• Origami is a craft that uses folded paper to create many objects, including toys, household items and gifts. Since this craft began, it has expanded to include fabric folding, creased paper artwork and even mathematical projections. Origami enthusiasts span the globe. They enjoy and share this creative hobby.

• Origami crafts are based on the completion of a series of specific folding techniques that produce the desired results. Mastering basic folds is the key to successfully advancing to more complicated projects.

1. Projects for beginners usually have five folds or less.
2. Instructions for most origami projects use symbols that help you follow the steps required.Thinkquest: Origami Alphabet
   1. Symbols for folds include: valley, mountain, squash, rabbit ear, crimp, reverse and sink.Thinkquest: Origami Alphabet
   2. Symbols for bases, a series of folds that help start your project, include: preliminary, bird, waterbomb, fish and frog.Thinkquest: Origami Alphabet
3. Origami books are often available in your local library in the crafts section.
4. Diagrams for traditional and contemporary origami projects abound on the Internet. Download and print intricate design patterns to help you learn origami technique. Paper Folding: Diagrams
5. You can follow step-by-step instructions for origami folds, creases, bases, and joints by watching online videos. Not only can see images of the completed creation, but you can pause and replay videos until you are ready to move forward. PEM: Origami

• Of course you can use plain white or brown craft paper for your origami projects. However, colored paper adds texture and interest to your finished project. Precut sheets are handy for origami projects.

1. New or used gift wrap is easy to work with and colorful.
2. Thinner paper is easier to fold and more forgiving if you make a mistake. Origami-Instructions: Paper
3. Recycle magazines and junk mail for your projects.
4. Using fabric has its benefits, even if you plan to make the finished project with paper. A hot iron will erase most folding mistakes in fabrics.Fabric Origami: Fabric Origami
5. Jumpstart your work with origami kits available in major bookstores and craft centers. These make excellent presents for kids who want to learn origami too.
6. Gather your paper or fabric and your downloaded diagrams or your bookmarked videos to get started making simple origami projects.

• There's no need to reinvent the wheel. Origami enthusiasts are happy to share their work and tips. They make and display a wide range of projects from simple shapes to three-dimensional objects like working clocks. Historical designs, made since the beginning of the craft, include paper cranes, boats, animals, flowers, stars and insects. Popular contemporary designs range from robots to video game and popular fictional characters.

1. Try making a simple origami paper cup, using just a few basic folds. You have probably made one before without realizing that it's origami.Thinkquest: Paper Cup
   1. Start with a square sheet of plain white paper, no larger than six inches for each side.
   2. Fold the paper into a triangle by folding the bottom right corner over to the opposite corner (top left).
   3. Next, fold the corners at the base of your triangle over to meet each other in the center of the triangle.
   4. Finally, fold the remaining point (top) of your triangle down to meet the flaps that you already folded. Then separate the upper flap, fold it backwards and crease.
   5. Open your paper cup.Thinkquest: Paper Cup
2. Look at simple and complex designs to get a better understanding of this craft.AOL: Dave's Origami Emporium
3. Using existing diagrams is helpful since most will already include an estimate of the proper size paper need for the creation.AOL: Dave's Origami Emporium
4. The origami crane is probably one of the most recognized models in the world. It is considered to be an easy project by most.Thinkquest:Crane
   • YouTube: How to Make an Origami Crane (Time: 3:48)

• Origami also includes folding fabric into whimsical and useful patterns. Folding cloth napkins is a simple form of fabric origami. Although origami designs may work with paper napkins, they won't do your finished project justice.

• Create a bird of paradise for your next romantic dinner or brunch by making these simple folds: Origami-Instructions: Napkin Folding

1. Start by folding the napkin in half (bottom edge to top edge, forming a rectangle).
2. Then fold it in half again, left edge to right edge, forming a square.
3. Turn the napkin at an angle so that the edge with loose layers is facing away from you, while the folded creased edges are on the left and right sides.
4. Fold all the layers on the top edge of this square towards you to make a triangle.
5. Turn the napkin so that the loose layers are on top, with the top point of the triangle facing away from you.
6. Next fold the right side of the napkin to the centerline of your triangle. Repeat with the left side. You will have a smaller triangle with two flaps that extend beyond its base.
7. Fold the two flaps backwards under your napkin.
8. Hold the two flaps firmly while separating and pulling each loose layer at the front of your napkin towards you to form a fantastic origami bird of paradise napkin.

• Many origami projects are easy for beginners. Look at completed projects to get ideas about the designs that you can do while learning.

1. The possibilities of fun and entertaining origami designs are unlimited. A dedicated crafter can create an

entire origami world with buildings, people and useful items for its citizens. Oriland:Origami Kingdoms

1. Origami is much more than a hobby for some people. View designs by origami visionaries that are highly regarded in the art world. Origami Vancouver: Joseph Wu's Origami Page
2. Paper creasing is an increasingly popular modern origami variation. Lang Origami: Crease Patterns
3. Join a local origami club where the members help and learn from each other in Japan, Europe and the United States. Origami USA: Origami USA
4. Start your own club if there isn't one near you. Creative minds work alike. Like quilting bees and sewing circles, origami clubs often develop new designs and techniques. Contributing to the completion of a group project is also enjoyable.
5. Create your own distinctive designs and share them with other enthusiasts by adding them to the worldwide origami databases.

Could you be the next origami luminary? Origami is a relaxing and rewarding hobby if you pick projects at your skill level. As your ability increases, you can contribute to the growing body of designs and diagrams that keep origami enthusiasts engaged in this craft daily. It's cheaper than many other hobbies. If you use paper that would be wasted or trashed, you will also improve our environment by recycling that paper into beautiful, functional designs.

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