Paper Camera Papercraft for Your Elf

Paper Camera papercraft template with cut and fold lines to color for your elf

A free Paper Camera papercraft for your elf corner: print, color, cut and fold. Park the camera next to a prank with a tiny photo or a note that reads “Proof!” The kids will giggle. The step-by-step instructions are right below.

✂️ About This Papercraft

Paper Camera papercraft: A small camera that your elf uses to “photograph” his pranks. Size: folded approx. 4 × 2.2 × 3.1 cm (1.6 × 0.9 × 1.2 in).

At a Glance

Difficulty
●○○ easy
Craft time
about 10 minutes
Size
folded approx. 4 × 2.2 × 3.1 cm
Pages
1 × A4
🧺 What You Need
  • Printer
  • Heavy cardstock (65–110 lb) recommended
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick
  • Colored pencils
  • Ruler and an empty ballpoint pen for scoring (optional)

📐 Step-by-Step Instructions

🖨️ Important: print at 100% (“Actual size”), not “Fit to page”.

1
Color and cut along the solid lines.
2
Fold all dash-dot lines backward (mountain fold); the colored side stays outside.
3
Glue the gray tab inside the opposite side to make a tube.
4
Fold in the small flaps at the bottom and tuck in the bottom. Same at the top – the lid opens again.
The Lines on the Template:
━━━ solid = cut · ━ · ━ dash-dot = mountain fold, fold backward · - - - dashed = valley fold, fold forward · ▒ gray area = glue

💡 Tips & Common Mistakes

  • Draw the lens big and round. It is the star of the piece.
  • Easy build: With a little help cutting, kids from about age 5 can do it.
  • Cut the long lines first, then the small corners. That keeps the paper from tearing.
  • Watch out for small parts: use with children under 3 only under adult supervision.

🎭 How the Elf Plays With It

Park the camera next to a prank with a tiny photo or a note that reads “Proof!” The kids will giggle. When the season ends, keep the piece in a box for next year.

📦 Matching printable set: Photo Studio

Goes Well With

Your Benefits at PureSketchy:

  • Completely Free: Every elf printable with no sign-up, no newsletter, no subscription.
  • Made for Coloring: Clear black lines – kids color everything themselves.
  • Your Elf, Your Name: There is always space to write in your own elf's name.
  • Everything in One Place: Prank ideas, papercraft props, printable sets, letters and guides all fit together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How big is the “Paper Camera” papercraft?
According to the template: folded approx. 4 × 2.2 × 3.1 cm (1.6 × 0.9 × 1.2 in). An elf is about the size of a yogurt cup.

How long does it take, and what age is it for?
About 10 minutes. With help cutting it works from about age 5; most kids manage it alone around age 8.

Can I take photos with it?
No, it is a paper camera for pretend play. Use your phone to take photos of the prank.

Should I color before cutting?
Yes, color first and cut afterward. Small pieces are much easier to color while they are still on the sheet.

Is the download free?
Yes, every printable on PureSketchy is 100% free for personal use, preschools and schools – no sign-up needed.

Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version at Papierkamera.