Flexagon Frenzy

Flexagons are foldable paper toys that have an amazing ability to change their appearance and reveal hidden faces when flexed. They are a fun puzzle to play with but also help to remind me that life is always changing and there are incredible surprises ahead.

This generative series explores designs for my favorite kind of flexagon, the octaflexagon. Each flexagon is arranged to show all four sides simultaneously and rendered using an ink and paper technique. The result can be exported as an svg to plot and fold into a physical flexagon.

The algorithm works by layering concentric shapes over warped space with a special culling system that feeds back into the design. The palette is also generated dynamically using up to four ink colors and a paper color. It is all custom coded in vanilla JS for this very unique and important purpose of being able to plot flexagons and promote flexagon awareness.

Up to 25 of the holders will be chosen to receive a free physical version of their flexagon, plotted and folded by me. For a chance to receive one, please tweet the image of your mint and tag me @KilledByAPixel or email me directly if you prefer.

Controls

1 - Show the inverted design for this flexagon.
2 - Save a svg template, front and back files sized to fit A3 (11x17) paper.
3 - Save a svg of the flexagon design arranged to show all 4 faces.
4 - Save a svg with a custom paper width, margins are automatically included.
5 - Save a svg with 5 random flexagons on one page, all using the same colors.

Construction Notes

Octaflexagons are easy to make once you get the hang of it but can be tricky at first. My template includes a thin cut margin along the top and bottom that is necessary to give some wiggle room for the paper to fold over itself without becoming too tight. If you are not using 17 inch wide paper, use the built in function to adjust the paper size automatically.

1. Designs include a front and back svg that fits 11x17 paper.
2. Plot the front and back svg so they line up on opposite sides.
3. Use the same colors for the same layers on both sides.
4. When cutting and folding, focus on the front side.
5. Fold back and forth along each crease, try to keep it balanced.
6. The final fold flips around the back, similar to a hexaflexagon.
7. When folded correctly the two blank triangles should match up.
8. Use glue on the blank triangle where the logo is to attach them together.

Code and Outputs are Copyright (C) 2023 Frank Force
Artwork is released under CC BY-NC 4.0