The How to do Origami Blog

Are you interested in learning the Japanese art of origami? Do you want to quickly learn how to do origami and have fun doing it? A tip that works… Start with simple designs and learn the basic folds.

Origami (pronounced or-i-GA-me) is the Japanese art of folding paper. The word comes from two Japanese words, “ori” (folding) and “kami”(paper).

Some Interesting Facts

Did you know that the Japanese did not invent origami? They definitely made it famous. The Chinese invented paper (by Cai Lun in the Eastern Han Dynasty in China) in the first century AD and started the paper folding technique, called Zhezhi.

Japan adopted the idea from the Chinese in 600AD (they were known for “taking” ideas from the Chinese culture), when Buddhist monks from China carried paper to Japan.

Samurai warriors also began to use Origami. They would use it to exchange gifts decorated with noshi (a kind of “ceremonial origami fold” attached to gifts to express “good wishes”).

“Origami love notes”

At first, origami was only for the rich in Japan. The Japanese used to send Origami love notes”, where the image itself presented something or revealed a message to the person receiving it.

The paper crane has become the most widely known symbol for origami. The Japanese consider the crane to be a lucky charm. The belief is that if anyone folds a thousand paper cranes, their heart’s desires will come true.

Origami 101

It is important for you to know that there are a few basic folds that are used repeatedly in most models. It is essential for you to learn these basic folds:

• The Valley Fold,
• The Mountain Fold,
• The Petal Fold,
• The Rabbit Ear Fold,
• The Squash Fold,
• The (Inside) Reverse Fold,
• The Outside Reverse Fold,
• The Crimp Fold,
• And the Sink Fold.

Do not worry if you don’t know them yet. You will get to know them real soon.

You will truly know how to do origami the proper way once you have mastered the Folds.

Start with the designs that are easy-to-make and that have crystal clear diagrams and illustrations. Practice on a wide range of origami models that does not take you hours to do.

Certainly one of the best ways to learn origami is to first watch someone do it and then follow instructions from a book.

One book that I think every beginner Origami enthusiast must have is the “Easy Origami” book. This book will show you how to do Origami in the quickest possible way. The book focuses on the basic folding techniques that you need to know and it will give you the confidence to take on more advanced projects.

I think that this is an absolutely must have for someone who is really serious about wanting to learn how to do origami.