There’s a new club in town, one that builds things out of paper. President-and-founder Nick dishes on the ideal building materials, his dream house, and a few brilliant snippets of advice for Garfield students.

Can you tell me about Paper Model Club?

Essentially Paper Model Club is about making models of old cars. The main materials are paper, glue, and scissors. The model we’re working on now is of a 1937 Chevy Coupe. Paper modeling is very popular in Europe and Asia, and most information about paper modeling comes mainly from Japan.

What kinds of materials do you prefer?

The kind of scissors that work really well are sharp ones and depending on what kind of cut you’re making either really small or big ones. The best kind of paper is cardstock. Go to Kinko’s and photocopy onto 11x17 inch cardstock, 40 cents plus tax. There are several paper model websites on the internet and several Google searches you can do in many different languages — kartonmodell, maquette papier, maquetas recortable, just to name a few, in German, French, and Spanish, respectively.

Would you ever incorporate other materials besides paper?

Paper is a very versatile and very inexpensive material, and also very plentiful. Foam core is good but it’s really hard to use. Cardboard — definitely, but it is a paper product. There’s white glue which is the best kind of glue to use. Plastic cement — you don’t want to use it; it only works on plastic. Super Glue is the last thing you want to use because it saturates and discolors the model.

What inspired you to start Paper Model Club?

I thought there weren’t enough plastic models and I thought paper is a good material. Our goal is to spread paper modeling through Garfield and maybe even Seattle. It’s fun, easy, and cheap. Just enough to influence other people about paper modeling and maybe enough so they could tell a friend and then it could spread through Seattle. The hope is to get more people interested in the U.S. There are several books available; there’s one at the Central Branch of Seattle Public Library — Antique Car Models: Their Stories and How to Build Them, by Frank X. Ross, call number 629 – 22122 ROS.

Do you have any other hobbies besides paper modeling?

Paper modeling is the main one, and drawing. I also like to write some, usually using a typewriter or fountain pen. I also like the Lake City Flea Market, which is the second Saturday of every month at Lake City Community Center at 28th Avenue NE and 125th street, next to the library. I somewhat like plastic models, but I prefer paper. A lot of the paper models I build are of my own designs. I also make the occasional building.

Do you have any advice for paper modelers who are just starting out?

Be sure to copy onto thick paper, cardstock maybe, also make sure to use Elmer’s glue. Make sure to cut on the lines, score each fold, and make sure you are awake when you’re using sharp scissors. Also, be sure to research models by the side, top, and back view. Maybe the front view also. And the interior. And all are welcome at Paper Model Club.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

Math. Marine Science, French.

Do you speak French?

Un peu.

What’s your favorite animal?

Horses. I plan to move to a ranch in the western states. If the house is good I’ll leave it alone but I might redo the interior with wood paneling. My favorite finish for anything would have to be woodgrain. Favorite car would be the Studebaker and Packard. I love station wagons and pickups especially with fake wood finish on the sides.

Do you have any advice for Garfield students?

The time is always right to do what is right; if you think you can do it there’s a very good chance you can. Life is like a machine; keep it well-oiled, make sure everything is precise, but not too precise, or you’ll waste all your time and get confused. Also use one inch margins on all your assignments, but be sure to ask your teacher beforehand. And never be afraid to stand out.