can handle them through
us will only be able to print on A4 or letter size the single sheet feeder. looks a little strange but
cardstock. If you have access to a printer that can works for me.
print A3 on coardstock - it's well worth it. It'll save you
quite a few glue steps later on.

I personally buy large sheets of paper and cute them

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Step 10: Importing the Model Into Pepakura

When you import your model into Pepakura you will be asked to re-orient your model. This step is not really
necessary but helps you to maintain a sense of what part belongs where.

You will also get a warning that the facecount is (too) high. You can safely ignore that. The number of faces were
determined in meshlab in the previous steps.

Your model should be on on the left hand side of the screen now.

1. Yupp, this is not a project for Kindergarden. A lot of work lies ahead.

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Step 11: Unfolding

Pepakura helps you to flatten your model so that you There is a great instructable that explains this
can print it out. I don't want to go into details here. process in great detail:
The idea is, that you cut along the side of the faces https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-use-
until you get a piece that can be unfolded until it is Pepakura-Designer/
totally flat and printable. Pepakura will add tabs
where you made the virtual cuts so that you can glue The cuts I made on my deer are drawn in orange on
the parts back together. the screenshot above.

Step 12: Placing Parts on Paper

After you have unfolded your model it's time to If you plan to use different colors make sure you
optimize the placing of the parts. Try to move and turn group the parts that have the same color. I grouped
them so that you lose as little space on your paper as all the parts for the antlers on the last four pages.
possible. You might have to make an additional extra
cut here and there to fit them onto a single sheet of I also kept the base on a single page.
paper.

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 2

1. Antlers.
You can print these pages in a different color
2. Baseplate
Use real heavy cardstock for this. Cut holes for hanging before glueing it in

Step 13: Printing

If you are using the free version of Pepakura you after you've cut them out. More on that later.
won't be able to save you work with Pepakura. What
you can do ist print into a PDF. That way you can That's why I always write a PDF of my work.
print your object on paper whenever you want.
When printing on cardstock make sure you have fairly
You can also share your work with others easier. Not heavy paper. 200 grams is the minimum Is was able
everyone is willing to download and install the to get a big object out of. Try to get cardstock closer
Pepakura-Viewer. And PDFs work on OS X and to 300 grams.
Linux.
PDFs make it easier to find the corresponding pieces

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Step 14: Cutting

Tools I use. Scissors in different sizes, Paperknives I place them to save space, there is no order.
and rulers. I like to switch between all of them. That Connected parts can be on totally different pages.
way it's less boring and your hands don't get tired so That's why I cut them out all at once and place them
quick. But no matter what you use - it's a lot of work. where they were, keep them grouped by page.
Take breaks but stay organized. Then You'll get
through. I score the folds with a knife. If you feel comfortable
with that, it's the fastest way. You can also use a ball-
Some peolple like to cut out just the piece they want pen.
to glue next. Cut, glue, cut, glue. That works best if
you have placed the parts in squential order on paper.

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Step 15: Glueing

I use basic paper-glue for parts that need to be and search for them in the PDF. Your PDF-reader will
strong. Where the antlers meet the head for example. show you the page and position in no time.
On all other sides I use double-sided tape. It's cleaner
(no spillage) and faster. The keep on going. Piece by piece. Don't worry if you
lose track of what it is you are currently glueing
Start from the outside in. From small to big, from together. In the end it will magically fit. You'll be so
intricate to coarse. In this case with the antlers. Pick proud when you have the two antlers ready, sticking
one of the spikes and find it's corresponding piece. them to your head in front of a mirror...
Glue. see if there are other sides that match on the
part you have in your hand. Then pick the next piece. Take your time. It took me two weekends. And I've
done a few of those before...
This can be like a treasure hunt. This is where the
PDFs come in handy. Pick one of the edge numbers

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Step 16: Done

When all is done, find a nice spot on a wall and hang it.

Congratulations, You've made it.

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Step 17: Videos - Instructions and Timelapses

This tutorial has been a great success for me and lots of people have made the deer. Some of them even made
videos. If you have made one or know of others, let me know and I'll include them here

Tutorials:

DIY Origami Hirschkopf Trophäe by kekulo

DIY 3D Paper Deer Head (EP.3) by Ashley Freeman

Timelapses:

Deer Trophy Papercraft Timelapse by Robert Kovacs

Deer Papercraft by Craftsandstuff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAG6tZ4kgoQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFSI-W4_iNE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8gGV_BYIfg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFp9T9u1tXs

Step 18: Bonus: Extra Templates

Martin Liška has made a fox using this tutorial and asked me to share it here with you.

So here it is, the Papercraft Fox.

If you have made a template that you want to share, please let me know and I will put it here.

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I made it - and it's gorgeous!
I wondered, why my version is inverted, but after reading the comments it came clear: I printed the
instruction on white paper, zoomed it with a copier to A3, cut out the pieces, pinned them onto
heavy cardstock and wrote the numbers with a pencil onto the cardstock - my numbers are outside,
and the deer looks to his left side.
I do love this clear shape - great work!

Hi. guys, I`m from Brazil and I really wanna to do one of this. Can someone send me one of this on
my e-mail? I can't understand english very good and I didn't understood all the comments below.
My e-mail address is ocriador@hotmail.it
Thanks Guys
PEDRO, ALGUÉM TE MANDOU O MOLDE? VOCÊ PODERIA ME PASSAR? OBRIGADA!
o molde pode ser baixado nessa pagina.

olá
nesta pagina voce consegue fazer o download do pdf
depois é só imprimir em folha de papel A4 comum mesmo, recortar e dobrar.
faça a colagem dos chifres no final.
wow you're really good at paper crafting! can you tell me which pages are for antlers and the head?
i'm trying to make a multi-color one like yours.
When you download the pdf file, the antlers start from page 12.
thanks ;))
i want to know that too!
please give answer
thanks.

Create Faceted Papercraft-objects: Page 15

page 12 - antlers beginning.
Just wondering, how did you get the colour?
P.S it rocks!
Different colored paper. Cheaper than printing color with your inkjet printer.
You are awesome!! And I wonder if you have made any giraffe??
awesome !

Thank you! :-)

That looks amazing
Can you share the PDF files that should be printed please?
thank you :-)
krummrey posted the link to the pdf file here in the comments. scroll down please.
Hi..it looks really really nice! :) Could you tell me what kind of paper are you using?...COuld share
with me the link where I can buy it?
Hi, thank you very much :-)
I bought this paper in Tallinn (Estonia) in a very big shop with tons of cartonage, printed paper and
everything with paper which I have never seen. It is 300g/m² cartonage. I want to build an elk (also
from krummrey) and just bought 300g/m² cartonage at "Heinrich Hünicke" in Lübeck (Germany)
http://www.buerokompetenz.de/index.php
So, unfortunately no online-shop.
I just bought a catonage of 180g/m^2...hope it work well because I see that is stiffened enough.
Please, share with us the pdf file of the elk. What about a Lion and a panter!. I am really excited
about these kind of projects. Hope to hear soon from you!
Reply Upvote

I made it and covered it with leather! Lots of work but very nice result!

I made it and covered it with leather! Lots of work but very nice result!

Made of A4 sheet of paper

I did it as a gift.

Hi
Is would it be possible to create a horse head from a horse I found on thingiverse? I haven’t found

Create Faceted Papercraft-objects: Page 16

a way to seperate the body from the head
Thanks
Horse

Mas horse

This was a horse

This was a horse...

just download a 3d program. then create a hole/subtract/ (however to do it in that program) and
save. then follow this. I hope I helped!
Soon

I want pdf templates of tiger head . Deer face was made awesome n made me inspire to do
more.Thank u jan.
more of what I have done because of this instructable

God that's creepy... plz blur the faces out *shudder*

how to download this deer? I have to become a premium member? But on your other website and
from an online Dutch creapage they lead to you : all say download for free... but nothing works!
I have tried everything... I only want this deer pdf.
What is a permium member and are there costs?
Can you help me?
My regards from the Netherlands
Petra
http://jan.krummrey.de/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/deer_head_detailed-415-2farbig-h780.pdf

As it needed to be more durable than regular cardstock, I reinforced it with some fiberglass and
polyester. Not exactly the same 3d model, but inspired and instructed by this page.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/HkSculpture/photos/?ta...

After some weeks of working on-and-off on it, the cardstock-fiberglass deer is finally done. Thanks
Create Faceted Papercraft-objects: Page 17
 for the instructions and inspiration!
Size comparison DIN A4 to DIN A3 (thanks a lot for this project ;) )

Yay! Made this from your tutorial ... next step... Tiger Head! :)

Pdf file please :) michellefloresruiz@gmail.com

where did you get the project?

.
Hey men, I love your design. Can you help me to get these templates? I would love to make them
for my own. Tanks!, JDillen
The bull is lovely. Can you please share the pdf file?
Thanks.
WOW your bull is amazing!!!!!! I'm looking forward for your tiger head! may you share the
instructions for both of them or send me them by email? THANKS!!!
Fun project! Took a different approach and worked with a laser cutter.

PDF file please :) michellefloresruiz@gmail.com

poprostuzyjseb@gmail.com pls :D
pdf file please saraum@hotmail.com
Looks great. Good to see that you went all the way and made one all by yourself.
Are you willing to share the template?

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