Archetypes 02
The Sequel
This series, a follow-up to Archetypes 01, was created several years later. It’s really in this type of work, right at the edge of abstraction, that I find the most satisfaction.
Sometimes solutions come in a few minutes. But most of the time, it’s the result of a long iterative process.
From Square to Rectangle
One particular difference from the previous series is the use of a rectangular grid instead of a square one. First, just to switch things up a bit, as they say. But also for a practical reason: 99% of paper sheets, cardstock, cardboard, and other sheet materials (plywood, metal, acrylic) come in rectangular formats, at least here in North America.
It’s therefore much easier to optimize material by working with a rectangular module rather than a square one, which helps reduce waste, cost, and offcuts. And that economy is not only financial, but also philosophical. In my practice, simplicity and economy of means are at the core of everything.
That being said, I’ll never deny my love for the square. Let’s just say this is an alternative path.
Models by Difficulty
You’ll find templates and instructions to create 12 models of varying complexity.
They are presented in a more or less increasing order of difficulty.
So if you’re new to this, I’d recommend following the numbered sequence.
Models 1–4 (81–84)
Difficulty ◉◉◎◎◎
Definitely the easiest to cut and fold.
Models 5–8 (85–88)
Difficulty ◉◉◉◎◎
Still quite accessible.
Models 9–10 (89–90)
Difficulty ◉◉◉◉◎/◉◉◉◉◉
Here, folding is not so much the issue. The challenge lies in the cutting details, with the presence of many stair elements. Because I’m very kind, I’ve included two versions, with and without stairs, as you can see in the images.
Models 11–12 (91–92)
Difficulty ◉◉◉◉◎/◉◉◉◉◉
These are more demanding, both in cutting and folding. I’ve also included two versions to simplify the cutting, but the folding challenge remains 😊
Card Templates Included
If you’re like me (or more importantly, like my lovely High Priestess), you’re constantly buying and writing cards. And like everything else, prices go up while the selection goes down. So, professional deformation kicked in, and I started making my own.
Because, as I’ve already mentioned, I’m very kind, I’ve included pre-formatted, ready-to-print templates that you can use to create your own cards.
For Each of the 12 Models, you Get
• A card template, with an image of the finished model on the front and folding instructions on the back
• The model formatted to fit the card dimensions
• An envelope template (though standard envelopes will work just fine)
More Card Templates
If you're really into sharing the joy, have a look at these other card projects
Learn more in the Cutout Card Sets post
Or go directly to the template pages here:
