Simple Compound Folds

• Outside Reverse Fold - two valley folds from a single point on a central fold, reversing the center fold.
• Inside Reverse Fold - two mountain folds from a single point on a central fold, and reversing the central fold.

Low-Intermediate Skills

• Squash Fold - flap of two or more layers, making a radial fold from the center of the flap, then opening the flap and folding downward to make two more flaps.
• Rabbit Ear Fold - reference crease down a diagonal, then fold radial folds on opposite corners on the same side, the result should be a flap that faces down.
• Petal Fold - two connected flaps attached along a reference crease; make two radial folds, with open edges along reference crease; unfold; make another fold on top; unfold; fold one layer upward and flatten.
• Crimp Fold - two reverse folds in a row with parallel edges.

Origami Bases

• Fish Base - two radial folds against a diagonal crease; flaps are carefully folded down in the same direction.
• Waterbomb Base - `two perpendicular valley folds and two perpendicular mountain folds; compress.
• Preliminary Fold - two valley folds and two mountain folds, fold pattern together.
• Bird Base - preliminary fold with front and back petals folded up.
• Frog Base - waterbomb base, then squash-fold the corners, and petal fold up.

Mid-Intermediate Skills

• Swivel Fold - two perpendicular valleys.
• Pentagon - folding a paper into a pentagon before starting a project.

High-Intermediate Skills

• Stretched Bird Base - a regular bird base that is stretched.
• Open Sink - making a waterbomb in the middle of the model.
• Open Double Sink - making an open sink, with another open sink in the middle.
• Closed Sink - making locking flap inside a sink.
• Twist Fold - a variation on the stretched bird, where the sides are twisted.
• Spread Squash - a squash fold that is stretched.

Steps to Creating an Origami Piece

The first thing you want to do in creating a beautiful origami piece is find a smooth work space. You will not be able to make nice, crisp folds without a good work space. Then find the origami instructions you want to make. If it is your first project, start with an easy origami piece. Purchase the paper you intend to use, and then cut it to the required size and form. Some pieces need a rectangle, square, or triangle to start. Now your are ready to begin folding.

Make each fold carefully, and press firmly across the entire edge of the fold. Work slowly and carefully. Work step by step, and look ahead to make sure your work looks like the picture in your origami folding instructions. Work hard to master the simple folds, then move on to more complex designs.

Benefits of Origami

Because origami is such a detailed and complex skill, learning origami helps in many areas. Origami improves reading and writing skills, as the person learning origami must read and follow directions carefully and precisely. Because it deals with geometric shapes, origami also helps improve math skills.

Origami is a multi-cultural art and therefore it helps increase awareness of other peoples and cultures. Learning origami also teaches good behavior skills, such as the ability to follow directions. In addition, the process develops an appreciation for precision and helps people to learn to control their frustrations. Origami requires patience and tenacity, and the skills can be learned while having fun!

Final Tips for Origami

When you are ready to start, pick a fairly easy origami project. This will keep you from getting frustrated as you begin. Wash and carefully dry your hands, so that you do not get your project dirty. You may want to practice certain basic folds before starting a project. Think about the folds you will need, and practice them on simple copy paper. This practice will keep you from wasting your valuable origami paper.

As you practice, you will begin to learn to love origami. Think about making a vase full of origami flowers, or hanging origami cranes from your Christmas tree. The things you can do with this beautiful art are endless! Get some origami instructions and begin your new hobby today!