Fantasy Papercraft: Lich

Destro2k at DeviantART has created an exquisitely detailed paper model of a lich. In fantasy literature a lich is an undead creature that, unlike a zombie, retains the intelligence it had as a living thing. This papercraft is based on an original 3D model by DeviantARTist FirstKeeper and not a model ripped from a video game. The Pepakura PDO files for this paper model may be downloaded here.

LOTR Papercraft: Legolas Elf Sword

In the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, the elf Legolas carried two swords on his back. Given the popularity of the character, I figured it was only a matter of time before someone created paper models of Legolas' swords (or "fighting knives" as some like to call them). Thanks to MatrixSkull at IRP Papercraft, the wait is over! The papercraft template for constructing 1:1 scale models of the Elvish blades may be downloaded here. (Pepakura PDO format only)

RPG Papercraft: Blue Dragon

Here's another great miniature gaming papercraft designed by Eddnic. This blue dragon is a good illustration of Eddnic's 2.5D paper model work which is so well developed that it could be considered true 3D papercraft (or at least 2.7D ^^). A download of the blue dragon template is available here.

Harry Potter Papercraft: Harry, Hermione and Ron

These Harry Potter paper models are the creation of Noturno Sukoi. 3D models from the "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" video game were used as the basis of the papercraft figures. The models include Harry Potter himself, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. When complete, each of the models stands around 15 3/4" (40 cm) tall. As is typical with much of Noturno's work, these papercraft models are recommended for experienced papercrafters only as customization of some pieces may be required in order to get the models to fit together properly. Templates are available in both PDF and PDO format and may be downloaded here.

Life-Size S.U.N. MMORPG Papercraft

How would you like this paper model (no pun intended) standing in the corner of your room? ;) The creation of papercrafter "Moonman", this awesome full scale papercraft is based on a 3D computer model from the fantasy themed MMORPG, Soul of the Ultimate Nation (S.U.N.) The character depicted is an "Elementalist", which is a class of character described in the game as "offspring of a mage group which has compiled magic books based on the four elements of water, wind, fire and earth". The finished model stands 5'-6" (168 cm) tall with a template consisting of 58 pages. The template comes in both JPG and Pepakura PDO format and may be downloaded here.

UPDATE 10/17/2011: A version of the template sized for letter size paper is available here. The download is a single PDF file containing all 58 pages of the template. Be aware that a model built using this template will be slightly smaller than the A4 version due to the resizing required to fit to letter size paper.

Papercraft Gnome

This cute gnome papercraft was created by two young brothers, Kai and Dakota, who are only 11 and 12 years old! The word "gnome" is thought to be derived from the Greek word for "earth dweller" and the term first appeared in the writings of the Renaissance alchemist Paracelsus. Kai and Dakota's six piece template for the gnome may be downloaded here.

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.