Paper Model Building Tips - English


Welcome to PaperLandmarks
Paperlandmarks paper model

 

PaperLandmarks are paper models of world famous architecture which you can build yourself. Choose our kits from beginner to advanced level, from temples to bridges to skyscrapers, just in time for a school project, your own crafty time or a nice mindful gift.

What makes PaperLandmarks to stand out is our intention to stick to the original structure as close as possible, but at the same time to look at each model as a unique piece of design leaving enough room for an imagination and creative model building. We try to strike a perfect balance between scale, level of detail, quality of paper and the ease of assembly so the model building process is both enjoyable and fruitful.

Within our collection you will find paper model kits for different levels of mastery. As a general rule, we recommend these kits for anyone from age 14 as the model building requires patience, advanced motor skills and ability to read assembly diagrams and instructions but we know that there are some younger modelers who have done a great job being supported by their families or teachers.



There are two types of PaperLandmarks kits:


Printed paper model kit

Printed Model Kits

This model comes unassembled, delivered flat-packed in a large project envelope.

What's inside? Sturdy A4 size paper worksheets with the artwork, cutting and scoring lines printed on. You will need to cut, score, fold and glue the parts in order to assemble the model according to the set-up instructions which come with the kit.

Things which are not included, but you'll need in order to assemble the model: time & patience, a hobby knife, a ruler, a cutting mat or hard surface to work on, white glue (PVA), a creasing tool. Some other things might be helpful: a pointed stylus, tweezers and scissors. See what tools we recommend.

Pre-cut paper model kit

Pre-cut Model Kits

This model comes unassembled, flat-packed in a large project envelope.

What's inside? Sturdy A4 size paper worksheets with parts pre-cut and pre-creased. You will need to remove parts from the sheets, fold and glue them in order to assemble the model according to the set-up instructions which come with the kit.

Things that are not included, but you'll need in order to assemble the model: time & patience, a hard surface to work on, white glue (PVA). Some other things might be helpful: a pointed stylus, tweezers, scissors, a hobby knife, a ruler, a cutting mat. See what tools we recommend.



Pictograms you might find handy on our product pages:


size pictogram

Dimensions

length, width and height of an assembled model, in cm

scale pictogram

Scale

model's size in relationship to a real building

worksheets pictogram

Worksheets

number of sheets with parts on them

parts pictogram

Parts

number of model parts

model building time pictogram

Building time

reserve at least this number of hours



Tools We Recommend
Tools we recommend for building paper models
We have compiled a list of tools you can buy online from various online craft stores.

 

Along with our paper worksheets, you will need some tools for building a paper model:

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      a self-healing cutting mat for protecting your work surface


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      a craft knife - either a craft knife with snap-off retractable 9mm wide blades or a precision craft knife with changeable pointed blades


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      a creasing tool - we recommend using an embossing tool for pressing a creasing line into paper. A dull-edge bookbinders' bone folder is a good alternative tool


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      a steel ruler - at least 1mm thick and 30 cm (12") long steel ruler will be a great guide for scoring and cutting long lines


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      scissors


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      a pointed stylus - it helps greatly with knocking out the cut-out parts from pre-cut sheets


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      white glue (PVA)


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a small container for glue


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      a glue applicator - narrow strips of paper work perfectly for this


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      tweezers - optional, but helpful for handling tiny parts.





Paper Modelling Tips

Before starting, carefully look through all the paper worksheets, the set-up instructions and the assembling diagrams included with your kit. If you are new to paper modelling be mindful, proceed slowly and carefully - your speed will improve with practice. Remember to enjoy the process while achieving your best result!

In general, the model should be prepared in the following order: scoring, cutting, folding, gluing and assembling. If you are building your model from a pre-cut kit, you will find every part scored and cut, so just carefully remove these parts from the worksheets and proceed with folding, gluing and assembling.



Scoring

Scoring creates a line in the paper that guides a fold, ensuring that folds are accurate with clean edges. Place the worksheet, printed side up, on a cutting mat and use your scoring tool to make these different types of lines:


A half-cut line

A half-cut line

Gently cut into the paper, following the thin line, to a depth of half the paper’s thickness. By folding both sides downwards, you will create a crisp, accurate mountain fold. Half-cutting

A perforation line

A perforation line

Make small, dashed cuts through the entire depth of the paper. By folding both sides upwards, you will create a clean valley fold. Perforating

A crease line

A crease line

Lightly press a creasing tool into the paper following the double line - you will create mountain and valley folds that are slightly rounded. Creasing the paper

Tip: use a steel ruler as a guide for scoring and cutting long straight lines. Practice on an off-cut section of the worksheet to achieve the correct level of pressure.



Cutting

Cutting out the parts is the most laborious stage when constructing a paper model. Taking time and care should reward you with an eye-pleasing outcome upon completion of your project.

Cutting with scissors


Using scissors, roughly separate the parts from each other.


Cutting paper model parts with a hobby knife

A cut line

A cut line


Cut out the parts along the cut line contour with a craft knife.

Knocking out paper cut-outs with a stylus



If there are any pre-cut pieces of paper still remaining in the cut-out windows, knock them out using a stylus.

Tip: write the part number printed on the worksheet with a pencil on the reverse side after you have cut it out. That may help to identify this part more easily when you assemble the model.



Folding
Folding paper model part

Place the parts on a hard surface and gently fold along the scored lines up to a 90-degree angle.



Gluing
Before gluing, check that the parts fit together


Before gluing, check that the parts fit together.

Pour a small amount of glue into the gluing container


Pour a small amount of glue into the gluing container and use a gluing tool to apply the glue to the paper.


Try to spread the glue across the gluing surface evenly in a thin layer. Remember to use as little glue as necessary.

Gluing paper model


When gluing a part with several panes, leave the smallest tab on the inside.

Gluing a part with small triangular tabs


When gluing a part with small triangular tabs, cover them with glue and leave on the inside.

Use tweezers to fix small parts


Use tweezers to fix tiny parts in place.


Tip: fold and glue each part separately, then connect them together into a complete model.

 


 

Let's be in touch!

We are always happy to hear from you - either you have any questions, suggestions or a feedback.


Which landmark we should design next?