Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding is not only impressive, but also challenging. How to turn a piece of paper into a beautiful bird? Start by learning how to understand the symbols in an origami diagram, then practice some of the most common folding techniques. When you're ready to create your own craft, choose a pattern with basic techniques that are popular and easy for beginners. Ready, ready, fold! Become an origami expert! Follow too Origami Bootcamp from wikiHow!
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Method 1 of 3: Creating Basic Shapes
Step 1. Make a heart shape as a romantic masterpiece
A simple heart shape can make a pretty Valentine's Day decoration or a greeting card for a loved one. This form requires simple folding techniques so it is suitable for beginners. In addition, you can also learn how to form a basic pyramid when making a heart shape.
- Decorate your craft with markers, glitter, or stickers when you're done if you want to use it on Valentine's Day cards or other cards.
- Make lots of small hearts, then hang them on a string to attach as adorable decorative strands at home.
- If you are a beginner, use origami paper that is thinner and easier to fold.
- Choose aluminum foil (metallic) or wrapping paper if you want to create a more glamorous or captivating masterpiece.
- For a sturdier shape, use thicker cardboard.
- Innovate when thinking about the materials to be used. For example, you can use table napkins, tissue paper, or even newsprint as an interesting challenge.
Step 2. Make fortune teller paper as an interesting game to play with friends
Start by folding the paper in half (on both sides). After that, fold the four corners towards the center. Turn and fold all corners back toward the center.
- Write eight predictions on the inside of each corner. Open the corners that look like triangles on one side of the paper. Each corner has two prophecies.
- On the side with corners that look like little squares, write four different things from the same category. For example, if you are using a color category, write “red”, “blue”, “green”, and “yellow”. You can also use other categories like animal, season, shoe type, and so on.
- To use fortune telling paper, pinch the bottom of the corners with your index and thumb. When you open and close your hand, the fortune teller paper will also open and close.
Step 3. Learn how to make a classic water bomb by making origami balloons
This basic shape is used in a variety of intermediate and advanced origami designs. Therefore, this form is the right choice to master. After creating the basic shape, fold the shape a few more times and inflate the balloon to make the shape more visible.
- You can also fill the balloon with water.
- To make the basic water bomb shape, fold a square sheet of paper horizontally on both sides (you'll need to unfold the first fold before making a new fold on the other side). Glue the two opposite corners (diagonally) until the paper forms a triangle.
- If the paper doesn't hold its shape easily, you may need to close the creases you've made.
Step 4. Make an origami airplane as a boredom toy
Get to know more elaborate and cool versions of origami airplanes! Make a regular airplane shape, or add a jet or hang kite.
- After building an airplane, it's time to fly it! Toss or propel the airplane into the air as you would a ball, then observe the aircraft as it flies through the air.
- Have an origami airplane contest with friends. Find out who can make the plane that can fly the furthest.
Step 5. Create a star shape if you want to create a unique decoration
One of the most common shapes for beginners, stars seem more complicated to make than they really are. Cut the paper in half, then fold the two pieces apart before gluing them together to form a star.
- Attach your origami star to a stick and place it outdoors (eg a garden), then watch it spin in the wind like a pinwheel.
- You can also use a star shape as a festive gift topper.
Method 2 of 3: Creating Flower and Animal Shapes
Step 1. Shape the paper into lilies if you want to make a beautiful bouquet that lasts
If you're happy with the shape or appearance of real flowers, but uncomfortable with their durability, make flowers out of paper. Lilies are one of the most common forms of origami that require several complex folds so make sure you are comfortable and master the basic folding techniques first.
- You can attach pre-made lilies to a pipe cleaner or pipe cleaner, or add paper leaves for a more realistic look.
- Incorporate a few sprigs of lilies for a pretty table decoration or even a wedding bouquet.
Step 2. Practice making lotus flowers to create a Japanese floral decoration
There are many different types of origami flowers you can make, but the lotus or lotus flower is one of the most popular choices in Japan. Every flower needs a series of flashes of flashes.
- Mix and match paper with various colors for a beautiful effect.
- You can decorate the flowers with glitter powder or paint after they are finished as an additional decoration.
- Once you've mastered one shape, try variations or other, more complicated shapes. Your abilities will not develop if you don't want to push yourself.
- Origami takes a lot of practice. Get in the habit of practicing this skill every day and practice for at least 10 minutes every day.
Step 3. Make a jumping frog if you want to make a playable masterpiece
The fun won't stop once you're done making the frogs. If you fold the body well, the frog can even jump into the air!
- In order for the frog to jump, place the kata on a flat surface and press the back of its body. Release quickly and watch the frog jump.
- This activity is suitable for young children because they will enjoy playing with the crafts they have made.
Step 4. Make a crane as an elegant origami creation
The cranes and swans made of paper look elegant and beautiful. With a pattern of mountain and valley folds, the paper goose is perfect for beginners. However, the paper crane requires a slightly more complicated technique.
- You can leave the work created flat. However, if you want to create a more voluminous (three-dimensional) masterpiece, simply pull the head and tail of the animal further and carefully.
- You can also blow water through the underside of the stork or swan's body to fill it with air.
- Attach the finished pieces to a piece of string to make beautiful strands or wall hangings.
Step 5. Try making origami names if you are comfortable or good at making bird shapes
To make a dragon, you need to use the basic shapes that you get when you create a bird shape. After making the body like a bird's body, fold some parts of the paper to create the tail, wings, and head.
- Get creative with your custom dragon! Make horns, add spines or scales to the tail, or decorate the wings with small folds.
- There is a simpler version for the dragon pattern or shape if you are a beginner.
Method 3 of 3: Reading Origami Diagrams
Step 1. Look for the symbol that shows the side of the paper facing up
“Traditional” origami paper has a color on one side and a blank (white) on the other. The first image on the diagram shows a symbol indicating the side facing up. For example, if you need to start with the blank side facing up, you might want to see an image of a white square sheet of paper with colored corners folded up.
- Another common symbol is a circle with the top half a different color and the bottom half white. This symbol indicates that the colored side of the paper should be facing up.
- Start with the right side so that the final creation doesn't have a white color, instead a different color.
Step 2. Determine the type of crease made based on the line pattern (solid or dashed)
You can see different types of lines on an origami diagram. If the line has a combination of stripes and dots, fold the paper in a “mountain” pattern. If the line is only made up of dots, fold the paper in a "valley" pattern.
The straight line indicates the fold line formed from the previous fold
Step 3. Follow the arrows to know the direction of folding the paper
In addition to the usual left and right arrows, the diagram also features more complex arrows to guide the folding process. For example, an arrow with a line pointing to the right, then back to the left indicates that you need to fold the paper to the right, then unfold the fold again.
- The arrows for the “fold and unfold” pattern also sometimes appear as lines with arrowheads at both ends. Fold the paper in the direction of the regular arrow, then unfold it in the direction of the “blank” (not solid-colored) arrow.
- You may also see a curved line (almost a circle) with an end pointing towards the starting point of the line. This line indicates the “mountain” fold pattern.
Step 4. Look for the special arrows that indicate turning or turning the paper
If you see an arrow that is spinning and crossing its own line, you will need to turn the paper over to the other side. The arrows forming a circle indicate that you need to rotate the paper a few degrees or times.
- If you are asked to rotate the paper by a certain degree (eg 45 or 90 degrees), the number indicating the degree will be displayed inside the circular arrow.
- Sometimes, you can see fractions on the inside of the arrow instead of degrees. For example, if you see a “1/4” fraction, you need to turn the paper a quarter turn.
Step 5. Repeat the specific steps when you see an arrow with a line on it
Some arrows are crossed by a small plumb at the end of the line opposite the arrow. The number of lines in the arrow indicates the number of repetitions that need to be performed.
For example, if there is a line on the arrow, you will need to repeat the step on one side or fold. If there are two lines, repeat the steps on the other two sides or folds, and so on
Tips
- If you're having trouble understanding the instructions written on the diagram, follow the online video tutorials that will walk you through each step.
- Join an origami club so you can learn from the other members. Get information from the nearest community/community center, college, or craft store regarding an origami group or club you can join.
