Paper gems (+ templates)
This has got to be one of my favourite projects to date…which is a good job because I nearly broke my brain putting the templates together!! I’m not so good at maths and figuring out angles (my lovely Mum is a retired maths teacher so I should know better!). By the way this project is quite fiddly so more aimed at grown-ups or older kids.
My paper gems were very influenced by these wonderful crayons (via Deborah’s Pinterest board).
You can use these paper gems as hanging decorations (for your Christmas tree) or you can incorporate them into a mobile or garland. I would love to make about a hundred and string them up in front of my window…however there is a limit to my patience!!
If you spray them lightly on one side they look very pretty and a bit more crystal-like! Skip below the jump for pdf templates and instructions.
If you love crystals and gems as much as I do then check out these cool projects:
Home-made rock candy
Home grown geodes
Edited to add: Check out this great advent calendar idea using my paper gems. Thanks Marta!
Kids craft coming up next week…I absolutely promise this time!
Off topic:
Huge thanks to Kathreen from whipup.net for choosing one of my images for her 2012 calendar. Be sure to check it out!
I’ve been a total slacker on email lately…but intend to catch up over the next week. So if you have emailed, sorry, you will hear from me soon!
How-to
You will need:
♥ Paper
♥ Scissors
♥ Cutting board (optional)
♥ Glue stick
♥ Silver/gold spray (optional)
1. Download the minieco-paper-gems.pdf
2. Print template onto a sheet of coloured A4 paper
3. Cut out the templates. (Cut along solid lines. Score and fold the dashed lines).
4. Stick together using a gluestick. (There is probably a better kind of glue to use…I would love to hear recommendations from any paper-crafters out there!)
5. If you want to spray the gems, lie them on an old piece of newspaper and lightly spray the top-side of the gems. (I think they look better sprayed on one side only).
!!If you want to hang your gems then thread a piece of cotton through before sticking the pieces together!!
Due to it’s fiddly nature, this project is not really suitable for kids.
Any problems then leave a comment!
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kristin #
wow, these are beautiful! thanks so much, kate!
Dennis #
i am a 11 year old kid and i succefuly did this origami it looked really cool and my friends loved them!
Kate #
Yay….well done Dennis. Great to hear from you…would love to see a picture ^_^
Kayti #
This is not origami. Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, WITHOUT glue
This gems are simply solids made up of nets.
I hope my english is o.k.
Ross #
Well said ^^ by the way what languadge are you?
Kate #
I know this is not origami but Dennis is only 11 so i think he did a great job even attempting them…..it’s not worth sweating over the technical terms. Kate ^_^
creativejewishmom/sara #
These are amazing! I’ve also been looking at all kinds of geometric forms to use as holiday ornaments…..thanks so very much for sharing!
Kate #
thanks Sarah….yep the geometric thing is huge at the moment. I was looking for some for our holiday decorations but couldn’t find any anywhere. Hope all well with you. Love the new header on your blog!
Fenke #
these are awesome! and they make killer tree ornaments aswell
Patsy #
So pretty, Kate – and very technical, you are clever!!! x
Kate #
Thanks Mum!
x
Thea Natalie #
Love this idea, though my bumble-hands will likely not permit such precision.
Thea Natalie @ Creatures of Life
Check out my ‘Low Luv’ jewellery give away Here!!
Aimee #
Love this! LOVE!
Ann #
Love these and will be sharing the link. I daresay you’ve inherited your Mum’s math skill even if you don’t care for it.
Would origami paper be a good weight or do you recommend something heftier?
Kate #
Hi Ann,
I’m not sure about the math thing…I think I can do it but it doesn’t come naturally! My brain really did hurt figuring out these templates.
As for paper I think origami paper would be too thin. The paper i used was about the same weight as regular printer paper. Any advice on glue?? You are a fabulous paper-crafter and I’m sure have a much better idea than me!
Ann #
Aw, that’s so nice of you to say, Kate, thank you! I’m a fan of glue sticks for this sort of project, just as you suggested. Double-sided super-sticky tape might work well too, although I have a feeling the width would need to be cut down in size, making it a bit fiddly.
Nea #
Thank you, these are beautiful!
Helen #
Wow Kate – these are fabulous. (It must be all the ABBA you listen to – a favourite of mine too!)
Kate #
Haha…I used to dance to abba when i was a little girl. The boys love them too…great for boogies in the kitchen!
Helen #
I feel sure Super Trouper is a nursery rhyme.
mk #
hi people this is cool
littlewrenpottery #
Nice how pretty! I couldnt decide if they were crayons or paper when I first saw them : ) very cute!
nata #
LOVE.
Steve (Blue Dot Paper Shop) #
Just made some of these out of metallic paper… They look AWESOME! Thanks!
Kate #
yeah!! send me a pic….i wanna see!
Deniz Kahraman #
I loved them
thanks
Sarah #
Thanks! These look great. I actually AM a math teacher too, and my students are currently making piles of their own prisms and pyramids. These will be a great treat for those that finish their main project early.
val #
this are really gems and also loved your paper wrap as alway alll you share is beautiful
regards
Val
AImee #
I came back over this morning because I saw these http://www.learningresources.com/product/teachers/shop+by+subject/math/product+type/manipulatives/place+value+foam+dice.do that I needed to teach a lesson on place value. I thought of your gems. I’m not sure any of them will work but I’m sure you could make something like this with all your talent. Something a math teacher can just print and use with her students. ; ) Thanks for your super cute ideas.
Molly Smith #
These little gems are amazing! I cannot wait to try them. Thank you so much for the template download and instructions. I appreciate your share!
-Molly
Vixie #
Hey Kate! I super love these paper gems! I can’t wait to make some – thank you so much for the templates! I’ve posted about them on my blog too: http://www.matinlapin.com/2011/11/bejeweled-admission.html
Kate #
Thanks Vixie! Nice roundup
celine #
really cool ! but i don’t know what to do with them ? they are so beautiful , i can leave them in a jar ?…like a treasure !
thank Kate !
Kate #
string them up!
Deanna #
These are amazing! Thank you so much for the PDF. These are going to be a lot of fun. I LOVE to use Fabri-Tac clue made by Beacon. It is the best glue I have ever used for paper crafting and one of the top paper crafting tips anyone ever shared with me!
Thanks again for the great treasure!
Kate #
will have to try to get a hold of it in the UK….thanks for the tip Deanna
Jessica Jones #
These are super, Kate! I blogged about them and linked over here!
Kate #
thanks Jessica…loooove your blog so chuffed to be featured
seelvana #
downloading!
thanx for sharing =)
Adelle #
These are great! I made some to hang in my window as christmas decorations! They also look very beautiful with a little bit of silver glitter.
Stine #
I am doing them right now as a advent calendar for my little sister. (I know it is a bit late, but I just found them today!)
I’m making them in pink, silver, white and glitter silver.
Hope she will like them…
Kate #
Yeah….let me know what your sister thought!
teresita #
I loove your site!! So creative!! I’ve shared today some of your ideas, hope it’s OK.
Best wishes! ….And keep them coming!!
it’s here:
http://www.whatalight.net/2011/12/manos-la-obra-get-down-to-work.html
Lindsay #
Cannot wait to try these! I shared this on my blog =]
raku #
thanks so much!!!
Bricolente #
C’est magnifique !! Thank you for the pdf. Merci !
annina #
Thank you so much for these instructions, and breaking your brain doing them! I tried immediately, thinking that i never could achieve the same look – but behold, they came out nice! So thank you again, and hoping it will be ok for you when i share this link on our blog?
Kate #
Hurrah….glad they came out nicely. Easy once you have the knack I think!
Kocchan #
Posted mine on my facebook page (linked as my website here)
LOVED IT!
kim #
ha ha – “broke my brain”.
I made your origami hanging ornaments last year, and they were so pretty. Let’s see if I have the patience this year for some gem ornaments!
Livia E. #
Hi ,
I love this project . I did it in yellow . And than i found this : http://www.common-webshop.com/PublishedService?file=page&pageID=9&itemcode=gg01
Do you think you and your mom could try “hacking” it ?:D
That would be so cool !
Let us know
Kisses, keep up the great job !
Ásdís Paulsdóttir #
How generous of you – beautiful – thanks.
philuko #
Thanks so much for this gorgeous idea!! I did some gems for myself. http://philuko.blogspot.com/2011/12/diy-papierdiamanten.html THANKS A MILLION FOR THE TEMPLATES! Best, Julia
Kate #
Ooooh. They look lovely
Rakesh #
Trying using rubber cement for glue! It works well with the weight of printer paper!
mila goudet #
I will try to interwave a piece of fabric to get kind of paper weight…
thanks for sharing such a cute thing!!! Mila from Brasil
Hanna #
Isn’t it a bit outrageous that some people want to make money with this idea, when you give out templates for free… http://rkshop.bigcartel.com/product/make-your-own-gems
Kate #
Hi Hanna,
I actually do understand why people charge for templates. I think creative people do deserve to gain financially for the work they do. I guess I earn money indirectly…by writing for magazines and writing my book….which would never have happened had I not started minieco….
What do you think???
Hmmmm….food for thought.
Tari #
These are great. Thank you for sharing. You could also try using scrapbook paper, not cardstock. Also for kids to do you could use carbon paper and trace the templates on the paper with the dotted lines for the folds.
Indigo Kennedy #
These are great! I used some close up nature photography, printed it on cardstock, for the templates. Then, apply a coat of clear gloss mod podge. Cut and paste away!
Hanging them from monofilament and making my first mobile. Its so cool so far! I don’t want to stop.
Will post pics once I do .
Indigo Kennedy #
Here is a pic of the finished mobile! I am so inspired to mobile more now, lol. Love how the ‘gems’ turned out with the nature photos, will have to make more and maybe gift them. Thanks again!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vagabondindigo/6557272241/in/photostream
Kate #
Hi Indigo…hurray!….they look absolutely great….can’t believe how wonderful those nature patterns look. Do let me know where you got the nature images from. I posted your picture to my face book page!
Indigo Kennedy #
LOL, the number of people looking at my flickr page just jumped HUGE! glad you liked it.
I got the photos either from my own pictures (i love to play with my camera and images with textures!) or from google search of copyright free images. Mostly, I was looking for color and texture, like the grey woodgrain, or the light pink dew covered rose, etc.
Rose #
These are so cool!
I’m trying to subscribe to your RSS feed but the link seems to be broken.
Kate #
Hi Rose…A few people have problems with my feed. Just click on the subscribe button on the right hand side and follow the directions…usually works.
tezukuri #
Thank you very much for the templates… Check what I made with them, just love it!
MadeByTammy #
These are awesome! Thank you so much for sharing.
Elle #
So awesome! I am a little behind the times with this one, but I have posted a link to this post on my blog along with some gem inspired artwork.
So glad I found your blog, totally love it!
Mary #
I love everything on your website! A HUGE thank you to you!!!!!!
aurelie #
Such a great idea
Thank you for breaking your brain for us.
Have a look at my (or rather my boyfriend’s) result here:
http://chancediscovery.blogspot.com/2012/02/diamonds.html
Kate #
Hi Aurelie,
They look absolutely amazing!! Your b/friend did a great job. Love love love the colour combinations…
I’m working on some more paper diamonds so do come back soon!
Cheerio for now
Kate
Hanna Charlotte #
Love it!
And I always use a “Klebemaus” for glueing tricky paper projects. I dont know how its called in english but when you google the word you might get an idea.
Its not the very most eco-friendly glue because of the plastic but…
Hanna
Kate #
Thanks for the tip Hannah…I’ll have to try and see if I can buy some
mk #
is that true do you realy like it
Kate #
HI MK…I haven’t bought any yet but will report back if I do
Adrian #
Doing these tomorrow! Thank you so much :3
Justpep #
Thanks for the idea and great thanks for the pdf file having the templates, you can share things like these in JustPep.com
lotta #
i really love these! I can´t stop! I have made a garland for my daugther and she really loves it and also a mobile and it really turned out great. I love your blog and your tutorials!
Kate #
Yay! Thanks for letting me know lotta ^_^
Diane #
Do you have a recommendation for putting the parts together? I’m finding it difficult to stick them to each other without creasing the paper!
Kate #
Hi Diane, it’s just patience and practice really. I found that a glue stick worked the best….glue one tab and stick it before moving onto the next. Hope that helps ^_^
January #
These are fantastic! I’m inspired to do so many projects now :]
I would try it using PVC glue; it’s a book-maker’s glue that is specifically used for a strong bond on paper. it’s great and dries clear, too.
Thanks again,
January
diamondfreak #
i love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i even downloaded them already!! i ve been searching so long for something like this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)
Mech #
I love these crystals!!! I’m using them in a 3D board game on a poster board, you go over hills, through pyramids, into snowy mountains, caves, islands,jungles, walking on clouds, raised of the boardgame made from cotton balls, clear tape and paper supports, along with a magma area to top it off you end on a raised star! I think this crystal folding set is the perfect thing
OnePerfectDay #
These are so very beautiful!
Dee #
Wow! These are fiddly! I used glue stick like was recommended, and I had so much trouble sticking all the sides together. I think for the next round I’ll try school glue. Any recommendations on how to make sure all the creases come out as perfect as in your pictures?
Kate #
Hi Dee. Precision & patience is the key really. I use a big-ish needle and ruler to score the paper. If you are using a glue-stick you can construct the whole model except for the last few flaps and wait for it to dry fully. Then glue the last few flaps into place (less likely to fall apart).
Double sided tape works well too…but takes longer.
Good luck!
Kabool #
Oh wow! I love it!! Superb work, kate!!!
Heather #
I’ve been attaching the three parts before sealing them in the round, any tips for getting the last seal? There doesn’t seem to be a good way to seal it as you can’t get inside.
Kate #
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).
TheFindingLotus #
i’ll have a video showing this off.
Rachel #
I used some paper I painted on with water colours. Made the gems look even more like gems! Thanks for the templates! Very nice blog you have going here!
Here’s my go at it:
http://1194km.blogspot.nl/2012/08/paper-gems.html
Kate #
They look stunning Rachel. I think the watercolor effect works really well ^_^ I’ll have to give it a go.
Tsaone Chocolate #
This absolutely fabulous and cute!!! I would i want to try this out.
Thank you for the amazing DIY.
xxxx
Lubeyna #
hey kate! i used the gems in a decor setup of mine.. my boss loved it!! thanks
Kate #
Sounds like fun Lubeyna. Glad it went well ^_^
Monica #
I like to use Tacky Glue for this type of thing. It lasts really long and is super strong. Making these now!
Kate #
Thanks for the tip Monica ^_^
Sophia #
Its soooo beatiful. I love it verry much an i will try it. Best Regards from http://www.art-zu-leben.de
Kate #
Thanks Sophia,
I had a peek at your blog. Very cool. Want some of those felt slippers ^_^
yuki #
Hey! I love these so much! They are so sweet! May I know where did you get these colorful papers? Really love the color!
Kate #
Hi Yuki. The paper comes from Paperchase“>Paperchase. If you type ‘spectrascope’ into the search box you will see the packs.
ABI #
Hey these Diamonds are very nice.. i decorated my room with these charms….
sophie #
HELP i don t know what part to stik together!!!!!
Kate #
Which one are you trying to make, 1A, 1B or 1C?
sophie #
ahhhh ok there is 1 a b c ….
Kate #
Sorry for the confusions Sophie I meant 1, 2 & 3!
Gem 1 has three pieces (1a, 1b & 1c)
Gem 2 has three pieces (2a, 2b & 2c)
Gem 3 has only two pieces (3a & 3b)
Make a start with “gem c”. It’s the easiest one. Let me know how you get on.
Good luck x
sophie #
sorry, i didn t know it was 3 parts for one piece..
thank you and congratulations for your amazing website !!!
Diana #
hey, thank you for sharing the templates, they are absolutely amazing
what if i want to make them larger and use them as a present box? what would be your advice?
Kate #
Hi Diana,
You can enlarge the templates on a photocopier (or you printer maybe?)
I would make them out of card rather than paper so that they are stronger.
Good luck! x
niko #
rubber cement can be used. its not a easy as a glue stick but it will most definitely stick better.
Arianna #
I’m totally making these for my birthday extravaganza! I’m going to place them all over the tables…can’t wait. Thank you for posting this!
jamie #
I absolutely LOVE these. I tried your paper diamond, too- it was positively gorgeous:)
Joanna Łada #
Dziękuję ci za to że jesteś, za twoje wspaniałe pomysły, za niewyczerpaną inwencje twórczą. Jestem wolontariuszką na Oddziale onkologii w szpitalu dziecięcym i Twoje pomysły są mi bardzo pomocne w pracy z dziećmi. Jeszcze raz dziękuję Joanna
Kate #
Dzięki za Joannę wiadomości rodzaju. Miło usłyszeć, że można wykorzystać moje rzemiosło dla takiego rodzaju prace. To musi być trudne i satysfakcjonującej pracy. (przepraszam o mojej próbie polskiego! użyłem google tłumaczyć!). Kate x
mithushi #
i’m a 13 years old girl and i was successful in making these gems..
my friends loved it and they’re begging me to teach them how to
make these paper gems…u rule!!
Kate #
Yay! Way to go Mithushi…you rule
Hope you and your friends have fun making them ^_^ (would love to see some pictures by the way)
Jessica Rutherford #
These are beautiful! I made some with kraft paper cardstock and elmer’s and they turned out pretty great:) I shared them on my blog with a link to yours for the templates! thank you!
Jessica Rutherford #
here’s the link if you would like to my page: http://alittlebitjessica.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/make-paper-jewels/
Kate #
Hi Jessica…I tried to look but it just says “page not found”.
Dottie #
Hi Kate! I loved the gems! They were beautiful! I used regular Elmers stick glue. But the only problem I had was I thought they would be just a little bigger than they are, but I still love them but thank you once again!
Maria #
These are really great, I tried one of each design! What spray did you use? Is it regular spray paint, or a special type?
Sarah Kline #
Hey there! I have found that tacky glue (Aleen’s) (am I spelling that correctly?) works quite well for these things. You only need to hold the pieces together for a couple of minutes and then it will stick and you can keep gluing. I made a bunch from the Paper Polyhedra guy around Christmas time. I did end up with fingerprints on the outside of my finished projects, even when applying the glue with a toothpick, though.
Kate #
Thanks Sarah ^_^
Candy #
im just an 11 year old girl and i did this and it was so easy btw you should eat me imma candy
Kira #
Amazing! They would do fantastic as rupees from The Legend of Zelda!
Fjord #
astounding models!, looks great strung together or in groups!
tutu1 #
Thanks a million , exactly what I was looking for
Arlen #
Hey there! I know this is sort of off-topic however
I needed to ask. Does operating a well-established website like yours
require a massive amount work? I am completely
new to running a blog however I do write in my diary every day.
I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my personal experience and feelings online. Please let me know if you have any kind of ideas or tips for new aspiring blog owners. Appreciate it!
pat #
thank you so much! I don’t know HOW you ever figured out how to do them, but I am grateful ’cause I think my brain was born broke-in regards to this exercise anyway!
Kate #
Ha! Thanks Pat. Yes…my geometry is slowly improving ^_^
le lapin d'argile #
Thank you very much, I am very happy to find this DIY to decorate the shop window of my gallery-shop
Romy #
I’ve been unsuccessful with glue stick. I’m trying now with double sticky tape, and it works like a miracle. I need to cut mini strips, but it is much faster than waiting for the glue to dry and you can fold everything in immediately. I’ll send a picture once I finish with these! They are becoming a mobile for my baby to come by the end of september. Hope to finish all of them by then! Thanks!
Nancy #
Hey, I love all of your artworks!! I’m wondering what kind of spray did you use to make the gems look shining? Thanks ;D
Nancy #
Hi! I love all of your artworks! I was wondering what kind of spray did you use to make it shining? thank