Origami And Folded Paper | Origami And Folded Paper Guide

During my years folding origami, I have thought a lot about how to make great models. There are a lot of simple things about origami that a beginner will pick up very quickly, but I hope the tips here will highlight some things that aren't as apparent. This is a short list of tips that work well for me.

Avoid Bigger Problems Later by Being Careful Now The first folds of an origami model serve as the foundation for the rest of the model. Models tend towards to get more chaotic as the folds increase. Sometimes this can seem to work exponentially. Take the time to make sure folds meet at corners and that edges are meeting properly. If something is off, take the time to fix it. As you progress, folds that are out of place will cause more and more problems. Practice special patience early on.

Take a Breather from Time to Time Taking a break is not just a good idea to clear your head. It's also a good moment to check your work. Compare your model to the diagrams. A common mistake to find is that you did a valley fold instead of a mountain fold somewhere. Also, it's easy to miss a step and have something that isn't quite right. Another thing I like to do is check the diagrams a few steps forward. That way you can see how the model is about to change and anticipate what your next move is. Also, you can see where some existing creases should be sharpened up to make things easier.

Always Check the Diagram Symbols Even though I have been folding origami since I was a teenager, I take a moment to check the symbols. At the front of every origami book there will be some pages detailing the symbols they use to denote mountain and valley folds. Doing this tends to clear my head and make me more thoughtful.

Choose the Right Kind of Paper Since Origami is really made of paper, that's the most important choice you can make. Textured Paper: This kind of paper is really nice for simple origami. It can add to the gesture and also create volume. For simple origami I also like to use paper with designs on it. Thin Paper with Solid Colors: This kind of paper is better for medium-complexity models, mostly because you can get more details in with less volume. For example if you're doing an insect, the leg won't be as thick. Also more complex models have details which show nicely with solid-colored papers. Foil-Backed Paper: This is paper that is made of a layer of thin foil bonded to regular paper. You can buy it at most origami paper stores. It will take and hold a sharp crease very well and will compress so that places in the model that have a lot of layers won't be so thick. The main problem with foil-backed paper is that mistakes and accidental folds can't be smoothed out.

Air Folding Instead of folding your model against a table surface, fold with your hands as much as possible.

Take Your Time and Enjoy As your experience increases, you will notice that patterns emerge. As a model progresses it is rewarding to observe how it changes in shape. Designers start with basic shapes and make them into new possibilities. You may find that you know how to get from one place in a model to another in a way that works better than in the instructions. If you like these tips, here is more information on folding origami paper.

Enjoy Origami!