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CHAPTER 1

Getting Started

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This book was designed with the busy person in mind. It is organized so that you can enjoy origami, even on a hectic schedule. Each of the chapters that follow includes projects that are geared to a particular span of free time that you have available in your day. For example, if you would like to make an origami creation during a short period of time, such as your coffee-break, refer to Chapter 2. For projects that you can fit into lunchtime, see Chapter 3. In Chapter 4, you will find projects that require a bit more time and are more appropriate for after work. If you are mainly interested in projects that take little time to complete, then in addition to Chapter 2, you will also be interested in Chapters 3 and 4. They include projects that have components that can be made during coffee breaks or lunch breaks—and then the completed creation may be assembled at a later time.

Each project is taught through step-by-step illustrated instructions that are simple to follow. Getting started on a project will be easy. The opening segment of the instructions for each project indicates what type of paper is required and which basic techniques you need to know. In addition, the instructions indicate the skill level required for the project. There are many beginner projects. If you are new to origami, these are the ones that you should start out with. After you complete several of them and feel comfortable with the beginner level, you will be ready for the intermediate projects.

Now, let’s focus on this chapter which prepares you for the projects. It will describe the papers that are required, all of which are readily available. You will learn about the special terms and symbols that are used in the instructions for each of the projects. In addition, you will be given some folding tips and you will learn to read the diagrams. The last section of this chapter includes short exercises on basic techniques that can be practiced during coffee-breaks.

Throughout the book, you will find information and photographs that depict attractive ways for displaying your origami. Origami is a very creative activity. Soon you will find yourself experimenting with paper choices and ideas for showing off your creations. You may even surprise yourself and invent an origami design!

SUPPLIES

Choosing paper for each origami project will be simple and fun. The instructions specify which types of paper that you will need—all of which are easily obtained. For each project you will be able to use either paper that you have around the house or, for those models specified in the book, the included folding paper. All of these materials and a few options are described below.

Bond paper is the type of paper used in photocopy machines and computer printers. A variety may be found in stores that sell office supplies. This book will refer to 20 pound bond paper as “lightweight” and 24 pound as “medium weight.” When at your local office supply store, be sure to also peek at the memo cube papers. They are conveniently packaged and suitable to use for some origami projects.

Origami paper is sold in packages of pre-cut squares. Most have a color or attractive pattern on one side and are white on the other. The sizes that will be most useful to you are six-inch and ten-inch although, in reality, these papers are a little smaller. Their exact measurements are fifteen centimeters and twenty-five centimeters respectively. Washi paper, also sold packaged, is softer and thicker than regular origami paper and has a fancier fabric-like appearance. Some origami creations, especially simple ones, can be folded and look lovely made from washi. Those that produce a movement or a noise generally do best with regular origami paper because of its ability to take crisp folds. Origami paper may be purchased at arts and crafts supply stores or from an origami supplier.

Folding paper, which is included in the back of the book for your convenience, may be used for twenty-one of the projects when indicated by the instructions. These papers are designated for certain specific projects and have patterns that complement the finished project. All of the projects that have designated folding paper may also be made from either origami paper or bond paper, as described by the paper requirements for each of those projects.

Ordinary paper that you have on hand, such as notebook paper or brown wrapping paper, will often work satisfactorily for origami. These papers may also be used in the practice exercises. Notebook paper can be an adequate substitute for origami paper when color is not important and is especially suited for easy projects. Brown wrapping paper, depending on its weight, can possibly be substituted for bond paper. Junk mail, some of which is printed on bond, is an economical and colorful alternative. Look around you for an endless supply of other free papers that you can experiment with such as brochures, discarded gift wrap, magazine covers, and old calendars. Not every sample of free paper will fold well, but you will have a good time testing them.

Aluminum foil is needed for one project in this book. What you have in your kitchen will work just fine.

Paper-backed foil is not required for any of the projects. It is, however, suitable for a few projects in the book. Paperbacked foil is elegant in appearance but more difficult to work with than regular paper. You will find this material in two weights. The lightweight variety is thin like candy foil and the medium weight is of greater thickness. Both types may be found in pre-cut squares that are sold as packaged origami paper. Medium weight paper-backed foil is also available in rolls at arts and crafts supply stores and at party supply stores.

Scrapbook papers are not required for any of the projects, but are an interesting option for some. These papers are sold at arts and crafts supply stores. They are generally a little thicker than medium weight bond paper and are printed in a multitude of designs. Scrapbook paper varies in weight and durability. So, buy just one or two sheets of a design or type and test them before buying several.

OTHER SUPPLIES

Although paper and your enthusiasm are the most important “supplies” that you will need, there are a couple of other items that will be helpful. A hard surface to fold on is useful for all—but essential for a beginner. The smooth surface of a table or desk works great and even the cover of a sturdy book will do. Even though you will be folding without cutting, you may wish to use scissors to prepare squares from bond paper. Refer to pages 16 and 18 for instructions on how to make squares from rectangular sheets of paper. You may also use scissors to cut the eight-inch square folding papers into four-inch squares when required by the instructions for a few projects. It’s easy to cut a square into four smaller squares. First, fold the bottom edge of the square to the top edge and unfold. Next, fold the right edge to the left edge and unfold. Finally, cut along the creases.

TERMS AND SYMBOLS

This section introduces you to the language of origami. The word “model” is a general term that refers to what you are folding, have folded, or will fold. So, at any stage of folding, the paper in your hand may be referred to as a “model.” You can also talk about the “model” that you made or the “model” that you plan to fold.

Illustrated instructions are a great help in explaining how to fold a model. The illustrations show the model opened up a bit so that you can see the layers of the folded paper within. The written directions that accompany the illustrations include helpful terms that enable you to relate locations on the model to the drawing. The “top” of your model corresponds to the part of the drawing that is closest to the top of the page. A similar relationship exists for each of the terms “bottom,” “left,” and “right.” These and other commonly used terms are depicted in the illustrations below:

Now, let’s increase your vocabulary with some origami lingo. When you open a sheet of folded paper, that action results in a mark being left on your paper by the fold that you made. In the language of origami, we refer to this mark as a “crease.” If you fold paper and then open that fold, in origami terminology, you are said to “crease” paper. A fold that does not extend from one edge of the paper to the other is called a “partial fold.” A partial fold that has been opened is called a “partial crease.” A “landmark” is a short partial crease that is used to mark a location on the model.

A fold is either classified as a “valley fold” or a “mountain fold.” A valley fold is the one that you are probably most used to making. When you open a valley fold, the shape of the crease that is left on the paper is a depression. The shape of this type of crease is suggestive of a valley and is called a “valley crease.”

In order to make the text easier to read, origami instructions will often substitute the word “fold” for the term “valley fold.” For example, instead of saying “valley fold the bottom corner to the top corner,” the instructions will read “fold the bottom corner to the top corner.”

The other type of fold is a mountain fold. When you open a mountain fold, the crease that is left on the paper is ridge-shaped. The shape of this type of crease is suggestive of a mountain and is called a “mountain crease.” The illustrations below depict these terms.

Notice that, in the illustration, the raw and folded edges are represented by a thicker line than the crease lines. In addition, although the creases actually extend from edge to edge, they are drawn a little shorter. Often creases will be illustrated in this manner.

LIST OF SYMBOLS

Make a valley fold on your model on the indicated line.

Fold the paper so that your hand moves in the direction of the arrow.

Make a mountain fold on your model on the indicated line.

Fold the paper away from you in the direction of the arrow.

Open a previously made fold.

This type of arrow combines two actions. (This symbol means to fold the paper and then open that fold.)

This symbol depicts a line that is hidden from view or a guide line.

Insert or tuck the flap where the arrow indicates.

Line up the dots when making the fold indicated by the arrow.

Repeat a procedure on the model at the location pointed to by the arrow.

Push the paper in the direction of the arrow with your finger.

Turn the model over in the direction of the arrow.

Rotate the model in the direction of the arrows for the specified fraction of a turn.

The next step will be illustrated from the indicated vantage point.

Fold (or unfold) the paper to form an angle of the specified degree.

Hold the model at the location indicated by the circle.

Blow a puff of air in the direction of the arrow.

After looking over the group of symbols, you may be wondering how they are used together. So, here’s a sneak preview. The following are examples of how line and arrow symbols are combined to make the folds and creases that you learned about earlier:

valley fold:

valley crease:

mountain fold:

mountain crease:

FOLDING TIPS

Let’s talk about some good habits that will make folding easier and more enjoyable:

Fold on a hard surface. This is especially important for beginners.

Beginners should press all folds well. It may be helpful, however, to first make a gentle fold and check its location before pressing down hard.

Sometimes you will find it simpler to create a mountain fold by turning the paper over, making a valley fold, and then returning the paper to its original position.

READING THE DIAGRAMS

Understanding origami diagrams is simpler than you might expect. Before starting, keep the following tips in mind:

Carefully read the written instructions for every step. When working on a particular step, look at the diagram of the step that follows it to see what the result will look like.

Change the position of a model to any one that you are comfortable with while folding. Just be sure to return the model to the same position as shown in the illustration before going on to the next step.

If you feel unsure about what to do at a particular step, read ahead to the next step. Sometimes by going ahead, the preceding step will become clarified.

Here’s a little exercise to get you started. The illustrated steps that follow and their accompanying written instructions include an explanatory discussion of what is being depicted and what you should look for. Work through the steps with a square of paper in your hand—any type of paper will be fine.

1 If you are using origami paper, start with the white side facing you. Position the square with a corner toward you. Fold the bottom corner to the top corner.

Discussion: Before making the fold, it is important to study the details of the illustration. Check the direction of the arrow—it shows that the bottom corner is folded up to the top corner. Look carefully at the location of the valley-fold line. Notice that it connects the left and right corners of the paper.

2 The illustration shows the result of step 1. Fold the left corner to the top corner.

Discussion: Before making the fold, find each location referred to in the written instructions. Check for the location on the illustration and on your model. It is helpful to look ahead to the next step’s illustration. This will show what the completed step will look like and give you confidence to make the fold.

3 Fold the right corner up and to the left.

Discussion: The instructions in steps 1 and 2 referred to specific locations on the model where the folds should be made. Sometimes, instead, it is necessary to estimate where to place the fold. This is called a “judgment fold.” The fold in this step is an example of a judgment fold. Before making the fold, it is essential to look at both the illustration of the step you are on as well as that of the next step.

4 You are now ready to learn how valley folds and mountain folds are used together.

BASIC TECHNIQUES

In this section, you will learn valuable and exciting origami techniques. You will find out how to combine valley folds with each other and with mountain folds. Various combinations of these folds create interesting and well-known forms that are an integral part of origami designs.

Learning each of the basic techniques that follow will be easy and will fit right into your coffee breaks. You only need to do these exercises as you need them! At the beginning of the instructions for each model, you will find a listing of the basic techniques required. The techniques in this section are listed in the order that they appear in the book. If you want to stay “one up” on what is needed, then periodically complete an additional basic technique exercise before you go on to the next model and you will be well-prepared. For each exercise, you can use a square of any type of paper that you have available.

Diamond Base

A “base” is a form that is produced by a particular sequence of folds. In origami instructions, a base sometimes serves as the starting point for making a model. This first base that you will make has a plain but useful shape and is most often used as a base for simple designs.

1 Start with the white side of the paper facing you. Fold the bottom corner to the top corner.

2 Open the fold that you made in the last step.

3 Fold the bottom right edge to the crease. Fold the top right edge to the crease.

4 Fold the bottom left edge to the crease. Fold the top left edge to the crease.

5 Rotate the model so that it is in the position illustrated in the next step.

6 You have made your first base—the Diamond Base.

Reverse Fold

Making a reverse fold is a common technique used in origami. In this exercise, you will fold examples of the two types of reverse folds—an inside reverse fold and an outside reverse fold.

1 Start with the white side of the paper facing you. Make a valley fold by folding the bottom corner to the top corner.

2 Prepare for the inside reverse fold that you will make by folding the right corner upward. Beginners should make this fold sharply.

3 Open the fold that you just created. (It may be helpful for beginners to also make a mountain crease on this valley crease so that the reverse fold will be easier to make.)

4 Make an inside reverse fold by following the procedure taught by steps 5 and 6. The result is shown in step 7.

5 Spread the layers of the model apart. Begin to push the flap inside the model.

6 Continue pushing the flap inside the model. Press the sides of the flap together as you close and flatten the model.

7 The illustration shows the inside reverse fold that you just made. For some inside reverse folds, the reversed corner will be hidden inside the model. Turn your model upside down by rotating it to the position shown in the next step.

8 Prepare for the outside reverse fold by folding the right corner upward. Beginners should make this fold sharply.

9 Open the fold that you just created. (It may be helpful for beginners to also make a mountain crease on this valley crease.)

10 Turn the indicated portion of the flap inside out, wrapping the layers around the model. Take care not to tear the paper. (The model will partially open during this process.)

11 The illustration shows the procedure in progress. Close and flatten the model after you are done.

12 The illustration shows the outside reverse fold that you just made.

Squash Fold

The term “squash fold” is descriptive of this next type of fold.

1 Start with the white side of the paper facing you. Fold the top edge to the bottom edge.

2 Fold the double edge on the right side of the model to the left. Unfold.

3 Using the crease made in the last step, fold the right portion of the model so that it stands up.

4 Insert a finger into the pocket to spread it open as you push down from above, flattening the flap in a symmetrical fashion.

5 The completed squash fold.

Rabbit Ear Fold

Making a rabbit ear fold is one way of creating a new flap.

1 Start with the white side of the paper facing you. Fold the bottom corner to the top corner. Unfold. Fold the right corner to the left corner. Unfold.

2 Bring the left bottom edge to the horizontal crease. Make a partial fold by pressing the paper starting at the left corner and ending at the crease. Unfold.

3 Bring the right bottom edge to the horizontal crease and make the indicated partial crease.

4 Pinch the left and right sides of the bottom corner together as you fold up on the valley creases which will cause a raised flap to form.

5 Fold the flap to your right. The flap will rest flat against the model.

6 Your rabbit ear fold is complete.

Waterbomb Base

The Waterbomb Base is a well-known base.

1 Start with the white side of the paper facing you. Fold the bottom corner to the top corner. Unfold. Fold the right corner to the left corner. Unfold. Turn the model over so that its white side is facing away from you.

2 Rotate the model to the position shown in the next step.

3 Fold the bottom edge to the top edge. Unfold. Fold the right edge to the left edge. Unfold. Turn the model over so that its white side is facing you.

4 Push the center point causing it to recede. Next, bring the midpoint of each side edge down to the midpoint of the bottom edge.

5 Press on the front flap to flatten the model.

6 The Waterbomb Base brings the midpoint of each of the four sides of the square together.

Fish Base

The Fish Base has been used to create fish models as well as other types of designs.