Model designs of Robert Neale (Bunny Bill) and Leyla Torres (Magic Wand)
Do you like to fold origami animals or action models? You’re in luck! Here at Origami Spirit, we feature both action and animal origami models we’re sure you’ll enjoy. You can find these origami models in this gallery >>> HERE
The Bunny Bill is a classic origami action model originally published in 1964 and designed by Robert Neale,* a pioneer and an outstanding playful presence in the world of origami design.
Even if you’ve folded the Bunny Bill before, in the video featured below, you will learn a NEW folding sequence that makes it much easier to teach and learn. This sequence also eliminates creases on the bunny’s face.
In addition, you will learn to make a Magic Wand designed by Leyla as a playful addition when performing the Bunny Bill magic routine.
Would you like to learn how to fold these models?
The tutorial is found inside Origamigos, our sister site for members.
…and learn to fold the Bunny Bill, Magic Wand, and many other models.
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Tips and suggestions for making the Bunny Bill and Magic Wand
- Any thin and crisp paper is ideal to use for both of these origami models.
- Use a piece of paper (solid color) that’s at least 8 x 8 inches (20 x 20 cm.) when you make this model for the first time.
- A square piece of paper can be cut in the right proportions to make two bunnies and two wands. The first video will show how to cut and prepare the paper.
- This model belongs in the category Dollar-Bill Origami as it was originally intended to be made using a dollar bill.
- The finished models show both sides of the paper. It is best to use paper with a different color on each side.
Origami terms to note:
- Pinch Mark: A tiny mark that is made by folding.
- Precrease: Marking the paper by folding and unfolding it. When we pre-crease, we are setting the stage for later steps in the folding process. Pre-creases are usually made when we begin a set of folds.
- Squash fold: Describes opening or separating two layers of paper, then pressing and flattening to make the fold.
- Lock: When locking occurs, an area of the paper is fixed at a particular configuration so that it stays in place and cannot easily be unfolded.
Years ago I had the great pleasure of spending an afternoon with origami creator Robert Neale, in Bennington, Vermont.
Bob is a remarkable man. He’s not only a wonderful origami designer he is also a scholar, a minister, a storyteller, a teacher, a magician, a trickster, and a writer. Born June 23, 1929, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, Bob is known for creating simple yet elegant models.
He is an outstanding presence in the world of origami, and we are so fortunate to have such a person among us as an example of what it means to lead a life guided by curiosity, creativity, wonder, sharing, and play.
One of Bob’s models is The Bunny Bill, also known as The Magic Hat. You may already be familiar with it. The diagrams for this classic were originally published, by Robert, in 1964, as “Bunny Bill, a Must for Magicians.” I’ve made many of these magic bunnies for myself, my friends, and my family, and incorporated them into various creative projects. This model is a personal favorite.
There are many benefits to folding a model over and over. One of these is that modifications can appear, like magic! These ideas either lead to new a creation or reveal how the model can be made or taught more easily.
And that’s what happened to me. Folding this model so many times inspired me to create and publish, with permission, my own Bunny Bill video tutorial. This tutorial not only teaches a NEW folding sequence that eliminates creases on the bunny’s face ––like a Bunny Bill facelift ––-it also makes the model much easier to learn and teach. And as a complement to the Bunny Bill I designed a special magic wand.
Available while supplies last! :)