Kaleidocycle

In this instructable I will show you how to make a kaleidocycle. So, what is a kaleidocycle???
It's a folded-cut model that you can turn. And turn. And turn. It's pretty awesome, don't you think?

Step 1: What Do You Need?

To make a kaleidocycle you will need the following:
- paper
- scissors
- clear tape
- pencil
- triangle/protractor/ruler (don't know what it's called)

Step 2: Drawing Dots

We're going to start by drawing. Start in the corner of the paper. Take your triangle and start with drawing two dots, the first one at a height of 2 centimeter, the second one at a height of 4 centimeter. Then, measuring from the corner, draw a dot 4 centimeters sideways. Do this also for 8 and 12 centimeters. Measuring from the dots you just drew, draw dots at 2 and at 4 centimeters heigh.

Step 3: Connecting the Dots

Make lines between the dots as shown on the pictures.
Also shown in the pictures is how to make the upper triangles.

Step 4: Cut It Out

Cut out your shape.

Step 5: Folding

Fold all your lines to the back to make mountainfolds. Unfold again.

Step 6: Tape

Now we can put it together. Take a piece of tape and put it on the paper as shown. Repeat this for the other two triangles.

Put the flaps from the one side in the pockets on the other side and tape that together also.

Step 7: Turn It!!!

It's finished now, so you can go and have some fun! It also is a great stress releaver :)

A thank you to my dad, who held the kaleidocycle while I was making my GIF, and to mikeasaurus, who  made and instructable about how to make GIF's.

Comments

[VoltisArt]

Made this pretty easily with graph paper instead of measuring. Don't have a picture handy, sorry.
As a tip to those struggling, the triangles each diamond is made from should each be square proportion, but the thing would probably function if they were taller. (That would leave a gap in the middle during turns.) I think it would crash into itself if they're shorter than square.
On my graph paper, the creases went on a 1x2 diagonal, making the diamonds each cover a 2x4 section. It shouldn't be a shorter angle than that, but longer (1x2.5, 1x3) will probably work...and yes, that was pretty small made from 0.2" squares! I'm going bigger next time.
Add more links in and you can make things like bracelets...get creative with the material, this shape can even be made with beading.

[shazni]

Interesting! I just saw this in another instructable in how to animate gif for a project of mine and thought to check this out :-)

[emilyvanleemput]

Thank you Shazni!!

[momoluv]

Doesn't work- I tried several different times.

[emilyvanleemput]

Could you share a picture of where it goes wrong for you? I've never had a problem with making these myself, so I would love to help you out where possible!

[ChippMarshal]

I was looking for a project to do tonight with my kids and this is perfect. Thanks :)

[emilyvanleemput]

I'm glad you like it! Let me know how it turned out :)

[OboeNinja47]

Whew. That took some effort.
Nice little craft, I'm sure it's easier once you get some practice in. Thanks!

[emilyvanleemput]

Thank you!

[ncoleman2]

Thank you so much! I have been wanting to learn how to make one of these for a long time now but didn't know what they were called and as a google search of "origami turing thingy" doesn't yield very many results, I have never found instructions. Very well put together instuctable!

[emilyvanleemput]

You're so welcome!

[Muhaiminah Faiz]

awesome ible! voted!

[emilyvanleemput]

thank you!

[ynze]

Mooi mooi mooi! How long does it take to make a caleidocycle?

[emilyvanleemput]

Bedankt bedankt bedankt!

5-10 minutes drawing, few minutes for cutting, 5-10 minutes taping so I would say 10-20 minutes :)