Paper Animals in Action!: Clothespins Make the Models Move!

Thought it would be fun for the grandkids, but too complicated for them - and for many adults. Perhaps for serious model makers - but do they use paper punch-out models??

Instructions clear and the animals work as described . Gives lots of ideas

Really pleased with purchase - heaps of cut outs so you can start right away

Love this book! Instructions are clear and the end product is just delightful to see in action.

The clothespin operated paper models are fun to build. Full color, step-by-step instructions for the models are in the first half of the book. Actual two-sided colored paper parts for each model are in the book's second half, ready to be cut out and assembled (but you need to provide the clothespins and the paper clips). The models are a bit time consuming to make. It pays to take your time, be clear on what each piece does and where it will go before you glue it, and make sure the glue is dry between steps. If you cut the pieces for each model right out of the book you could probably assemble all of the models a bit faster than I had.OR, you can do as I did and trace the models' parts onto clear plastic that can be cut with scissors, thus preserving the book and having plastic patterns that you can use over and over again and adapt to your liking.I made the butterfly first, recycling colorful paper from used envelopes to make its wings. I next made the elephant using doubled layered paper from an outdated state road map. For Easter gifts I turned the flying pig and the penguin into green and blue rabbits. For the pecking bird, I adapted and embellished the wings to make red-winged blackbirds. All of the models worked great and their mechanisms were simple enough so as not to be intimidating nor require exact precision.If you enjoy working/tinkering with the potential of paper and are looking for something to do with your kids, this is a worthwhile book, and it provides lots of opportunities for creative upcycling.I'd also recommend Rob Ives's other automata kit sets. His instructions are very good and the models are sturdy, complete, and a delight to make.Update: It's been two years since I ordered this book and it is still my favorite craft book of all time. I've used most of the patterns to design my own automatons and have made everything from garden gnomes to monkeys, border collies, and Santa Jaws for gifts, and all seem to be holding up very well. My grandsons had a great time making their own versions of the dinosaur. (So far the only model I wasn't thrilled with was the turtle.) If I can ever figure out how to post pics on amazon I will include a few of my creations with this review. Thanks, Rob Ives!!!