The WXYZ, created by Tung Ken Lam, had set in motion the creation a series of planar models by various origamists including Francis Ow, David Petty, Satoshi Kamiya and Meenakshi Mukerji. The WXYZ is among the simplest of the planar models and is made up of 4 intersecting triangles.

It is quite simple to fold though the assembly will take up some time. I am glad I finally managed to do a planar model though the colour combination isn't the greatest! The red and orange together don't stand out quite that well.

These models have a unique naming convention, which is based on geometric principles. The number of letters used is the same as the number of planes in the model. Thus WXYZ would mean it has 4 planes.

Model Details:

Model: WXYZ Planar Model 

Creator: Tung Ken Lam

Book: Origami A-B-C

Author: David Petty

Difficulty Level: Low Intermediate

Paper Ratio: Square

Paper Size: 4 inch squares

Model Size: ~5 inches from tip to tip

Modules: 12

Diagram: British Origami

Assembling 8 units of Tung Ken Lam's jitterbug modules results in cubactohedron. I like the paper I have used for this model - 8 pieces of printed origami paper, 3 inches square. But overall, I did not like the outcome. I just was not able to get crisp sides, no matter how well I creased.

As far as stability goes, the model is quite stable. 4 units are made with 2 corners folded in and 4 with 1 corner folded in. The folded in part forms the pocket. The corners slot into the pockets very well and the connections are very strong. So I used no glue.

Model Details:

Model: Jitterbug Cuboctahedron

Creator: Tung Ken Lam (creator of jitterbug units)

Difficulty Level: Low Intermediate

Paper Ratio: Square

Paper size: 3 inches

Number of modules: 8

Tutorial: Origaminut.com

The Christmas Tree Ball or Origami Icosidodecahedron is a modular origami made from 20 squares of paper. This is, in fact, Tung Ken Lam's jitterbug units assembled into an icosidodecahedron. The jitterbug units are themselves quite easy to make. They can also be assembled without glue, though I prefer gluing the modules together.

I had this pretty wrapper paper that was great for this model. But it looks equally good in solid colours. Thin origami paper might not hold the shape well.

Model Details:

Model: Jitterbug Icosidodecahedron / Christmas Tree Ball

Creator: Tung Ken Lam (creator of jitterbug units)

Difficulty Level: High Intermediate

Paper Ratio: Square

Paper size: 4 inches

Number of modules: 20

Diagram: Nick Robinson's site

Tutorial (for the jitterbug icosidodecahedron): Youtube