Secretary Bird

Partial wet-folded in thin Chinese Mulberry paper meant for Sumi-e, coated in a layer of thin methylcellulose (1tsp MC to 1 cup water) (large ~40cm).

This was a fun model to fold! Each of the curls, legs, and toes needed to be individually wet with a paint brush, shaped, and then dried over the stove before moving onto the next. Was tricky to keep it balanced so it could stand on one foot, and my hands got pretty roasted over the open flame.

Over time the toes had trouble staying in place and keeping it balanced. I may need to reapply methylcellulose to them at some point to make them stronger.

For subsequent folds of this I’d love to try changing up the design a bit, like giving it a tail similar to Satoshi Kamiya’s Lyrebird. Maybe make a Chocobo with those legs?