Sunday, August 5, 2007

Modular Origami - Swan

What is modular Origami?

Modular origami, or unit origami, is a paper folding technique which uses multiple sheets of paper to create a larger and more complex structure. Each individual sheet of paper is folded into a module, or unit, and then modules are assembled into an integrated flat shape or three-dimensional structure by inserting flaps into pockets created by the folding process. These insertions create tension or friction that holds the model together.

Swan created with modular origami

Traditional modular origami swan consists of about 500 pieces of small units.These are triangular units which can be interlocked and create a beautiful swan.Modular origami swan creation is a tedious work.

You need enough time and ofcourse a lot of patience to create the structure as each of the 500 pieces needs to be folded perfectly.






Origami swan created by me

You can follow the link to see the procedure to create:

Diagram:-
Modular swan diagram

Video:-
This is approximately 6 minutes video,but very easy to follow.

9 comments:

mumbaimerijaan said...

Hi
Thanks for the instructions. The only thing I felt missing was that it should be mentioned that the angles for the first level and second level are different.
But that was a really good video instruction.

One more thing, during the initial stages, if you pull out level 1 outside, you will find that it can act as a stand...

Brijesh said...

awesome stuff! looking forward to cee more of such models...

Unknown said...

i cant easily get the first 60 triangles to fit together for te firt level cause it like folds in on itself and if i try to attach some ends parts of it somewhere in the chain break apart any suggestions? basically if i add to many triangles it breaks apart somewhere else

Unknown said...

im having troubles connecting pieces for the first level because whenever i do connect a piece to one end of the circle a chunk falls off somewhere else in the chain any suggestions

Anu said...

Hi,

i too found that part a bit tricky.When i made the first level I tried to make quarter circles and joined them.and built the 3rd layer every time i joined a quarter circle.You may try that.

Rishi said...

I'm really struggling with this! I tried following the diagram but its not clear enough. It doesn't look like the diagram. Is there any more diagrams for assembling the triangle pieces? Thanks

Zombie Girrrl said...

Oh, wow! That's amazing.

TC said...

Hi, I've been making swans similar to this for a while and what I always struggle with is the part where you have to turn the base over. When I do it falls open, it's not as sturdy as others i've seen on the Internet. Is that normal or am I doing something wrong?

LZ said...

i use glue for the base but you might not consider it origami anymore