





Date: 18 Sep 92 09:23:19 MET-1
From: "Maarten.J.van.Gelder" <MAARTEN@RC.RUG.NL>
Subject: BOS convention

Hello Origamailers,

It took some days to settle down after the marvellous convention in London.
This 25 th anniversary of the BOS was attended by about 19 nationalities.  The
largest groups besides the English were the Dutch (18) and the USA (16
people).  From the other countries the groups ranged from 1 to 5 people.

My first action on Thursday was to build up my arch.  That took about 6 hours
so I missed all classes that day.

Each day there were several classes each taking one hour.  The classes I was
in are:
 - Origami and mathematics for non-mathematicians by John Smith.
   It was divided over two hours. First he told us about using Origami in
   education (counting, multiplication, number series and even Pythagoras!).
   The next hour he talked about mathematics in Origami: which mathematical
   rules exist for the creases in a plain sheet after folding and unfolding.
 - Origami theatre by Marieke de Hoop.
   She had a small theatre that stood on her knees (she was sitting on a
   table) and manipulated paper inside it through holes at the back of it.
   That was very amazing.

I gave two classes also.  I told my toadstool in one and later on I told my
catamaran.

On Friday evening we had a contest.  We had to get a partner (not from your
own country), take of your shoes and socks.  And then fold the emblem of the
FOCA with your feet.  I am glad to tell you that I won the prize for the
fastest folding.

Later on I saw some people folding just with one hand.  I joined them.  It is
a special experience and I think it will help you to get more skill with your
hand and know the paper better.
While folding in the classes I also mentioned that the folding technique used
varies.  I asked somebody on my office home again to fold and saw that she
only used her thumb and forefinger.  I myself use all my fingers, even my
little fingers.

On Friday the BBC came to make recordings for television.  They were busy for
2 or 3 hours.  In the afternoon there was a short broadcast of only one
minute.

Next year three associations will celebrate a special anniversary:
 - FOCA (USA) 15 th anniversary
 - MFPP (France) 15 th anniversary
 - OSN (Holland) 10 th anniversary

I will attend all of them.  And I will take my arch with me to the FOCA and
the MFPP conventions.  I hope I will meet a lot of you there.

Maarten van Gelder                                M.J.van.Gelder@RC.RUG.NL
Lichtboei 210                   Rekencentrum Rijksuniversiteit RuG
9732 JK  Groningen              Groningen
Holland                         Holland






Date: 28 Sep 1992 08:51:55 -0400 (EDT)
From: FWOLFLINK@rcnvms.rcn.mass.edu
Subject: tetrahedronss

I'm working on an artwork that will call for a series of tetrahedrons,
some joined together and some standing alone.  Does anyone out there know
of any models?  For those who don't know what a tetrahedron (or tetrad) is:
it's like an Egyptian Pyramid but with a triangular base and therefore only
4 sides any of which can be the base.

thanks.
fred wolflink
fwolflink@rcnvms.rcn.mass.edu






Date: Mon, 28 Sep 92 15:36:11 EDT
From: wbfst1@gl.pitt.edu
Subject: Re: tetrahedronss

Yeah, I know a possible solution to the tetrahedron. In the book _Unit Origami:
Multidimensional Transformations_ (or something like that) by Tomoko Fuse,
there are desc{iptions of what I would call tetrahedrons{  Each one requires
4 sheets of paper (I took one sheet, cut it into quarters, then used those 4
as single sheets)
--
  Don't be fooled into following the words of another.  Speak for yourself.
    wbfst1@gl.pitt.edu | wbfst1@unix.cis.pitt.edu | hobbes@rever.nmsu.edu






Date: Mon, 28 Sep 92 16:11:59 -0500
From: Cuong Van Nguyen <cuong@nguyen.ws.cc.cmu.edu>
Subject: rose

Does anyone know where I can find directions for a rose (including
the stem and leaves).  I have seen some of the roses that don't
really look like roses.  I can't describe it, but it looks like a
real rose.  Also, what is the origami ftp site?

thanks.
Cuong






Date: Fri, 2 Oct 92 17:59:11 PDT
From: vann@andataco.com
Subject: Re:  rose

>>
>> Does anyone know where I can find directions for a rose (including
>> the stem and leaves).  I have seen some of the roses that don't
>> really look like roses.  I can't describe it, but it looks like a
>> real rose.  Also, what is the origami ftp site?
>>

There are two roses that are credible. Both have been published in
books by Kasahara. Neither of them include the stem and leaves from
the one square.

in La Era Nueva, pg38 there is a rose bud with separate leave/stem
holder.

In Origami for the Connoisseur, Toshikazu Kawasaki's beautiful rose
has been printed.

Both begin with a twist center and must be folded 3 dimensionally.

-v'ann-                             1828 Dora Drive
                                    Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007
vann@andataco.com                   (619) 753-9623






Date: Fri, 2 Oct 92 17:52:25 PDT
From: vann@andataco.com
Subject: Re:  tetrahedronss

>>
>> I'm working on an artwork that will call for a series of tetrahedrons,
>> some joined together and some standing alone.  Does anyone out there know
>> of any models?  For those who don't know what a tetrahedron (or tetrad) is:
>> it's like an Egyptian Pyramid but with a triangular base and therefore only
>> 4 sides any of which can be the base.
>>

Fred,
I have found four: The two by Tomoko Fuse and two by Kasahara.
A complete tetrahedon (4 sides) from one piece of rectangular paper
is in a book in Japanese with the isbn 4-480-87143-8.  The only
English word I see is the word "BOX".  The book shows geometric solids
folded from probably A4 paper. The solids will fit into preceeding
designs. It is fun. The cover shows an octahedron inside a latice of
sorts. The tetrahedron is on page 58-60.  The external surfaces don't
show creases (if I remember it right.)

In Tomoko Fuse's Multidimensional Transformations on page 189, there is
a tetrahedron that need 12 pieces.

Kasahara has one on page 202 of the Omnibus. Made from a square, it only
has the three sides and one empty side.

In Origami for the Connoisseur, on page 56, Kasahara has printed a four
sided tetrahedron from a square that was simulataneously discovered by
Haga, and Maekawa.

-v'ann-                             1828 Dora Drive
                                    Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007
vann@andataco.com                   (619) 753-9623






Date: Wed, 14 Oct 92 0:12:06 EDT
From: Rusty Babani <babani@acsu.buffalo.edu>
Subject: teaching origami

This past Sunday, (10/11), I instructed a guoup of people on how to
make a basket via origami.  It was intereting to see how different
people responded to the folding instructions.  There were people who
got lost in the first step. There were a couple of peole in the group
that were finished before I even got to step 2!  I tried to make sure
that everyone was finished with any given step before I proceded to
the next one but this was hard to do.  None the less, the event was
a success.

Quite a few people came up to me after the exercise in hand motion to
mention that it was a cute idea to make baskets.  I even got a request
to make other shapes via origami.

On the whole, I suppose the preperation and presentation was worth it.
(I made instructions on how to make the basket so that a non-origmist
could have made it without too much trouble.  This instructions
consisted of drawings at every step of the way and written
instructions EVERY step of the way.)

Since this was my first time teaching origami, and since I am only a
beginner myself, I'm wondering if I could have done something differnt
so as to get the people used to the precieness required in origami?
(ie some kind of exercise to show what bad folding can turn out to
be?)  Yes, people found this out eventually, after they completed
making their model... but is there something I do to show them before
they begin.  (for future reference?)






Date: Sun, 18 Oct 92 22:14:08 EDT
From: Don.Shall@um.cc.umich.edu
Subject: 1st Occasional Midwest Origami Convention

This odd & wonderful event was held this past weekend, here in Ann Arbor
Michigan.  We had over 50 folders for the weekend from points across the
Midwest & Canada.  The event was dedicated to the work & memory of the
amazing Lillian Oppenheimer, and her spirit pervaded our folding. Rae
Cooker from Midland Michigan premiered and taught her new "Pumkin",
Ken Kawamura from Lansing, Michigan taught variations of his 16 sided
(and other) "Twist Boxes" - and so much more.  A delegation of a half
dozen from Chicago and the CHAOS group (Chicago Area Origami Society)
were in attendance and active teachers as well.

demonstrating a simple model first, emphasizing the elements of proper
folding technique, can ve helpful.






Date: Mon, 19 Oct 92 18:33:30 EDT
From: Rusty Babani <babani@acsu.buffalo.edu>
Subject: teaching origami

>> This past Sunday, (10/11), I instructed a guoup of people on how to
>> make a basket via origami.  It was intereting to see how different
..
> beginner myself, I'm wondering if I could have done something differnt
> so as to get the people used to the precieness required in origami?

From: Dr Bruce Stephens <bruce@uxb.liverpool.ac.uk> Wed, 14 Oct 92 15:20:00 BST
>ally making bow-tie units!  People folded with the coloured side
>the wrong way, and generally made numerous mistakes, even though
>I went through it with a 240mm square step by step.  Part of the
...
>ones he gives.  Using the big paper probably helped a lot.
...
>I really don't know; the model I chose wasn't all that sensitive to
>inaccuracy (deliberately).  I think the main thing is to show them *how*
>to make an accurate fold right at the beginning, so at least they have the

From: Jeremy.Uejio@Eng.Sun.COM (Jeremy Y Uejio) Wed, 14 Oct 92 15:04:52 GMT
>sheet of paper.  This was for a toastmasters speech and so I had to be
>very brief since I only had about 3 minutes to teach it!  Amazingly, a few
>people followed along and the box.
...
>What kind of basket did you teach them?  I'm sort of a beginner, too.  I

From: andataco!vann@UCSD.EDU (V'Ann Cornelius)
>Rusty, Your comment sounds like both you and your origami learners had
>a good time.

I want to comment on the idea of 'exercises to show what bad folding can turn
out to be".

>This sounds scarey to me. One of the great gifts the human mind had is to
>evaluate how things are the same and how they are different.  If the goal
...
>focus needs to stay positive and trust that the people's own curiosity and
>imagination will take hold and drive their interest.
...

Sorry to be replying to y'all so late... I've been kind-a busy with
class and other ativities that rule over my life (ie work...).  But
anyway, to sort-of answer all of you at the same time: To answer
V'ann's question: The reason I was instructing people was so that 1) I
wouldn't have to make all of the baskets all by myself. 2) It's more
fun if they do it.  3) They get exposed to origami.  The goal of the
project was to make the basket (not really to learn origami) but in
the process of making the basket everyone was introduced to the
creativeness of origami. I learned a lot in the process of
instructing.  The group was small enough that I could walk around and
check on everyone's model.  When we were done folding as a group,
everyone had a basket.  Some people's baskets were better than others.

Next time, I will follow Bruce's suggetions and get bigger paper for
everyone.  I guess that would help for a beginner to learn on bigger
paper.

To answer Jeremy's question: I chose to make the Basket (or Japaneese
box with handle) from the book, _Origami - The Art of Paperfolding_ by
Robert Harbin.  It's quite amazing you can teach a group of people to
fold a model in three minutes... I took about 10-15 with the group of
people that I was teaching.

Anyway,  I have to run...
Rusty
--
+=== Internet: babani@acsu.buffalo.edu ==+======== Amateur-Radio: N2LYC ======+
!      Bitnet: V078LNGT@ubvms.BITNET     |        UUCP: rutgers!ub!babani     !
! Alternate: an173@cleveland.freenet.edu | Plsure dpnds on the othrs prmison. !
+When you finally discover all of lifes answers, they'll change the questions.+






Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1992 22:38:34 -0400 (EDT)
From: Angelo Trivelli <axtst+@pitt.edu>
Subject: Teaching Origami

>From: Rusty Babani <babani@acsu.buffalo.edu>
>Subject: teaching origami
>To: origami@omnigate.clarkson.edu
>Date: Wed, 14 Oct 92 0:12:06 EDT

>[...]
>
>Since this was my first time teaching origami, and since I am only a
>beginner myself, I'm wondering if I could have done something differnt
>so as to get the people used to the precieness required in origami?
>(ie some kind of exercise to show what bad folding can turn out to
>be?)  Yes, people found this out eventually, after they completed
>making their model... but is there something I do to show them before
>they begin.  (for future reference?)
>
>

Hi everybody,

I posted on this list a little over a year ago asking about ideas for
how to go about teaching origami and I got some really excellent answers.
You might check the archives from Early August 1991.

Unfortunately I haven't been able to read this list until lately. But I have
been doing a little bit of informal origami instruction to small groups.

I have been working part time in the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh
(the science center is a hands-on type museum not unlike the Ontario Science
center and the Exploratorium). Every once in a while I get the opportunity to
call over any interested patrons, we find a corner, and I teach some simple
models.

Although the time frame that I work with is usually small, 30min to 1 hour,
is is possible to get across a lot of interesting ideas, and it is a good
way to warm up for doing large formal demonstrations (which I have yet to do).
I have some general ideas that might be useful:

* I always start with a very very simple model, usually a swan, to get across
some simple ideas about origami-- such as making crsip, accurate folds. THis
also makes it possible for almost anyone to make "something" no matter
what motor abilities they may have.

* Speaking of motor skills, it is really useful to have some assitants that
watch over your audience. They can spot mistakes and help out with tricky
folds. Assistants can also provide a spirited atmosphere and help everyone
to communicate and interact more.

* Make different kinds of models for variety. We have made cubes, cranes,
planes, the mobius strip, grids, tesselations, birds, frogs, swans, modules,
flowers, etc. I think it is good to show that what you can do with your mind,
hands, and simple materials is limited only by creativity.

If others out there have been teaching origami lately, it would be great to
hear about how you do it. Are there particular models that work well? How do
you pull off modules? What kind of philsophy do you try to transmit? Has
anybody had experience with teaching a workshop, with the same students,
for more than one session? How far can you get with one session?

---Angelo Trivelli






Date: Fri, 23 Oct 92 17:52:12 PDT
From: vann@andataco.com
Subject: Re:  Teaching Origami

>>
>> Hi everybody,
>>
>> I posted on this list a little over a year ago asking about ideas for
>> how to go about teaching origami and I got some really excellent answers.
>> You might check the archives from Early August 1991.
>>
>> Unfortunately I haven't been able to read this list until lately. But I have
>> been doing a little bit of informal origami instruction to small groups.
>>
>> I have been working part time in the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh
>> (the science center is a hands-on type museum not unlike the Ontario Science
>> center and the Exploratorium). Every once in a while I get the opportunity to
>> call over any interested patrons, we find a corner, and I teach some simple
>> models.
>>
>> Although the time frame that I work with is usually small, 30min to 1 hour,
>> is is possible to get across a lot of interesting ideas, and it is a good
>> way to warm up for doing large formal demonstrations (which I have yet to do).
>> I have some general ideas that might be useful:
>>
>>
>> If others out there have been teaching origami lately, it would be great to
>> hear about how you do it. Are there particular models that work well? How do
>> you pull off modules? What kind of philsophy do you try to transmit? Has
>> anybody had experience with teaching a workshop, with the same students,
>> for more than one session? How far can you get with one session?
>>
>> ---Angelo Trivelli
>>
>>
Angelo, This is a good questions. I'm looking forward to reading
the responses.

On the subject of models that work well...
This last weekend thre was a two day art festival in San Diego. It was well
advertized and there were 40 different art forms represented.  For our part,
we help 800 children ages 5-12 (four hours a day).  We had tables set so that
one person worked with 6-10 people at a time.  The models only required valley
folds:  Jackson's mouse (w/ a simplified tail), Toshie Takahama's Heart fold
over that she shows in a child's shirt pocket, and (surprise) the great
hat that converts to a boat. I was amazed that todays people have not learned
this basic fold.  [Another fold that seems to not be universally known is
the fortune teller.]

On the subject of philosophy....
I have found seniorish people as well as children responsive to the following
idea.  The paper has memory. We have the ability to 'teach' the paper to
become something new.  When we bend the paper into a shape, we can unfold it
and the paper will easily respond to a request to return to the shape that
we have given it. etc...
I usually have one of Harbin's stars prefolded and laying undone. As I speak
I begin returning the paper to the start form.
I include comments about how some folds that happen don't appear to have
a purpose but in the end.. something happens.
(at this point I pull the 'lover's knot open)...The usual response is
an expression of surprise's pleasure.... like a gasp...

By communicating a respect for the paper that is basically being de-formed
by the action of the folder,  I've seen an effort to greater care and effort
during the session. The folders take on an energy from ownership and
responsibilty and separate themselves from fears of errors.  [reality check:
of course there are all kinds of reactions but I get to tell you the best
of all worlds today.]

Thanks for asking...

-v'ann-                             1828 Dora Drive
                                    Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007
vann@andataco.com                   (619) 753-9623






Date: Tue, 10 Nov 92 17:25:17 GMT
From: Jeremy Y Uejio <uejio@eng.sun.com>
Subject: Starting a paper folding club

I would like to start a paper folding club at my workplace.  Does anyone
have any advice?  I'm first starting by posting a query of interest on
a company newsgroup.  If there's sufficient interest, I need to find a
room to meet, and then some sort of agenda.  Any advice??

    jeremy.uejio@eng.sun.com
    SunSoft





Date: Thu, 12 Nov 92 18:28:15 PST
From: andataco!vann@UCSD.EDU (V'Ann Cornelius)
Subject: hi...

Maartin,
How are you?  Thank you for posting the news about London.
I've been thinking about London and realized that the only
time I was able to spend with you was the time we walked
looking for a place to eat. That surprised me. I had expected
to spend more time with you.

The people here have been amazed by your door arch.  I will be
sending you some copies of the pictures. They came out quite
well.

Thank you for finding our how people can un-subscribe. It seems
to not be common information.  Elsa Chen mentioned once that
we need a FAQ (frequently asked questions) for this interest group.
Then people would have a way to find common information like that.
Do you know anything about FAQ?

It is nice talking to you,

-v'ann-                             1828 Dora Drive
                                    Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007
vann@andataco.com                   (619) 753-9623





Date: Thu, 12 Nov 92 23:03:52 -0500
From: weber%uhavax.dnet@ipgate.hartford.edu
Subject: subscribing

Hello Friends,
 I'm very interested in this origami user's group, although I have o
only beginner's level experience.  I lived in Japan for a year, and
became very familiar with this beautiful art.

Hope to hear from you,
Regards,
Kelly Weber





Date: Fri, 13 Nov 92 17:12:43 PST
From: Andrea Fiedler <pacdata!andrea@ucsd.edu>
Subject: subscribing to the mailing list

I would like to subscribe. It will be wonderful to talk with people
about origami; I been folding for years and have had few other
enthusiasts to share with....

Andrea L. Fiedler

andrea@pacdata.com

4887 Bella Pacific Row #241
San Diego CA 92109






Date: Fri, 13 Nov 92 19:18:42 PST
From: vann@andataco.com
Subject: origami bibliography

FYI...
some 20 or so people have been working to document the models that
have been published in commercial books. We have some 28 books done
or 833 models.

Someone mentioned a program called RunTime, indicating that with
this a person can create a read-only applicate on a floppy.

I wonder if anyone has some details about this... like what
databases recognize it, how many copies can be made, are there
license issues about distribution of the read-only disks.

Thanks for any comments...

-v'ann-                             1828 Dora Drive
                                    Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007
vann@andataco.com                   (619) 753-9623






Date: Sat, 14 Nov 92 11:11:02 EST
From: Brad Clements <bkc@omnigate.clarkson.edu>
Subject: Re:  origami bibliography

V'ann

I've mentioned to you in the past that I can create a PC version of
your database using Clarion, which makes .exe files which can be
distributed without license fees.

| Brad Clements, CCP     bkc@omnigate.clarkson.edu
| Sr. Network Engineer   Clarkson University              (315)268-2292





Date: Mon, 16 Nov 92 11:29:55 PST
From: andataco!vann@UCSD.EDU (V'Ann Cornelius)
Subject: Re:  origami bibliography

Brad
thanks for the reminder... I'll send you the field specs.
What else will you need?
Is Clarion a relational DB?  The program written in Oracle takes two
the three minutes per record to enter the info. This is too slow. It also
will not import so each record must be keyed and the branches defined.

I don't have a copy of Clarion... will it import information or
does the data have to be keyed?

I am recording the information in a single record right now because
time is an issue that concerns me. I want to have something available
by January for people to access by snail-mail.

Whatever materializes, in my view, needs to be able to be available to
folders on disk. With updates provided by some mechanism in line with
industry standards.

Some people suggest that the home software be Foxpro, DBASE, Paradox or some
program that is readily available and will export info easily. Then
the DB can be inherited by a wider range of people (as in rotating the
system manager so the system can continue even after burnout).

Ideally, some program would exist that would set up an input screen on
disk. Then the twenty people (with program dictionary in hand) would enter their
info on to the disk, mail the disk to me (or whoever), I'd verify that the
codes and fields are intact, and then merge them into the program.

I'll send the specs this afternoon...  How much energy willyou be able to
offer the programming of the Clarion program?

-v'ann-                             1828 Dora Drive
                                    Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007
vann@andataco.com                   (619) 753-9623





Date: Mon, 16 Nov 92 20:54:58 EST
From: Brad Clements <bkc@omnigate.clarkson.edu>
Subject: Re:  origami bibliography

Clarion can import and export to Dbase II, Dbase III and ascii text
(aka spreadsheet format)

So it can read or write just about anything.

The most common form for exporting is ascii delimited, like this

"field1","field2","field3"
"brad","clements","engineer"

etc.

One record per line.

Of course clarion doesn't use this internally.  It can be relational,
you can specify fields which can only be filled in by values
available from another table (in another database). etc.

You can tie records together, etc, with a common field.

I'm ready to go when you are. Send me the field info and the basic functions
you need as well as how you want
the records to work together.





Date: Mon, 7 Dec 92 12:09:38 EST
From: Joshua Simons <simons@Think.COM>
Subject: Stiffening models? (preserving)

Does anyone have any suggestions for making stiffer, more permanent origami
figures? I'm making some Christmas ornaments as gifts this year...

I have tried dampening the paper with water before folding. Once it dried, the
model was slightly stiffer, but not very much so.

I also tried spraying the completed model with a gloss finish. Given enough
spray, this might work but (1) it smells and (2) it is a gloss and I would rather
use something that isn't going to affect the appearance of the model, if possible.

I was thinking of trying some fabric stiffener, but I'm not sure that the paper
will absorb it or if it will affect the appearance of the model.

I read that laminating two pieces of paper together with a flour/water mixture,
letting it dry, and then doing a wet fold with this paper might do what I want,
but it sounds like a real mess.

I'd be grateful for any suggestions...

Thanks.

-josh simons

simons@think.com
thinking machines corporation
245 first street     tel: 617.234.2844
cambridge, ma  02142-1264    fax: 617.234.4444
--






Date: Mon, 07 Dec 92 14:54:41 -0600
From: purple%decwd@decwd.ece.uiuc.edu
Subject: Re: Stiffening models? (preserving)

I've used spray starch in the past.  Also, I've just used a thick paper and allowed
tolerances at the corners for 'bending' rather than folding.  The thicker the
paper the less likely it wlll stay together.  But once it is done, use glue. 8)

Paul
--






Date: Mon, 7 Dec 92 17:37:34 GMT
From: uejio@Eng.Sun.COM (Jeremy Y Uejio)
Subject: Re: Stiffening models? (preserving)

I tried some of the glue for jigsaw puzzles, but that didn't work very well for
two reasons:

1. It wasn't hard enough
2. It tended to soak thru the colors.  I.e. the color from the front showed
 thru the white back.

On the positive side, it isn't glossy and it's supposedly non-toxic.

If you get more replies, could you summarize and post to this alias?

    thanks,
    jeremy.uejio@eng.sun.com

> From origami-l@nstn.ns.ca Mon Dec  7 09:30 PST 1992
> To: origami-l@nstn.ns.ca (Origami Interest Group)
> Subject: Stiffening models?
> From: Joshua Simons <simons@Think.COM>
> Date: Mon, 7 Dec 92 12:09:38 EST
>
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions for making stiffer, more permanent origami
> figures? I'm making some Christmas ornaments as gifts this year...
>
> I have tried dampening the paper with water before folding. Once it dried, the
> model was slightly stiffer, but not very much so.
>
> I also tried spraying the completed model with a gloss finish. Given enough
> spray, this might work but (1) it smells and (2) it is a gloss and I would rather
> use something that isn't going to affect the appearance of the model, if possible.
>
> I was thinking of trying some fabric stiffener, but I'm not sure that the paper
> will absorb it or if it will affect the appearance of the model.
>
> I read that laminating two pieces of paper together with a flour/water mixture,
> letting it dry, and then doing a wet fold with this paper might do what I want,
> but it sounds like a real mess.
>
> I'd be grateful for any suggestions...
>
> Thanks.
>
> -josh simons
>
> simons@think.com
> thinking machines corporation
> 245 first street     tel: 617.234.2844
> cambridge, ma  02142-1264    fax: 617.234.4444
> --
> This message forwarded by the NSTN Mailer Robot
>
--






Date: Mon,  7 Dec 1992 22:09:05 -0500 (EST)
From: Rose Mills <rm5k+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Re: Stiffening models? (preserving)

   I use clear nail polish (or color if I want to tint it.)  The only
problem is the nail polish will make the model glossy.

                                                   Rose Mills
                                                   ---<--{(@
                                                   rm5k@andrew.cmu.edu






Date: 7 Dec 92 12:29 -0800
From: Joseph Wu <jwu@cs.ubc.ca>
Subject: Stiffening models? (preserving)

Try using a bit of glue in your water. Normal white paper glue, that is.
You should experiment with the amount since different types of paper
will require differing amounts.

Joseph Wu    <jwu@cs.ubc.ca>   | Witty quote is now back to the
Master's Candidate             |   drawing board due to squeamish
University of British Columbia |   readers. Any suggestions?






Date: Tue, 8 Dec 1992 05:30:16 -0500
From: Bruce Stephens  <bruce@uxb.liv.ac.uk>
Subject: Re: Stiffening models? (preserving)

> Does anyone have any suggestions for making stiffer, more permanent origami
> figures? I'm making some Christmas ornaments as gifts this year...
>
> I have tried dampening the paper with water before folding. Once it dried, the
> model was slightly stiffer, but not very much so.
> ...

I find that wet-folded thick paper produces quite a solid model.  I haven't
tried glues or anything, so I've no idea how well they'd work.

> simons@think.com
> thinking machines corporation
> 245 first street     tel: 617.234.2844
> cambridge, ma  02142-1264    fax: 617.234.4444

Bruce              CMSR, University of Liverpool
Use PGP 2.0; make private email private!  My public key available by
fingering me or on request.






Date: 08 Dec 1992 09:14:01 -0500 (EST)
From: FWOLFLINK@RCNVMS.RCN.MASS.EDU
Subject: Re: Stiffening models? (preserving)

This came up on the list last year I think.  I'll try to find my file
of the combined responses.

For myself, I've used two methods:  several very light spray coats of
liquid acrylic spray; and mixing acrylic matte medium with water and then
either painting it onto the work or wet folding it (the latter does get messy).
Don't use gesso unless you want the model to turn white.

There was also reference to other techniques that someone wrote about in
his/her recollections from the Friends convention last Spring in NY.  I'll
try to find that as well.

Found them; but they'll have to wait until tomorrow.

fred wolflink






Date: Wed, 9 Dec 92 09:24:29 EST
From: hull@cs.uri.edu (Tom Hull)
Subject: Wowwies

Jeez! Bees! It looks like everyone's been real busy trying to get themselves
added to the mail-list, but no one's bothered to report any interesting
origami facts/info.

How about if all you new subscribers tell us a ltiile about yourselves? Are
you new to the fold (paperfolding)? Are you all computer-hacker geeks? Are
any of you secretly CIA agents who want to know what this is all about? Those
of us who can't think of anything useful to say want to know!

Speaking of useful, I feel that I should remind everyone that the deadline
for submitting origami diagrams for the Friends of the Origami Association
of America's annual collection/convention program is DECEMBER 15! In reality,
this is a flexible deadline, but meeting it sure makes their lives easier.
The big plus in giving them some diagrams is that you get a free copy of the bbook (providing that they agree to print your fold, which they usually do).
Check it out. Remember that their address is:
The Friends of the Origami Center of America
15 West 77th Street
New York, NY  10024-5192

Mark the envelope "Convention Program" or something like that.

Have funness!
-----------------Tom "powder keg" Hull






Date: 09 Dec 1992 09:52:05 -0500 (EST)
From: FWOLFLINK@RCNVMS.RCN.MASS.EDU
Subject: Re: Stiffening models? (preserving)

More on stiffening models -- from previous discussions:

#13         31-JAN-1992 17:15:56.91                                     MAIL
From:   IN%"paco_ojeda@macmailgw.dfci.harvard.edu"  "Paco Ojeda"

Subj:   Origami Sculptures

Greetings from Boston, paperfolders!

I am interested in taking some of my favorite folds (particularly masks and
some large animals), folding them using large pieces of paper, and then somehow
treating the folded figures in some way such that they will solidify, like a
sculpture. This thought came from the fact that there are times in which I've
wanted to give friends origami presents that were somewhat more solid (sturdy?)
than paper itself. I've thought of using some kind of clear spray, or maybe
even applying a thin layer of papier mache to the fold and letting it dry.
Before I venture into this, I wonder if anybody has had any similar experience
and would like to share some knowledge with me. Any thoughts or comments will
be appreciated.

Cheers!
Paco

#15          1-FEB-1992 02:19:03.92                                     MAIL
From:   IN%"vann@andataco.com"

Subj:   RE:  Origami Sculptures

Paco,
about treating folded models to give them more permanence...

Mark Kennedy has a way of coating his work with a lacquer,
adding strength and protection from elements. The major
concern in choosing the 'coating' is flexibility. Since the
paper may still flex with daily air changes, inflexible coatings
crack.

Rober Lang, Akira Yoshizawa, and others who fold models that have
a 'long shelf live' use a method identified as 'wet folding'.

I have tried it. The sizing in the paper is dampened and the model
folded. When the paper dries, the model is rigid, handles easily,
and endures many displays. I've seen their work in various
grades of rice paper as well as the standard Strathmore paper
carried by many art stores.

Let us know what works for you.  It is always nice to know that
the gift that is given will not self destruct.
v'ann

#16          1-FEB-1992 04:15:42.54                                     MAIL
From:   IN%"cheselka@cactus.org"  "Michael R. Cheselka"

Subj:   Origami Sculptures

The Japanese use ceramic clay between two pieces of paper. The origami is
then fired, the paper burns away, and a ceramic origami figurine is left
behind. I've seen pictures. It is very nice.

**Making long-lived models for display***

I've tried several techniques to make models that are sturdy
enough to be stored and displayed over and over
withoutdeteriorating, and the best solution I've found (which
still isn't ideal) is wet-folding, that is, dampening a large,
heavy sheet of paper to make it flexible, folding it, and then
letting it dry into rigidity. It works well for large, roundish
models, but it's difficult to use to make insects.

The question arises as to whether it is pure origami to (1)
dampen the paper with water (2) dampen the paper with watered-
down glue (3) flat glue the paper. My thinking is, if you can
fold the model successfully without those things, then there is
nothing wrong with treating the paper to make it last several
years. On the other hand, if the model absolutely requires glue
(like so many modular folds), then I'm not very interested in the
model.

Robert J. Lang
946 Beverly Way
Altadena, CA  91001





Date: Wed,  8 Dec 92 16:01:42 -0400
From: Elsa Chen <elsa@ll.mit.edu>
Subject: Convention Notes

FOCA Annual Convention 1992, Notes

The horseshoe crab class was great fun. Mike LaFosse brought the paper
for the class, a burgundy/brown kozo (mulberry) paper from Rugg Road,
a paper store in Somerville, MA where he sometimes teaches. He also
brought sample kozo fibers, a big Rubbermaid Servin'Saver container of
methylcellulose goop that looked and felt KY jellylike but didn't dry
as fast, a Metamucil-jarlike jar of methylcellulose powder (OK, so I'm
gross), and spray mister bottles for water. He was videotaped by his
friend during the class. Mike spoke to the class, telling how he got
into making his own paper and why he makes it the way he does (less
acidic than machine-made papers, can fit the paper to the model,
etc.), showing us samples of the paper and the kozo fibers and the
methylcellulose. He showed us a turtlewhose shell he pulled away and
let snap back by itself to demonstrate how resilient his handmade
paper with the methylcellulose mixed in was. (Mike, have I mentioned
methylcellulose enough yet? I'm still going to mention it much more in
this writeup.) He explained why for him methylcellulose was the ideal
wet-folding/backcoating substance:

* a little powder goes a long way - a spoonful plus much water made
maybe a half gallon to a gallon of goop (the powder is available at
wallpaper stores and the like)

* it is not a bug dinner magnet as starch is

* the goop is very hydrophilic, attracting and holding water to keep
the paper moist so you don't have to dampen it as often

* it is completely water soluble so you just wash your hands and it's
all gone; if you let it dry on your hands it dries to almost nothing
because there is so little actual powder plus so much water that makes
the goop.

* you can make a big batch and keep it sealed at room temperature,
remoistening occasionally if needed, and go through the batch over
time

We each got a big sheet (>17in., maybe 30-40cm) of kozo paper. We used
the spray bottles to moisten each side and folded the paper in half,
then unfolded. Then we each got a glob of methylcellulose goop which
we spread over half of the paper. We folded the paper over agin so the
methylcellulose goop was sandwiched between two layers of paper, and
we made a square out of that sandwich, from which we wet folded the
horseshoe crab. (I am sorry - I don't have diagrams for any of the
classes I took.) I thought the goop was pretty neat - as close to a
non-messy backcoating substance as I could want...

fred wolflink






Date: Wed, 9 Dec 92 09:56:30 -0800
From: Sarah Skovronsky <starfish@u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: Wowwies

>
> How about if all you new subscribers tell us a ltiile about
> yourselves? Are you new to the fold (paperfolding)? Are you all
> computer-hacker geeks? Are any of you secretly CIA agents who want to
> know what this is all about? Those of us who can't think of anything
> useful to say want to know!

Okay, I'll jump in here...:)  I'm a student at the University of Washington,
and I've been interested in origami, off-and-on, for about five years.
I'm mostly interested in "useful" origami, as in making decorative envelopes,
purses, and the like, with beautiful paper.  I prefer shiny/glossy/bright
paper to the more traditional, thick/soft paper...
I'll try just about any origami creation once, though (not limited to
"useful," but I don't have a lot of $ to spend on that expensive paper,
so I like to get my money's worth).

A related passion of mine is gift-wrapping...

*            Sarah Skovronsky     starfish@u.washington.edu            *
*            Vote Cthulhu--why settle for the lesser evil?             *





Date: Wed,  9 Dec 1992 12:44:54 -0500 (EST)
From: Rose Mills <rm5k+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Re: Wowwies

Hi,
    My name is Rose Elizabeth Mills (REM).  I'm a freshman at Carnegie
Mellon University, majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering but I
am NOT a computer-hacker geek (almost but not when compared to my
friends.) I've been folding origami since I was in 4th grade.  I love it
but i'm definitely only an amiture.

                                            Rose Mills
                                            ---<--{(@
                                            rm5k@andrew.cmu.edu
