Papercraft Low-Poly Hoopoe

This instructable will show you how to make this papercraft hoopoe. Be warned: this is a very difficult papercraft. Do not attempt this if you are new to papercraft, as it will be very frustrating. Have a look at my other instructables, they are still tricky, but much easier than this. I might make an improved, less complex version of this in the future.

Supplies

- A printer

- Paper (10 sheets)

- Scissors

- Glue

- Sewing needle

- Thread

- Ruler (optional)

Step 1: Materials and Printing

I used A4 paper sheets to make this woodpecker but you can use any size, it will just give you a different sized bird as a result. But don't go much smaller, it is hard enough at it is. With A4 paper the bird should be approximately 30 cm high and 40 cm wide. I used slightly thicker paper (130 g/m²) which my printer could still print on, but normal printing paper (70-80 g/m²) also works fine. It is a bit easier to fold, however the flaps tend to be visible when light shines through. Printing on black paper works well enough. If you can't read the numbers, just check in the pdf file. Of course you can choose different colours. Feel free to experiment and please put a picture in the comments if you do. As for the glue I guess everyone has their favourite. I prefer "UHU Alleskleber" because it dries very fast. Of course you also need a pair of scissors and optionally a ruler for folding also needle and thread for mounting.

Step 2: Making It

As you are an experienced papercrafter you know the drill. Start with the hard parts. The wings are the worst in my opinion. Also the beak is very tiny. I can only apologise. If anyone can recommend a program that can easily combine 2D structures (feathers) and 3D structures, I am all ears. Pepakura fails at this unfortunately. That is why the feathers are in 3D and so hard to make.

The hanging is the same as in my woodpecker. Use a needle and thread when feet and belly are done.

The black tips of the head feathers are not included in the pdf. I added them at the end by hand. Just make little black triangular hats to put on each feather.

I am not 100% happy with the face in front view. I will probably modify it if I do a second version. But you rarely see it directly from the front and the wings are the eye catchers anyways.

Step 3: Have Fun

I hope you like my papercraft project. If you make it, I would be glad if you shared a picture in the comments. I would also love to see different colour combinations. If you find any bugs in the template please also let me know so I can fix them.

If you are attempt this, you have been warned. I wish you good luck and lots of patience. Again: consider starting with the other low-poly birds I made, which are way easier.

For the ornithologists: I know the feather coloring is not 100% correct. It would have been way harder with the real pattern but I think this also looks cool and is in the spirit of the hoopoe.

If you use this instructable in any other context, please respect the non-comercial share alike license. Hope you have fun making this.