paper models fold techniques

follow-up on paper models, paper crafts, paper cut-outs

i am such a noob. not that i'm complaining but i've spent more than 12 hours on the wrc 2006 front grill alone. that's because i don't know the difference between the two basic folds! not that it's my fault, can't read hiragana or kanji plus the pdf pattern has the japanese characters embedded on it, reason why i can't select-copy the words and have it translated. here's the legend:



after hours of googling i finally found the meaning of 谷折り which means "valley fold" by translate.google or "valley snapping" by babelfish (what the heck is snapping anyway??) finally i decided, googles' translation is better.

now i'm left with 山折り to translate.. if 谷 means "valley" and 折り means "fold" (just guessing) what's the antonym or reverse of "valley"? so i translated the words "hill" and "mountain". "hill" is 丘 and "mountain" is 山. am i genius or what?? haha!!

japanese to english:
谷折り - valley fold
山折り - mountain fold

searching again, i found out about the basic folds in Origami. cool. now i can fold those mind boggling/puzzling cut-outs again.

paper models/crafts/cut outs

i'd like to share my latest hobby -- paper crafts/paper models/paper cut-outs.

must haves (required):
+ scissors
+ paper or box cutters
+ glue - elmers glue is ok
+ printer
+ ruler
+ empty ballpen - used for making neat folds..run the empty ballpen thru a fold mark for easy folding (nice trick btw)
+ paper (light to heavy type) - if you like japanese cutouts (like me) better buy A4 standard size since most patterns are in A4. word of advice -- make sure when printing the patterns not to use the "fit to margins" settings or anything similar, use "none" instead to print the actual pattern size.

optional:
+ air brush - haven't done any project yet with paint since i always print in color
+ paint brush
+ glue gun
+ thin double sided tapes
+ paper clips - used for holding two edges together
+ markers
+ sticker paper - used for printing sticker cutouts i.e. car stickers/vinyls

here are some links i came across while "googling" to get me started. they are absolutely free so feel free to download and print.

for beginners:
+ i like subaru

5/10 difficulty (7/10 for beginners like me):
+ more impreza, f15 etc..

latest project of mine is the impreza 2006. see photo below:



others, with varying degree of difficulty:
+ yamaha TMAX - comes with english instructions, separate color and white versions.
+ check out this taiwanese 3D paper model site. they have a wide range of categories i.e. robots, weapons to furnitures.

enjoy! i'll post pics later - excited with my subaru impreza ;)

Ryan vs Dorkman Part Deux!

Ryan vs Dorkman Part Deux!

enjoy, and may the Force be with you!