Would Anyone Like a Cup of Tea?

We just got back from a trip to England to see Downton Abbey aka Highclere Castle. I learned that tea was a luxury and it was kept under lock and key. Ladies had their own morning room to enjoy this beverage. This inspired me to create my own teacup model. Using my grandmother's Noritake demitasse set (oops that's coffee...but I don't care I like the shape of the cup), I created the following teacups.

Here is the .Studio file for the teacup. I used cardstock for the teacup and saucer.  I used plain white copy paper for the tea bag.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYSDBNQlhKZ1lac2s/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-PL7KAtWxi8bDkgnkyDA3SA

Here is the PDF.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYRlUxb3lZRzdWYjQ/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-AuxTv3Nv9Y4njupHHz15tA

 There are two choices for the saucer and four types of handles included in the .Studio file.

 

 



Curl the sides of the teacup so that it is rounded and glue your choice of two of the same handles together.  This is to make the handle sturdy.

 

Glue the handle to the teacup as shown

 

Glue the sides together and mold the bottom edges of the cup upwards as shown on the right.

 

Bend the handle outwards after the glue has dried.  Add glue to the outer edges of the bottom as shown.

 

Attach the bottom using a sharp point and slide it into the correct position so that it is even.

 

Make the saucer by bringing the edges together. Mold the bottom circle upwards as shown.

 

Glue the bottom circle as shown.

 

Here are two different saucers and handle types.

 

Fold the teabags as shown.

 

Add a 2 1/2 inch piece of regular sewing thread and glue.

 

 

Add a little saying to the tea bag.I love the sayings on the teabags..."Have a Tea-rific day!" and "You are Tea-rific".

 

 

Here is the .Studio file for the teabag. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYQTBNZFpVc05pbU0/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-zYfFKj0PzR4mNXRHP6ctjA

Add a candy treat to the cup and it's a wonderful Mother's Day present, shower favor or teacher's gift. Please use the .Studio files for your personal use only.  Thank you!

A Cube Making Cubes Toy

I think this cube is really fun to play with.  Eight little cubes are taped together to form a bigger cube.  It is fun to see the little cubes move in different directions.  I made a cube net which I included here as a .Studio file and a PDF.  I would recommend cutting the eight cubes with different color cardstock paper as the movement of the cubes becomes very apparent.

Here is the PDF of the cube. This cube is a one inch cube.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYbkFmeGN2eWp5R2M/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-h2nEybZdTViGrEDFsXXCmg

Here is the .Studio file.  I used cardstock.  This cube is a little larger than the PDF.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYX2dVNXoyUFBiOHc/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-nz7AL9h-3l9Jo516YdCY6A

The cube net that I made is very exact.  There is very little tolerance in folding the last tab.  My recommendation is to alternate the middle tab and make it slide into the two outer tabs as shown.

Repeat until you have made 8 cubes.

Tape the 8 cubes together with 4 strips of tape as shown. 

 Place the bottom cubes with the tape facing outward as shown. The opposite side of the cube should look exactly the same as the photo.  Place the top cubes with the tape facing the ceiling.



Next using 4 strips of tape, place the tape on the sides going upward as shown. There will be 2 strips of tape on one side going upward and 2 strips of tape on the other side going upward. There is a total of 8 strips of tape used in this model. At this point (before you play with it), the opposite sides of the cube will duplicate the tape placement.

Have Fun with your New Cube Toy!



A Bascetta Star Origami Which is Similar In Structure to a Great Stellated Dodecahedron

This is my favorite origami model.  It is called a Bascetta Star because it is named after its inventor, Paolo Bascetta.  It is assembled in 30 modules. 

You can use the Silhouette paper cutter to cut out 30 four inch squares.  Here is a website which gives the origami directions.

https://www.instructables.com/Origami-Modular-Star/

Here is a YouTube video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcaqST2y5qI&t=271s

It takes a few hours to make but it is well worth the effort

Bascetta Star Origami



Dodecahedron

The dodecahedron above is the basis for this model.  Stellated means "star-like".  The dodecahedron is transformed into a star-like solid by drawing a line from the center of the pentagon outward into space and meeting at a point.  This point is above the original vertex.  Three adjacent pentagons create the triangular pyramid shape.  There are 20 vertices and 20 triangular pyramids are created. A dodecahedron has 12 faces, 20 vertices and 30 edges. 

The great stellated dodecahedron on the right has the same structure but the pyramids are more pointed. Here are the directions to make a great stellated dodecahedron https://papercraftetc.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-stem-project-great-stellated.html

I have included a .Studio file for the above dodecahedron.  I think the model with the tabs on the outside allow tactile students to feel the vertices and edges.  Here is the .Studio file.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYUlhlMkQxNV8ycE0/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-jVN7eUre0-FB0FvX_WV67Q

#Great Stellated Dodecahedron # Origami #Bascetta Star Origami

More Folded Cards

I finished cleaning up my craft desk but I am not finished cleaning the room.  I am stuck on the idea of this circle, star and heart fold card. Here is the results of my obsession.



Circle, Star and Heart Fold Cards



Circle Fold Card

 

This circle fold card is very similar to the square card I made in a previous blog. Here is the .Studio file with tabbed envelope.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYWEdOeFJmX05hc1E/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-XH7vhMmIwIand-bIUzeA-g

 



Star Fold Card 

Here is the .Studio file for the Star Fold Card.  It is a little different than the circle card.  I will tell you what I did.  First, I made the star card just like the circle card.  The star looks skewed.  It is an optical illusion and I don't like the way it looks.  I changed the pattern to cut half of a star to give the viewer a perspective to look at so that the image does not get distorted.  I think it works.  I hope you like it too. The tabbed envelope is also included in the margin.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYbXd6V1NGTzdqT00/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-4dYCzBDGHitFHyF04ZXM6w

Heart Fold Card

Here is a heart fold card that I made.  Please be careful when removing the card from the mat.  The cut out heart is only being held by a small piece of paper so it will tear easily. When gluing the hearts inside the card, close the card to make sure the alignment is correct.  I have included the tab envelope in the margins of this .Studio file.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYNk5IZm9IbjR0MVE/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-NNRj2tiCecoQt-4IxWUf1g


#Heart Fold Card #Star Fold Card #Circle Fold Card

More Slide Together Experimention with Two Different Types of Shapes

I wanted to use the word polygons in the title.  However, a circle is not a polygon because it does not have any straight sides. Polygons are classified by the number of sides. And I wanted to experiment with circles and polygons...so the term shapes will have to do.

Results of My Slide Together Experimentation

I used cardstock for all of these models.

Here is the PDF of all of the models.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYMEIwOXpSSW9GOUE/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-rmclFwgKu5giBVLJGMjMtg

I decided to use a circle and a square with 60 degree angle slits.  It turned out harder than I anticipated.  I couldn't align the circle and square correctly.  So I resized the squares and the circles to be the same size...diameter = diagonal. I used 6 squares and 8 circles. The figure turned out to look like a truncated octahedron with circles instead of hexagons. Very nice! Here is the .Studio file. Cut one of each file.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYdzc5ZDZ1azByVTg/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-qwHQl32GGKsAeZ5M07ls5g

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYMUc0R2xkb0w4Q1k/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-lG8yzqkp_IJmsZBbb9v5lA

Circle Square Slide Together

 I wanted to use two different shapes to create a cube.  How could I make a cube?  A cube is six sided so I would definitely need six squares.  But what other shape is needed to hold it together?  A triangle...if you slice off the corner of a cube you will get an equilateral triangle.  An equilateral triangle has three 60 degree angles. I created a equilateral triangle and added slits at 60 degree angles so that the corresponding square would slide together. I used 6 squares and 8 triangles. Here is the .Studio files. Cut one of each file.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYNDl2SDZsejJRczA/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-IbRiL3c2lOM53ybP-1gF3w

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1R2FLzRPySR3VDfXBxr3PZXn7kEo3581T/view?usp=sharing

Triangle Square Slide Together

A cube slide together. I think the Designer Software is so versatile.  It is so easy to make shapes and test them out quickly to see if they work.  The slits are a little big in this model but I think you might need it because the paper has to be bent in order to put the model together.  Here is the .Studio file. Cut one page. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYTjV2YzlCeDY3QkE/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-X46a284oSIkYS6zLV49cww

Cube Slide Together

#Silhouette Cameo #Slide Together #3D Models

 

Treat Bag .Studio File

I just came across this treat bag that I designed in the clean up of my craft desk. I used a plain brown paper bag as my inspiration. I put some silly things in it that I had lying around to show how much it could hold.

Notice the Three Fold Lines

Fold up a half inch along the bottom serrated edge so that the bottom is straight across.  Fold the left side a half inch and then fold in half along the same parallel. See fold lines above.

 Glue the Bottom and Side Edges

Finished Treat Bag



Here is the .Studio file.  There are no fold lines so you need to fold according to the picture. Please use this pattern for your own personal use.  Thank you!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYb1E5dXIzcjBzTmM/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-0zqgsDUPVlaEXTlodVQu7g

Folded Card and Envelope

Folded Card and Tab Envelope

I was cleaning up my craft work area when I came across a Christmas card that I had received and I said to myself...I can make that card.  Well, it was simple to make. Create three squares, make four fold lines, overlay a smaller square and erase half of the square.  I would give credit to the manufacturer (Polar Bear card) for their design but there is no name on it.  The picture above is the result with a tab envelope that I created. Oh no...as I was rereading this, I realized that I could make other designs like a circle or a heart or a star.  I can't do it today but maybe in the future.  I have to clean my work area now!

The Polar Bear card is the one that I copied.

Envelope to be Folded

Tab Envelope and Folded Card Completed

Tab Envelope Closed

I designed a envelope using my basic envelope shape from my blog.  I designed the envelope with a little tab. There are no fold lines so you need to fold the regular copy paper around the card.  Glue the lower half of the sides. Don't glue the upper part like I did originally :). There you have it...A cute card. I love the fact that the little tab slides into the envelope...no glue or tape required.

Here are the .Studio files. The Envelope and Folded Card are together in one file. Please use these for personal use only.  Thank you!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYV0hab2pIckM5NVk/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-z_b45Ykobvn1giQiRAcpaw

Here is the PDF.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYRlEtVklYbkNVMHM/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-FRR0MS45TJdGyFv5eFG9WA


#Silhouette Cameo #Folded Card #Envelope

Experimenting with Slide Togethers

After creating the slide togethers by George Hart, I decided that I wanted to create my own models.

Here is the Product of My Experimentation

 



I used cardstock for all of the models.

I created a flower blossom slide together with 60 degree angles.  The model was hard to put together because the edges did not line up correctly...maybe it was an angle problem but the interior of the design looks like an equilateral triangle. Oh well, it's a pretty flower and I am posting it for anyone who is interested in a challenge.  But be forewarned, it will collapse while putting together...use glue or paper clips and hold tightly by cupping the model in your hand when constructing the model.  Here is the .Studio file.  Cut 20 shapes for one model or two pages with extra pieces.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYOGxUZFVLel9NUE0/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-znwmLIbuSn2yi_EA99BXag

Flower Blossom Slide Together

Butterfly slide together with 72 degree angles...notice the pentagon shape inside the flower petals.  I like this model the best. It will collapse a little when putting together but the effort is well worth your time and patience.  Here is the .Studio file for cutting the model. Cut one page (12 shapes).

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYdDJ0UndTcTh2d0E/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-9-w1Fa9_3U-vWofl8Q6f5g

Butterfly Slide Together

Star flower slide together with 60 degree angles. It is a nice slide together.  It is a little difficult to make but it is satisfying when completed.  Here is the .Studio file. Cut two pages (need 20 shapes) 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYOGhfWTR6alpVUk0/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-GqszOhkn03q3hNydo-AHdQ

Star Flower Slide Together

Star slide together. This model is easy to put together...great for students...no frustration factor.  The model has 72 degree angles. I actually made this model twice. Here is the .Studio file. Cut one page (12 shapes).

Here is the PDF.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYSUpadndKaTZFWkk/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-eF6OxCzV8vI15opvZ_DJQQ

Here is the .Studio file.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYOGhfWTR6alpVUk0/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-GqszOhkn03q3hNydo-AHdQ

 First, all one color.

Star Slide Together

 Next with patriotic colors.  You can not color this model with three different colors not touching as with the origami Buckyball which I explained in a different post..  Try it and see.

 

Patriotic Slide Together

#silhouette cameo #slide together #3D models

Slide togethers by George Hart

George Hart is my hero.  His website http://www.georgehart.com/ is fabulous.  His objective is to make math cool and I think he achieves this goal.

I have designed the cutting files for all seven slide togethers. Please me mindful of George Hart's work. I copied the work to promote his mission of making math cool and help others who want to explore and enjoy his work.  As he says on his website..."the templates below may be freely copied for educational purposes. Creative teachers can undoubtedly incorporate these constructions into classes of different levels in ways which I would never think of" http://www.georgehart.com/slide-togethers/slide-togethers.html

The photographs below have a tape measure in each picture so that you can see the size of each model...just in case you would like to resize. Also, some of the templates maximize the amount of paper if you are cutting this out for a class and have extra pieces. Use cardstock for making the models.

This is the easiest model to make but it tends to collapse and fall apart when put together. (Use paper clips when putting together to alleviate this problem.)
Here is the Triangle slide together .Studio file - 20 triangles make one model.  Cut two pages (There are16 triangles on one 8 1/2 x 11 page.so be aware there will be a lot of extra pieces.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYZGx0cnAxUVpwbzg/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-8zmYgNUbxFv2vQl-HNk7dA

Here is the square slide together.  Need 30 squares. Cut 3 pages. (There are 12 squares on each page so there will be extra pieces.) This is the one I did with my pre-algebra class.  A nice satisfying model to make.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYVWpwb2dUbzlOam8/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-J435B1HRRvxmjTJ_pwQQ_Q

This pentagon model takes awhile to put together. The paper has to be bent in order for this model to fit together. Here is the pentagon .Studio file. 12 Pentagons are needed.  Cut two pages.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYMG9DelJzd281RTQ/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-LnaxRKngF7Y6pOFicDGZeg

I would recommend this hexagon model as a class project.  It slides together nicely and it holds its shape...also no bending of paper is required. 20 Hexagons are needed.  (There will be two extra pieces.) Cut two pages. Here is the .Studio file for the hexagon

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYdTJHa3NONzJQcDg/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-8oO2mxK0TygMDELBFox2Wg

This decagon model requires a lot patience and three dimensional awareness. Each vertex requires a few steps...the slits are bent flat to slide together and then peeled away for the inner slit to fit together.  Cut 2 pages. (There will be extra pieces.) Here is .Studio file 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYd2p3QmxrdFA0ekk/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-QR-rniGYq5_jyHF0wlQNQQ

This star slide together is difficult to make.  It requires a lot of patience and three dimensional awareness. The slits are small and can tear easily so be gentle. The big slit goes into the little slit and then the paper is folded back to allow for the slits to align. Again, this requires bending of the paper. Cut 2 pages for one model. Here is the .Studio file

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYWlR5bThGc3Y2QjQ/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-5j7uieRz_CpBC8x-Wh1BgQ

This decagram slide together is the hardest model to make.  I could not make this model in one day because it is very frustrating but it is really beautiful when it is completed. Cut 2 pages for one model.  Here is the decagram .Studio file.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7oGIyVDbRGYSVpYZ1o3dWdleWc/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-gsW23wgFzOy-o4Yc2bHOSA

Please comment if there is a problem with the .Studio files.  Thank you!

#Slide Together #Cameo Silhouette