Introduction: Paper French Horn

I made this paper model for my music project that I did about the French Horn. It took me around 8 hours to complete, but if you have the right materials, you could do it in under 6. This project is a great way to pass time while in lockdown.
I got the template for this model from Canon creative park, along with some rough instructions. I hope to make it an easier process and hopefully, you won't come across the same problems I did.

The instructions and the template are here https://creativepark.canon/en/contents/CNT-0010332/index.html

Step 1: Gather All Your Tools and Materials

  • 210 gsm white paper
  • Craft knife
  • Superglue
  • Scissors
  • Cutting mat
  • Glue stick
  • Hot glue - optional
  • Pencil or pen
  • Ruler - if you want straighter lines

Step 2: Printing and Cutting Your Paper

Start by downloading the template from Canon creative park - the link is attached above. Once you have printed all 15 pages onto your white card paper, you can start cutting them out. I did this by first cutting out all of the pieces and the outlines of the small pieces and then I went in with my craft knife to cut all the small pieces. While you are cutting out all the pieces, make sure you label each piece with their number that should be next to them on the paper before you cut them out.

Step 3: The Bell

Once you have cut all of the pieces out, find the pieces that are labelled 1-5 and 10-15 and 16. Start by gluing the pieces labelled 1-5 and then separately 10-15, once both parts of the bell have dried, you can glue them together by putting one into the other. Next, fold piece 16 and attach it to the bottom of the main part of the bell. I used a glue stick for this part of the project, but hot glue or super would work just as well.

Step 4: Folding the Tube Parts

Once the bell is done, you can gather all the remaining tube-shaped parts and fold them, but make sure it is obvious what number each piece is. To fold the tube parts, start by gluing pieces 6,7,8 and 9 together as this part is the starting point for all other tube parts. Then just fold all other tube parts, glue them together (not with other pieces just turn them into tubes), and save them for later.

Step 5: The Buttons and the Valves

This part of the Horn can be tedious, but you just have to be patient - and try to not get your fingers stuck together. It is important that you fold exactly where the lines on the paper say you need to, otherwise they won't fit together with the other pieces.

To attach the valves to the buttons, you need to glue the tube pieces that resemble piece 18 inside both of the pieces that need to be stuck together. You need to hide them inside the other two pieces.

Step 6: The Mouthpiece

For the parts of the mouthpiece to fit together you need to be very accurate when folding along the lines.

Step 7: Putting It Together

To get this part right, pay good attention to the instructions stating which numbers go where. Understand that in some parts you need to stick two pieces together to make a thicker piece that then sticks to another one or more pieces. Refer to the photos if you are unsure where each piece goes.

Step 8: The Final Product