Origami: The Art of Paper Folding

What is Origami?

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. It is a simple but beautiful art form that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Origami practitioners use a single square piece of paper to create a variety of shapes, from simple geometric forms to complex animals and objects.

Origami crane

Origami is thought to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago, but it was the Japanese who refined the art form and made it popular around the world. Today, there are many different styles of origami, from traditional Japanese origami to modern origami that incorporates cutting and other techniques.

The History of Origami

The origins of origami are unknown, but it is thought to have originated in China over 2,000 years ago. Origami was introduced to Japan in the 6th century, and it quickly became a popular pastime for the Japanese people.

Chinese origami boat

The Different Types of Origami

There are many different types of origami, each with its own unique style and complexity. Some of the most popular types of origami include:

Traditional origami: Traditional origami uses simple folds to create geometric shapes and animals.

Modular origami: Modular origami involves folding multiple pieces of paper together to create a single, complex sculpture.

Kirigami: Kirigami is a type of origami that involves cutting the paper to create more complex designs.

Read Also: 5 Modernist Art Movements

How to Make Basic Origami Shapes

There are many different ways to make origami shapes. Here are some basic instructions for making a few popular origami shapes:

Crane:

1. Start with a square piece of paper.
2. Fold the paper in half diagonally, then fold it in half again.
3. Unfold the paper and fold the top corners down to the center crease.
4. Fold the bottom corners up to the top corners.
5. Fold the model in half lengthwise.
6. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
7. Unfold the top corners and fold them down to the bottom of the model.
8. Fold the model in half crosswise.
9. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
10. Unfold the top corners and fold them down to the bottom of the model.
11. Fold the top layer of paper down to the center crease.
12. Unfold the top layer of paper and fold it down to the bottom of the model.
13. Fold the model in half lengthwise.
14. Fold the bottom corners up to the center crease.
15. Fold the model in half crosswise.
16. Fold the top layer of paper down to the center crease.
17. Unfold the top layer of paper and fold it down to the bottom of the model.
18. Fold the crane in half lengthwise.
19. Shape the crane’s head and tail.

Origami crane folding instructions

Frog:

1. Start with a square piece of paper.
2. Fold the paper in half diagonally, then fold it in half again.
3. Unfold the paper and fold the top corners down to the center crease.
4. Fold the bottom corners up to the top corners.
5. Fold the model in half lengthwise.
6. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
7. Fold the bottom corners up to the top corners.
8. Fold the model in half lengthwise again.
9. Fold the top two layers of paper down to the center crease.
10. Unfold the top two layers of paper and fold them down to the bottom of the model.
11. Fold the model in half lengthwise again.
12. Fold the top layer of paper down to the center crease.
13. Unfold the top layer of paper and fold it down to the bottom of the model.
14. Fold the frog’s legs and feet.

Origami frog folding instructions

Boat:

1. Start with a square piece of paper.
2. Fold the paper in half diagonally, then fold it in half again.
3. Unfold the paper and fold the top corners down to the center crease.
4. Fold the bottom corners up to the top corners.
5. Fold the model in half lengthwise.
6. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
7. Fold the bottom corners up to the top corners.
8. Fold the model in half lengthwise again