Papercrafty – Page 3 – Step into a world of paper

Beginner’s Origami Basics Series – Coming Soon

On January 18, 2006

I haven’t had a huge amount of time to post to the blog recently, but I wanted to let all of you know that soon I will be kicking off a new series of posts aimed at newcomers to Origami.

The first instalment will start with an overview of the origami folds and how they are shown in diagrams, and the second part will move on to the bird base, and how you get from that to an origami bird.

After that, who knows? There’s a lot more to cover – if there’s anything you’d especially like to see, please leave a comment!

Amazingly Small Origami Crane

By rob

On January 9, 2006

In Origami

Checking out some links from [origamitessellations.com](http://www.origamitessellations.com/2006/01/09/origami-joel-on-flickr/) I discovered the [Foldingfreaks Origami](http://www.flickr.com/groups/foldingfreaks) group on Flickr – there’s some amazing origami work there.

How about this [tiny origami crane](http://www.flickr.com/photos/chosetec/60796964/) – just 3mm across!

[ Tiny Origami Crane on Coin ](http://www.flickr.com/photos/chosetec/60795524/)
[ Tiny Origami Crane - 3mm across ](http://www.flickr.com/photos/chosetec/60796964/)

Folded from a 5.5mm square piece of tissue paper, it must require some incredibly nimble fingers to complete.

I’m off to try and find a pair of tweezers now.

More Christmas Papercraft – Pug Dog Model

By rob

On December 17, 2005

In Papercraft

Still on the Chrismas papercraft theme, [Intermaweb](http://intermaweb.net/2005/12/11/some-christmas-cheer-from-around-the-intarwebs/) reminded me of this [Merry Christmas Pug](http://www.homespunmagixx.com/downloads.asp) available from Homespun Magixx (remember the [Spongebob papercraft](http://www.papercrafty.com/2005/spongebob-squarepants-papercraft-models)?)

It would go well with the [Christmas Mac papercraft](http://www.papercrafty.com/2005/christmas-themed-apple-macintosh-papercraft), wouldn’t it?

Fold Your Own Origami Envelope

By rob

On December 17, 2005

In Notes, Origami

It’s a bit late to post these in time for christmas, but how about sending your thank you notes in these hand-made origami envelopes?

This is a simple design that’s folded from a single sheet of paper, and whatever is written inside is completely hidden when folded – a nice surprise for whoever recieves it.

This may not comply with US postal regulations, so check carefully if you’re sending letters around America – you can always put it inside another envelope, or just stick to hand-delivery for people who live close.

I found this on Instructables, “a venue for showing what you make and how others can make it”. There’s loads of projects on there, but not much in the way of paper crafts at the moment.

Christmas Themed Apple Macintosh Papercraft

By rob

On December 8, 2005

In Papercraft

You’ve made a cool [papercraft calendar](http://www.papercrafty.com/2005/papercraft-calendar) to decorate your desk, but how about some great [christmas themed Apple Mac Classics](http://intermaweb.net/category/paper-macs/) to go with it?

Christmas Papercraft Apple Macs Christmas Macintosh tree ornaments

There’s a lot more available than just christmas ornaments though, you’l find dozens of different [mac papercraft models](http://intermaweb.net/category/paper-macs/) to make.

Papercraft Apple Macs

Not happy with those? Then download the [blank mac template](http://www.archive.org/download/Blank_Template_Mac/mac_outline.psd) (992kB .PSD) and create your own designs!

Papercraft Calendar

By rob

On December 6, 2005

In Notes, Papercraft

We’ve already entered the month of December, so January 2006 is coming very soon!

What would look better gracing your desk for the coming year than your very own papercraft calendar on a dodecahedron?

‘Computational Origami’ Podcast – Robert J. Lang

By rob

On December 2, 2005

In Notes, Origami

Trying to find something to listen to? IT Conversations has [an interesting talk](http://www.itconversations.com/shows/detail660.html) by origami master Robert J. Lang.

Here’s the description:

The last decade of the twentieth century saw a revolution in the development and application of mathematical techniques to origami. Robert J. Lang describes how geometric concepts have led to the computer solution of a broad class of origami folding challenges and, as a consequence, enabled origami designs of astonishing complexity and realism to be developed.

He covers how technology and origami are affecting each other, and talks about how he used origami principles to help put a 100-metre wide lens into space by folding it to fit into a small rocket. That’s an amazing use of some ancient ideas!

Want to learn more about Robert J. Lang? [Read the Wikipedia article on him](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_J._Lang), and then [visit his site](http://www.langorigami.com/) to view [some amazing galleries](http://www.langorigami.com/art/artmain/artmain.php4) of his work (a lot of these pictures are mentioned in his talk).

Thanks to [John](http://www.cognitivefriction.net/) for the tip.

Spongebob Squarepants Papercraft Models

By rob

On November 29, 2005

In Papercraft

Some fun papercraft models here for any fans of Nickleodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants – a model of Spongebob himself, and a jumbo-size Pineapple house that is in scale with him when assembled

Nickleodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob SquarePants' Pineapple house

That’s not all though, there are plenty more models [available for download from the same place](http://www.homespunmagixx.com/downloads.asp), including Patrick Star (SpongeBob SquarePants’ bestest buddy), and Squidward’s tiki house, which is a fun model even if you’re not a fan of Spongebob.

Patrick Star from Nickleodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants
Squidward's Tiki house from SpongeBob SquarePants

Go and visit the site to [download Spongebob and the pineapple house](http://www.homespunmagixx.com/downloads.asp), and to read up on the assembly instructions.

Working Papercraft V8 Engine

By rob

On November 28, 2005

In Papercraft

This is a [fantastic model of a V8 engine](http://www.yeesjob.com/v8engine.htm), made almost entirely from paper – except for “a motor, a battery holder, a few plastic tubes and electrical wires”.

> Handcrafted with ruler, white glue and X-acto knife. It took approximately one year to design and construct.

Fantastic work here, it’s an amazing functional work of art. There’s even a DIY kit in the works if you’d like to make your own.

More pictures and videos are [available at the maker’s site](http://www.yeesjob.com/v8engine.htm).

[Spotted on TechEBlog](http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/functional-paper-v8-engine) | [Via Make:blog](http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2005/11/functional_paper_v8_engine.html)

How to Make an Origami Ninja Star

By rob

On November 26, 2005

In Origami

The ninja star, or “shuriken“, is an ancient ninja weapon. It’s also a great origami model!

Let’s take a look at how to make an origami ninja star…