Embark on a captivating journey into the realm of papercraft, where imagination takes flight. Let us unravel the secrets of transforming ordinary sheets of paper into extraordinary, three-dimensional creations. Specifically, we will delve into the art of crafting a majestic deer, a symbol of grace and elegance.
As we navigate this artistic endeavor, you will discover the power of precision and patience. With simple materials and clear instructions, we will guide you through each step of the process, from selecting the perfect paper to shaping the intricate details that bring your deer to life. The result will be a stunning paper sculpture that will fill any space with a touch of woodland enchantment.
Envision the joy and satisfaction of displaying your completed deer, a testament to your newfound papercraft skills. It will serve as a cherished keepsake or a thoughtful gift for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike. So, gather your materials, embrace the transformative power of paper, and prepare to witness the birth of a majestic paper deer.
Materials You’ll Need
1 Paper.
The most important material is paper. You can use any paper, but if you want your deer to have a professional look, then you should use a thick paper such as cardstock or construction paper. If you want to use a different kind of paper, then make sure it is at least 80 lb. paper.
You will also need to determine the size of the paper you want to use. If you want to make a small deer, then you can use a piece of paper that is 8.5 x 11 inches. If you want to make a larger deer, then you can use a piece of paper that is 11 x 17 inches or even larger.
Here are the specific measurements of what you will need:
| Piece | Size |
|---|---|
| Body | 8.5″ x 5″ |
| Head | 4″ x 4″ |
| Ears | 2″ x 2″ |
| Antlers | 3″ x 1″ |
| Legs | 4″ x 1″ |
| Tail | 2″ x 1″ |
Cutting Out the Templates
Step 1: Gather the necessary materials
You will need the following materials to get started:
- Printer paper
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Craft knife (optional)
Step 2: Print the deer templates
Download the deer templates from the link provided in the previous section. Once downloaded, open the PDF files in a PDF reader and print them on regular printer paper. Make sure to print all the templates included in the PDF.
Step 3: Cut out the deer parts
Using scissors, carefully cut out all the deer parts from the printed templates. Cut along the solid lines as accurately as possible. Be careful not to cut the dashed lines, as these will be used for folding later.
Step 4: Score the fold lines (optional)
For a cleaner and more precise fold, you can use a craft knife to lightly score along the dashed lines on the templates. This will help the paper fold more easily and prevent tearing.
To score the fold lines, simply hold the craft knife perpendicular to the paper and gently run it along the dashed line. Do not cut through the paper, just lightly score the surface.
Step 5: Prepare the body template for folding
Take the deer body template and fold it in half along the center vertical line. This will create a crease that will guide you when assembling the deer.
Next, unfold the body template and fold it again along the horizontal line that runs through the middle of the deer’s belly. This fold will also be used for assembly.
Once you have completed these five steps, you will have all the deer parts cut out and ready for assembly.
Folding the Base Shape
Now that you have your paper, let’s begin by folding it into the base shape. This shape serves as the foundation for our 3D deer.
1. Start by folding the paper in half lengthwise, bringing the two long edges together. Crease the fold firmly.
2. Unfold the paper and then fold it in half widthwise, bringing the two short edges together. Crease the fold again.
3. You should now have a paper with four creases. Align the top and bottom edges together and fold up the bottom edge to meet the center crease. Crease the fold tightly.
4. Unfold the previous fold and repeat step 3, this time folding the top edge down to meet the center crease. Crease tightly.
5. You now have a triangular shape with two overlapping flaps. Fold the left flap over to the right, covering the right flap. Crease the fold.
6. Fold the right flap back over the left flap, covering it. Crease the fold.
7. You should now have a square shape. Flip the paper over and repeat steps 5-6 on the other side.
Your base shape is now complete. It may look like a simple square, but it holds the secret to creating our 3D deer.
Assembling the Head
1. Cutting Out the Head Pieces
Cut out the head pieces from the template: the face, the antlers, the ears, and the snout.
2. Attaching the Antlers
Apply glue to the base of the antlers and attach them to the top of the head, aligning them with the center. Hold them in place until the glue dries.
3. Adding the Ears
Fold the ears along the dotted lines and apply glue to the flat surfaces. Position the ears on each side of the head, aligning the tabs with the corresponding slots. Press firmly to secure them.
4. Creating the Snout
Fold the snout piece in half lengthwise along the dotted line. Apply glue to one of the short ends and secure it to the bottom of the head, aligning the center. Fold the snout upwards and glue the other short end to the inside of the head. Use a toothpick or skewer to shape the snout slightly, giving it a rounded appearance.
Table: Recommended Glue for Paper Crafting
| Glue Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Craft Glue | Easy to apply, non-toxic, dries clear | Slow drying, can be weak |
| Tacky Glue | Strong bond, fast drying | Can leave residue, not as durable as some other glues |
| Hot Glue | Very strong, dries quickly | Can burn or deform paper if not used carefully |
Adding the Details
Now it’s time to bring your deer to life with the details. Start by adding a nose by gluing a small, brown circle onto the deer’s face. For the eyes, draw two small black dots or glue on tiny black beads. Draw a line for the mouth using a black marker.
Next, enhance the deer’s facial features by giving it eyebrows. Glue on two thin strips of paper above the eyes, creating a slightly angled shape. Add whiskers by attaching several thin pieces of paper to the sides of the deer’s nose.
For the ears, use a pair of sharp scissors to cut two identical shapes from brown paper. Fold each ear in half lengthwise to create a crease. Glue the ears onto the deer’s head, positioning them slightly forward.
To complete the deer’s body, use a brown marker to draw spots or stripes, giving it a unique and realistic look. You can also add a small, fluffy tail by gluing a piece of cotton ball or felt to the back of the deer.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Nose | Glue a small brown circle |
| Eyes | Draw black dots or glue beads |
| Mouth | Draw a line with a black marker |
| Eyebrows | Glue thin strips of paper above the eyes |
| Whiskers | Attach thin pieces of paper to the sides of the nose |
| Ears | Cut and fold brown paper, glue on the deer’s head |
| Body | Draw spots or stripes with a brown marker |
| Tail | Glue cotton ball or felt to the back of the deer |
Making the Legs
To make the legs of your paper deer, you will need four pieces of paper that are about 6 inches by 12 inches. Fold each sheet of paper in half lengthwise, and then unfold it.
Next, fold each side of the paper in towards the center line, so that the edges of the paper meet in the middle. Crease the folds well.
Now, fold the bottom edge of each piece of paper up towards the top edge, so that the point of the paper is at the top. Crease the fold well.
Next, fold each side of the paper down towards the center line, so that the edges of the paper meet in the middle. Crease the folds well.
Finally, fold the bottom edge of each piece of paper up again, so that the point of the paper is at the top. Crease the fold well.
You should now have four identical leg pieces. To assemble the legs, simply glue the bottom of each leg piece to the body of the deer.
Here is a table with step-by-step instructions for making the legs:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fold each sheet of paper in half lengthwise, and then unfold it. |
| 2 | Fold each side of the paper in towards the center line, so that the edges of the paper meet in the middle. Crease the folds well. |
| 3 | Fold the bottom edge of each piece of paper up towards the top edge, so that the point of the paper is at the top. Crease the fold well. |
| 4 | Fold each side of the paper down towards the center line, so that the edges of the paper meet in the middle. Crease the folds well. |
| 5 | Fold the bottom edge of each piece of paper up again, so that the point of the paper is at the top. Crease the fold well. |
| 6 | You should now have four identical leg pieces. To assemble the legs, simply glue the bottom of each leg piece to the body of the deer. |
Creating the Ears
The ears of the deer are an important part of its overall appearance. They give the deer a sense of character and play a crucial role in its ability to communicate and detect danger. To create the ears, follow these steps:
- Start by cutting out two identical ovals from the brown paper.
- Fold each oval in half lengthwise.
- Unfold the ovals and glue the two halves together, leaving a small opening at the bottom.
- Curl the top of each ear slightly to create a point.
- Cut out two small triangles from the white paper and glue them to the inside of each ear, near the top.
- Cut out two small circles from the black paper and glue them to the center of each white triangle.
- Allow the ears to dry completely before attaching them to the head.
- To attach the ears, apply a small amount of glue to the base of each ear and press them into place on the sides of the head.
Creating the Antlers
The antlers of the deer are a distinctive feature that add to its majestic appearance. To create the antlers, follow these steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cut out two strips of brown paper, each measuring approximately 2 inches wide by 12 inches long. |
| 2 | Twist the two strips of paper together to create a spiral shape. |
| 3 | Secure the spiral shape with glue or tape. |
| 4 | Cut out two small triangles from the brown paper and glue them to the top of the spiral shape to create the tines of the antlers. |
| 5 | Allow the antlers to dry completely before attaching them to the head. |
| 6 | To attach the antlers, apply a small amount of glue to the base of each antler and press them into place on the top of the head. |
Decorating Your Deer
Once your deer is assembled, it’s time to decorate it. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Use paint or markers to add details
Paint or markers can be used to add details to your deer, such as eyes, antlers, and fur. You can also use them to create patterns or designs.
Add glitter or sequins
Glitter or sequins can add a touch of sparkle to your deer. You can glue them to the deer’s body or antlers.
Use fabric or paper scraps to create accessories
Fabric or paper scraps can be used to create accessories for your deer, such as a scarf, hat, or saddle. You can also use them to create a scene around your deer, such as a forest or a meadow.
Create a paper-mâché head
A paper-mâché head can add a more realistic touch to your deer. To make a paper-mâché head, you will need:
- Newspaper
- Flour
- Water
- A balloon
Instructions:
- Tear the newspaper into strips.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour and water to form a paste.
- Dip the newspaper strips into the paste and apply them to the balloon.
- Continue adding layers of newspaper and paste until the head is the desired thickness.
- Allow the head to dry completely.
- Once the head is dry, you can paint or decorate it as desired.
Make a wire armature
A wire armature can be used to create a more poseable deer. To make a wire armature, you will need:
- Wire
- Pliers
- Wire cutters
Instructions:
- Cut a piece of wire to the desired length for the body of the deer.
- Bend the wire in half to create a loop at one end. This will be the head of the deer.
- Cut four pieces of wire to the desired length for the legs of the deer.
- Attach the legs to the body of the deer using pliers.
- Bend the legs of the deer to create the desired pose.
Use clay to create a more realistic texture
Clay can be used to create a more realistic texture to your deer. To use clay, you will need:
- Clay
- A sculpting tool
- Water
Instructions:
- Knead the clay until it is soft and pliable.
- Use the sculpting tool to create the desired texture on the deer.
- Add water to the clay as needed to keep it moist.
- Allow the clay to dry completely.
- Once the clay is dry, you can paint or decorate it as desired.
Make a papier-mâché body
A papier-mâché body can add a more substantial weight to your deer. To make a papier-mâché body, you will need:
- Newspaper
- Flour
- Water
- A balloon
- A bowl
Instructions:
- Tear the newspaper into strips.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour and water to form a paste.
- Dip the newspaper strips into the paste and apply them to the balloon.
- Continue adding layers of newspaper and paste until the body is the desired thickness.
- Allow the body to dry completely.
- Once the body is dry, you can paint or decorate it as desired.
Creating the Body
Start by folding a square piece of paper in half on the diagonal twice. Open up the paper and fold it in half again on the other diagonal. Unfold the paper and cut along the folds to create four triangles. Take two of the triangles and fold them diagonally to form the front and back legs. Repeat this process with the remaining two triangles to create the front and back body.
Connecting the Body Parts
Apply glue to one side of the legs and attach them to the front and back body pieces. Allow the glue to dry completely. Fold down the top point of the front body piece to create the neck. Fold down the top point of the back body piece to create the tail.
Adding the Head
Cut a circle out of a different color of paper. Fold the circle in half and draw a quarter circle on one side. Cut out the quarter circle to create the deer’s head. Glue the head to the neck of the deer.
Adding the Details
Cut out two small circles for the eyes and a triangle for the nose. Glue them to the head. Cut out two thin strips of paper for the antlers and attach them to the head.
Tips for a Realistic Look
Choosing the Right Paper
The type of paper you use will affect the look of your deer. A heavier paper will create a more sturdy and realistic deer, while a thinner paper will be more delicate and lightweight.
Using Different Colors and Textures
Experiment with different colors and textures of paper to create a more realistic deer. For example, you could use brown paper for the body and white paper for the head and neck. You could also use textured paper to create a more realistic fur effect.
Adding Details with Markers or Paint
Once you have assembled your deer, you can add details with markers or paint to bring it to life. For example, you could draw spots or stripes on the deer’s body, or add details to the head such as eyes, a nose, and mouth.
Using Different Folds and Cuts
There are many different ways to fold and cut paper to create different shapes and effects. Experiment with different folds and cuts to create a deer that is unique and realistic.
Taking Your Time and Being Patient
Creating a realistic paper deer takes time and patience. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t look perfect. Practice makes perfect, and you
Adding a Background
Once your deer is complete, you can add a background to make it more realistic. For example, you could draw a forest scene or a meadow. You could also use a piece of scrapbook paper or a photo as a background.
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Fold a square piece of paper in half on the diagonal twice. |
| 2 | Open up the paper and fold it in half again on the other diagonal. |
| 3 | Unfold the paper and cut along the folds to create four triangles. |
| 4 | Take two of the triangles and fold them diagonally to form the front and back legs. |
| 5 | Repeat this process with the remaining two triangles to create the front and back body. |
How to Make a 3D Deer Out of Paper
Creating a 3D deer out of paper is a fun and rewarding project that requires minimal supplies and effort. With a few simple folds and cuts, you can transform a sheet of paper into a charming and realistic deer figurine.
To begin, gather your materials: a sheet of paper, scissors, and glue. Fold the paper in half lengthwise, then unfold it. Next, fold the top corners down to the center crease. Fold the bottom corners up to the top corners, creating a diamond shape.
Turn the diamond over and fold the bottom corners up to the top corners again. Fold the top corners down to the center crease. Unfold the top corners and fold them down to the bottom corners. Fold the sides of the deer inward to form its body.
To create the deer’s head, fold the top corners down to the center crease. Fold the bottom corners up to the top corners. Unfold the top corners and fold them down to the bottom corners. Fold the sides of the head inward to form its shape.
To assemble the deer, glue the head to the body. Draw on the deer’s eyes, nose, and mouth with a marker or pen. Your 3D deer is now complete!
People Also Ask
How do you make a deer head out of paper?
To make a deer head out of paper, follow these steps:
- Fold a sheet of paper in half lengthwise.
- Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
- Fold the bottom corners up to the top corners.
- Turn the diamond over and fold the bottom corners up to the top corners again.
- Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
- Unfold the top corners and fold them down to the bottom corners.
- Fold the sides of the deer head inward to form its shape.
How do you make a realistic deer out of paper?
To make a realistic deer out of paper, follow these tips:
- Use a thicker paper, such as cardstock, for a more durable deer.
- Draw on the deer’s eyes, nose, and mouth with detail.
- Add shading to the deer’s fur to create depth and realism.
- Glue the deer to a base, such as a piece of cardboard, to make it freestanding.
