How to Assemble the Pig DIY Paper Toy Postcard #020

Quick answer

Assemble the Pig DIY Paper Toy Postcard #020 by carefully cutting, folding, and gluing the pre-printed cardstock pieces. Patience and a sharp craft knife are essential for clean results.

Assembly steps

1. Prepare your workspace and tools: Clear a flat surface with good lighting. Gather a sharp craft knife, a cutting mat, small scissors, white glue or a glue stick, and tweezers for tiny parts. A metal ruler helps score fold lines. A dull blade will tear the cardstock and ruin the printed surface. Replace or sharpen your blade before starting.
2. Cut out the pieces: Use the craft knife on a cutting mat to cut along the solid outlines. Cut the postcard into sections first, then trim each piece individually. Leave a small margin around tabs so they fit snugly. Cutting too close to the line can weaken tabs. Always cut on the outside of the outline.
3. Score and fold all creases: Use the back of the knife blade or a bone folder to score along the dashed fold lines. Fold each piece along the scored line, creasing firmly with your fingernail. Pre-fold all pieces before gluing. Skipping the scoring step makes folds uneven, causing the model to warp. Always score before folding.
4. Dry-fit the model: Assemble the pieces without glue first. Insert tabs into slots to check alignment. Adjust any tight fits by trimming tabs slightly or widening slots with the knife tip. Forcing a tab into a slot that is too tight can tear the paper. Trim a little at a time.
5. Apply glue and assemble: Apply a thin layer of glue to each tab, then press into the corresponding slot. Hold for 10-15 seconds until tacky. Work from the center outward, attaching one section at a time. Use tweezers for small tabs. Too much glue causes the paper to wrinkle and leaves visible residue. Less is more.
6. Let the model dry completely: Place the assembled pig on a flat surface and let it dry for at least 30 minutes. Avoid handling it until the glue is fully set. Check all joints and reapply glue if any tab pops loose. Rushing the drying time can cause the model to collapse later. Patience pays off.

Product facts

• Pig DIY Paper Toy Postcard #020: Monkey Design is a creative group from Taiwan known for quirky 3D paper models. This kit requires a knife, scissors, glue, and patience. The kit's small tabs and intricate folds demand precision tools and steady hands, so beginners should expect to take their time.