You’re getting into the rhythm. Fold, glue, admire. Then something happens.

A piece tears. A glue experiment gets a little too enthusiastic. Or your cat decides that one particular triangle belongs in a secret location known only to cats.

It’s frustrating. It’s also a perfectly normal part of making things. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back.

Your little “let’s try again” supply.

At the back of every Yona DIY kit, you’ll find one or more sheets of spare cardstock, with colors to match the model in your kit. These are the same papers used for your original pieces, so your replacement can blend right in.

Missing or beyond saving? Start with a PDF.

Maybe a piece has disappeared completely. Maybe it was torn into several pieces, accidentally trimmed, or enthusiastically chewed by your four-legged assistant.

If you can’t use the original piece as a template, email us at support@yonadiy.com with your kit’s model name and the missing or damaged piece number. We’ll send you a PDF of the piece as quickly as we can.

Not sure which piece is missing? Check your assembly diagrams. If you still can’t identify it, include a photo and tell us where you are in the build so we can help.

Print directly onto the spare cardstock

If your home printer supports cardstock of 230 gsm or heavier, check that it can handle the actual spare sheet’s weight and size before loading it. Otherwise, take the PDF and your matching spare cardstock to a local print shop and ask whether they can print it for you.

Check the print preview to make sure the whole piece fits without being clipped. Then print, cut out the piece—including every glue tab—and fold along the marked lines.

Ordinary printer? Print, trace, and carry on.

Can’t print on thick cardstock? No nearby print shop? You still have a way forward. Print the PDF on ordinary white paper, keeping the setting at 100% / Actual Size.

In the example below, the white D2 piece is a paper template. The gray sheet underneath is the spare cardstock that will become the replacement.

1. Cut out and secure your template

Cut around the template’s complete outer outline, including all the glue tabs. Place it on the matching spare cardstock with the printed side facing up. Secure it so it won’t slide while you trace, leaving the outline accessible.

2. Trace the full outline

Use a pencil to follow the outside edge of the template. A ruler helps keep straight edges tidy. Take your time around small tabs and corners—they have important jobs later.

3. Cut out your replacement

Remove the template carefully and cut along the outline you’ve drawn. Keep the white template beside you for the next step. Compare the two outlines and check that every tab is accounted for.

4. Copy the markings

Transfer the piece ID, edge numbers, fold lines, and any circle marks onto the same side of the replacement. Use the template as your guide and a ruler to connect the fold-line endpoints accurately.

The side you’ve marked now serves as the printed side. You can also transfer the markings before cutting if you find that easier. What matters is keeping everything in the right place.

A little damaged or dirty? Use the original.

A stain, a small tear, an unexpected crease: sometimes the piece is still a perfectly good template.

If its full outline and markings are still clear, gently flatten it enough to trace. Place it on matching spare cardstock with the printed side facing up, secure it, and follow the same tracing, cutting, and marking steps above. No PDF needed.

If part of the outline is missing or the piece is badly distorted, use the PDF instead. You don’t need to guess your way around a missing corner.

A small detour. Back to building.

• Match the color. Choose the spare sheet that matches the original piece.
• Check the markings. Letters, edge numbers, and fold marks belong on the same side.
• Try the fit before gluing. Check the replacement against its neighboring pieces.
• Check fold directions. With the marked side facing you, circle-marked fold lines are mountain folds; the others are valley folds.

Need a refresher? Our assembly guide covers the basics, and 14 Tips for Better Papercraft shares little habits for a smoother build.

One damaged piece doesn’t undo the work you’ve already done. And one missing triangle doesn’t get to decide how your project ends.

Take a breath. Make your replacement. Enjoy the next fold.

And perhaps keep the spare pieces somewhere your cat hasn’t discovered yet.

Happy building,
The Yona DIY team