The Origami Forum

Recently I started folding from crease patterns. Nothing serious, very easy models.
All the models I tried to fold, I managed to collapse the base but I find it hard to shape the model to it's final look. I don't know how to pull the flaps to the final position. For example, I am folding the Plesiosaurus by Kamiya. I collapsed the CP easily, but I have something that looks nothing like the final model. I don't know how to make the neck and head stick out from the body, or how to get the legs where they should be, or round the body.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Final shaping folds have not to be exact as the autor did, unless you have diagrams. Remember the base is just a base, the final shaping is up to you. If you want the model to look exactly like the Autor's you need a lot of photos and try over and over again. Kamiya's models are among (from my own experience) the models that, from the base, require a lot of work.

The best advice I can give for shaping is to follow your instincts. Take the base and imagine it looking like the folded model. (Don't use a reference picture when actually shaping, paradoxically. It sounds weird, but you'll never be satisfied.) But once you have an image of the finished model in your mind, simply connect the two images--i.e., make the base look like the image of the model. It'll usually take a few tries, but it's worth it in the end.

Many times, from the collapsed base for which the CP is, to the finished model there are over 100 steps, so what you need it's not just "shaping", but a lot of imagination.

in total agreement with Brimstone, the first time i made the ancient dragon, it took me around 5-6 hours to get the shaping done, even after completing the steps. The second time, I didnt use the diagrams after I had got to the base, and it took 2 1/2 hours max, and it was mch better than before

Yeah without diagrams shaping can be hard. There really is no magical spell to make you perfect at shaping.... practice makes perfect

what type of models are you trying to fold?
with insects, just fold everything out of insects 2 several times to get the gist of thinning, wings, all that good stuff. everything else, i'd say go with Works of SK for practice, it has a wide variety of models. as everyone else has been saying, practice makes perfect!

Whoa, thanks a lot guys!
Philip- I already started folding some things from WoSK so thank you for the advice!

Definitely follow your instincts when shaping. If you try an make it look exactly like the authers model you will never be satisfied. Plus it's good to add your own style to the model you are folding. If everyone's models looked the same, where's the fun in that?