About Origami Balloons
Origami has long combined the elements of craft, decoration and art. The design possibilities are quite literally endless. One of these designs is the origami balloon.
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History
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Origami is the traditional Japanese art of folding paper. Only one piece of paper is used to create each piece, usually a square, and sometimes a rectangle. Various ancient paper-folding traditions exist, but the Japanese tradition is the best known. Origami works are often intended to mirror natural forms, especially animals---from insects to elephants---but there are other variations, such as the balloon.
Developments
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In recent years, origami has undergone some development. New branches of the study are springing up, with a more mathematical bent, including some vast calculations that are only possible through computers. In these studies, intricate and complex folding patterns are detailed by specially designed computer programs.
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Construction
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The folds used to make an origami balloon are relatively simple, in comparison to many newer origami designs. The general fold pattern yields a container that looks much like a Chinese food take-out box. Step-by-step instructions are available at www.origami-instructions.com/origami-water-balloon.html.
Water Balloon
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The origami balloon was first designed, or at least most popularly used, as a water balloon. If the balloon is properly constructed, the creases, folds and joints make it strong enough to hold water, as long as the balloon is made relatively small. Usually, the weight and porousness of the paper make them impractical as helium balloons.
Decoration
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In addition to being used as a water balloon, origami balloons are used often for decoration. Supplies are minimal (paper), and construction is relatively simple. So douse your friends with one, or make several for easy, colorful decorations.
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Resources
- Photo Credit http://listfied.com
