Origami:Paper Folding

Designing a "model" (folded piece of paper) is an art in itself.

"OK, so everyone can fold paper in half. What’s so exciting about that?" you may say. But you’ll soon think differently when you learn more about the art of origami.

Remember making paper airplanes at school? And remember how someone, instead of an airplane, made a flower, a jumping frog, or a parrot? That was like magic. And they only had their two hands and a plain piece of paper. How did they do it? We’ll show you how.

"Hey, that point shouldn’t be sticking out like that!" Something went wrong? That’s because even an airplane requires concentration and patience. Let this tranquil pastime completely absorb you, and your complete relaxation is guaranteed. You know, those wise Japanese invented a great thing.

By the way, origami develops logical reasoning, attention span, spatial thinking and fine motor skills. Consider that when you’re trying to keep fidgety kids busy.

A folk art, a creative art, a mathematical puzzle, a game-- all of these terms describe origami. Some people are attracted to origami for its simplicity, while others marvel at the minds of people who can devise the patterns for such ingenious creations. Some look to origami as a way to entertain, while others find it has a calming, relaxing effect.

Origami is unique among paper crafts in that it requires no materials other than the paper itself. Cutting, gluing, or drawing on the paper is avoided, using only paper folding to create the desired result. No special skills or artistic talent are needed for origami, although a good amount of patience and perseverance are very helpful. Models can be folded by following instructions exactly. Experimenting with different folds may lead to a totally new, original paper-fold.

Designing a "model" (folded piece of paper) is an art in itself. Even following a diagram (set of instructions) resembles a performance: it can be done mechanically, or "life" can be breathed onto the model, lending it part of the folder's personality.

There are several "styles" of origami. Many modern folders regard folding from a single square sheet, with no cuts, a more refined expression of art.

All the models included here can be made from a single sheet, with no cuts. The puzzle of origami is simplified by animation rather than complex diagrams.

Some of the origami models includes:

Socks

A Heel

A Ring

A Medal

A Necktie

A Ring

A Wrist Watch

A Bangle

A Lipstick

A Foundation

A Bag

A Mobile

Sunglasses

A Japanese fan

A Paper fan

Gloves

Boots

A japanese School Bag

A Rucksack

A Houou

A Pigeon

A Cicada

A Chubby Sparrow

A Table

A Piano

A Crane

Fukusuke

A Crab

A Bird

Yakko san

A Wallet

Hakama

A Green Tea Cup

A Chair

A Note Case

A Chop Sticks Case

A Red and White Crane

A Congratulatory gift of money

A Balloon Rabbit

A Candy Box

A Goldfish