Cookie Cutter

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This simple model looks like a cookie cutter, and if made with some stiff enough material (thick metal foil perhaps), could probably actually be used as one. On the other hand, it can be viewed as just an abstract heptagonal star. The structure of this model is very simple: fold a 16×16 grid on a square, fold into a harmonica in one direction, lock one end into the other, and you’re done. Given this simplicity, someone has probably already come up with this idea before.

Many variants are possible, the simplest achieved by just changing the proportions of the sheet and the number of grid divisions in one and in the other direction (all three parameters can be varied independently). This leads to stars with various numbers of sides, varying ray lengths, and different wall thickness. By arranging the bends around the perimeter differently, shapes different than stars can be achieved. If the grid along one direction is not uniform, polygons with different side lengths can be achieved, which opens up a lot of possibilities, and almost arbitrary shapes can be made.

Due to paper’s springiness, the model tends to deform slightly where one end is inserted into the other to close the circuit. This effect is less pronounced with thinner papers, or papers with good memory such as foil.

When folded from duo paper, this model exhibits a nice color change on one side.