How to Make 3D Paper Graphics

Paper folding techniques are used to create 3-D objects. Graphic, patterned paper can be used as part of the overall design and is also available in one-sided or doubled-sided patterned or solid color varieties. A 3-D object such as a duck, is created by making a series of folds which generally appear flat. Specific creased folds are then opened and the 3-D object appears. By creating the folds with the paper’s pattern facing out, the graphic becomes part of the overall design. Mastering this crafts takes practice and is accomplished by repeating the folding patterns.

Things You'll Need

• Square-shaped pattern paper

Instructions

1. Fold the lower left corner of your square-shaped graphic paper towards the upper right corner. Crease the fold. You will have a triangle shape. Make sure the pattern is facing the table prior to starting the folding process.

2. Open the fold. You will have a visible crease line. Rotate the paper slightly until the point faces you. It will appear diamond-like.

3. Fold the left corner towards the center fold line. Fold the right corner towards the center fold line. Crease the folds. You will have a kite-like shape. You will have a visible center opening.

4. Fold the lower corner towards the upper corner. Crease the fold.

5. Fold the upper corner point back towards you, using the kite’s center opening horizontal line as your guide. The beak will begin to form.

6. Fold the upper corner point down towards the horizontal line at your center opening. You will have a mini triangle form above the center opening.

7. Open the beak fold upwards to cover the mini triangle. Fold the beak back down, stopping towards the center fold line. The duck’s head will begin to form.

8. Fold the beak point back up, which will begin to look accordion-like. You will then fold it back down.

9. Rotate the shape vertically. Fold it in half vertically. The duck’s body will begin to take shape.

10. Pull your beak upwards and re-crease the fold. Pull the beak down. The duck’s head will begin to form.

11. Rotate the duck’s body horizontally. Fold the bottom points up on both sides of the duck. This will form your duck’s wings. You will have an extended upper flap, which will be hidden in the next step.

12. Open the extended upper flap gently and fold inwards. This is referred to as a reverse fold. The 3-D duck shape will form.

13. Pull the end point of the reverse fold slightly upward to form the ducks tail.

14. Open your duck wings gently as well as your tail. Shape the beak with your fingers to complete your 3-D paper graphic duck.

References

• “Minigami: Mini Origami Projects for Cards, Gifts and Decorations”; Gay Merrill Gross; 2005
• “Paper Crafting with Carol Duvall”; Carol Duvall; 2007