The Art of Folded Paper: Origami
Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, which dates back to the 17th century or even earlier. The word "origami" comes from the Japanese words "ori" which means to fold, and "kami" which means paper.
Origami was initially practiced by the Japanese elite as a leisurely activity, and the paper was very expensive and rare. However, in the early 19th century, paper became more affordable, and origami became more popular among the general public.
Origami has a deep cultural significance in Japan, and many origami designs have symbolic meanings. For example, the crane is a popular origami design that is said to bring good luck and longevity.
In the 20th century, origami began to gain popularity outside of Japan. Many books and instructional materials were published, and origami clubs and societies were formed around the world. Today, origami is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds and has evolved into a form of artistic expression and scientific study.
Modern origami includes designs that are not just limited to the traditional Japanese forms. New techniques and ideas have emerged, leading to the creation of intricate and complex models. In addition, origami has become an important tool in fields such as mathematics, engineering, and space exploration.
Making origami designs involves folding a single sheet of paper into various shapes and forms, following a set of instructions or diagrams. Here are some general steps to make a simple origami design:
Choose the paper: Origami paper is a thin and square paper specifically designed for origami. However, any square paper can be used, such as scrapbooking paper or printer paper.
Follow instructions or diagrams: Look for instructions or diagrams for the specific origami design you want to make. These can be found in origami books, websites, or videos.
Start folding: Follow the instructions step by step, making sure to crease the paper firmly along each fold line.
Be patient and precise: Origami requires patience and attention to detail. Take your time, and make sure each fold is precise.
Finish the design: Once you have completed all the folds, your origami design should be complete. You may need to adjust or flatten some parts to make it look more polished.
Practice: Origami can take time to master, so practice with different designs and paper types to improve your skills.
There are many websites that provide instructions and diagrams for making origami designs. Here are a few that you may find helpful:
Origami Way: https://www.origamiway.com/
Origami Fun: https://origami-fun.com/
Origami Instructions: https://origami-instructions.com/
Paper Kawaii: https://www.paperkawaii.com/
Origami.me: https://origami.me/
Some simple origami designs that you could start with are the crane, the fortune teller, the paper boat, or the balloon. Once you get more comfortable with the basics, you can move on to more complex designs such as animals, flowers, or geometric shapes.