How to Make Your Own Paper Toy Monster

If you read yesterday’s piece on making paper toy monsters and you were inspired to wander down that perilously addictive road yourself, Garrison Beau Scott (aka baykiddead) himself, has agreed to share some of his tips and tricks with us. Enjoy.

The Tools

Library card – for precise foldsTweezers – for holding/pinching in small spacesKnife with small dull blade – for scoring along the fold lineKnife with large dull blade – applying glue into small spacesCutting knife – use with gripStraight edge – for scoring and cutting in a precise line [metal tipped]Wood & metal sticks – applying pressure into a small spaceScissors – for cutting rounded piecesGlue – find what works best for you, I’m thinking about changingSelf-healing cutting matt – the perfect surface

Step 1: Printing the template

Most templates come as a PDF, so you’ll want a reliable reader. I print mine out onto heavy weight matte paper, making sure, if it’s a multiple page file, to print all sheets at the same percentage.

Find some good light and a comfortable spot. Music is key.

Step 2:Cutting it out

Step 2d

Use the straight edge for sharp lines. I like my cut to be in the direction away from any of the template so that you don’t risk cutting the design itself. Sometimes it can’t be helped. Use the markings on the straight edge as a reference for start/stop points.

Make sure to cut any slots within the design while the template is still flat. Cutting these slots for arms, hair, etc is much more difficult once you start building it. In the case of the leechoso, it’s the asterisk on its feet and underside where the legs will eventually go.

Cut any rounded lines with scissors.

Once you’ve removed the design, score all of the folding lines, again using the straight edge. Make sure to apply just enough pressure to form the line for the fold. Some use a butter knife to prevent cutting the paper. Once all the lines are scored, use a library card to make sure the folds are as crisp as possible. Use a lamp to back light the template so you can see exactly where to place the fold.

Step 3: Putting it together

Step 3a

Step 3b

Step 3c

Step 3d

When building the parts that become the feet and the mouth-y head thing, I’ve found it’s best to build the four rings first. Score and fold the triangles and then use the tweezer to hold the joint until the glue dries. For the feet, fold and then glue what becomes the heel. Once that’s dry, glue the inside of the flat round parts of the foot, setting the ring inside. Make sure to hide the joint. I use the library card to keep the entire assembly flat and together while the glue sets.

The easiest part is the rolling of the legs. The knife provides a round, smooth form. Once you’ve made the tube, use the tweezers to secure the bond.

The body is pretty straight forward. Score, fold, glue to make the rectangular shape. The straight edge is used to provide pressure over the entire joint. With the leechoso, it’s important to keep the top open. Don’t glue this part yet.

Step 4: Last steps

Step 4a

Step 4b

Step 4c

The mouth-y head thing has a valley fold. These are scored on the back of the template. Once all the folds have been made, glue the one that folds the head assembly in half. Glue the rings for the head onto the inside of the back half and then apply glue to the tabs that flank the neck. Apply glue to the inside of the front half of the mouth-y head thing and then seal it together. Apply pressure throughout the assembly, making sure all joints are solid.

Once the head assembly is complete, you can place it into the top of the body in the opening of the top flap. Slide the flap closed at the same time you’re placing the head assembly into the body.

The finished product

All that’s left to do now is place the legs into the feet, and then the body, adjusting the leechoso’s height based on mood, taking a picture for your collection, and then placing him in his spot.