Hot Papercraft How-Tos

How To: Make an animated optical illusion out of paper

In this how-to video, you will learn how to make an animated optical illusion with paper. First, start off with one ball and copy it five more times so that it goes in a line to the corner. Make sure there are six balls in total. Next, create a striped pattern shown. There are black bars with small white lines in between. One white space equals one sixth of the black space. This is essential in making the illusion work. Once both patterns are printed out in separate pieces of paper, lay the p...

How To: Make a paper shuriken (or ninja star)

In this Weapons video tutorial you are going to learn how to make a paper shuriken (or ninja star). Take a square size paper and cut it into half. Then fold each piece in half lengthwise. Fold one end to make a triangle and fold the other end in the opposite direction to make a triangle. Now fold the ends again to make a bigger triangle. Then each sheet will form a ‘Z’ shape. Now place one sheet on top of the other forming a cross. Then fold in the protruding triangles of one over the other p...

HowTo: Paper Plate Geometry

Oh, what fun you can have with a little math + a little origami. Bradford Hansen-Smith folds intricate geometric sculptures entirely from paper plates and is kind enough to offer a few HowTo's to get you started. Examples of his work below; scroll all the way down for the HowTo.

PhD in Paper Craft: Make This Insanely Detailed & Anatomically Correct Human Torso—Complete with Removable Organs

If you're studying human anatomy (or have ever visited a doctor's office), you're no doubt familiar with those plastic anatomical models with removable pieces meant to teach the different parts of the body. Before those, there were illustrated pop-up books. If you need to know the difference between the latissimus dorsi and the multifidus, you're probably better off sticking with your textbook diagrams. But if you prefer a more artful approach (and have a lot of time one your hands), this pap...

How To: Make a paper parol Christmas lantern

Here is an easy way to make a beautiful parol. All that you need is colorful papers, scissors, tape, stapler pin. Now take five sheets. Cross fold it and tear the extra paper, so that a perfect square is formed. Do it for all the five sheets. Now fold it cross wise, and again fold it in the same manner, so a triangle shaped paper is formed. Cut the papers cross wise and not on the edges. Care should be taken that it is not fully cut. Then open the paper, several sheets are formed now. Join op...

How To: Make a six sided paper snowflake

Most paper snowflakes are not representative of the proper 6-sided shape of snowflakes. This tutorial will show you a method which will allow you to make a beautiful and symmetrical realistic six sided paper snowflake. You will need to start with a square piece of paper, which you will then fold over diagonally to make a triangle shape. Taking the inner edge towards yourself, you will then need to fold the paper over into thirds and cut off the excess on an angle. After this, proceed as you w...

How To: Fold a letter "Arrow Style"

Follow these visual instructions to fold a letter into a cute, compact arrow shape. If you ever passed notes in class, this folding method falls among some of the more sophisticated styles. When practicing folding a letter into an arrow, make sure to write on it so as to be sure to conceal the letter's content during the folding process.

How To: Make the best paper snowflakes

In this video, we learn how to make the best paper snowflakes. First, take a dark blue and white piece of paper and fold it up into a square, then fold into a triangle. Next, grab a pair of scissors and start to cut along all of the sides of the paper. You may have to do this a couple of times to get the shape right, it will be helpful to use a diagram to show you where to place the scissors. When you are finished, open up the piece of paper to see your snowflake! String this with other snowf...

How To: Make a ribbon bow with the help of toothpicks

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a ribbon bow with the help of toothpicks. Start with a full twist on your ribbon, then place it behind the toothpick and hold it in place with another toothpick. Next, make another loop and then do a front loop with a half of a twist. Now, secure those in place with toothpicks and do three side loops with half twists. Secure them with toothpicks, then continue with larger loops made with half twists. When finished, hold the ribbon in the middle with your...

How To: Make paper look 200 years old using coffee

In this tutorial, we learn how to make paper look like it's 200 years old using coffee. First, take a regular piece of copy paper and then use a paint brush to paint a cup of coffee over the entire piece of paper. Use a blow dryer to dry the paper, then brush several more coats onto the paper until the brown looks like it' realistic. To finish, use distressed marks over the paper, then use a blow dry to dry off the entire thing. To finish, apply a couple more coats of coffee to the paper, the...

How To: Make watermarks in paper for security

Don't fret too much if your watermark is barely noticeable when you're finished with this project - the less obvious it is, the better a job you've done. Watermarkers are present in many types of paper, especially the monetary kind. If you hold up a ten dollar bill you'll see a watermark of Thomas Jefferson's face on the right, proving the bill is real.

How To: Make a door wreath from antique book pages

Do you own a bunch of old looking books and have no idea what to do with them? Are you looking to spruce up a door in your home with some kind of decoration? Do you enjoy arts and crafts and want to tackle a project that is easy to make and results in something cool to look at? Have you done the math yet? Well if not, this video tutorial will show you how to make a awesome door wreath using old book pages. Enjoy!

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