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An Introduction to Origami

How to Create Beautiful Three Dimensional Objects from a Flat Sheet of Paper

Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, might have actually originated in China. Paper making was developed in China and some of the oldest surviving examples of folding models are from there.

However, Japan embraced origami and, in most peoples’ minds, the art is distinctly Japanese. In its traditional form, a square piece of paper is formed into an endless variety of shapes, using a small number of different folds. Cutting and pasting are not part of the traditional practice.

Besides China, other countries have also taken up paper folding. In Spain and France, starting in the 16th Century, documents, probably baptismal certificates, were folded into little birds, known as Pajarita in Spain and Cocotte in France.

Origami designs can be simple hats or airplanes, or can be complex structures such as animals or buildings, which can take quite a while to fold. Sometimes the more complex shapes are made of foil rather than paper, since the foil can be folded more times, while creating less bulk.

Standard origami paper is generally a 6” (15 cm) square. Standard folds are used to create bases, the most common of which are kite, fish, bird and frog.

Once the base is shaped, other folds are added to create almost any shape.

One of the most famous Japanese origami shapes is the crane (pictured here). The Japanese consider the crane auspicious. Legend has it that anyone who folds a thousand paper cranes will have their heart’s desire come true. The origami crane has since become a symbol of peace in Japan.

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How to Fold an Origami Crane

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In the 1920’s and 30’s, Joseph Albers began to create spiral and curved shapes. Later, Akira Yoshizawa inspired the modern revival of the art using even more intricate designs and introducing new techniques such as wet folding, so the origami paper holds its shape better.

To show off the versatility and originality that can be origami, every year for the past 30 years, the American Museum of Natural History in New York has erected a Christmas tree solely decorated with many different origami shapes such as crabs, lobsters, birds, turtles and dinosaurs. It's truly amazing to behold!

For anyone looking to get started in origami, I recommend The Complete Book of Origami: Step-By-Step Instructions in over 1000 Diagrams with 37 Original Models, by Robert Lang. The first part of this book is an excellent introduction into the basic skills needed to do origami.

Each model is designed to let you practice one skill several times. This book is a well known source of origami instructions.

Another excellent way to get started in paper folding is to purchase the Thousand Cranes Origami Kit that includes instructions and paper to make 1000 cranes.

If you just need origami paper, here is an inexpensive a pack of 55 sheets.

It is truly amazing what can be created from a simple piece of paper. All but the youngest children can make these miniature works of art. It is a craft worth exploring.

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