Paper pyramids are interesting and fun three-dimensional objects that you can make in different ways. For example, you can take advantage of the origami technique, which does not require glue or tape, otherwise you can use a template, scissors and some adhesive. Whether you're building one as a school project or just to pass the time, you can also decorate it in many ways: you can use colored paper or you could even paint it to make it look like a real pyramid from ancient Egypt.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Origami
Step 1. Get a square sheet of paper
To make a pyramid you need a piece of paper whose width is equal to the length. The thicker the sheet, the stronger the finished object; however, you may encounter difficulties when folding the material. Here are some suggestions:
- Origami paper;
- Cardboard;
- Cardboard.
Step 2. Fold and unfold the sheet
First you need to fold it along the two diagonals, bringing the upper right corner over the lower left and then the upper left corner over the lower right.
Step 3. Place the square on the table
Look at the folds you just made, the paper should be divided into four triangles. Label each fold with the letters A, B, C and D following the counterclockwise direction; you can proceed mentally or trace the letters with a pencil.
Step 4. Orient the sheet correctly
Make sure that in front of you is the base of the triangle whose sides are D and A.
Step 5. Fold the square into smaller triangles
Start on the left side and fold it in half, so that the outer edges D and C overlap; repeat the same movement on the other side, with edges A and B.
Step 6. Continue by making squares from each triangle
Start on one side and fold the corners at the base towards the center, so that each of them joins the upper vertex; repeat the procedure on the other side.
Step 7. Fold the square like a kite
Orient the paper so that it resembles a rhombus with the flaps facing up and the base facing you; bring the two lateral tips towards the center to allow the lower edge to align with the central one of the square.
Step 8. Secure the creases
Open each fold, one at a time, along the four faces of the kite until you have a small right triangle sticking out of the back of the fold. Fold this triangle towards the front and finally return all the folds to their original position; repeat the process for each face of the rhombus.
Step 9. Fold the tip down
Bring it back and forward to create a well-defined crease. Hold the kite so that it rests on the lower tip and gently press the central one located at the top; the sheet should begin to open at the base, along the last fold you made. When it takes the shape of a triangle, you can refine the edges of the base and sides to give the sheet the shape of a pyramid.
Step 10. Finished
Part 2 of 2: Cropped Pyramid
Step 1. Print or draw a model of a pyramid
You can use a square sheet to create a custom template or print one from the internet and use it directly to create the pyramid; alternatively, trace the printout to another sheet you want to use for the project.
The model for a pyramid shows a square base and flaps on each side of the same, to which the triangular faces are connected; furthermore, two or all of the triangles have flaps. Once the various parts have been cut out, the four triangles join together to form the faces of the pyramid
Step 2. Cut out the pattern
The flaps along the side are important (do not peel them off) because they allow you to join the faces together using glue or tape.
Step 3. Turn the paper over and decorate it
Once you have cut out the elements, you will have the basic shape of the pyramid and you can embellish it as you like. Remember that the lower sides become the outer faces of the three-dimensional figure, so work on the right parts!
Try tracing a superimposed lattice decoration that resembles the bricks of the ancient Egyptian pyramids
Step 4. Fold all edges
After making the decorations, turn the model over again and fold it along the guide lines, so that the various faces come together precisely; remember to fold the paper inward and don't forget the flaps.
If you have chosen stiff paper, such as card stock, consider using a utility knife or scissors to gently go over the lines of the pyramid before folding them
Step 5. Assemble the pyramid
Apply glue or adhesive tape along the outer edges of the flaps (those relating to the decorated faces); bring all four faces closer by fixing each other and inserting the flaps inside the pyramid. Apply gentle pressure while you wait for the glue to dry.
