Popup Fractals!

Fractals are beautiful structures formed by simple repetitions of shapes and patterns across different scales. They are a perfect amalgamation of mathematics and creativity to form amazing pieces of artwork. In this tutorial, we will teach you how to make a simple paper popup fractal, and use it to make light up paper lamps!

As in all of our tutorials, we encourage you to innovate and experiment upon these instructions to apply them to create your own popups, or other structures.

Let's get started!

• A plain sheet of paper
• Paper cutter/ blade
• Scissors
• Ruler/scale
• Stationery

Take a blank sheet of paper and fold it in half along the dotted line as shown. This is our central fold. Gently crease the fold by pressing on it. Now hold it such that the folded side is at the bottom as shown.

Now taking a ruler, measure 6 cm from the edge on both sides as shown.

Draw vertical lines 6 cm tall from these points.

Cut the vertical lines as shown such that both halves of the sheet are cut.

Fold the small piece that is formed as a result and crease it firmly so the fold stays and holds form.

Open the central fold of sheet and push the cut piece outwards as shown, and fold it in the other direction. This should create a mountain fold, such that a block pops out of the sheet as shown. Fold along the central fold again to solidify this fold. Your first basic block is ready!

Fold the sheet again, and repeat the process by measuring 2 cm from each side. Draw vertical lines 3 cm tall from these points as shown. Cut along these lines.

You will find two small flap pieces generated as a result of the cut. Fold one flap on each side of the central fold as shown.

Open across the central fold and push the blocks outwards again as previously done, so you have two smaller pieces as shown. Fold again along the central fold to solidify these folds.

Now measure 1 cm from each side and draw vertical lines 1.5 cm tall on each point. Cut along the vertical lines and fold the formed flaps on each side of the centerfold. Open, and push the folds outwards like in the previous steps.

You will see your structure look like the figure shown. You can similarly repeat with different shapes, and as many times as you would like to! Decorate your fractal popup with all your creativity! We cannot wait to see what you make!

One great way to use these fractals is to add four such popup fractals together to form a 4 sided paper lamp as shown! You can add a LED light inside the structure and light up your fractals!
Alternatively, you can also play around with the shapes, and sizes, and positions of these fractal structures to come up with your own unique creation! We cannot wait to see how you customize your fractals!