Origami Paper Folding for Beginners

Akisato Rito's book, "Sembazuru Orikata," gave instructions on how to fold a crane.

Origami paper folding can be simple enough for children or create extremely complex original works of art. According to PBS, written instructions for the Japanese art form did not appear until 1797 with the crane fold. Beginners of origami paper folding should start with easy animals, vehicles, houses and symbols. Most of the projects start with a 6-inch square piece of paper.

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Animals
- If you use colored paper, start with the color side down.
  
  Various animal projects are ideal for the beginner paper folder. Through simple origami, crafters learn the different types of folds and how origami paper folding typically does not use glue or scissors. A butterfly fold works well for children, because they can decorate the wings with crayons after they finish. Place the square paper into a diagonal on your table. Fold the left corner to the right corner so you fold the paper in half. Take the top corner to the bottom corner to fold it in half again. Fold one of the bottom corners up part way to create one wing. Turn the craft over and fold up the other bottom corner to form the other wing. Gently press the body while it is on the table and the wings flap.
Vehicles
- A simple yacht works well for beginner origami paper crafters. Place the square paper's colored side down and turn it so it looks like a diamond. Fold the top corner down to the bottom corner to fold it in half. Take the left corner to the right corner to fold in half again. Open up the paper with the creases. Cut along the right crease to the center with scissors. Fold the right corner to the left corner so it is in half again. Take the bottom half up to meet the center crease. Open up the top part that looks like a sail. Fold it around and underneath, and fold the 1/4-inch of bottom of the boat back to create a flat bottom for the hull.
Houses
- Simple houses are another fold for beginners. Place the paper square on your table and take the left side of the paper to the right side to fold it in half. Open up the fold. Bring the left side to the center crease and bring the right side to the center crease. Fold the paper in half lengthwise and then open up again. Take the top to the center crease and fold the bottom up to the center crease. Open up the two last folds. Press down the top right layer of paper and repeat on the top left side to create the roof. Flatten and bring down the top to the center crease to complete.
Symbols
- An origami heart fold does not cutting.
  
  Some symbols, such as a heart, are easy enough for beginner origami crafters. Start with the paper as a diagonal. Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner and then open up. Take the right side to the left side to fold it half again and then open it up. Bring the top point to the center crease. Fold the bottom point to the top fold. Take the right side to the center crease, and then take the left side to the center crease. Flip the paper over and fold the right corner down and under. Repeat for the left corner to finish.