Craft tutorials and free templates

Kaleidocycle {aka folding paper toy!}

Have you ever made a kaleidocycle before? They are pretty fun. All you need is some glue, paper and 5 or 10 minutes!

There is an animated gif at the bottom on the post so that you can see what they do.

There are also instructions & a template below too ^_^

YOU WILL NEED:
– – – – – – – –

Template
– Paper or thin card
– Glue
– Scissors
– Ruler and needle for scoring

HOW TO:
– – – – – – – –

1. Print your template and cut it out.
2. Using a ruler and sharp point (compass or needle) score all the lines on your template.
3. Fold along all vertical lines.
4. Fold along all diagonal lines.
5. Fold your template over so that the three tabs tuck under the stripy part of the template. Glue into position (a glue-stick works well) and leave your model to dry for a few minutes.
6. Bend the kaleidocycle round as shown.
7. Tuck the remaining tab into the other end of the kaleidocycle. I found it easier to put a little tape over this join (rather than glueing)…
8. Play!

The animated gif is a bit shaky. I was alone in the house so had to use my chin to press the button on the camera (whilst the camera was attached to tripod). High-tech indeed!

By the way, check out this free download (courtesy of my cousins band) which contains: trick or treat poster, DIY ‘creeps’ mask, high quality MP3 and exclusive video art.

And, Helen, from Curlybirds just put together a ‘vintage Halloween costume‘ post on her site. Do have a look….it’s pretty funny 😀

25 thoughts on “Kaleidocycle {aka folding paper toy!}

  1. ooooh these are great. I am NOT a paper folding ninja….and it shows. I just don’t get it…I have worked with just about every medium of art….paper folding and needle felting are my kryptonite!

  2. Oh no…hope you have some success with this ^_^

    I tried needle felting once and stabbed my finger (it really hurt!)…never again!

  3. Love the patterns you’ve chosen !

    I had made a couple for my little niece few years back ; the template had 4 colors instead of patterns.
    One can try adding some text too – such the name of the child or names of each family member ?
    I’m sure your little kindergartner loved playing with this paper toy 🙂

    Incidentally, a kaleidocycle is supposd to improve fine motor skills.

  4. This is craft the way I like it, easily done, not taking too much time to produce and the kidds love it and are happy about it. Thank you very much for the idea, you make us rather uncreative mums look pretty good…

  5. Thank you, this is fantastic. I was looking for a template because I’m teaching 5th graders how to make these and having a template makes it so much easier for them.

  6. Hey, this is such a brilliant idea of fun, although i struggle in forming the kaleidocycle, i succeed in it.
    thanks for the idea, my sister loved it so much…..

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