A Fold That Catches Light
Make a standing paper zigzag and watch its folds shape the light.
- 5–10 minutes
- Little setup
- Easy to pause
- Seated friendly
- No cleanup
- Low effort
What you need
A single sheet and existing room light are enough. No lamp, cutting, or glue is needed.
- paper
Make it
A single sheet and existing room light are enough. No lamp, cutting, or glue is needed.
- 1
Fold your paper back and forth into three or four broad accordion panels.
- 2
Stand it on its lower edge in the light already in your room.
- 3
Turn it a little and compare the bright and shaded panels. Choose an angle you enjoy.
Short on energy? Make one fold and look at its two faces.
A good place to stop: One standing fold with a light side and a shaded side completes the study.
Make it work for you: Use soft paper and broad folds without pressing hard. Lay the folded paper down if standing it is fiddly.
Another route: Try the same paper at another time of day.