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Essential Tips

Origami paper likes a flat, clean surface. Work on an oil-free table or countertop, or even a hardcover book.

Cut carefully! Since you’re working with things like maps and brochures, you’ll need to cut some of your sheets to the right size and shape Grab a ruler, a pencil and a pair of scissors (or, if you want to be super-precise, buy a craft knife from your local craft store, a cutting mat, and a metal ruler). Follow the “measure twice, cut once” rule when planning and drawing your square/rectangle. Take your time and cut carefully. Always use scissors and craft knives with caution. Children should be supervised or assisted by an adult.

Begin by orienting your paper exactly as shown in the first step.

Follow the markings. Dashed lines show where to fold, while arrows show in which direction to fold. When you see a circle with an arrow, the circle indicates where to pinch or hold the paper as you fold in the direction of the arrow.

First impressions are everything! For many types of paper the very first fold quickly commits to memory, so it helps to be precise and neat. Keep your origami in shape by running your thumb nail along each fold several times.

Some of the paper you use will come with its own creases and wrinkles. Shoot for paper that is as smooth as possible, but if you are stuck with premade creases, try to be mindful of them as you make your own creases and folds. Steer clear of mangled paper altogether.

Review all the steps before you start folding a model. Then, as you’re folding, it helps to keep looking ahead to the next illustration to see what will follow the step you are working on.

Don’t take yourself too seriously!

If you do, origami is zero ounces of fun. if you’re feeling frustrated, take a break and come back to it later.

Share your origami with traveling companion.

Why I love origami…

Origami is a vehicle of creativity and innovation for me. It creates beautiful and satisfying results in minutes, not to mention the fact that a piece of paper is quick and easy to find!

Here are some of the things origami can do for you, too:

Origami …

• fosters your visualization skills

• calms your nerves as you focus on folding (and not on whatever is stressing you out)

• tricks you into learning geometry

• increases your self-confidence as you master increasingly difficult models

• entertains you when you are procrastinating

• gives you thoughtful, pretty, economical gifts for family and friends

I hope you find origami as fun and engaging as I do. Happy folding!

Some of the paper you use will come with its own creases and wrinkles. Shoot for paper that is as smooth as possible, but if you are stuck with premade creases, try to be mindful of them as you make your own creases and folds. Steer clear of mangled paper altogether.