How to Make Origami Figures With Paper

Create figures such as graceful swans using the ancient Japanese art of origami.

Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into a representational or functional shape. This ancient form of art uses some basic folding techniques to create a variety of objects from toys to artistic creations. Each type of fold has a name, and not all objects created will use every type of fold. As with any art form, origami requires certain levels of skill to create different items.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Directions for specific object
• Instructions for types of folds

Instructions

1. Determine how large you would like to make the final object. A large piece of paper will create a larger final product. If the paper is too small, you might find complex folds difficult to complete.

2. Review the instructions for making the specific object from start to finish. Determine whether you are unfamiliar with any of the folds. If the object requires an unfamiliar fold, practice it on a piece of scrap paper first. Some types of basic folds include the book fold, squash fold, triangle fold, valley fold and mountain fold (see References section for diagrams).

3. Follow the directions carefully to create the desired object. Do not rush. Overlooking a fold or step will affect the final product. The difficulty of an object depends on the number of folds required. You can make some items such as swans in as few as 12 steps, while others may require 20 or more folds.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a piece of newspaper to make a practice object before making the final product. Begin with origami designed for children before moving on to more difficult objects.

References

• Origami Resource Center: Free Origami Instructions
• Origami Instructions: Origami Folding Instructions
• Origami Basic Instructions: Basic Folds