Flextangles are kinda cool. I first came across them last year when I was doing some research for upcoming class activities. I knew I wanted to use the project in class. But I first needed to design something to put on them. With the age group that I work with, giving them free reign in the design department means a total disaster. So design it I had to do.
The. designing part was a little challenging. When you look at the flextangle image below, you will note how the image is broken down. So breaking down how you images are placed on the flextangle so that when it is assembled can be tricky. Honestly, to get my emoji’s all set up took literally a whole day. I’m not an artist in the sense that I draw on a regular basis or a graphic designer per se, so I don’t have the language or skillsets to be able to do what I need done easily. But I did figure it out.
So for this tutorial I included two templates: Emoji Template and the Blank Template. If you decide to use the blank template I have also included an image below that should help guide you in your design. See below for more info.
So the first step is to print out the template. For this tutorial I will be using the emoji template. You can print it on regular paper but I like the way cardstock feels and it is a little sturdier. But the choice is yours.
But if you decide to use the blank template use the image above as a guide as to where your images go. All the individual colored dot denote one side (e.g. all the red dots are one side, all the green dots are one side etc) and it also tells you how to place your image. The placement of the dots is where, once assembled, the center point of each side is. So keep that in mind as you are designing each of the four sides of the flextangle.
So keeping the notes from the step above, color your images.
For younger kids I would recommend using colored pencils vs Sharpies or the oil painter markers like in the image above.
Coloring all done.
Next step is to cut out the flextangle. What works best for me is to use a box cutter and a ruler. Of course for younger kids I recommend using a pair of scissors or just cut it out for them.
Scoring, particularly if using cardstock is important. Scoring is basically telling the cardstock where the fold line is going to be. You do this by using a ruler and a bone folder (while I do have a bone folder I find that using a nail file is so much easier and most people have one on hand). Place the ruler by the line you want to score. Then pressing down on the ruler run the nail file (bone folder) on there line once or twice until you see the indentation created. When you go to fold your paper or cardstock, it will be a lot easier.
Its folding time. Fold the paper so that the right side is on the outside as shown above for all the straight lines.
But reverse that on the dotted lines: the right side will be on the inside for each fold line.
Next is glue time. I tend to like to use contact cement most because I don’t have to hold the two sides being adhered in place for too long. Contact cement is more challenging in that you have got be really precise when you place the two sides together otherwise once the two sides make contact they are glued in place. For younger kids, school glue works fine.
With contact cement, you apply the adhesive to both sides, allow it to dry a little and …
Then carefully align the sides cos as I mentioned above you only have one go at this.
Almost done. Next step is to glue the end tab in. Apply the adhesive ..
And then carefully insert it into the open cavity.
Voila, all done.
Evening Melodrama by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200049Artist: http://incompetech.com/