Teacups Origami Tessellation

 Having recently folded my Laughing Envelopes tessellation inspired by a technique I saw used by Arseniy K and Dirk Eisner, I had the idea for this original tessellation. While it's a different central point, it uses the same kind of principle of tucking and folding. 

Though it doesn't look like it, it actually uses open back hexagons that are tucked and folded over to create the arrays of overlapping small hexagons. 

The thing that I find particularly interesting about this design is that you can take a step further. The layered hexagons can be converted into overlapping triangle twists. 

Unfortunately, I used ordinary printer paper and it was pretty weakened by the time I had completed it as shown in the first photo. 

I did manage to do the triangle twists on the six central hexes, but the paper was too weak to allow for continuing it with the other iterations. But if your paper is sturdy enough, it could certainly be done. 

I still need to take a photo of the last stage to illustrate what I'm talking about. Hopefully will remember to add it soon. Update: Added photo of center triangle twists.

But even if you stop at the overlapping hexagons, it's a pretty neat design. If for no other reason than it's somewhat different than what you'll typically see. 

It's probably a higher level intermediate tessellation. You have to be delicate with finessing the overlaps  in order to be successful.

The back view is pretty interesting as well. Lots of densely tucked shapes. 

The creaes pattern looks pretty basic, but it's not as easy as it seems. 

Filed under: March 2025 Origami Tessellatons