The Origami Forum

Hi guys,

I wanted to ask for your opinion. Ángel Ecija has many different action models that include non-folding-materials in order to make them work: Spinning Top uses a toothpick so you can make it spin, Pinwheel needs a thumbtack and a stick in order to spin as well, Crossbow uses string to shoot its quarrels, and Kite uses string also but so you can make it glide.

What are your thoughts regarding the use of this other materials in origami models? I ask because I have this hypothesis that creating models that include non-folding-materials is mostly frowned upon by the origami community. Am I right?

I'd really appreciate your opinion on this : )

If it's something minor that would be hard to achieve with folding only, I don't see any problem using additional material. For instance, I used strings for my string puppet model and a small detailed drawing for the logo of my Superman model.

I'm adding a poll to get more ideas, but I still need written opinions from my fellow members.

Help me out guys !

Sunburst wrote:If it's something minor that would be hard to achieve with folding only, I don't see any problem using additional material. For instance, I used strings for my string puppet model and a small detailed drawing for the logo of my Superman model.

Thanks Sunburst. Every opinion is appreciated!

Well, I guess it depends a lot on what you want to achieve with the model. If you want a working kite you won't be able to achieve that without a string. On the other hand if you want a spinning top, there are not only lots of tops that either have an included paper handle or work through blowing, you can also roll up a sheet of paper to replace a toothpick.

Who else will do me the favor of writing down their opinion? Please .

Anything is valid, just as long as it's sincere: I don't care much for that kind of models, they're completely unacceptable, they're simply models just like any other origami model, or to include that kind of materials is a dreeded neccesity in some cases, or maybe, doing that is a very creative idea... Just let me know what you think, OK?

And if you haven't voted in the poll please do.

Thanks in advance !

origami_8 wrote:Well, I guess it depends a lot on what you want to achieve with the model. If you want a working kite you won't be able to achieve that without a string. On the other hand if you want a spinning top, there are not only lots of tops that either have an included paper handle or work through blowing, you can also roll up a sheet of paper to replace a toothpick.

Thank you very much for sharing your own opinion origami_8 .

There is quite a bit of a grey area between origami and crafts using folded components. For me it's a bit like cuts: Sometimes a great way of achieving a particular effect that would be otherwise (almost) impossible. Easy to overdo. I accept that kind of models but I prefer models without other materials.

I see. I appreciate your answer jeko .