Dee,
I did purchase one. Arrived here in 2 days (the business apparently is
located in Torrance, CA- not far from me). I posted about it yesterday:
http://havepaperwilltravel.blogspot.com/2014/02/origamagic-crane-arrived.html
I'll probably film more demonstrations of it when I bring it to Marti Reis'
1st Sunday origami meet up. I know other origamists in our local groups
will want to see it.
As for whether or not it's worth $26, hard to say since it's all relative.
For myself and personal income level, it's pricey- but I'm happy with the
purchase. I consider it a good investment as someone who likes to
occasionally entertain. I have an annual on-stage demonstration at the
Monterrey Park Cherry Blossom Festival each year and will work this in to
my presentation.
In a way though, after the initial ooh and aah, the novelty of it may
quickly wear off and you may shrug and think, Is that all it does? and
move on.
I think for entertainers and magicians who know how to work it into a story
for audience effect, it will provide endless enjoyment, just to see
people's reactions.
As I mention in the post, the material is made of polyester fabric with
shape-memory. So if you're able to purchase the material itself, it might
be possible to fold and create your own magic crane or some other model.
You'd just have to figure out how to give the fabric memory for the
finished model so that when unfolded, it wants to restore itself back to
the model.
michael
http://havepaperwilltravel.blogspot.com/
