Wet-folded Eye

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I designed this model for my origami workshops in order to be able to teach wet folding to complete beginners. It is also an example of origami folded without any reference points. You can probably see how to make it even without any diagrams.

Different effects can be achieved by varying the proportions of the paper and the paper’s thickness relative to its size. This particular rendering used a narrow strip of Murano paper. Since this paper is relatively thin for wetfolding (160 gsm), it is possible to roll it multiple times in order to get a full pupil with many concentric rings. In the workshop, we use A5 sheets of 300 gsm watercolor paper cut in half lengthwise. This thicker paper results in a thicker outline of the eye and a pupil with fewer concentric rings. You can also roll the paper loosely at first in order to get a hollow pupil. Despite extreme simplicity, this model also allows some room for playing with different proportions and shaping, and it seems the folders did enjoy folding it.