my little house
You can write me here:
martindidier55@gmail.com
martindidier55@gmail.com
My name is Didier, I’m French.
I am a children’s book and comic illustrator, as well as a creator of activity pages and board games. I’ve taught children arts and crafts on several occasion and for a hobby have been assembling paper models, many from models available online to download and from books (Dover and Usborne books have a good selection).
After awhile, I started to create my own paper models, creating a few simple ones, and then with practice and experience I created some more complex ones such as the ones available on Etsy. I have several in the works in different stage of production and many more ideas in the waiting stage.
My goal is to create these projects, to offer you fun, easy to assemble paper models that require only basic materials, paper, scissor or cutting knife, and glue to create 3D models. Some of these models are not only nice models that you can display on a shelf, but an actual toy that children can play with, as for example with the MiniWorld paper toys series.
Another feature of the MiniWorld series is that all parts are compatible and can be included with the other sets to create new scenery and new adventures. Also, by downloading the PDF, you are able to print extra pages to expand your paper toys.
I am a children’s book and comic illustrator, as well as a creator of activity pages and board games. I’ve taught children arts and crafts on several occasion and for a hobby have been assembling paper models, many from models available online to download and from books (Dover and Usborne books have a good selection).
After awhile, I started to create my own paper models, creating a few simple ones, and then with practice and experience I created some more complex ones such as the ones available on Etsy. I have several in the works in different stage of production and many more ideas in the waiting stage.
My goal is to create these projects, to offer you fun, easy to assemble paper models that require only basic materials, paper, scissor or cutting knife, and glue to create 3D models. Some of these models are not only nice models that you can display on a shelf, but an actual toy that children can play with, as for example with the MiniWorld paper toys series.
Another feature of the MiniWorld series is that all parts are compatible and can be included with the other sets to create new scenery and new adventures. Also, by downloading the PDF, you are able to print extra pages to expand your paper toys.
Work process
To create a paper model, I usually start the process with sketches to get the basic idea of the way I’d like to do the model. I also check books at the library and pictures on the internet for further ideas. To get a sense of the 3D view, I often draw the buildings and scenery and people in simple perspective.
Then I start to create the actual model, the challenge being to create a 3D model out of a 2D flat piece of paper. There are some programs available, but instead of using those, I prefer to think out the model and figure out the different folds and tabs. Due to experience working with children, I try to create my paper models as simple as possible to assemble, often creating simple pieces that are to be glued together to form a more complex part. This is in place of making a complex part with less pieces but many complicated folds.
Some pieces are very basic and simple such as a cube, others are more complex and take some trying out to get the right result.
After sketching the basic form, I draw the different pieces on computer. Once that step is done, I print everything in black and white to try out and see if all the parts fit correctly. You can see a sample here of the old knight and his horse. Usually at that stage there are things to fix. This also helps to see if a certain part looks right or needs to be changed and done a different way. At this stage I often simplify the pieces further if necessary.
Afterward, when I have finished all the different fixing and tested certain parts again, I add the color and texture on the computer. I also then create the different details and accessories, and the many Mini People.
Then I will print it again, in color this time, test it again, and make sure everything is fine. And once assembled, I take photos. After that comes the tedious work of writing the instructions, which is a very important step to make sure everything is clear. Then the final layout to prepare the PDF. And then it is ready to post and available to download.
It is a long process, but always fun and challenging to create an actual 3D model of an idea first drawn on paper.
To create a paper model, I usually start the process with sketches to get the basic idea of the way I’d like to do the model. I also check books at the library and pictures on the internet for further ideas. To get a sense of the 3D view, I often draw the buildings and scenery and people in simple perspective.
Then I start to create the actual model, the challenge being to create a 3D model out of a 2D flat piece of paper. There are some programs available, but instead of using those, I prefer to think out the model and figure out the different folds and tabs. Due to experience working with children, I try to create my paper models as simple as possible to assemble, often creating simple pieces that are to be glued together to form a more complex part. This is in place of making a complex part with less pieces but many complicated folds.
Some pieces are very basic and simple such as a cube, others are more complex and take some trying out to get the right result.
After sketching the basic form, I draw the different pieces on computer. Once that step is done, I print everything in black and white to try out and see if all the parts fit correctly. You can see a sample here of the old knight and his horse. Usually at that stage there are things to fix. This also helps to see if a certain part looks right or needs to be changed and done a different way. At this stage I often simplify the pieces further if necessary.
Afterward, when I have finished all the different fixing and tested certain parts again, I add the color and texture on the computer. I also then create the different details and accessories, and the many Mini People.
Then I will print it again, in color this time, test it again, and make sure everything is fine. And once assembled, I take photos. After that comes the tedious work of writing the instructions, which is a very important step to make sure everything is clear. Then the final layout to prepare the PDF. And then it is ready to post and available to download.
It is a long process, but always fun and challenging to create an actual 3D model of an idea first drawn on paper.