African Elephant (R. Lang)

[TvVtje]

Can somebody help me out?? I'm trying to fold the african elephant from the book Origami Design Secrets but i'm stuck at step 53.
Every time I try this step I end up tearing the paper.

[the modern einstein]

Ummm... It would be helpful if you gave more details on what is going wrong with this step for you, but as far as I can tell, you should pleat the two points in turn, and not flatten them out too harshly - or not flatten them out at all. It may also help if you do not use copy paper to fold this model - I can tell you are attempting it. The most recommended way is not to flatten the points, as they will be sticking out in the final model anyway - wait for the final shaping to do it. Use thinner paper as well - good Kozo paper should do the job. If you have it, apply MC, then wet fold the two points flat. More advice - if you wet fold the way I said too - find something to hold the ears in place until they dry. More advice on Paper and techniques is found on Lang's website, under the info section, and may be a big help to you.

[TvVtje]

I already got it, i think i made the folds in step 52 a little to sharp (not sure) and btw, i dont use copy paper. But anyway thanks a lot for trying to help me out.

[ahudson]

hm. If TvVtje is having problems with the paper tearing, he/she probably doesn't have good Kozo or MC

I'm assuming that your paper is tearing in the hidden area at the center of the head... Step 53 is more of a swivel than a pleat. Don't push the paper down near the vertex-- first pull it out from the corners of the ear, then gently guide the loose paper on either side of the flap into place. Don't try to flatten any of the creases until you've got the ears into position.