Simple Origami


Welcome to the Simple Origami site and thanks for stopping by! We are going to make the assumption that you have an interest in Origami and that you have come to this site to find out more about what Origami is all about and how you can get started with this wonderful pastime. Simple Origami is a great skill to learn that will provide you and your family with many benefits for many years if you know the right way to go about it. On the other hand if you have no-one showing you the art of paper folding then it can be one of the most frustrating activities that you do.

We’re here to help you with what you need to know about Origami and to provide you with the resources you will need to firstly understand what this is all about and what benefits it can actually provide. Importantly you should be able to answer the question “Is Origami something that is really right for me” after spending a short amount of time on this site. We have organized in one place all of the information and links to resources you will need to get started.

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Origami Paper Folding – What Materials Do You Need?

The great thing about origami paper folding is that you essentially only require paper. In fact, using just a single piece of paper, one can create the most spectacular designs. Of course, the type of paper you require depends largely on each specific project you undertake. In most cases, regular copy paper is perfectly suitable for making simple projects such as a paper airplane. Ordinary copy paper is also probably the best choice if you’re only starting out with origami, simply because it will work out far less expensive than if you choose to use some of the high quality paper which is available.

On the other hand, depending on what sort of project you intend working on, you may have to opt for heavy paper (approximately 25lbs.). One of the reasons for this is that some projects require the use of wet folds and of course light paper is not suitable in that case. Wet folding is an age old technique which is used in order to create a rounded effect, in that wet paper allows for sculpting and when the paper dries out, it will once again be sturdy.

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Origami for Children – A Great Hobby?

Crafts projects are one of the most enjoyable and popular activities in the U.S. today with. Origami for children is both fun and therapeutic. Working with your hands is a great de-stresser. Paper crafts offer a versatile and inexpensive medium in which to express yourself. Paper can be folded into elegant origami, stamped, cut, embossed, made into wall hangings or a collage and even formed into paper mache ornaments or containers. Paper crafts offer a range of self expression with an inexpensive price tag.

Suitable papers range from kids’ construction papers to fine Japanese rice paper to rag cotton woven papers. You may be surprised to learn the scope of paper crafts projects at your fingertips. A simple afternoon of play may produce an heirloom creation, giving you and your family pleasure for years and generations to come.

Let’s start with a typical children’s activity using simple construction paper. You can cut paper dolls, of people, pets, flowers or anything else which strikes your child’s fancy. Different colors of construction paper can be combined in colorful, fanciful pictures of your own back yard, a meadow, bird’s nests, waterfalls or the family dog or cat. Such are the beginnings of your future artist. Let their imaginations roam. Construction paper chains make colorful garlands at Christmas, giving the little ones a sense of pride and contribution.

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Origami Instructions to help You Master the Art of Paper Folding

As with any other craft simple origami has its own terms and techniques. Here are some basic origami instructions for horizontal and vertical folds.

It is very important to keep all your folds crisp and clean. The Book – fold a piece of paper (rectangular or square) down the middle vertically making certain the opposite edges line up one on top of the other. For many simple origami figures you will need to add another book figure – open the paper and make another fold across the middle horizontally again, making sure the edges lie one on top of the other.

If you don’t open the book before making the second fold you end up with the handkerchief fold which gives you a small square with four layers of paper one on top of the other.

The Cupboard – using a square piece of paper make the book fold then open the paper and take each outside edge and fold it to the center line. By bringing each edge over to the next line you will end up making even more equal vertical strips.

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A Simple Origami Step by Step Guide

If you want to learn Origami step by step then you will want to read this article. Specifically we will discuss the three things you need to understand about Origami, what is Origami all about, how do I get started and is Origami something that is really right for me. After reading this article you will have enough information to understand the benefits of Origami and whether it is something you might wish to pursue.

The art of Simple Origami has its origins reaching back hundreds of years and is embedded in Japanese culture although its appeal spread quickly to European countries where it is now actively practiced all over the world. So what is Origami all about? Put simply it is the art of folding paper and this may sound boring or too simple for some but with the right set of directions it can result in some amazing creations. Haven’t most of us tried to make a paper plane at one time or another. This is an example of Simple Origami. Of course this is just the beginning. The objects that you can create through the simple act of folding paper are only limited by your imagination and skill level.

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Origami for Kids – A Perfect Hobby for Children

Interestingly enough, people realized back in the 1800′s that origami for kids is a perfect hobby for young children because it not only teaches hand and eye coordination, but it also helps a child to develop a sense of concentration. Of course, what makes it even better is the fact that when a child has finished making their project, they have a toy to play with which they’ve made themselves.

Children in particular find it fascinating being able to fold a piece of paper into various shapes and figures, considering they are not yet able to draw. The benefits of teaching a child origami are many, one of which is that they learn dexterity, and they learn how to follow step-by-step instructions. Furthermore, it helps a child to develop their creative skills and it also helps the child to relax. Considering that even children are nowadays subjected to hectic lifestyles, origami provides a child with an opportunity to sit quietly and peacefully while making paper figures, and this in itself helps to establish a sense of balance in a child’s life.

Origami for kids requires you to remember the following:

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