To create an Origami model, there are many approaches: We can simply fold a model designed by some other origamists, following their diagrams or crease patterns, or we can modify an existing design to create our own interpretation.
But finally, these models are still not truly original works. In my view, an original design is something we created entirely from scratch - from the idea, to the structure, to the finished model. It is a long journey, and I believe every origami folder dreams to create a model that their own.
I was no different. One day, I just start to think: Okay, now let's create my own model.
The idea
At first, I want to create something related with Vietnamese culture - which can be inspired by history or mythology - but the figurise had to be unique, something that doesn’t appear in other cultures.
After a lot of thought, I decided to design Hai Bà Trưng, for these several reasons:
- This a truly distinctive symbol of Vietnam, the image of two women riding elephants into battle is both powerful and inspiring.
- Their story represents the strength the Vietnamese people to fight the enemy for their independence.
Okay, we have the idea, now we will find some references for our design:
My design here use the imgage of the Dong Ho paint, a traditional painting of VietNam and the drawing by artist Xuan Lam in the Folk painting project, you can check it here
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Well, really amazing and challenging, right? How could I possibly fold all of this — two elephants and two heroines — from just one sheet of paper? Let’s see how I approached it.
The first fold
Firsly, I realized that the model should be symmetrical along the horizontal axis of the paper. The box-pleating technique seemed a right choide - simple and suitable enough for a beginer designer like me.
Okay, let's grab a sheet of paper and start folding. At this time, I didn't think much about the full structure or sketched any test CP. I just went with the flow and start with a 48x48 box-pleating folding, let's see what would come out of it.
Alright, time for the officail fold! This was my first fold in 2023. I use one square sheet of Vân Long paper, in size 1.4 x 1.4 m.
It took me almost a month to complete this model. I spent all of my summer vacation folding it. Now, let's take a look at some photos of the finished fold.
At that time, I was really happy with this model - It was the most complex model I had ever fold. However, the structure was not really good, many areas of paper wasn't used effectively. So I knew there was still many space for improvement in my next fold.
The second fold
On June 4th 2025, there was an exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of Vietnam Origami Group (VOG). This is a special event for every Vietnamese origami folder.
My friend Lê Đức told me about this special event, and encouraged me to join and be a part of it.
There fore, I decided to refold this model and submit it to the exhibition.
This time, I aimed for better structure, cleaner shaping, and a more efficient use of the paper. The folding process looked something like this:
The result will look like this:
Now, we will see some image of my model in the exhibition. I couldn't go to the exhibition, but my friends Lê Đức and Trần Lương took these images and sent it to me.
Looking Back
From the very first sketch in my head, to testing the folds, and finally seeing Hai Bà Trưng take shape — this journey has been full of challenges, experiments and a lot of fun. I’ve learned so much from the process.
And now, if you want to try folding this model yourself, here's the CP. Unfortunately, this is only a low-quality version — I lost the original file when I reset my computer. One day, I’ll redraw it properly.
I also have some photodiagrams showing the shaping process. I am planning to sell them on my Kofi, so stay tuned!!!