The Origami Forum

Hi All! - I just have a quick question on technique for y'all: how do so many folders manage to get such beautifully rounded (tube-like) appendages on many of their models? For example, the legs on Kota Imai's amblypygian:



Having made several similar models with long, thin appendages, I find rolling those long, narrow points into tubes to be virtually impossible, yet it obviously can be done and produce these much more realistic appendages. I'm definitely interested in anyone's thoughts and techniques on how this is done! Thanks so much for your time!

I don' t think it's about rolling, but rather folding the sides of the leg inside repeatedly until the thickness creates the roundness you perceive. It sometimes helps to try to squeeze the leg from top and bottom rather than from the sides. I have yet to achieve this level of cleanliness, but I can promise you I will put my technique to the test next time i fold an arthropod and post the result here.

I have seen it done using CMC and winding a thead (some people say it's better if you use ribbon so that it doesn't leave any marks on the paper) around the appendages.

I've done both methods, you can get cleaner results using the one Brimstone posted in my opinion. Not sure how into purism your are, but another thing I've done is put a wire into the appendage and form it around the wire. You can get really clean looking insect models that way, to.

I have used beads on the inside of insect eyes. No shame.

That is really smart actually!

Thank you

Thanks, everyone! Those are some great suggestions. I had my suspicions about wrapping the appendages, but wondered if there was an easier (read: lazier) way. I'll give these a shot next time I fold an arthropod!