A model that has been on my “must fold” list for ages is the best origami Giraffe there is, designed by Bodo Haag:

After test-folding this model with a 90cm sheet, I decided to get closer to the recommended 50cm square by using a 70cm square of duo Kraft paper (part of my last roll of Ikea black/natural stash).

Some designers combine brilliant design with delightful fold sequence and this model has both. It is challenging, but entirely followable – some amazing moves strategically position the edge of the sheet towards the centre of the pleat bundle that will become the neck, body and legs – this affords an intricate set of edge-crinkle colour changed for the spots – just so clever.

The paper was a little thick, but I persisted and managed to complete the shaping pretty well. The long spindly legs needed help, so I added wires to allow it to stand on a base, I posed the legs so there was a slightly irregular stance.

Photographing the model is a real challenge – being so tall, finding a composition that allows you to see the whole model, and enough of the back detail to show it’s rounded shaping was difficult – I wish I had a large lightbox setup.

I am really like this model, and decided to stand it on a “dirt” base – covered with some shibori tie-died Momigami paper (brought for me by a friend on a visit to Tokyo).

What a fun fold journey.