Step 1

Using one sheet of cardstock or cardboard for each face, construct the package as a solid brick. Hold the faces together with masking tape, edge to edge.

Step 2

؜Write pairs of identical numbers across each edge.

Step 3

If the package has a lid, cut it loose.

Step 4

؜Using masking tape, affix a tab securing to the lid edge that is opposite the hinge.

Step 5

؜Cut loose as many of the shortest edges as you can..

Step 6

؜Now, cut open the remainder of the package until it can be laid out flat. Begin by cutting loose the shortest edges that remain uncut, then cut loose progressively longer and longer edges.

Step 7

؜Adjacent to the number, write a T (for tab) near the edge of the lid next to the lid tab.

Step 8

؜Add a tab wherever there is a T.

Step 9

؜Trace around the outer edge of the final flattened model, including the tabs.

Look at some of the examples in the following slides, which have templates for unique 3D shapes.