Pepakura Papercrafts!

Do you fancy at paper models? Interested but not sure how to start? Well here's a simple guide I made to get you going rightaway.

Okay, first we will be needing these:

1. A4 Papers weighted at around 110 to 200 gram. I personally prefer 160gr.
2. A sharp scissor. Don't use dull one because it may leave small torn edges.
3. A ruler, to make folding easier.
4. A white glue.
5. A pen with rounded tip, to curl paper.



Let's get started, shall we!?

1. The printing.

Print the paper model that you'd like to make. You may download some from these websites:
- 3D Paper Model (www.3dpapermodel.com.tw)
- Paper Modelz (www.papermodelz.info)
- Ninjatoes' papercraft webpage
- Fanikyarakuta Papercraft Cafe
- and there are many many more! Just google on "paper craft" or "paper model", or key in "[your favorite model or theme] paper craft".

2. The cutting.

Read the instructions, usually they're quite descriptive and easy to follow. If you're having difficulties obtaining the instructions, there are basic symbols on paper models which follows the same pattern as in origami.

• Fold lines. There are two kinds of folding pattern:
  - --.--.-- This is mountain fold, which means, you fold the paper mountain like ( ^ )
  - ------- This is a valley fold. You need to fold like this ( v ) along the pattern.
• Cutting line. Lines to be cut usually printed in bold line _____ around the edges of the model.
  
• Punch hole/line. A hole or line pattern which appears on the center of the model. You will need to use a cutter or a piercing pen to do this.

3. The gluing.

Areas to be glued usually appear with a descriptive mark or shown in extended folds. Be careful not to put too much glue on them, as it would take longer time to dry and stick. Take time to decide what areas to glue first, or do I need to paste it on all areas at once. Wipe out excessive glue that appears outside the glued area to make the model clean.


4. The finishing.

After the assembly, basically you're done and it's time to show your piece! But I also got this idea from one of my nephew who used to spray his paintings with clear paint to make it durable and even waterproof. You can also try this trick with your finished model, I think it will definitely make the model last longer.

Here are some of the models I've made a couple of years ago.

Betta Splenden

Around two-three months ago we were given two bettas from an old friend of mine whom we have just visited after so long. There they are, one red Crowntail and a blue-gray Halfmoon, put in separate two small pet container.

We love them both, but I personally like the crowntail. I've never seen this type of betta since my childhood. Of course, nowadays we do not keep bettas to pit them against each other. Yet I saw several old-type siamese fighter bettas lining in pet stores.

The first days of caring them was a bit challenging. Bettas (probably like most other fishes) are sensitive to water quality and pH. One day I sprinkled dry food on the red and left it for work. At night I saw the water was foggy so I changed it. On the next day Red showed symptoms of illness. I didn't know at first but then I suspect it had to be the water which was contaminated with uneaten food. I read about this then and found out that Red is catching a Fin Rot disease.

Okay, so me, Her and Gabe went to a pet store and grabbed a "blue potion", and give Red two days treatment. Red's health gradually returns to normal and so we felt happy and relieved.

Gabe loves to feed them everyday, he even takes out dirt, poop, and leftover food, while his parents do the cleaning every two days.

By the way, if you are looking for great looking or contest-class bettas, I heartily recommend you to my dear friend Yono (his website at GM Betta). He is not just a professional betta breeder, but also a jury member of IBC (International Betta Congress).

Go betta, go!