Japan is the country from where origami originates. The meaning of’ ‘origami’ is actually folding paper in Japanese language. This is a method of paper folding that breathes life into plain paper to create the most amazing objects. This is an art that has been passed down through generations orally for hundreds of years until the 1950s when Yashizawa Akira recorded everything in a compilation of standard sketches and diagrams supported by detailed instructions for origami, which have become the accepted style for origami world over.
Origami is fun Most of the origami creations start with a piece of square paper, though there are a few designs that use round and oval shapes as well. You can use any type of paper: colored, plain, crepe, patterned, you name it. However, the regular origami paper is a little lighter than the standard paper you use in day-to-day life. Among the most popular types of origami creations, there are four major styles practiced: (1)Classic origami – these models normally consist of basic and simple ways of folding paper. This is the best style to start your lessons in origami. Some examples of classic origami styles are crane, ball, and jumping frog. (2)Geometric origami – this is also a simple style which requires that you fold the paper in a given pattern repeatedly.
The repetitive folding creates a flat design that is mostly used for decorative purposes. (3)Modular origami – this method of origami is used to create geometric objects such as the origami box. This style, too is simple, though the end product looks complex and very attractive. (4)Complex origami – there is quite some controversy regarding this type of origami particularly because its complexity requires the use of scissors and glue. Some say that as per the basic definition of origami, the objects should be exclusively the result of folding paper. If such a definition is accepted per se, nothing that requires cutting and gluing the folded paper can be strictly called origami. Nonetheless, many experienced origami artists practice and promote this style as well.
You can teach yourself to make origami There is no way by which you could learn origami without practicing it. Therefore, you need to find ways to learn the method by seeing and practicing it. I have gathered a few resources for you and listed these in the present article. Take your time and go through each one of the resources listed here; pay close attention at the instructions and practice, practice and practice. With time, you would be able to make origami effortlessly and you would have discovered a wonderful hobby. Check out this site to see step-by-step videos that teach you to make different objects including swan, table, whale, boat, frog, turtle, pig, dog and bird. These are simple and easy-to-learn-and-make objects in classic origami styles:
- http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/91_origami.htm
- http://www.origami-videos.com/how-to-make-animal-origami.html
- http://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/Frogs/origami_instr.html
More ideas:
- Make origami stars – Make Origami paper stars
- Make the basic origami crane - http://www.monkey.org/~aidan/origami/crane/
- Make a reindeer - http://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Origami-Reindeer
- Make a rose - http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Simple-Origami-Rose
- Make a swan - http://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Origami-Swan
- Make a flying bird - http://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Origami-Flying-Bird
- Make a dragon - http://www.instructables.com/id/How_to_make_an_Origami_Dragon/
- Make a water lily – http://www.metacafe.com/watch/913755/how_to_make_origami_water_lily/
- Make a penguin - http://littlespikeyland.com/origami/penguin.php
- Make decorative paper flowers -http://how-to-make-paper-flowers.com/how-to-make-origami-paper-flower.html
- Check out 405 diagrams and origami sketches that would take you from the ranks of a beginner to that of an expert - http://dev.origami.com/diagram.cfm
Online helpful resources:
- http://www.ebookee.com/How-to-Make-Origami-Airplanes-That-Fly-Origami-By-Gery-Hsu_139407.html - this is a interesting free e-book that will teach you to make some amazing origami airplane
- http://www.origami-resource-center.com/history-of-origami.html - a website that will take you deep into the history of this wonderful hobby.
- http://wwworigami.gr.jp/People/OKMR_/history-e.html - learn how origami gained the popularity that it is enjoying today. You will find here some very interesting facts about origami such as, once upon a time origami was considered a waste-of-time in Japan.
