Origami: Complete Beginner's Guide to this Lovely Craft -

Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. It uses a single piece of paper which is folded into various shapes and forms to create intricate designs. Learn all you need to know about origami here!

Origami is a beautiful craft that you can learn that creates all kinds of intricate designs and art pieces.

Origami uses few supplies, and only involves you knowing where on a piece of paper you should fold it to create a certain design.

It is a great calming craft that is fast to do, and there is no end to what you can create out of paper!

Learn everything you need to know about origami in this article!

What is Origami?

Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. The word “origami” comes from the Japanese words “ori” (folding) and “kami” (paper).

In origami, artists use a single piece of paper, often square-shaped, to create intricate designs and sculptures by folding the paper into various shapes and forms, without cutting or gluing the paper.

The Key Aspects of Origami

Single Sheet of Paper: Origami artists typically use a single piece of paper, often colored or patterned, to create their designs.

Folding Techniques: Origami involves different folding techniques such as valley folds, mountain folds, and reverse folds to transform the paper into various shapes, animals, objects, or geometric patterns.

No Cutting or Gluing: Traditional origami doesn’t involve cutting or using adhesive to hold the folds together. The art form relies solely on folding and creasing the paper to create the desired shapes.

Complexity and Skill Levels: Origami ranges from simple designs suitable for beginners to highly intricate and complex creations that require advanced skills and precision.

Traditional and Modern Designs: Origami includes traditional designs passed down through generations as well as contemporary designs that incorporate innovative approaches and styles.

Folding Techniques of Origami

There are several fundamental folding techniques that form the basis for origami and creating intricate designs and sculptures.

Some key folds used in origami include:

1. Valley Fold:

Folding the paper inward along a line so that the folded edge forms a “valley” or inward crease. This is one of the most basic folds in origami.

2. Mountain Fold:

Folding the paper outward along a line so that the folded edge forms a “mountain” or outward crease. It’s the opposite of a valley fold.

3. Reverse Fold:

Folding a portion of the paper in one direction and then unfolding it before folding it in the opposite direction. This creates a fold that changes the direction of a section of the paper.

4. Squash Fold:

Opening up a paper pocket by carefully manipulating the paper layers to squash it flat, often creating triangular or squared shapes.

5. Petal Fold:

Folding a corner or edge of the paper inward to create a petal-like shape, often used in creating flowers or geometric designs.

6. Sink Fold:

Tucking part of the paper inside, often used to hide excess paper or create complex shapes by “sinking” a portion of the paper into the model.

7. Pleat Fold:

Creating a series of small, parallel folds in alternating directions, similar to making a paper fan.

8. Rabbit Ear Fold:

Folding a corner or point of the paper to resemble a rabbit’s ear, often used in creating animal designs or adding detail to models.

9. Bird Base Fold:

A foundational fold that creates a square base that can be manipulated to form various origami shapes, including birds, frogs, and more complex designs.

10. Waterbomb Base Fold:

Folding a piece of paper into a waterbomb base, which is a preliminary base used to create many origami models, including the classic origami waterbomb (used to make paper balloons).

All of the folds mentioned above serve as the building blocks for creating a wide variety of origami designs and models. Mastering these fundamental folding techniques allows artists to explore and create intricate and detailed origami sculptures and creations.

Types of Paper to use for Origami

Origami can be done with various types of paper, each offering its own advantages and characteristics. Here are some commonly used types:

1. Kami:

Traditional origami paper made specifically for this art form. It’s lightweight, usually square, and comes in various colors or patterns. Kami is readily available and easy to fold due to its thinness.

2. Tant:

A thicker and more durable origami paper, often with a slightly textured surface. Tant paper holds creases well and is available in a wide range of colors.

3. Washi:

A traditional Japanese paper made from plant fibers like mulberry. Washi is known for its strength, flexibility, and often has a soft texture. It comes in various colors and designs.

4. Kraft Paper:

Sturdy and slightly thicker than typical origami paper. It has a rough texture and is often used for more robust or large-scale origami models.

5. Foil Paper:

Paper coated with a metallic or shiny foil layer on one side. Foil paper is eye-catching and great for creating models where the shine adds visual appeal.

6. Tissue Foil:

A combination of tissue paper and foil, offering the delicacy of tissue paper and the reflective surface of foil. It’s often used for complex designs.

7. Origami Tissue:

Extremely thin and delicate paper, similar to tissue paper. Origami tissue is translucent and ideal for creating delicate origami models.

8. Newspaper or Magazine Paper:

Recycled paper can also be used for origami, especially for practicing or experimenting. However, it might not hold creases as well as dedicated origami paper.

9. Art Paper or Cardstock:

Heavier paper types used for specific origami projects requiring more durability or thickness. Cardstock or art paper is suitable for creating larger or more structurally complex models.

10. Rice Paper:

A thin and semi-transparent paper, often used in combination with other papers or for creating specific effects in origami.

The choice of paper that you use for origami projects depends on the complexity of the model, personal preferences, and the desired outcome.

Beginners often start with standard origami paper (kami) due to its ease of folding, while experienced folders might experiment with various papers for different effects and textures.

The Bases in Origami
In origami, bases are foundational folds that serve as the starting point for creating various models and designs.

These bases provide a structural framework from which more complex shapes and figures can be crafted. Some commonly used bases in origami include:

1. Preliminary Base (or Square Base):

Formed by folding the paper diagonally in both directions, creating a preliminary crease pattern that allows for the creation of various models.

2. Bird Base (or Square Bird Base):

A variation of the preliminary base, consisting of additional folds that create four flaps, which can be manipulated to form birds, frogs, and other figures.

3. Fish Base:

Similar to the preliminary base but with additional folds that create a structure resembling a fish. It’s used as a starting point for fish and boat models.

4. Frog Base:

Derived from the preliminary base, the frog base includes specific folds that resemble the legs of a frog. It’s used for creating models of frogs, turtles, and other animals.

5. Waterbomb Base:

Created by folding the paper into a preliminary base and then forming additional folds to collapse it into a compact, symmetrical shape resembling a waterbomb. This base is used for various models including balloons and cubes.

6. Blintz Base:

Formed by folding the paper to create a smaller square within the larger square, often used as a starting point for models requiring additional layers or complex folds.

7. Windmill Base:

Created from the preliminary base, the windmill base involves additional folds that resemble the blades of a windmill. It’s used for specific origami models like pinwheels.

8. Diamond Base:

Created by folding the paper into a diamond shape, often used as a starting point for models requiring diamond-shaped structures or symmetry.

These bases serve as starting points or foundations for creating a wide variety of origami models.

From these bases, skilled origami artists use precise folding techniques to transform the paper into intricate and detailed designs of animals, objects, and geometric shapes.

Origami: Complete Beginner’s Guide to this Lovely Craft