Looking through my resident model collection, I realised I no longer had a rendition of Robert Lang’s “Black Forest Cuckoo Clock”:

I had previously folded this model with regular mono-colour thin crispy Kraft paper, but that model was part of a WTF competition, won by Sebastian Limet in France, who became the owner of it.

I decided to try a presentation fold, using a lovely black/natural Kraft paper I have a few rolls of (remnants of a purchase from IKEAA, back when they stocked it). The model EATS paper like anything, the sheet you fold it from is in the proportions of 10:1, so I decided to go 3.2m x 0.32m which introduced a serious problem – materials handling of such large media requires planning and a strategy.

Pre-creasing was achieved using Lang’s suggested “measure major landmarks” as opposed to gridding it all up and then folding from that grid (the method I used last time). Apparently the benefit of the “measure”?” method is no extra folds on visible surfaces (as opposed to a residual grid).

My measurement was obsessive, but I did get a little creeping error (presumably a compounding inaccuracy over the 16×160 grid) – nothing major, no noticeable misalignment, but it made me cross given how long I had planned it. Pre-creasing proceeded carefully, as a box-pleated model we had a lot of diagonal folds joined by horizontal and vertical creases, all accurately placed.

The sequence is a real journey. Some bits are standard box pleating, others represent really complex layer manipulation (with complex descriptions that took a little “interpretation”), mind-baking 3D manipulations, deformations and paper torture. I really enjoyed the challenge of working out how to get to here from there.

Having so much paper gradually shrinking, handling the developing fold was clumsy and I imagine would fatigue paper terribly if not handled carefully.

The details here are AMAZING. This is a Timber plank boxed clock, topped with a Deer’s Head, a pop open Cuckoo compartment, clean clockface with hour and minute hands, pinecone shaped counterweights and a pendulum with a leaf-shaped weight. Surrounding the box is a wreath of leaves. All this from a single UNCUT sheet of paper – genius design indeed.

Construction of the final model requires a little glue – I found small strategic spots of white glue to close gaping seams, lock tabs in pockets and reinforce shaping choices was necessary. The resultant model is heavy, sturdy and I am very pleased with the result. Comparing this fold with my previous fold, it is clear I have come some way in terms of skills between folds, this model feels so much more finished.

I have fashioned a metal bracket that slips into the folds at the back of the clock box. I will get a wall hook hammered into the wall and I think it deserves to be hung. Viewing the model from all angles, I am amazed by the details, proportions and designer skill required to have everything it it’s place.

This is not a beginners model, but for experienced diagram readers, is is a really fun challenge.