Help! 3d modeling with blender

So i may portray myself as a skilled papercrafter who knows all about
modeling... But i've run into problems.
I finally found a cool modeling program 'Blender' and i can easily model
smooth 3D objects in just 15 minutes, but i can't figure out how to convert it to flat style. I read from another papercraft designers blog that the program can flatten 3d objects, but even when i use the noob to pro guide i can't find how to do that anywhere.

Not only that, but is there a way to create lines in the program to precise measurements (ie 3.75in or angle/slope-.5)?
Anybody with skills in this program please enlighten me, because i just can't figure it out. If i could then i'd be popping out models soon.

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Permalink Reply by SupahButtahToast on July 9, 2010 at 3:36pm

I've had some experience in blender, but i'm not quite sure exactly what your asking for. but if your using blender for paper toys, i would stick to low-poly modeling rather than smoother higher poly models. the best way i've found for doing low poly modelling in blender is explained through these tutorials here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/PXstriker

and when you say "convert it to flat style" I'm not sure whether you mean simplifying your smooth models, or unfolding it into a flat pattern/template. if you mean unfolding so you can use it for building your paper toy template, use the program pepeakura designer found here:

http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/

the program's worth every penny if you plan on making toys from 3d models.
if you need any help with anything, feel free to ask me. good luck :D

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Permalink Reply by Mike P on July 13, 2010 at 3:17pm

THis really helped!
Thanks!~!

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Permalink Reply by Steo on July 15, 2010 at 9:01am

Thanks alot :) I was unaware of the low poly modelling options.
Also, in blender it is possible to unfold the models with UV rendering and seams. I have now learned that, i just need a way to export the files so i can print them, then add the tabs later. I will check out designer, but it seemed a bit pricey for me, even though i could easily model in 3d and take it into that, it just seems a little pricey. I'll fill you in if i find anything worth using that doesnt cost.

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Permalink Reply by Mike P on July 17, 2010 at 12:12pm

How did you figure out how to unfold models?

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Permalink Reply by Steo on July 30, 2010 at 9:30am

If you look up blender 'uv modeling' there should be some stuff on it, i just found a tutorial. Its relatively easy, you mark the cuts on it, and it unfolds from there with the uv window.