TetraVariations

Orders include a PDF with parts and instructions. You must print out the parts on paper or cardstock to build your creation. Some may also include SVG files for import into cutting machines. Please note that no support for cutting machines is available (sorry).

You will need a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat, card stock or card board (old file folders can work great!), access to a printer or printing service, scissors or a craft (e.g., X-acto) knife (both can be helpful), and a cutting surface (self-healing mat, old cereal box, or something similar). Additionally, you will need glue or strong tape.

We also recommend having something to watch or listen to in the background while you work. It'll take a while, and it's nice to have something to keep you company.

The patterns are intended for US Letter sized paper (8.5 x 11″) or A4 (some printers may cut off edges when printing. In such cases, be sure to refer to the PDFs on your screen).

For paper type, we recommend 65 lb card stock (170 gsm). This card holds up fairly well and comes in a wide variety of colors. 110 lb (200 gsm) stock will also work well.

Alternatively, you can trace the pattern onto old, sturdy materials like index files, manila folders, or cereal boxes. Some customers have also used thin foam core and cardboard. These will require eliminating tabs from the pattern and requires care when folding.

Most white glues work quite well. We're fond of Alene's Tacky Glue. Note that only a small amount of glue is necessary – too much, and the paper will dampen and warp. Some customers have found hot glue to be effective, though it can be tricky in tight spaces and be bulky.

If using tape, clear packing tape is a fast and strong way of constructing our patterns, though it can be difficult to paint (a coat of primer can help). Some customers have used magic or invisible tape effectively, though we recommend taking care that the tape is strong and adheres well.

Unfortunately, it's difficult to say. It will vary depending on the size and complexity of the pattern/kit, your skill as a builder, and the methods and materials you use to build.

Particularly simple patterns (3-5 pages) can take about an hour if done quickly. Some other patterns (17+ pages) may take 8 or more hours of work if done with precision.

Our patterns all come with estimates of difficulty:
* Easy
* Easy-Medium
* Medium
* Medium-Hard
* Hard

However, it's difficult to say for sure how challenging any particular person will find our designs. We've seen 6 year old boys put together our most challenging kits with no trouble. On the other hand, we've had a few adults give up in frustration with simpler patterns. Some call our instructions and method of building simple. Others say it's quite complicated. This variety makes it hard to say what you'll think.

If you're a fairly crafty type of person, we think you'll find it fairly straightforward. Some reviewers have called the process "fun" and "relaxing".

A few do, though most do not. Printing onto colored card stock can produce some lovely results, and some patterns have recommendations on colors to print each page to. Alternatively, you can paint your finished designs and create something intricate and wonderful.

We may be able to build and ship products for you, depending on our workload at the time. Bear in mind that this requires additional costs due to the labor involved, and the shipping can be surprisingly expensive.

We're happy to consider custom requests, so please ask! We may have to turn down some requests due to licensing issues, feasibility, or other matters, but we've had many happy customers bring great ideas that we enjoy bringing to life.