Origami Instructions

What is it?

Origami is a traditional Japanese art which involves folding paper to create a representation of an object, using only one piece of paper and preferably without any glue or cutting. The name derives from the Japanese words oru, meaning folding and kami, meaning paper. By following origami instructions, a variety of designs, such as animals, Christmas designs, Halloween designs, clothing, food and much more can be created. There are origami instructions for basically anything you can think of.  Designs also range from beginner to advanced, so anyone is capable of doing this activity.

What a great hobby

Origami is a great way to pass the time, is a lot of fun, and is also a way to learn about another culture. As you get more advanced, you will be able to make more complex (and therefore very interesting to look at) designs. When you have followed the origami instructions and finished your last fold, you will feel like you have accomplished something special (especially if the design is more difficult). There are many uses for your creations. You could display them in your home, or give them to someone as a present.

What you will need

All you need for this hobby is paper and books of origami instructions.

Paper

Origami Paper Traditional Prints 49 Sheets	Origami Paper Bright (Spiral Pack) 76 Sheets	Origami Paper Geometric Prints 49 Sheets	Large Origami Paper 9 X 9 24 Sheets in 12 Colors

Pre-cut paper is best because it is of great importance that the edges of the paper are straight so that the end result looks the way the origami instructions mean it to. Square paper is most commonly used, but some designs also use international standard A4 size paper. The paper used to properly follow origami instructions is thinner than standard paper to make it easier to fold.

To give your creations more personality, patterned paper is also available. This way you can choose a pattern to suit your creation. For example, if you are following the origami instructions for a tiger, then you could use paper with a tiger stripe pattern on it.

Books of Origami Instructions

Making Origami Puzzles Step by Step (Kid's Guide to Origami)	Uber Origami : Every Origami Project Ever!	Sort-Of-Difficult Origami	Advanced Origami More Than 60 Fascinating and Challenging Projects

For beginners, it is a really good idea to buy books with origami instructions. These books explain the different folding techniques required and teach you the basics. They also have step by step origami instructions for some of the more commonly known designs.

There are also many books available for hobbyists with more advanced skills.

If you enjoy being creative, have an interest in Japan or in other countries in general, then get cracking and make some great designs by following origami instructions.