The Origami Forum

Hi all-

I've searched the forum to try and find a model discussion on trees but haven't found anything (not what I'm looking for anyway). Apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere!

I would like to start a tree project, but don't know where to start. I want to make a "real" looking tree complete with random spindly branches and such. Something akin to this tree that I found via Google (not quite as complex perhaps, but this is the general idea):


http://www.papercrane.org/index/International/16

I doubt this kind of thing is diagramed, perhaps I just need a wire frame that I crumble (neatly of course!) some brown paper around?

Does anyone know of a site or a good book I could pick up to get started on something like this???

- krakrs, the ambitious intermediate

Diagrams for a similar tree can be found on Nicolas Terry's homepage:
http://origami.artists.free.fr/CuKimNgo ... eIICKN.pdf

Awesome! Thanks, that looks great. Question though, in the pic I posted and the pics under the link you provide, the trees are quite smooth looking, and in fact shiny in the pics under the link you provide. I'm assuming some type of agent (painted on glue perhaps? some sort of spray sealant?) is used to hide creases and folds, and generally "schilack" everything in place.

Or, are the folding artists just "that good"? I haven't tried the tree yet, time is a fickle mistress, but I can't imagine (skill level completely withstanding) that I'd be able to fold a million creases in some paper and have it turn out so beautifully "put together" as the trees in these pictures.

Am I missing something? Or is it just serious skills I'll have to work on?

Thanks a mil ~ k

ps- sorry if I'm digressing into a topic not fit for this forum

This is just my opinion from looking at the pictures but I think some kind of varnish has been used on these models. Furthermore they probably have been wet finished with Methyl Cellulose (wallpaper paste) to get the branches thinner and smoother.

Thanks for the link, Anna! Whenever I search for trees, I get Christmas trees.

thanks i really need it for a contest

I tried the first tree posted on this thread, and made it until about step 12b. I just didn't see how to get the whole model to collapse (which is what I assume is going on there) in a way that would provide roots and branches to manipulate. Even if I felt like I was on the right track, the paper would pull in some area preventing me from making progress on a branch or root.

I think my paper was way too small for one thing, but even if it was significantly larger I just don't think I see the physics working! Maybe I'm just misinterpreting the whole thing. If I get aggravated enough maybe I'll post a help request on the "Help Me!" section of this forum.

~ k

If you're having trouble collapsing then you just need to search for help on box pleating in general. I folded the tree last night and I think there is something weird about the diagram itself. It just seems backward at times. But since the overall concept is simple, you can deviate from the diagram a lot and still end up with a tree.

Speaking of trees, these look like they'd be great to add on to and make some sort of bonsai. Has anyone done that?

LeafPiece wrote: Speaking of trees, these look like they'd be great to add on to and make some sort of bonsai. Has anyone done that?

HA! That's exactly what I'm trying to do! I've got the leaves and flowers down, just need a good tree that my clumsy fingers can fold!

About the tree you folded, how big was your paper? I used a 7 inch square and I just don't think it was large enough. It seemed like with larger paper the tiny triangles would be a little easier to manipulate. I don't have any large scratch paper though so I haven't tried that yet. Would that be something you would suggest (larger paper)? Or, in your opinion, should 7 inch paper be adequate and I just need to work on my skills more, i.e. box pleating? Or both?!? O.o

I appreciate the advice by the way. Thanks!

~ k

I just used copy paper, so 8.5" square. I don't think a 7" paper should give you much trouble, especially if you're using something thinner than copy paper. However, I don't really have expert advice for you. I rarely fold other peoples' models and have only done a few box pleated things in my life.

That being said, it is not so difficult. That's why when you mentioned you had trouble collapsing, I thought you just needed practice box pleating. A larger paper would help you practice, but you might also want to practice on a model with a better diagram and a less divided grid.

English would help, too. haha I'll just keep playing with it, that's half the fun, right?

Thanks for your insight ~ k

By the way, I'd love to see your bonsai when it's finished =).

Ok! I've put the bonsai project on hold though. My sister was diagnosed with paraganglioma recently and I've decided to take on a 1000 cranes project for her instead.

I'm sorry to hear that. I saw where you had posted in another topic. I will help pray for your sister. Best of luck on your cranes project.