wd Butterfly Ball i by Kenneth Kewamura, diagreans by Lar deSoust ‘The Butterfly Ball is a deceptive action model, Assembled from twelve units made from waterbomb bases, it forms a complex and pleasing geometric shape However, throw it in the air and give ita light smack ta sce it explode into a cloud of butterflies, That never fails to draw appreciative coraments from onlookers. Step One: Fold a waterbomb base ‘Three creases and you've completed ‘the basic butterfly unitl Fold a total of twelve units Tip: Usea stifer paper. Regular kart is fine but a stron ger'y aper will bear up batter under repeated demonstrafions, and something with a litle tooth will Erp better making assembip easier. Step Two: Assemble the units! Yes, easier said than done, For the prposes of these diagrams the ontside of the unis are colowed aad the interiows are white ovshaded with gveye ‘The model fits together very loosely since theze are no locking tehs. However, witha lit le perseverance a model canbe assembled in just a few minutes and is quite stable once fully together ‘The model is assembled in three “layers” using four units each. The fast four units are probebly the easiest step. Amange thera in a citele with their corners overlapping inan overunder pattern. This forms the bottom face of the unit.Here is the finst tier assembled. Beginners may find it usefid to make themazelves a small low sided box fiast, and then assemble the units inside it. This not only helps hold the model toge ther, but allows a folder to easily-tum the madel around without the pieces coming apart ‘The next four units slot into the model ina vertical position, The ovenunder plasementhecomes a litle more intevesting at this point since there are thro points to take into consideration, However, once you got started itall becomes mnetty obvious Here is the aondel with the second layer of units in place. Remeber that the model is still quite bore‘The final four units are the tickiest. The units are now horizontal and there aze thee points to weave. Just remember to take it calmly and if a point pops aut, gently tuckitback where it belougs, The final unit will immediately improve the stability of the model. First unit ‘the near left comer goes over flap A, ‘the near right comer goes under flap B. ‘The next unit attaches at 3 points: (to the right of the last unit) Left half goes over flap A ‘Right half goes under flap B Far Left half (C) goes under the ‘far right (D) comer of the previous unit Successi! A completed Butterfly Ball! Mow, take it into a room with some space to spare, toss itlightlyinto the aiz and give ita champ hit while i’ above your head. The model well easily burst apart and you will find yourself heing showered with butterflies! Design Copyright © Kemneth MI Kawomura 1977 Diagrams Copyright @ Lar deSouza 2002 Kenneth Kawanuxa thanks Joseph R. Power for sharing the inspiration that led to the Butterfly Ball