Basic paper craft tools

Basic paper molding tools refer to some tools that will definitely be used in the process of making paper molds. Of course, since many tools can be replaced with other alternatives, you don’t have to be ready to start making paper molds. Of course there are many things that are absolutely necessary, such as scissors, rulers, and pads.

Backing boards: Backing boards are usually made of self-healing plastic and come in A4 or A3 sizes. Some ordinary cardboard can be used as a substitute for the backing board. However, since ordinary cardboard may affect the movement of the tool and leave traces, it is recommended to use a backing board with reliable quality. There are also many professional paper modelers who suggest using a glass flat plate as the cutting surface. This is also a good choice, but the problem is that if you use a sharp scalpel or art knife, you will probably become a glass cutter. . . . And its easy to make your knives sharper.

Scissors: Paper mold making generally requires a relatively large straight scissors, the recommended blade length is 12 to 16 cm, and a small straight scissors, the recommended blade length is 3 To 6 cm, of course you also need a pair of shorter round-edged scissors. They will be used to cut out the internal structures in some paper molds. It is recommended not to use sewing scissors, because the cardboard used for paper molds is usually relatively stiff paper. They can make knives and scissors become stiff quickly, and sewing scissors cannot withstand it. Of course, because of the above reasons, the quality of scissors is also very important. When the two blades of good scissors come into contact, you will not see any gaps, and you will feel a gentle friction. When purchasing scissors, you can directly test it with a piece of paper used for paper molding or a very thin piece of paper. You can test the quality of scissors in such a simple way: draw two intersecting lines on a piece of paper, then start cutting from one line, stop at the intersection, and then start cutting from the other line, while also Stop at the intersection. See if they meet exactly at the intersection of the two lines. If not, then this scissor is really not that good. You know, when you make a paper model, the thickness of the paper you need to cut is usually 0.8 to 1.0 mm, so if it is too simple, making a Shima will be a painful process.

Carving Knife/Knife: In the general paper mold making process, about half of the cutting is done with a knife instead of scissors. With the help of a ruler, cutting with a knife will be easierBe more accurate. Moreover, by using a knife, you can carefully cut the internal structure of many paper molds without having to bend the paper of the paper mold and then cut it with scissors. No matter what kind of knife you use, one thing you must keep in mind is that the length of the blade must not be too long, because it can easily cause injury during operation. Another thing to note is that discarded blades or blades in storage need to be properly placed, especially when there are children around, this is particularly important!

Striding blade or needle:The main function of these tools is to score paper. Of course, there are many alternatives. The most common way is to use oil pen refills that have exhausted the ink. However, personal preferences are different, and you may have your own understanding of the choice of these tools. As long as it is easy to operate and will not cause damage to the paper model, it is a good tool.

Ruler and set square:Whether it is cutting or scratching, in order to achieve a straight line effect, you need to use a ruler and set square. Therefore, before starting the paper mold making, it is best to prepare a 30 cm long ruler, preferably made of aluminum. Since the scalpel used during cutting may cause serious damage to the ruler, especially the cheap plastic ruler, it is best to choose an aluminum or steel ruler. But just choose plastic for the triangular plate!

Glue: Nowadays, the most popular choice for paper art operations in China is white glue, and any brand can be used. For example, Germanys Youhao brand glue UHU, or Chenguangs white glue, and of course DELI (a brand that has won with low prices in recent years..., but it is not very effective in use...)

Needle: A regular sewing needle will do. Their role is often used in the production of some sailboats, because you need to make the ropes on the ship, so it must be done in the form of stringing.

Small clips: Commonly used clips for drying clothes are a good choice. They are mainly used in the process of bonding paper molds, playing a fixed role to ensure that the paper you make is The molds are firmly glued together.

Tweezers: There are ordinary tweezers, and there are also self-clipping tweezers. They are doing some combinations of fine parts, which are very important.

Toothpicks:The main function of toothpicks in the process of making paper molds is to deliver glue to many places that cannot be reached by fingers. Of course, there are many other related functions. It can be said that toothpicks are absolutely indispensable in paper mold making.

Paper RollerTools and other auxiliary tools: In fact, needles or skewers can be completely replaced. Of course any tool that works in paper crafting is useful!

Pencil: Mainly used for making marks and marking some things. Of course the matching thing is the rubber.

Brush: Many times it is used to apply color, but of course it can also be used to remove excess glue.

Box: Actually, you need to find a place to properly place the many semi-finished products produced, because many times, small parts are often lost while being produced.

Cardboard: For paper crafts, you can buy them ready-made or you can print them yourself. However, when printing by yourself, you need to control the thickness. The paper usually used is 160g/m2 to 220g/m2.

Author: Lutz Pietschker Compiled and modified by: Paper Art Network

The most commonly used tools are shown in the figure

Basic paper craft tools