We really appreciate your patience while you wait for the instructional video helping you to create your very own print-and-assemble paper larynx - it will be uploaded to this page as soon as it’s ready! In the meantime, please see the written instructions below…
Paper Larynx: Model Assembly Instructions
Materials Needed:
Printed template on card/heavyweight paper
Sharp craft knife or scissors
Scissors, bone folder or blunt knife for scoring fold lines
PVA glue or double-sided tape
Cutting mat (if using craft knife or scalpel)
Hole punch (optional, helpful for circles)
Pencil or pen (for shaping holes)
Before You Begin:
Understanding the Template
This template uses standard paper craft conventions:
Solid outlines = Cut lines (cut completely through)
Dotted lines = Fold lines (score lightly, then fold)
Gray areas = Tabs and connection points for gluing
“Do not fold” notation = Alignment guides only
Specialised Cuts:
Six Circle Pieces (for Swivel Joint)
Cut out all six circular pieces.
Two of these circles require the central circle cut out as marked by solid lines:
Method 1: Use craft knife on cutting mat
Method 2: Use hole punch if available
Method 3: Fold circle into quarters and cut corner with scissors
Note: These don’t need to be perfect circles
Two of these circles require the central circle cut out with a series of small triangles. These create neat points when folded inward during assembly:
Method 1: Use craft knife on cutting mat
Method 2: Fold circle into quarters and cut corner with scissors
Cricoid Interior Holes
*** Most challenging cut - be careful not to damage the shape ***
Bend paper slightly to insert scissors tip
Cut around shape without putting a full fold in the paper
Alternative: Use craft knife or hole punch if available
Important: “Do Not Fold” Line
Skip the dotted line marked “do not fold” - this is for glue alignment only
Preparation
Read through all instructions before beginning
Place the template on a cutting mat or protective surface
Ensure your tools are sharp for clean cuts
Work in good lighting
Cutting:
Start with the largest pieces and work toward smaller details
Cut along all solid black lines using smooth, continuous motions
Take your time - rushed cuts often result in tears or uneven edges
Arytenoid Tip Cutouts
For the distinctive arytenoid shape:
Cut down the two sides of the small triangle at the tip
Don’t cut across the bottom
Use pencil nib or scissors tip to fold the triangle inward
Arytenoid Oval Cutouts
Each arytenoid has a long oval where vocal folds will attach:
Method 1: Use craft knife on cutting mat
Method 2: Fold paper to make shape accessible to scissors
Scoring and Folding:
Before folding, score all dotted lines lightly with an empty ballpoint pen or blunt knife
Use a ruler as a guide for straight, clean scores
Fold gently - paper has memory and will hold the crease better with patient folding
Test fold directions before applying glue (valley vs. mountain folds)
Thyroid Scoring:
Score dotted lines and also main shaping lines:
Assembly Sequence:
Vocal Folds Assembly
Complete this before other components:
Fold outer wings inward
Fold long strips of paper back
Create accordion fold: Fold paper strips over one another to create long pleated structure
Secure ends: glue or tape the ends together so they don’t unravel during assembly
Trim if needed: cut off any overhang if ends don’t match perfectly
Cricoid Cartilage Assembly
Apply adhesive to area outside the “do not fold” dotted line
Form ring: Curve piece around and align edges along dotted line
Create base: This forms the foundation for the entire model
Thyroid Cartilage Assembly
Fold darts: Two triangular darts fold inward - this creates the natural thyroid curve
Score remaining lines as detailed above
Set aside to maintain shape while working on other components
Epiglottis Assembly
Fold along dotted lines back and forward to create spring-like shape
Press diamond section at bottom hard so it folds back on itself
Fold top section down to create attachment tab
Result: Springy epiglottis with tab for thyroid attachment
Hyoid Bone Preparation
Create curve: Run scissors along back of paper from middle toward wing ends (like curling gift ribbon)
Apply adhesive to both ends
Attach: Connect to upper arms of thyroid cartilage
Arytenoid Assembly
Form pyramids: Fold each arytenoid into pyramid shape
Secure tabs: Apply glue or tape to inside edge and fold underneath
Prepare for vocal folds: Bend longer arm slightly to widen oval hole
Attach to vocal folds: Gently slide arytenoids along vocal folds until they sit on the paper support structure
Repeat for second arytenoid
Cricothyroid Swivel Joint Assembly
Inside cricoid: Place circle with cutout triangles (“pizza slices”) on inside
Outside cricoid: Place plain circular piece on outside
Lock mechanism: Push triangle tabs through holes and fold back - they should hold gently in place
Test movement: Joint should move but have some resistance
Reinforce: Add small amount of glue or tape to secure
Adjust if needed: If joint is too tight, use pencil to round out cricoid holes slightly
Repeat for second joint on other side
Final Assembly Connections
Connecting Thyroid to Cricoid (via Swivel Joints):
Place reinforcement circles inside both sides of cricoid
Prepare adhesive on swivel joint exterior pieces
Attach thyroid: Press lower arms of thyroid onto swivel joints from outside
Hold firmly for 10-20 seconds - this joint bears the most stress
Attaching Vocal Folds to Thyroid:
Apply adhesive to small tabs on vocal fold assembly
Position inside thyroid: Ensure vocal folds point in correct direction
Use tool if needed: Pencil or scissors can help position accurately
Press and hold briefly to secure
Final Arytenoid Positioning:
Apply adhesive to rectangular patch on arytenoid support piece
Insert into cricoid: Fits into highest part of cricoid interior
Adjust height: Push down until arytenoids are at desired position
Hold in place until adhesive sets