How to Create an Origami Three Intersecting Tetrahedron

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Cut each paper into equal thirds.

   Start with one strip.
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   Step 2: Fold in half length-wise.

   Open fold.
   
   Then fold each side in toward the “half” crease length-wise again. , Very gently fold the right side in like in the previous step, but only crease about an inch down the length of the paper.
   
   Unfold to show that crease. ,,,,, Then fold again, making sure to line up the top point in the center of the paper.
   
   Be sure this step is produced two folds on the right side. ,, Be sure that the left sides of both ends have been made into a small grove. ,, To do this, slide the folded over right edge of one strip, into the hollow opening (made by folding the equilateral triangle previously) in the left end of a separate strip.
   
   Do not attach both edges of one side together (as demonstrated in the third picture above).
   
   If you'd like, glue the edges together for lasting stability. ,,,, However, only fully attach one strip to begin the base. , Before securing the strip to the next leg of the second tetrahedron, weave the strip through the center of the first tetrahedron and attach. , At this point, if one of the tetrahedron is help upside down, the model will resemble an hourglass. , The second tetrahedron should be “on its side” in the center of the first. ,, Note that the top point of the final tetrahedron is starting to form here. , This arm will not intersect any of the other tetrahedron. , This time, weave it straight down through the first tetrahedron only. ,
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   Step 3: Choose an end to start with.

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   Step 4: Fold the corner of the left side in until the point touches the crease made in the step above.

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   Step 5: Unfold the left side for about an inch from the top while pinching below the point where all the creases come together

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   Step 6: to hold it in place.

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   Step 7: Pull the top left corner in along all the angular creases to create an equilateral triangle perpendicular to the rest of the piece of paper.

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   Step 8: Fold the triangle in half

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   Step 9: upwards (using the already made creases) to recreate the point on the left half of the paper.

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    Step 10: Fold the right corner in half-way.

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    Step 11: Repeat this process for the other end of the strip.

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    Step 12: Fold the paper length-wise down the middle with the back-side up.

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    Step 13: Repeat for all of the remaining 17 cut pieces of paper.

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    Step 14: Attach two strips together at one end.

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    Step 15: Repeat with a third strip for that end.

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    Step 16: Secure the third strip to the first one to create a point with three “legs”

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    Step 17: like a tripod.

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    Step 18: Use the same technique (right edge to left edge) to attach another strip to each leg of the tripod to create the base.

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    Step 19: Start the second tetrahedron by repeating the process for the first one.

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    Step 20: Secure a strip to one leg.

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    Step 21: Attach the last strip

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    Step 22: through the first tetrahedron.

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    Step 23: Place the model with the first tetrahedron base down and pointing up.

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    Step 24: Weave the first arm of the final tetrahedron through the middle of the second tetrahedron

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    Step 25: but not through the first one.

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    Step 26: Repeat with a second arm so it mirrors the weaving on the opposite side of the first tetrahedron.

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    Step 27: Attach the third arm to the other two.

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    Step 28: With the point previously facing you

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    Step 29: weave the third arm to create the tripod.

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    Step 30: Weave the remaining two arms through both of the tetrahedrons

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    Step 31: and attach.

Detailed Guide

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