| Key idea | Details |
|---|---|
| 📜 Origins | Discover the history of origami, born in China and developed in Japan. |
| 🚫 Rules | No cuts or glue, to stimulate creativity. |
| 📃 Paper | Choosing the right paper is fundamental to the quality of your creations. |
| 🔍 Techniques | Master basic techniques to improve dexterity. |
The art oforigami, an age-old tradition and source of infinite creativity, fascinates beginners and advanced enthusiasts alike. If you’re new to this world of paper folding, a few tips and tricks are in order to get off to a good start. In this guide for novices, we’ll look at the origins of origami, the most important folding rules and how to select the ideal paper for your creations.
Origins and fundamentals of origami
Origami, although widely associated with Japanese culture, has its roots in China in the first century AD. Then adopted by Japan, which turned it into a veritable art of paper folding, origami has continued to this day, imposing its own codes and strict rules. The word “origami” itself comes from the Japanese combination of “oru” (to fold) and “kami ” (paper).
Two prohibitions characterize the art of origami: the use of cuts and glue is forbidden. These restrictions stimulate creativity and demand exceptional mastery on the part of folders, who can bring complex creations to life with a simple piece of paper. A variety of forms, from animals to decorative objects and geometric structures, emerge from this precise and meticulous discipline.
Folding instructions play a crucial role in the transmission of origami techniques. These diagrams provide a step-by-step guide to the folding required to produce a given figure. For neophytes, understanding and correctly applying these instructions is the key to success in their first origami works.
Choose the most suitable paper for your origami
The choice of paper is crucial to the success of your origami projects. Although it’s tempting to use any type of paper at hand, selecting the right material can greatly influence the final result of your creation. Here’s a list of the different types of paper recommended for origami, each with its own particularities:
| Paper type | Specifications | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Washi | Made from long plant fibers, strong and flexible. | Resistant and detailed creations |
| Kraft paper | Economical, strong, easy to fold. | Training and testing |
| Origami paper | Grammage and format adapted to complex folds. | Complex, precise patterns |
If you’re just starting out, experiment with papers you already have at home, but bear in mind that a suitable paper, such as Washi or a paper specifically designed for origami, will offer superior aesthetic and technical results. For step-by-step guides for beginners, see our article “How to make origami easily”.
Five origami techniques every folding artist should know
Mastering a few basic techniques can transform your origami experience and open up a world of creative possibilities. Here are five fundamental techniques every origami enthusiast should know:
- Mountain fold: A simple fold that prepares the sheet for more complex handling.
- Valley fold: the opposite of the mountain fold, it creates a concave shape in the paper.
- Reverse fold: advanced technique for changing the direction of an existing fold.
- Squash fold: flattens a portion of paper to give fullness to the design.
- Plié plié soufflé: A movement that adds volume and three-dimensionality to the object.
With regular practice and patience, you’ll improve your dexterity and your ability to create increasingly sophisticated works of origami. For inspiration and gift ideas that will surprise your loved ones on every occasion, explore our selection of “Origami gift ideas to surprise your loved ones”.
Origami is a rewarding activity that stimulates the imagination and promotes relaxation. With the right techniques, advice and a little practice, you’ll be amazed at how far this passion can take you. Embark on your origami adventure and give free rein to your creativity.
