High Elf Tower Papercraft

Here is another great papercraft from the world of miniature gaming: a High Elf tower. There are several nice things about this tower model. First, the roof is removable. Next, it is constructed so that the interior has as much color and detail as the outside of the tower. Finally, the window shutters can actually be opened and closed. A free download of the template for the tower is offered by One Monk Miniatures here. There are also some nice 2.5D Elven Alliance military figure flats on the same page.

Fairy Tale Paper Theater

During my work on the Imaginarium paper theater, I came to appreciate paper theaters as an art form. I especially like the 3D effects the theaters are capable of achieving. This fairy tale paper theater is a good example. Through the two archways, Cinderella is seen leaving behind her glass slipper while the prince and his castle are glimpsed in the distance. The scenery in the theater can be changed to also show scenes from Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Puss in Boots, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The template for this theater was originally offered in the 1920's by the Danish language magazine Familie-Journal. Patricia M at the Agence Eureka blog has scans of the four page template starting here (the other pages may be viewed by clicking on the thumbnails at the right of the page). The build photo above is by Patrick Pasques.

Alice in Wonderland Chess Papercraft

Sometimes 2D papercraft can be just as much fun as 3D papercraft. Such is the case with this Alice in Wonderland chess set. The two sided flat paper chess pieces in this set are based on the illustrations by Sir John Tenniel found in the original Alice in Wonderland book. The game's PDF template designed by Jordan Peacock includes a printable chess board and may be downloaded here.

Mini Gnome and Mushrooms Paper Toys

These cute papercraft mushrooms and gnome are by US artist Michele Romo at the Crowded Teeth blog. Michele created these paper toys as part of a personal year long creative project that lasted from November 2007 till November 2008. An unusual construction technique that requires bending thin strips of paper is used for the gnome's head. The template for the gnome and mushrooms (including an optional beard for the gnome) is located here. Instructions are located here.

Gnome Paper Toy

This little gnome paper toy was created as a Christmas papercraft in 2008. Gnomes were first mentioned in the writings of the medieval alchemist Paracelsus. Hundreds of years after Paracelsus, the idea of the gnome became incorporated into the world of fantasy literature. Although defined in different ways by different authors, gnomes are generally portrayed as creatures resembling tiny elderly men who live underground and who commonly guard a stash of treasure. Today, gnomes have shown up as garden statues and even as a mascot for the travel website, Travelocity. To build a paper gnome of your own go here and click on the link labeled "bastelbogen".

Magic Wand Papertoy

Here is a nice magic wand papercraft that designer Marilyn Scott-Waters offers as a free download on her website. It is difficult to capture in a photograph, but both the star and the handle have a subtle Celtic knot pattern. The star is roughly 4 1/2" (11.4 cm) across. Without the handle the star would make a good Christmas tree ornament or even a topper for a smaller tree. Marilyn designed the wand in 2007 and it may be downloaded here. In addition to the color wand pictured above, there is a black and white template available that you can color yourself.