The birthplace of origami is still a mystery. Paper was developed in China in the first century A.D., and Buddhist monks brought it to Japan by the sixth century A.D. However there are not many written records from that time, so it is not known whether origami first began in China or Japan. However, no one will argue that Japan developed origami to a high art form. The word origami is Japanese: oru means "to fold", and kami means "paper".
Many grownups remember making origami items as a child. It was often a case of watching as another youngster showed how to make a paper airplane or something similar. After a while, we develop a set of origami instructions in our head, for making several airplanes, boats, animals, water balloons and other toys.
As it turns out, there are only so many ways to fold paper. Developing a "language" of folding helps simplify passing on origami teachings. Terms like "mountain fold" and "valley fold" are used over and over again. Basic fold patterns such as "square base" and "bird base" can be used as starting points for many different origami pieces. From the basic building blocks, an effectively infinite number of origami items can be made.
Special origami kits are available. These contain squares of paper, often colored on one side only. This helps to enhance the three dimensional effect of the item being folded. The paper is also very thin, allowing it to be folded many times. Origami items can also be made from scrap paper, such as standard printer paper. This is often best for paper airplanes, due to its weight and size: larger airplanes (of a given design) generally fly better. True origami is made from one piece of paper without using scissors, glue or decorative items such as markers. However, remember that the goal is to have fun, so use what you like.
The effect of origami as kids is to teach us creativity, patience and following a process. As grownups, paper folding is a great stress reliever and an effective way to bond further with our kids. Whether you'd like to make a simple paper boat or fold an elephant out of a dollar bill, origami is a fun, simple and inexpensive hobby. So get a piece of paper and start folding!
If you'd like to know more about origami, including how to fold specific items, visit our site at www.origami-instructions.com.
This article may be reprinted if proper credit is given and all links left intact. Copyright©2005 Origami-Instructions.com
Andre is a contributor to Origami-Instructions.com.
Even most non-cigar smokers have heard some of the lore... Read More
Crafting with young children really isn't about creating something in... Read More
For you to enjoy your treasures, they need to be... Read More
You know the feeling. The kids have tons of demands,... Read More
Marking tools are used for marking metals and non-metal surfaces.... Read More
If you are involved in the crafts business, and are... Read More
Storing origamiThis is a great question. Many people want to... Read More
Try using song lyrics in your next layout.Song lyrics can... Read More
Making chunk candles is an and fun activity for all... Read More
You will find scrapbook supplies for photos and pictures in... Read More
Kids grow up so fast and if you don't try... Read More
Tags are a little added touch of professionalism that adds... Read More
Feel sad, tired, or a little bit stressed? Something as... Read More
Here's a great idea for making a special 'first haircut'... Read More
The theme of your scrapbook can be simple or complex.... Read More
There are several types of refrigerator magnets that you can... Read More
The choice of what gift to give your family and... Read More
To think that in the beginning the only sewing patterns... Read More
Looking at all the various swords for sale online can... Read More
In warm weather, latex balloons will typically only last outside... Read More
This is where you can really make or break your... Read More
Stamping is one of the most versatile crafts around because... Read More
Origami is a fantastic art form that guarantees hours of... Read More
I'm new to scrapbooking, and I still can't believe all... Read More
Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 4 - Tools For... Read More
Do you dream of watching the natural beauty of the... Read More
As a southern girl, sewing was a rite of passage.... Read More
There is estimated to be over 100 billion individual wild... Read More
By stepping backwards in time one can discover an important... Read More
Woodworking: Where To Start - Tips From Experienced WoodworkersWoodworking encompasses... Read More
No matter how careful you are, you will undoubtedly find... Read More
What can increase your sales volume and make you more... Read More
You can, if you are ambitious, start a Mail Order... Read More
The framing industry has no books, no set theory, not... Read More
Virtually everyone has the knowledge they need to make a... Read More
For centuries man's progress has been lighted by candles. However,... Read More
It is unbelievable when one says, yeah, I collect comic... Read More
Here's a great idea for making a special 'first haircut'... Read More
A few years ago I read a statistic that said... Read More
Are your pants wearing out too fast?Does it look like... Read More
How would you like the chance to use the skills... Read More
One of the most popular party favors is a framed... Read More
This article is in response to the emails I receive... Read More
According legend, first nested doll prototype appeared in Russia in... Read More
Looking at all the various swords for sale online can... Read More
Try using song lyrics in your next layout.Song lyrics can... Read More
Take note that you need to decide whether you want... Read More
Basic foldsMost of the designs that you will learn will... Read More
So you fancy starting a collection but you're not sure... Read More
The roar of the crowd as the cars rush by,... Read More
Feel sad, tired, or a little bit stressed? Something as... Read More
As a devoted scrapper, you probably gain satisfaction from scrapbooking... Read More
My name is Tony Asef and I start my own... Read More
The first thing you will need to do is check... Read More
Supplies Needed:Most items can be found around the house or... Read More
Creating a collage journal is a unique and fun way... Read More
A smart, but irritating man once told me that Airbrushing... Read More
Woodworking: The Process Of Making Something Using WoodThe art of... Read More
You've seen the shows on television. You've watched the auctions... Read More
Feathers make exotic and interesting embellishments and borders. Feathers add... Read More
You'd think that the term "battle ready sword" would be... Read More
Crocheting is not only a craft but an... Read More
Once you've decided on your leather craft project, you'll need... Read More
Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 2 - Tools For... Read More
There are many styles of humidors that range from the... Read More
Floral design is an art and for some it comes... Read More
Crafts & Hobbies |