3D paper diamonds
Hello there. Hope you all had a great Easter! We had a lovely relaxing holiday (….well as relaxing as it gets with kids). It would have been great to have another week off ^_^
Before I forget I just want to say a big thank you for all the kind messages you have send me regarding my book (you really are a nice bunch!)…and huge thanks to all the people who have bought it so far…
I’ve been meaning to get this paper diamond up for weeks now…but it’s taken ages to figure the template out (and I’ve been having breaks between each failed attempt). I really hate crafty disasters (I seems to be having a few just recently) so I’m happy that this one came good in the end!!
It’s based on simplified version of Satoshi Kamiya’s origami diamond. I did make the origami diamond to begin with but I found it impossible to keep the model closed (and really tricky to make as I couldn’t find full instructions anywhere). In the end I just made a less complictated ‘cut, score & glue’ version which was much easier to assemble!
These paper diamonds are tricky to make (& require a fair bit of patience) so definitely adults only! If you enjoyed making my paper gems then this project is definitely for you.
When you have made your diamonds you can attach thread and hang them up. You could also use them as a gift box…perfect for jewellery (or diamond rings!!). If any of you do succeed in making some please let me know (if you send me a link to your pictures I’ll pop it up on my facebook page).
How-to
1. Print out the template onto a sheet of paper. Cut around solid line.
2. Using a needle (or compass point) and ruler score along all the dotted lines.
3. Turn over and lightly bend along scored lines.
4. Using a glue-stick glue each flap into place. (I would recommend that you glue one flap and stick in place and then glue the next flap etc).
Happy Monday all!
Edited to add: A few people have had problems printing the templates (the dotted lines do not print). If you too are having problems you can download a ‘dotted-line-free’ template here!
118 Comments › Leave yours
Leave a Reply
- All I need… (my mum's blog x)
- Arvindgupta Toys
- Beci Orpin
- Chez Beeper Bebe
- Colossal
- Craftgawker
- Crow roosters crow
- Curly Birds
- diy or die
- Fine Little Day
- Handmade Charlotte
- Hello Kiddo
- IDN Magazine
- Kickcan & Conkers
- Kireei
- le dans la
- LMNOP
- Lullatone home orchestra
- misako mimoko
- Officers (my cousins band)
- Papercrave
- Piles of washing
- Poppytalk
- Red Ted Art
- Sausage Jar
- Swiss Miss
- Tattly
- Wabi-sabi wanderings
- What I Made
- Whipup
Erika @Sausage Jar #
What a nice result!
Kate #
Thanks Erica….wish I had had more time to photograph them as the pictures don’t do them justice really!
I really enjoyed looking at your blog…will bookmark it and come and look again another day. Gotta do the school run now ^_^
Erika @Sausage Jar #
Oh! That’s so nice to hear! And you’re much welcome!
Sandra Vivas #
Thanks so much! I followed your instructions but used tape to avoid the messy fingers and still worked great! Thanks so much!
I cut them with my kid’s scissors and did the needle marking which was key!
Thanks again!
Stephanie #
These would be perfect for fans of Minecraft!!! One of the best things to dig for in that game are blue diamonds.
rissa #
I know, the minecraft thing is so true, my husband plays that game all the time, he would love these!
Niccolo #
If you just had a Minecraft popup card, you could put a template and instructions for the diamonds in!
bob #
i hate it an its hard 2 do it de stupid diamond
Marta #
wow!!! great result!! I’ve to try to do this project!!!
Courtney #
I can’t believe you don’t own a cutting machine (like Silhouette Cameo). These would be a breeze. I’d love to try making them (if I can get a moment to myself!)
Kate #
Hi Courtney,
A Silhouette Cameo is on my wish list…they are very expensive…maybe at Christmas! ^_^
Know what you mean about getting a moment!!!
Laryta #
I was like obsessed with this template, i search all arround the web … Thank you sooooo much !! =D
Lille Kråke #
Me too! I saw pictures everywhere, and said “This is what I need!,” but Firefox hated me and wouldn’t bring me to the tutorial page, just kept failing to load. It’s amazing that IE actually worked.
Kate #
Oh no….will look into the firefox problem…glad you got it sorted ^_^
Greta #
Just found this through pinterest, they look amazing and I can’t wait to try one!
littlewrenpottery #
Very cute! These would make great little favor boxes!
Lisa #
OH my gosh, this is amazing. So beautiful!!! I can’t wait to try this once my printer works again
found through pinterest and pinned it right away
Kate #
Hope your printer gets better soon!
Jennifer #
These are adorable. I’m thinking that making them with glitter or sparkle paper for my bridal shower they will make such cute decor and favor boxes. Just made one at work and I will definitely getting together an assembly line to get them done for the shower. Thanks for the post!
Kate #
Would love to see some pictures of your sparkly diamonds ^_^
Anna #
Directed your way from craftgawker on FB. This is such a wonderful idea as a bridal gift. I like Jennifer’s idea of using a sparkle paper. I also just made one up at work, but seem to be having an issue gluing the last flap in place, suggestions?
Kate #
Hi Anna,
Yep it is tricky! I poked a needle through the pointy end bit and used it to press on the flap from the inside! Hope that makes sense…do let me know if not.
It is also easier to let the glue dry fully on all the other flaps before attempting to wrestle the last flap into place (stops the model falling apart).
One the diamond has been assembled (and the glue has dries out) they are surprisingly sturdy
Lizzy #
These are adorable. Definitely going to try them soon. What kind of paper did you use? All I have at the moment is boring white printer paper…
Danielle Hardy #
So cute! Those turned out great!
Sirenz #
Thanks for posting this! I took this pattern and ran with it! Made some diamonds for my kiddo and she loves them! Going to try the gems too and see how those turn out, thanks again!
Tina Ramchandani #
Great idea! Thanks for working the template out. Will try it soon.
Lindsey K #
For some reason, when I try and print these, all the dotted lines don’t print. Anyone else have that problem or is it just me?
Kate #
Hi Lindsey….no-one else has reported any problems. Sorry I cant help more :-/
Kate #
I have added a dotted-line-free version of the template at the foot of the post. Hope that helps, Kate ^_^
punk punkartkaietsi #
They are fabulous! Perfect for gift boxes or even a mobile! What kind of paper is that you use? Is it like cardboard paper?
Kate #
Hi….it’s just paper…about the same weight as a good quality printer paper ^_^
Philfam #
Mine printed without all of the dotted lines. Tried twice just in case. Same result.
Philfam #
I just drew in the lines since it did not print them all.
Kate #
Hi Philfam,
I have no idea what the problems is (so many things could be causing it). I have added a dotted-line-free version of the template at the foot of the post. Hope that helps, Kate ^_^
Starry #
Love these! So pretty. I now know what I’m going to do with my left over wedding card.
Kayla #
None or the lines are printing when i print the template is there another link i could try??
Kate #
I have added a dotted-line-free version of the template at the foot of the post. Another reader said if you save the pdf before printing it works!
Hope that helps, Kate ^_^
Lindsey K #
I was having trouble printing the template – the dotted lines weren’t printing for me – but I found that if I saved the PDF first BEFORE printing it, the dotted lines did print just fine. I have no idea why that makes a difference, but it did for me. Hope that helps!
Kate #
Thanks Lindsey…it is very strange ^_^
Kelly #
These are gorgeous! Going to try them with my girls. Thanks.
Kayla #
You are SO AMAZING! I can’t tell you how much I love these. I’ve made a cutting file for them, like I did with the pixel heart card AND I featured you on This weeks Fave Five! Stop by and grab a button! http://saynotsweetanne.com/2012/fave-5-3/
Katie #
Hi!!! I just got the silhouette cameo and am DYING to make a cutting file for these diamonds. could you tell me how to do that? or do you have the svg file or studio file somewhere??? thanks so much!
Manufacta Paper Jewelry #
wow..it’s really wonderful! just a precious tutorial…thank you for sharing
Nico #
If I pay you for this template, may I use it to produce part of my next series of sculptural work? (i.e. for commercial purposes.)
Kate #
Hi Nico…I have replied via email ^_^
Claudell #
Fantastic!!!! Thank you very muchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Allen #
thanks!
stella #
I love it and i even tried it.Turned out great as expected it to be and i am really happy
Kate #
Yay…glad it went well Stella!
Tracey #
This is WONDERFUL!! I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time. Thanks so much!!!!
louise #
I love these!!! I’ve been wanting to have a ‘bling’ party… Ohhhh… or you could make small ones for a pirate booty treasure chest! hmmmm…
lilon #
thank you for your template and your instruction, it’s very exciting to try on
i like your diamond colors,
Julie #
I loved these! I used the template to make some for my Graphic Design work! Thank you so much!
diamondfreak #
There are some valley creases and mountain creases. right?
Kate #
Hi, yep, that’s right…you should be able to see in the photos…..Kate ^_^
Mech #
This tempelate dosn’t print correctly for me, oh well
Lisa Stevens #
I found these on my mom’s pinterest page, along with many other great ideas from your site. I’m having a pirate themed party for my day care and these will be perfect for the treat boxes, filled with ‘pirate gold’ (aka rolos) Thank you!! I may even find a use for this template with my Cub Scouts.
Nellie #
Thankyou so much! (I found this via pinterest)
Was it just me or were these extremely time consuming in the cutting and scoring steps…? looks splendid! Also, any tips regarding getting the point to look neater?
The image printed fine for me, but i did notice that on your PDF one of the dotted lines is missing, on the spoke to the left…
It’s all fine for me, but just letting you know. or is it not meant to have a dotted line?
Kate #
Hi Nellie…they do take time….it’s definitely a more advanced papercraft project…
Precision is really the only tip I can give if you want to get super-neat results.
Some people have had problems printing the dotted lines…I’m not sure…maybe an older version of pdf reader or something…there is a version to download at the bottom of the post that doesn’t contain the dotted lines ^_^
tay #
cool but soooo hard:0
Catriona #
I know this post you have made of the 3D diamonds is from April, but we have only just attempted to make them! We had great results and wanted to thank you for the idea. It is much appreciated. My son and I have worked on them today, and are making them in our Christmas colours for this year (Aqua/Teal, Red and White). Once again, thank you. I am thinking we might need to purchase your lovely craft book.
Kate #
Yay…Glad it went well Catriona…that’s ace. Impressed you got your son involved…they are pretty tricky to make ^_^
Angelique (GR.7) #
Hoi wendy we missen je heel erg heel leuke site trouwens jou lessen waren echt super leuk….
CraftyCritterCritique #
great little time busters i reviewed it on my blog http://craftycrittercritique.blogspot.co.uk/
Kate #
thanks ^_^
Martina #
Darn it, my Internet wont alow me to see the popup. Any chance you could mail it or something?
Kate #
Hi Martina,
Try clicking on the link below:
http://www.minieco.co.uk/images/apr12/paper-diamond-template.pdf
Kate ^_^
Jane #
Hi Erica
I found your blog today after following a link posted by Papermill Direct on Facebook. I love your paper diamonds and decided to have a go using acetate, although it didn’t quite work out how I’d imagined, it doesn’t look too bad as a Christmas Decoration! . Thank you so much for the template and allowing others to use it. You can find the results here on my blog http://hautecouturecrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/just-little-experiment.html
Jane x
princess lez #
my diamond did not go so well
Kate #
Keep trying…it takes a bit of practice ^_^
princess lez #
email me back with something betta like a diamond crown
terry #
Thank u so much I am going to try it tomorrow and then sending it full of candy or a pop ring to my friends daughter that is having a hard time with adhd and we are trying pin pale art friends to see if it encourages her another way. Thank u for this idea and template. Any thing u or anybody had that can be mailed please let me know. Hoping to help this sweet 6 year old into the art world.
Thank you Terry
Kate #
Hope it helps Terry. Good luck ^_^
Ellie #
Hi! where do u buy the paper? i love the colors
I’m from Mexico and i totally love your blog
Kate #
Hi Ellie,
The paper was from Paperchase….I’m not sure where you would buy bright paper from in Mexico. If anyone knows please leave a comment ^_^
Charlotte #
I think it will be possible to buy good paper for the diamonds in most office shops. Go there and take a look at what’s available.
Wilhelm #
Fantastic. I’ll definitely make some with my daughters soon.
Jen #
Love it! Thank you for sharing.
safjds #
WHere is the template
Kate #
above…the links are highlighted in yellow…
safjds #
do u have a bigger template
Kate #
no…the template is made to fit standard printer paper (a4)…
princess lez #
kete do u have any easy way to do this because i get stuck on the sticking and thredding part
Kate #
Hi Princess,
I’m afraid there isnt really an easy way to make these. The only thing that I can think of is that you start with the paper gem templates or the platonic solid templates (these projects are a little easier and will give you some practise). What kind of paper are you using?
Deise Possan #
Eu fiz! E ficou liiindo, lindo! Pintei-o de Azul! <3
Kate #
Diamante feliz o seu saiu bem ^_^
Horacio Couto #
Adorei!
Parabens tudo!
BETH #
Gostei!
Katherine #
When I tried to print out the template with dotted lines, the dotted lines were gone
any solutions to this problem?
anyways nice diamonds:D
i enjoyed them although a lot ^_^
Kate #
Hi,
A few people have had the same problem. There is a ‘dotted-line-free’ template at the bottom of the post ^_^
an-magritt #
Hello!
Thank you Kate for this tutorial!
I have tried to make these, and you can see them on my blog.
http://www.anmagritt.no/2012/11/diy-papirdiamanter.html
xoxo
Kate #
Yay…they look great. ♥ the colours and photography x
Naomi #
I can’t seem to point the paper with the needle :’)
Kate #
Hi Naomi, make sure you put your ruler next to the line, then, run the needle alongside the ruler applying a bit of pressure. Use the needle as if it were a pencil….you are effectively drawing a line with it…hope that helps?!
A.L. Designs Jewelry #
Great tutorial and they look really beautiful.
Peter #
I tried printing both templates (with and without the dotted lines) and on both pages, the words and calligraphy properly, but the templates simply didn’t show up at all, as if it wasn’t on the page when it printed. No lines whatsoever. A shame, because I was going to make some for my girlfriend’s birthday
Kate #
I have emailed you a new template to try Peter. Some printers seem to have an issue with dotted lines ^_^
Katie #
Stupid question, but what does score mean?
Kate #
Hi Katie,
Put a ruler alongside the line and run the point of a needle along the line…pressing down as you go. (You can also use a compass point). It basically puts an indent in the paper making it easier to fold (you also get a nice crisp fold).
Hope that helps ^_^
Lesa #
Simply gorgeous! I finally got around to making one, and I didn’t find it particularly difficult!
I put pictures of one that I made at:
http://askmenomore.tumblr.com/post/38208461807/this-is-an-awesome-paper-diamond-that-i-made-from
Kate #
Hi Lesa,
I’m afraid I have no cutting file (a silhouette cameo is on my wishlist!). To be honest the cutting out it the quickest bit. Scoring and gluing takes longer. Good luck x
Funny Pics #
Love it! I have posted this one on my blog….
paper worm #
i think this is so cool as little giftboxes
Le blog de Val' #
J’adore !!! Merci beaucoup. J’ai réalisé les “paper diamond” avec mon fils de 12 ans avec beaucoup de plaisir.
Kate #
Yay…glad it went well ^_^
Meru #
Thank you, this template is awesome!
Hilda Vera #
Preciosos! siempre los admiré y no sabía cómo hacerlos, así que muchas gracias por compartir!
. #
I am definetly trying theese!
Jill Nuualiitia #
I tried to make one. it worked eccept my glue stick was not sticking enough. what glue do you use? and is there a certain paper I should be using? awesome template. Thank You
Kate #
Hi Jill…you could try double sided tape or glue like UHU or Bostic (bit smelly and messy but sticks well). I have been using double sided tape rollers lately and they are great too
nursery wall decals #
This is so cute. I’ve been obsessed with origami ever since I was a kid. I’m definitely going to try this!
Mia #
So pretty!!! Is it made out of normal paper or card board or something inbetween?
Kate #
I used normal paper…but use heavier paper if you want them to be stronger. I would avoid card as it’s too thick for this particular project.
jeee #
how do you make you diamond pink???
Kate #
Hi Jeee, I print it onto coloured paper. HTH.
Melissa #
I just tried these. It didn’t come out nearly as pretty as yours, but I think after I do it a few times they will look better. Thank you for the template and the tutorial. I plan to use them as bridal shower “confetti” on the food and gift tables.
Lille Kråke #
I’m going to make some to decorate a cave entrance I constructed out of plastic library card sheets and butcher paper. I’ll definitely post pictures when I’m done! Thank you.
Christina from feltlikesmiling.com #
Wow these are delightful. I think they would make lovely gift boxes for jewelery. Thank you for sharing such a lovely tutorial