How to Do Origami Folding
Origami is a traditional way of folding paper to create various shapes. A skilled artist can turn a piece of paper into intricate shapes such as butterflies and birds. Modern origami embraces modern culture and has developed into a form of sculpture. But the basics are still very easy.
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Instructions
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Place the paper flat on a surface larger than the paper, like a table.
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Hold the paper at opposite sides.
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Move one hand so that it bends the paper over itself.
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Crease the paper at the bend so that the two sides are of equal length.
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Unfold the paper.
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Flip the paper over. If the fold is down so that the paper tries to flip open toward you, it is a "valley fold." If the fold is up so that the two sides are facing down, it is a "mountain fold."
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Combine other folds to form different base patterns. Origami is created from these base patterns, and instructions are typically given in terms of different base patterns.
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Tips & Warnings
The different ways of folding the paper all have different names in Japanese, which are translated into English for English instruction.
If you make a mistake, unfold the paper and crease it again until you get the pattern right.
To do traditional origami, you only fold the paper. Do not cut it.
References
Resources
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