Who Might Enjoy Origami?

There are thousands of people who are interested in crafts. There are thousands of crafts and crafting ideas worldwide. One craft, often referred to as an art is origami. This concept was discovered or invented hundreds of years ago in China and Japan. Although it's unknown exactly where origami was first used, this activity was and continues to be an important part of the Japanese culture. An activity that involves folding a piece of paper has been for generations used both as a pastime and as a challenge. There are very basic forms of origami and there are very complicated forms of origami. This activity involves mathematics and creativity.

Who might enjoy origami? The answer to that question is simple - anyone. People of all ages for many years have been doing origami projects. One of the basic forms of this activity is the paper airplane. Thousands of people have made paper airplanes not knowing they were doing an origami project. In order to make a perfect paper airplane, it is essential to use exact folds in the paper. This is what the art of origami is about, making precise folds to create a specific object.

In the early days when origami was initially discovered, it was used in Germany by kindergarten students. It also became quite popular in England where children used it as a hobby. Origami, even for young children is exciting and since it requires mathematics and much concentration, it can also be very educational. Because the end result is an object of some sort, it's also exciting for children because they are anticipating the outcome. Origami takes time which makes this activity a great pass-time for children. It keeps their minds and hands occupied.

Origami can be very basic such as the simple folds required for a paper airplane. However this activity, when used as an art can become very complex. As people are become interested in origami, they begin to look for more challenging projects, those that demand plenty of thought, creativity and imagination. Using mathematics this activity requires the individual to think logically as well.

Over the years origami has been taken to a whole new level. People are using this concept to create sculptural art. Individuals who are using this idea as a form of art are creating their own designs. Many of these origami compositions are displayed in art galleries. There's enough interest in this activity that there are origami competitions held. Individuals who are really skilled and serious about origami work quite hard to design and create complex objects to be showcased and judged at competitions.

Anyone could enjoy origami if they were interested. It is definitely an activity that requires interest. The folding process demands careful attention and without it the intended result would likely not be achieved. Many people are fascinated with paper folding, from the very young to the very old. This ancient hobby has transformed into an art that is given plenty of recognition. If origami sounds like an activity you might be interested in, why not browse some of the many Internet sites providing details and instructions.

Computational Origami

Origami is art. It is birds and animals and flowers. It is decoration for your dinner table or a basket to carry your picnic. It's a paper hat or boat to bring a smile to a small child. It's a container for storing your odds and ends. It's a clever presentation for a gift. Origami is mathematics. It is a puzzle, a challenge and an aid to teaching. Origami is therapy, its relaxation; it increases dexterity and develops patience. Origami is a lot of things. Now there is Computational Origami, an inspiration and a problem solver for commercial and industrial products.

Robert Lang is a physicist and origamist in California. He understood that some engineering problems resulted from the need to fold a large piece of material, without cutting it, and make it fit a flat surface, which is what origami is all about. One day Lang was approached by a German engineering company that had a problem and was hoping he had a solution. They had a very large airbag that needed to be fit into a small compartment in the steering wheel. Lang already had procedures designed for a computer to follow to flatten a set of polygons. He then applied those procedures to a three dimensional simulation of a large airbag resulting in a way to fold the airbag so that it would fit into the space allotted.

A professor of electrical engineering and computer science, Erik Demaine, is hoping that using computational origami to examine the way proteins fold will lead to a method of designing custom proteins that will fight diseases like Cystic Fibrosis. Although computational origami could be an effective tool in finding the how's and why's of proteins structures and their sequences, unfortunately, the computers available at this time don't have the speed and capacity that will be required to compare and map all the possibilities.

Cell phones keep getting smaller. More and more options are being added to cell phones. The cell phone is no longer just an instrument used to call for a tow truck. You can still make phone calls but you can also text message, take still photos, take video photos, listen to your favorite music or watch your favorite movie. One of the problems the manufacturer faced was that the consumer liked the small size of the phones but didn't want to have to watch a movie on a two-inch screen. Enter computational origami and the development of a small cell phone, which has a screen that unfolds when the phone is opened and folds back up when the case is closed. The same technology is being applied to a portable DVD player. Another product that uses the origami basics is a small portable unit about the size of a camcorder that can be folded and pivoted in different ways to perform eight electronic functions including digital camera, PDA or a videoconference terminal.

All kinds of containers and shipping boxes are cut from a single piece of cardboard, shipped flat and folded into shape when needed. One company even makes chairs that are self-contained. The packaging is part of the chair. When it arrives, you unfold the packaging, which forms the frame of the chair, remove the cushions and covers that were packed inside and you have a chair with no extra packing that has to be disposed of.

Origami Expresses Individuality

Origami, considered the Japanese art of paper folding has long been and continues to be a fun and educational activity. There are different levels of origami from very basic to extremely complex. Little did you know that when you were making a paper airplane as a child, you were doing an origami project. This is an example of basic origami. Many people's interest in folding paper stops at the paper airplane. However for many other people, origami is quite fascinating. These people take their interest to more advanced origami projects.

Origami falls in the category or art. Of course it's common knowledge that art is a way for a person to express themselves. Through art projects such as origami, a person's individuality is revealed. This can be accomplished by using the origami skills you have and designing your very own composition. For the many people who work tirelessly on their compositions, the end result certainly brings a sense of accomplishment.

Designing origami requires vision. An individual must be capable of visualizing what the outcome ought to look like before making a single fold. It is then up to the artist to figure out what steps or folds needs to be made in order to accomplish their goal. This definitely requires plenty of thought, concentration and problem solving. It allows the individual to devise their own plan and create a plan of their own to achieve the final outcome.

Origami expresses individuality when an artist chooses to use different papers and colors. Although a project might be similar in style to another, it can be made unique by using alternate techniques for example, by using wet folds instead of dry folds. Wet folding permits the artist to sculpt the origami project to satisfy their personal objectives. To make a composition more interesting an artist might choose patterned paper or foil-backed paper. There are many things an artist can do to express their individuality.

Serious origami artists often compete in competitions. Here is a place, a competition, where people showcase origami that expresses individuality. This is an opportunity to compare their work with other artists. It's also a great place to get new ideas that can later be used to create individual pieces. Art galleries frequently display origami work. Again, this is another good source for new ideas and techniques.

The Internet has many sites related to the art of origami. Many serious artists have websites of their own where they showcase their creations. These sites will certainly have vivid photos of origami that expresses individuality. You may be surprised at the objects that can actually be made using origami. You'll be amazed as you browse the various origami-related sites. If you are interested in learning how to do this activity or if you are looking for new ideas, it would be worthwhile to log on to the Internet and begin searching. With websites created by people worldwide, you'll be tapping into the best in the art of origami.

What Can You Make Using Origami?

What you can make using origami depends totally on the level of skill and knowledge you have about the activity. Origami involves folding a piece of paper which may seem relatively easy but in actual fact it can become quite complicated and complex. Not everyone is prepared for the challenges associated with advanced origami projects. However if the interest is there, an individual can learn how to do advanced origami. Many people are so fascinated with the idea that they design their own origami compositions. This would definitely require knowledge regarding mathematics, as well as creativity and vision.

The very first origami project a person might do, without even knowing it is making a paper airplane. In order to make a perfect paper airplane there needs to be precise folds and creases made. The plane needs to be symmetrical which requires the folds and creases to be identical on both sides of the paper airplane. This would likely be considered basic origami. Other objects that can be made with basic origami include a simple box, an envelope and a square picture frame. These projects can be made with one sheet of paper using a limited number of folds.

As people develop their origami skills they begin to look for more challenging objects to try. These objects may include more than one piece of paper and may require more time and concentration. However using instructions and diagrams there are many objects a person can make including objects such as a six-pointed star, a flower, animals and many others. The more practice a person gets doing origami projects, reading diagrams and understanding instructions, the better equipped they are to take on more advanced origami projects.

When individuals become really involved in the art of origami they attempt tougher projects that require several sections. Skilled origamists will take on projects such as elaborate ships, buildings, people and objects involving concentration and logical thinking. When people reach this level in origami, often they begin to design their own compositions. Individuals in this category might be considered origami artists and have their work entered in competitions and showcased at art shows and in art galleries. It is amazing at just what can be created with origami.

Learning the art of origami should certainly begin with basic projects. Reading books for origami beginners can be a great help. If hoping to read origami diagrams, there are symbols to learn. If living in an area where origami classes are taught it might help to sign up. The Internet is a great resource for origami information from the very basic to the advanced. Many serious origamists have their own websites showcasing their work and sharing essential tips and advice about the art of origami. There are websites that have free origami instructions that can be downloaded and printed for the individual's use. The more a person searches the Internet for information about origami, the more they'll learn just how much there is to learn about this fascinating activity.

Finding Information about Origami

Origami, initially used as a hobby or pastime has various uses in today's society. This art form is still enjoyed by many as a hobby however it has found a place in other different areas. Because it includes mathematics, origami is used in schools to teach children. Using origami as a teaching tool helps to make learning math more enjoyable. This activity is also used by medical professionals for various types of therapy including therapies for mental health patients. Origami is also used in the technical world as well.

Where would people find information about origami? Since origami is primarily considered art or crafting, a good place to look for details might be in an arts and crafts store. A store such as this usually sells a selection of any and all crafting activities. A store such as this will likely sell origami materials and instruction booklets. If visiting an arts and crafts store and learning they do not carry origami supplies, it's likely a salesperson can point the individual in the right direction.

Information about origami can probably be obtained from a library. Since this activity is used by many people in society, the library will certainly carry some literature about it. Many articles that are written about origami have references provided that will lead to even more details about the activity.

Magazines are a great source or information about origami. There are many craft magazine publications, some printed on a weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, etc. basis. Browsing these various magazines a person will likely find beneficial origami details. Other magazines that might have information about origami are mathematical and technical publications. Because this concept is used in many modern day situations, occasionally these magazines may print related articles.

If looking for information about origami, a person's best bet is to search the web. The Internet provides a worldwide database for just about any subject imaginable. One great of advantage of searching the Internet is the search engine. There are different search engines provided on the Internet such as Google and Yahoo. Using either of these search engines a person could quickly find information about origami. Searching the relevant websites would educate people regarding the usefulness of the art of origami. They would learn that this popular activity is not just a form of art but a form of therapy, rehabilitation and education as well. When connected to an origami-related website there will likely be links provided to similar sites. If really interested in learning about this activity, an individual has ample opportunity if using the Internet. This resource can also put people in touch with origami information in the community.

There are many towns and cities that host regular origami events which include competitions. Art shows are also great places to look for details and examples of origami compositions. People who design origami compositions and create unique objects will frequently display them at art galleries and art shows. To learn what is possible in the world of origami, an art gallery would definitely be a great place to visit.

Therapy Using Origami

Origami has proven to be a beneficial therapy tool for both physical and mental or emotional patients. Origami has been used as a bridging therapy, an icebreaker and as a relaxation technique before other therapy sessions. The folding process provides a great work out for exercising the hands and fingers and the mind.

Origami is definitely convenient, it can be practiced anywhere anytime, indoors or out, without the need for a lot of specialized equipment. The only requirement is that you have paper of any sort, origami paper, plain paper, newspaper, gift-wrapping paper; even sheets from an old calendar will work. It has also proven to be a wonderful form of non-verbal communication. You don't need specialized skills.

Origami works wonders with patients who have emotional and mental problems, with its eye-catching colors, shapes and papers. It's not the kind of activity that is restrictive or threatening. This can be really important if you are dealing with patients with emotional and mental problems. It's easy to learn and safe. There are no scissors or other cutting tools necessary, a good thing if you are working with people who are unpredictable or aggressive or who have shown to have self-harming tendencies. It's also very affordable and a good way to recycle paper.

Origami give patients a number of choices including color, pattern and the ability to design an great number of different figures ranging from the very simple to the extremely complex. It gives the patients the option to act as observer or participant, to practice alone or in a group. Origami provides much needed psychological support; the participant gets a feeling of acceptance because the instructor can take the time to demonstrate each move and he feels connected when he realizes that he is part of a group. He also sees that the origami staff is very approachable and he can ask that they stop and provide some personal assistance at any time.

One of the more positive aspects of origami is the number of desirable behaviors it promotes. Positive social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, problem solving ability, goal setting, patience, creativity, interest and involvement in a hobby, while t the same time providing fun and relaxation. The positive reinforcement and feedback develop the ability and desire in the patients to share their feelings as well as knowledge.

Therapists will find when they observe groups doing origami that the patients are opening up more, asking questions, providing comments of his own, requesting a chance to make other figures, really participating. The length of time the patient stays involved in the activity and the amount of prompting he requires will give the therapist an idea of the extent of his ability to concentrate. The therapist can also look for improvements in hand-eye coordination, communication skills, cooperation with others, willingness to teach others, reaction to difficult projects, ability to complete tasks, taking an interest in socializing and an increase in the ability to focus. They will also find the patients calmer and more relaxed.

What is Money Origami?

Money origami involves the art of folding paper money. This may not sound too difficult. After all how much could a person actually make with a tiny dollar bill? Well over the years many people have taken on the challenge of money origami projects. Using the same principles that apply to paper origami, individuals have learned how to make clever and unique objects using money origami.

Some of the objects that have been successful created using money origami are a spider, a butterfly, a shirt, a sailboat, a ring, a serpent, a valentine, just to name a few. What would cause a person to begin money origami? It could be a number of things. Perhaps while sitting in a restaurant waiting on the waiter the customer pulls out a paper bill and begins playing around with it. Students who are bored in the classroom look for things to occupy their minds and time. Why not make something out of their lunch money? Why this idea was started we're not sure but money origami can certainly pass time.

What type of bill can be used in money origami? The answer is to this question is simple - any currency is suitable for money origami. So it doesn't matter which airport or restaurant you are waiting in, you can always pull out a paper bill and attempt money origami. Instead of visiting the gift shops and spending money, you can sit back, play with your money and save in the process.

Money origami may not sound very interesting to some people but to others it is quite fascinating and a reason to continue looking for new objects to make with their money. For people who are familiar with the art of origami, money origami is not a new concept. However for those who know little about origami, they may be astounded to see what can actually be made from a single dollar bill. It's amazing what a dollar bill can get you by simply making a few simple folds.

There is plenty of available material about origami including books and publications about money origami. If you are interested in learning about the art of origami or are intrigued by money origami, there is plenty of written material circulating. If you visit the local library or bookstore and are unsuccessful in finding reading material about money origami or origami in general, you might want to continue your search on the Internet. Because the Internet provides worldwide access to data, you may be able to learn about origami from some of the greatest origami artists. You could also access information regarding the history of origami and its cultural values in various parts of the world including Japan and China. It's always exciting to learn new ideas. Once a person becomes interested in an activity such as money origami they generally want to learn all there is to know about it. The Internet is definitely your greatest database regarding money origami.

Origami as a Hobby

Are you looking for a new and interesting hobby? Have you tried crafts such as knitting, cross-stitching, building model cars or paint-by-number? Are you finding your current hobby isn't challenging you or perhaps it's too expensive to continue? There are many reasons people decide to choose a new hobby. One enjoyable and inexpensive hobby to consider is origami. Origami is an ancient idea that began in the early 1600's. This activity began in either China or Japan. The exact location is still unknown. However Japan is recognized for its highly developed origami art. What originally began as a pastime has been transformed into a form of art that is admired by many.

Origami involves making a given number of folds and creases in a single piece of paper. This can be achieved in basic origami projects such as a paper airplane or demonstrated in complex origami projects such as spaceships. How deeply involved in origami as a hobby an individual would like to become depends totally on their interest. Origami as a hobby can be time-consuming if a person gets into the advanced forms of the art.

Origami can begin as a hobby but turn into an obsession. Some people get so involved in their projects and developing their origami skills. Once they begin to design their own origami compositions, people find themselves entering contests and competitions to showcase their work. Going beyond the point of using origami as a hobby can put a person in the category of a serious origami artist. This is great if that is what the individual wants and enjoys.

When a person chooses origami as a hobby, they are choosing an activity with plenty of hidden benefits. Unknown to them perhaps, they are choosing to develop skills in awareness, concentration, patience and creativity. This is a great hobby for children to be involved it. It helps them develop reading and writing skills, teaches them about sequencing, as well as teaching them to concentrate, be patient, be attentive and use their imagination. Because children tend to change their minds quite often, choosing origami as a hobby is a smart choice since it is relatively inexpensive. If the child tries it for awhile and decides they don't like it, there is no big concern about the initial investment for materials. To get a child started with origami, using plain computer paper would be a good idea. Until you are certain it is something they'd like to continue, perhaps you should stick with using inexpensive paper.

If you think you'd like to try origami as a hobby, the Internet is a great source of information regarding this activity. There are hundreds of sites filled with valuable tips and advice about choosing and completing origami projects. There are sites which provide free origami diagrams and instructions for you to download and print. There are sites where you can buy origami materials and order books written by serious origamists. Using search engines such as Google and Yahoo can quickly link you to a world of beneficial information about the art of origami.

Basic Origami Folds Terms & Techniques

As with any other craft origami has its own terms and techniques. Here are some basic 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 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.

The Fan - with either a square or rectangular piece of paper fold a Cupboard. Open the Cupboard; three valley folds (downward angles) divide the Cupboard into four equal sized strips. Turn the figure over; fold the edges onto the outer lines making two mountain folds. Turn the figure over and refold the Cupboard. Turn the Cupboard over once again and fold the edges into the middle line resulting in two mountain folds (upward angles). Fold up the figure and you have made an eight fold fan with alternating mountain and valley folds, also called an accordion fold.

The Lattice - make a Cupboard from a square piece of paper. Open the Cupboard and repeat the procedure folding in a horizontal direction. Open the paper and you have the Lattice. It is 16 equal sized squares used to make boxes, houses and simple animal bodies.

The Shawl - Make a diagonal fold down the middle of a square piece of paper making sure your edges and corners lay on top of each other. If you need a second diagonal fold open the sheet of paper completely before starting the second fold to get a more exact line.

The Envelope - using a square piece of paper make diagonal folds down the center in both directions. Open the paper and bring each corner up to the middle.

The Picture Frame - First make the Envelope. Open the envelope; turn each corner up to the outer diagonal line. Now fold the four corners inward and you have a picture frame.

Heaven and Hell - Fold an Envelope. Turn the Envelope over and fold each corner up into the center again. Turn the figure over and you will see pockets on the other side. Open these pockets. This figure was dubbed Heaven and Hell because it was usually made on red and blue paper. This particular fold can be used for making simple hand puppets and animal heads