History of Origami

The word origami originated in Japan. The word came to mean artistic paper folding in the 1800s. No one knows for sure why the word came to be applied to this art, but perhaps it is because the characters for origami are easy to draw, and since the art is taught to small children, this made the word easy for them to learn.

The Japanese passed their designs along through their oral history. Mothers taught their daughters verbally how to make the beautiful pieces. The art spread to the Arabs and the Spanish, and eventually to the world. Today there are master origami artists all over the world. In the 1950s Yashizawa Akira developed a standard set of designs that were written down. These origami instructions are still used today by those who wish to learn origami.

Materials Used for Origami

There are many different types of origami paper on the market today. Traditionally, origami is done with single colored papers that come in a range of colors, such as red, yellow, orange, blue, green, brown, violet, silver, black, white, and gold. Origami paper, or kami, is usually square, but sometimes circular and rectangular options are available. Kami weighs slightly less than traditional copy paper. Sometimes patterned paper can be found. These patterns can help you create a work of art that is special for a certain occasion, such as a birthday or new baby.

The more experienced origami artist will enjoy using foil backed papers. These papers are easily damaged, but the shine of the foil gives them an elegant appearance. There is a matte crinkle paper as well, which is called momi. Foil back papers are usually available in blue, green, silver, gold, and red.

Types of Origami

Since it is such an ancient art, origami has evolved over the centuries. There are several types of origami practiced today.

• Classical Models - Classical origami is easy origami, and usually involves the most basic folds. This is the starting point for someone who wants to learn origami. Designs include the ball, crane, jumping frog, and pajarita.
• Modular Models - Here is where you can learn to make one basic unit, and then repeat it to make a certain geometric shape. This is the type used to make an origami box.
• Geometric Models - This type of origami creates a geometric shape by pleating the paper. The paper is folded with the same pattern repeatedly. This is similar to modular origami, but it is often a flat design.
• Complex Models - Complex origami is for the very experienced origami artist. Complex origami creates models with highly detailed features. Sometimes complex origami allows the use of scissors and glue, which some say is not true origami.

If you desire to learn how to make origami, start at the top of this list and then work your way down. Start with easy origami, and gradually attempt more complex forms.

Continue to: How to Make Origami Using Special Skills