Investigating the stories behind the makers of 3D models of crystals has proved unexpectedly unstraightforward. Drawing on actor-network theory (ANT), this article investigates the references behind a set of models of mineralogical crystals made of pasteboard held by National Museums Scotland (NMS), to uncover the history and tradition of such models and the role that pedagogy plays in their stories. The contributions of many of the main actors have been neglected, dismissed, ignored, forgotten, or otherwise rendered invisible in the historical record, either intentionally or accidentally. It became clear, however, that there was a significant tradition of modelling in paper, from the earliest years of learning, play and education. Many more people than those intending to become professional model makers were capable of making paper models of subjects from the crystals found in rocks, to buildings made of them.