The art of origami was born in Japan in the 6th century, when some monks introduced paper from China. Origami kept its religious and ceremonial nature until the 1600s. As soon as paper became a mass consumer good, accessible to all due to its low cost, the art of origami spread as a popular recreational activity, thus permeating the culture. Japanese. Origami is very popular all over the world today. If you want to try your hand at this sublime art, here are some ways to try your hand.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Origami Flowers
Flowers are perhaps the most common subject in origami, and can be used both as a gift idea and as a simple decoration.
Step 1. Kusudama flower
By folding five or six square sheets of paper, a delightful kusudama flower can be made.
Step 2. Kusudama sphere
Kusudama literally means medicinal sphere. You can make your own by gluing 12 kusudama flowers together. Kusudama spheres were traditionally used for incense or potpourri.
Step 3. Rosa
You can make beautiful roses from square sheets of paper of various colors. You can also combine them together to create unique decorations.
Step 4. Abstract lotus flower
For an unusual variation of the lotus flower, you can make an origami that recalls the shape of this flower in an abstract and contemporary variation.
Step 5. Paper orchid
You can also make a delicate orchid starting from a single sheet of paper.
Method 2 of 7: Origami Animals
Animals are also a very popular subject among origamists.
Step 1. Crane
According to an ancient Japanese legend, the one who will make 1000 cranes with the origami technique will have created a senbazuru. It is said that the senzabaru will bring great luck to its owner, also guaranteeing the fulfillment of every desire.
Step 2. Swan
This creation is perfect to use as a place card for a dinner with friends, or simply to decorate gifts.
Step 3. Dragon
This figure is slightly more complex than the previous ones, but after you learn how to fold the crane, you will only need a few extra steps.
Step 4. Butterfly
A butterfly made with the origami technique can be a perfect gift idea in spring. You can also hang some on your window, on a mirror, on a bulletin board or on a bedside lamp.
Step 5. Fluttering bird
This model is a variation of the swan, and allows your bird to flap its wings.
Step 6. Jumping frog
Make an interactive toy yourself.
Method 3 of 7: Decorative Origami
Some origami are made for a purely decorative purpose. These paper pendants can be hung in a room or added to a gift in place of the more classic bow. Choose colored paper to make the decoration stand out more.
Step 1. Paper lantern
A paper lantern made with the origami technique is excellent as a decoration, even individually. You can make some in various sizes and colors, and attach them together with a string as a decoration for a party.
Step 2. 3D Snowflake
Although technically a modular model, its use is more decorative than geometric in nature. Hang or pin these snowflakes on a window for a truly unique winter decoration.
Step 3. Pinwheel
After shaping the pinwheel, add a pin in the center, using a pencil or wooden stick. Blowing against it, it will turn. You could even stick a few in the garden so the wind will make them spin.
Step 4. Heart with pocket
This heart has a pocket that can hold a note, a candy or a jewel. Since office sticky sheets come in a wide variety of colors, you could use one for this origami heart.
Step 5. Envelope.
You can make an envelope from a square sheet of paper. The larger the sheet, the larger the size of your envelope.
Method 4 of 7: Banknotes Folded with the Origami Technique
Folding 1 dollar bills became very popular in America around the 1950s, as it was within everyone's reach. You can artistically fold a bill to tip at a restaurant, or as a wedding gift. Banknotes from different countries will have different sizes, so you have to adapt the folds to the various sizes.
Step 1. Triangle-shaped banknote
For this creation, you will need a new banknote, which is neither wrinkled nor folded frequently previously.
Step 2. Heart shaped banknote
Fold a banknote of any denomination into a heart shape, to give as a gift to a child on his birthday or for another special occasion.
Step 3. Make a ring with a banknote.
You don't need to give away an expensive ring to show all your love to your partner. This model will ensure that the figure relating to the value of the banknote itself is clearly visible in place of the “gem”.
Method 5 of 7: Practical Origami
Origami can also have practical uses. You can make popcorn boxes suitable for a party, or boxes to hold your jewelry or office stationery.
Step 1. Box
Once finished, you can use this paper box to tidy up a myriad of small items on your toilet or desk. You could also use it to wrap a gift.
Step 2. Divider for a box
It is used to divide your origami box into four equal compartments, so you can store beads, various objects or jewels.
Step 3. Photo frame
This photo frame can be made with sheets of different colors to add a special touch to your favorite photos. Connect several photo frames together with a string and hang them on the wall for a very special decoration.
Step 4. Paper candy holder
This paper cone is perfect for candy or popcorn. Use paper in different colors and patterns to match your other party decorations.
Method 6 of 7: Composable Origami
For composable origami you will need 2 or more sheets of paper, which will be folded into shapes called "units" or "modules". Once the individual modules are folded, they will be attached together to form the final model, generally of geometric shape.
Step 1. Spiral
You can create a 3 dimensional spiral by composing 4 pieces of paper.
Step 2. Japanese brocade
A Japanese brocade is made up of six pieces of paper. The various modules are joined together in a cube, which is then modified to become a ball.
Step 3. Penultimate module
By composing various "penultimate modules", complex geometric shapes can be created.
Step 4. Sonobe units
The sonobe unit is the starting point for creating a variety of geometric shapes. After folding the base module, you can then make several variations to create numerous polyhedra.
Method 7 of 7: Origami Toy
Children of all ages can try their hand at the art of origami to create real toys, or simply as a pastime.
Step 1. Paper airplane
This is one of the most common origami models and has numerous variations.
Step 2. Samurai helmet
This origami is a paper model of the kabuto helmet, fitted with two horns, and is intended to represent the mythical entity chosen by the wearer.
Step 3. Paper tank
While the model pictured was made with white paper, you can also use brown, army green, and even origami paper in camouflage colors for a more realistic model.
Step 4. Stella (shuriken)
A shuriken, or ninja star, can be created from a sheet of printer paper. Grab various stars you have created and throw them as if they were Frisbees.
