The Origami Forum

Hi everyone,
I tried following the directions on youtube for a snowflake (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m72m8L0xuA&feature=fvw) but i was using an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper that was made into a square which didn't work. I was wondering if anyone tried this and if I need to use a smaller square sheet to get it right.

Also wondering if anyone would know where to get the paper that was used in this video.....I like that you get the dashed lines when its creased.Any other paper recommendations would be great as well.

Thanks in advance,
Bryan

Hi Bryan,

this video shows how to fold the snowflake designed by Dennis Walker. You can also find diagrams for the model at http://www.prospero78.freeserve.co.uk/d ... ridiag.htm

As to the paper choice. When you say you started with a square cut from an 8.5in by 11in sheet - don't you mean to say you started with a hexagon cut from that sheet of paper?
If you're not sure how to do this, check this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQAc733KVEc

It's easier to cut the hexagon from the rectangular sheet of paper than from a square, at least I think so.

The paper size should be ok for that model. Depending on the kind of paper it might be a bit too thick to make it easy to work with once you get to the later steps in the model.
You could try using bread wrap. Or, if you actually want to go out and buy some paper specifically for this model, you can try and find glassine or pergamyn. That's slightly translucent paper that takes creases well. You may also want to try tracing paper, but the paper may break too easily to be nice to work with.
Also, these kinds of paper often leave a white crease line when folding, which should simulate nicely what's shown in the video. (And of course there's no paper where black, dashed lines appear magically. That's simply the wonder of video editing.)

Hope this helps,

-- Sara (who created the video)

Thank you so much for the reply Sarah. What I did specifically was to use printer paper. I folded it to create the square, and followed the other video to make the square into the hexagon but it didn't work, it seemed my hexagon was to wide compared to yours on the video.....and when it came to make the first major folds where you go around 5 times (I think?) my last few flaps did not fold sideways appropriately. I appreciate your recommendations for paper....and your video was very well done. All I really need is for you to come over to connecticut and show me why its not working LOL.....I'm at a loss as to what to try next.....any suggestions? I know its hard since you can't see what I've been doing.....sigh......

Bryan

I suggest you try again and cut a hexagon straight from the rectangular sheet of paper. Maybe that works better, as it's easier to get a precise result.

-- Sara

Hi, I'm a newbie too. I spend the entire weekend trying to make perfect hexagons. My hexagons looked awfull, so I thought maybe you're experiencing the same problem...

Right now I'm using a drawing of a triangle to align my fold to (a triangle with 60 degree corners). If you make the fold 60 degree your hexagons will be right. That's to say: it was at least a significant improvement to mine!

Thank you mac......I was actually going to do something to that effect. I was going to get a protractor and try to make the angles I needed to get everything looking like it did in the youtube video. So I think we're both looking at this the same way.....I'll post what I find out.....first I have to find a good enough protractor....

Bryan

I didn't have one either (nor a compass), so I opted for the equilateral triangle, you can draw one with just a ruler.

(To be complete: first draw a line of 10 cm, mark the middle and draw a line going straight up (this is the tricky part of course). Then make the other sides 10 cm too and touch both the middle line and the ends of the first line, and you're done. The height of your triangle should now approx. be 8.66 cm.)

Ok well I'm researching different ways of making the hexagon on the web right now.....I'm going to experiment at some point as to which method i adopt that seems easiest to me.....appreciate your help mac!

Hope this works, I haven't used Scribd before to share files, but I've drawn you a hexagon that you can print, cut out and use:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/39111233/Hexagon

Thanks Anna! That was very kind of you.....I don't have a printer at home anymore but I can certainly connect at the local library and print it out there. Appreciate you taking the time to help out!!!!!
Bryan

Here are some more constructions (like Sara's) that only require folding the paper - like Origami - and cutting. Pick your favorite....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFWEQqBx8ac

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQQcMAo5Pm4&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKCeVDUjfFc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BICPnao4 ... re=related
many constructions....

- Hank Simon

Thank you Hank! Very kind of you!