3D Origami - (Tips + Stories)

3D origami can refer to any type of origami that is 3D but more commonly refers to the form of modular origami that involves making small triangles which can be slotted together. Each triangle has 2 'legs' and two 'slots' the legs fit into the slots and can be done so in different ways to produce different shapes. It has to be folded from a piece of paper with the same ratio as an A4 piece of paper, although is often made using much smaller pieces that simply follow the same ratio.

Generally the best use of 3D Origami is for its variety in colors. You can make each triangle out of a different color if you want to so the diversity of color is often great. The model above shows the most famous form of 3D origami, the swan. It involves anywhere between 300 and 500 of the little triangles. It is probably the most simple form of the 3D origami models but because of the nature of the triangles, much more elaborate figures can be created, such as the ones below:

This is a very time consuming form of origami, although it is possible to be creative with it. It isn't limited to the geometric folds of traditional origami. This modern form allows the artist to choose how they want to put the pieces together. It is like a jigsaw with any combinations of being completed. It can take hours to make all the triangles for a model so before attempting this, make all the triangles patiently. Perhaps getting a friend to help is best. I would recommend making the pieces using 1/32 of an A4 piece of paper. There are plenty of videos on Youtube for how to make the triangles hopefully I will post how to make one soon. 

How To Make An Origami Box and Lid - (Tutorial)

The origami box or Masu Box is a simple piece of origami which is purposeful as well as fun to make. It comes in three parts, a box, a lid and a divider. In this post I will show you how to make the box and the lid because they are very similar. Basically, the lid is made to be slightly larger but not as tall, meaning it slides nicely on top of the box.

How To Make An Origami Box - Video

To make the box you have to first make a blintz base. This involves folding both horizontals and then folding all of the corners to the point where the lines bisect. Now you have to fold all the edges into the center. Now unfold this. Now unfold two opposite corner folds and then fold the other edges back into the center. When bringing up the corner folds again, you should create an edge of the box. Bring the edge over the top and press down on both sides to create the box.

How To Make An Origami Box Lid - Video

To make the lid, follow the instructions on the video above. The only difference being is when you have to fold the edges into the center, don't fold them into the center but just outside the center.

The way that the box is made means that the the lid is slightly larger and will fit over the box nicely. The box can be used for various purposes. 

Types Of Origami Paper - (Tips + Stories)

There are many types of paper, but it doesn't really matter what type of paper you use but if you want the best looking models here are some tips on which ones are best.

Thin and Crisp

You want your paper to be thin and crisp for the easiest folding. Thick photocopyer paper is hard to fold and maneuver. When your paper is thin you can make all sorts of different shapes with it.

Kami

Kami paper is the easiest origami paper to find, and also the cheapest. Kami is also known as Koi,and is the most basic type of paper. The pattern is usually only printed on one side. These pattern can range from being solid block patterns to being complicated designs.

It can be found cheaply on amazon here:

Paper-Backed foil

This medium is a slightly more expensive, flashier origami paper.Foil paper is composed of a thin layer of foil adhered to an extremely thin sheet of paper. The most common colours are silver and gold, but any color is possible in foil paper including bright pink, blue and copper. In many multi-colour packs, one sheet each of silver and gold paper is included. These are usually placed on the bottom end of the string if used in a thousand origami cranes.

Washi

Washi is an hand-made paper I wouldn't recommend it because it is very thick. Washi is a long-fibred paper but is also very soft.Printed washi has a uniquely shiny, uneven and occasionally transparent texture. In origami it is not as commonly used as kami paper.

In our videos we use different types of paper, but ultimately you can use whichever type is most readily available to you!

Although, most models require square paper, which is what most origami paper is sold as, some models use the A4 paper size (such as the turban). These models are often tricky to make with the thicker paper as they make small objects from large pieces of paper, making the folding often untidy and difficult. 

How To Make An Origami Turban - (Tutorial)

The turban is based on the very simple paper hat design but elaborates on it to make it look nicer. It uses small folds to make it seem like the fabric that a real turban would be made out of. 

How To Make An Origami Turban - Video

To make the turban, you must start with a size of printer paper (A1,2,3,4,5) etc. Fold in in half length ways and then fold over about another 1cm (1/2 In) on the hinge part of the first fold. Then, fold in half the other way and fold the top edges along that crease. then fold up the bottom flaps on both sides so they meet the next part of the shape. Now fold them again in the same direction over the top. Now, fold the bottom left and right corners into the center and then tuck under the flaps. Turn over and then tuck the top into the bottom flap. 

You have now completed your turban. Using an A4 piece of paper makes a relatively small turban. A3 produces the best one. 

Akira Yoshizawa, The Origami Master - (Tips and Stories

Akira Yoshizawa is one of the most renowned origami artists of the modern world. He passed away in 2005 but left behind many great models for people to admire still today. He had his models exhibited at the Louvre museum and even made the art of wet folding famous. Because of his work, Yoshizawa was considered to be the person who changed origami from being a craft to becoming an art form.

Wet folding involves dampening the paper being used before folding it. It means that it has a much easier way of being folded and much more intricate models can be created.

His models are delicate and precise. He gained his techniques from his younger passion for geometry. This means that even in this day we can still admire his models. He not only created the models but created the methods of making them so that people today can now make them themselves.


Many of the 3D origami models that we can make today we owe to this talented man. Although these models may be very advanced, I hope one day you and I may just be able to attempt one of them! 

How To Make An Origami Winged Heart - (Tutorial)

The winged heart is a lovely gift to give to a loved one. It is a relatively simple design but can be confusing as there is a lot of peeling and pulling quite delicately. In the description for how to make it, I will describe what is required but please look the video for the instructions on pre-creasing

How To Make An Origami Winged Heart - Video

To make this, you will first need to fold your piece of paper in half horizontally and then fold one edge along this line. Then, flip the paper in half and fold in half, the other direction. and fold the edges diagonally along the crease you just made. Flip it over once again, fold the edges inwards and then unfold. Then, peel the bottom upwards so it lays on top of the initial triangle. You should press down all of this to create a rectangle shape. In the center at the bottom of the rectangle, there should be two corners, peel them up and pull them outwards and crease down. The flap that you have now created should look like a Rhomboid. Now, flip over and you can see the rough shape. Flip back over and we can start to round of the corners of the heart. On the two square parts at the top of the heart shape, fold each of the top corners into the center of the square. This should create a new point at the top. Then fold this also into the center of the square. Now, all that is left to do is to fold the wing part in such a way that it makes it crinkled. You can do this by folding it one way completely, then folding all of it apart from a small part back the other way. Repeat this until all the paper is used up. You should try to crinkle it evenly and thinly to give the best effect.

If you are struggling with this model, I would advise watching the video carefully as well as choosing to use a larger piece of paper as this will come in helpful when it comes to crinkling the wing.

You should now hopefully have completed your origami winged heart, After the beginning few steps, it doesn't have to be done in the same order, it doesn't even have to be done in the same way! So feel free to customize the design as suits you best.

Origami Basics - (Tips + Stories)

Today's post is going to be an explanation of some of the simple but vital aspects of amateur origami, in future posts I will explain some of the more advanced folds and bases but today the most simple.

The Mountain Fold

You will need to know what a mountain fold is as in any preliminary fold that you do, it will either be a mountain fold or a valley fold. In the mountain fold, the crease points upwards making it look like a mountain.

Making A Mountain Fold - Video

The mountain fold is basically a fold tat involves folding the paper towards you and then pulling out the back. In other words, it is just a plain crease in the paper which you can then flip the paper. However, this may sound simple no but in more complicated models it is vital to know how to make these folds.

The Valley Fold

The Valley Fold is the complete opposite of the Mountain Fold because rather than the crease pointing up, you guessed it, it points down.

Making A Valley Fold - Video

To make a valley fold, all you have to do is crease the paper when it is pointing upwards.

The Waterbomb Base

The waterbomb base is a series of preliminary folds that create the base for many different models, including the obvious waterbomb. Often in models with this base, the point where all the lines cross often becomes the centre of the model.

Making a Waterbomb Base - Video

To make a waterbomb base, you must first fold both diagonals, then flip the paper over, fold one horizontal and then push the edges which the horizontal line joins up together. This should form a a triangle shape which should then be creased into shape.

The Square Base

The square base is similar to the waterbomb base but different in the fact that it makes a square rather than a triangle, hence the name. It is the base of many models, including the lily and many of the bird models.

Making A Square Base - Video

The Square base is the opposite of the waterbomb base; You have to fold one diagonal, flip over, and then fold both horizontals. Then push the corners which the diagonal joins together and then pinch the other two corners together to form a square shape. This should then be creased.

In later weeks I will post about more complicated folds such as petal folds, reverse folds as well as   frog bases and helmet bases.

How To Make An Origami Lily - (Tutorial)

The origami lily is an ancient origami model, and has various different meanings, including peace and forgiveness, If made well it shows the subtle elegance of origami and is a brilliant example of just what origami can achieve.

How To Make An Origami Lily - Video

To make your lily, the first thing you will need to do is to make a square base. You can find out how to do this by scrolling down on the tips and stories post. To make a square base, you will have to fold both horizontals and then flip over and fold one of the diagonals. Then push the two corners that the diagonal joins up together whilst also pinching the other two corners together. This should create a square shape, fold this and then crease to help keep its shape. With the closed side facing away from you, fold the bottom left edge of the diamond along the central line. Unfold this, then peel it open and flatten down to make another Isosceles triangle in the center. Pull one side over and repeat this there. Continue doing this until you have done it 4 times. Now go back to each one, and fold the bottom left and bottom right flaps along the central line again. Then on each of them, peel up the flap in the center to make a diamond shape.  Now, on every side where it is plain paper, fold the top left and top right flaps along the center. Now peel out all of the petals which are loose at the bottom. To make it look nicer, you can curl it by wrapping them round a pencil or some other similar object.

Now that you have made your lily, it can be used as a small token or as decorations for an event or gathering.

The World's Largest And Smallest Origami Cranes (Flapping Birds) - (Tips + Stories)

The World's Smallest Origami Flapping Bird (Crane)
The smallest origami crane ever made was made by Naito Akira, 82. he used special tools and a microscope to create a crane that was mounted on the end of a pin. The original sheet used was made of a thin film of plastic measuring 0.1mm by 0.1mm

The World's Largest Origami Flapping Bird (Crane)

The world's largest origami crane was made by Jim Mockford, it weighed in at 1,750 pounds or about 790 kilos. It was 215 feet high.

How To Make An Origami Ninja Star (Shuriken) - (Tutorial)

The Ninja Star is the famous four pointed throwing star. When made out of paper it performs in the same way, it will throw through the air. This however does seem to work better when you use larger pieces of paper.


Tip: Remember when the two parts are separated to fold in different directions else you will end up with two of the same piece.

How To Make An Origami Ninja Star (Shuriken) - Video

To make a ninja star you will have to start with a square piece of paper and then cut it in half. Fold both of these rectangles in half widthways. Then fold each one lengthways and then unfold. lay them out so that the original crease you made is in the middle of each. Now, fold the top edge of each piece along the crease you just made so that they each face outwards, Do the same with the bottom piece now but so they face inwards. You should now have two "s" or "2" shaped pieces. Flip them both over. On each of the squares, fold them diagonally to make a triangle. This triangle should not make the whole shape a straight line, if it does then fold it along the other diagonal. Now fold each of the triangles along the line where it meets the rest of the shape. This should create a parallelogram. Now unfold those triangles. Place one part on top of the other so that the flat edges are touching and the sides with a line going diagonally across them are on the outside.Now tuck each triangle under the line on the outside side. If you do this carefully, the points on the star should be nice and sharp. You have now completed your Ninja Star!

This can now be thrown, although mind out when throwing at people or animals as it can be harmful if a point goes into someone's or something's eye.

The History Of Origami - (Tips + Stories)

Origami is an ancient Japanese art form although it is suggested that the Chinese had originally invented it because of the fact that they had access to an ancient form of paper. It comes from the Japanese words 'ori' and 'kami'. 'ori' meaning 'to fold' and 'kami' meaning 'paper'


There are many different forms of origami, probably the best known is 'action origami' which is mainly what has been posted on this blog. this consists of a model that either has a purpose or can perform something in some way. For example, the flapping bird very clearly flaps its wings when its tail is pulled.


Another common form of origami is modular origami is modular origami, also known as 3d origami. This is when lots of smaller 'modules' are made out of separate pieces and fitted together to form the final object, I have created these before but they can often become tiresome as it can be really repetitive. As well as this, this would not be defined as 'pure origami' as 'pure origami' is when the model is solely constructed from one piece of paper. Another form of origami that is not 'pure' is kirigami which is origami where cuts are allowed. In traditional 'pure origami' no cutting of the paper is allowed.


Origami paper is widely sold, even though printer or copier paper paper is fine. Origami paper tends to give you a slightly richer experience as it is slightly thinner and creases better, allowing it to be used in a variety of ways more. All the same, for the basic models attempted on here, it is perfectly okay that printer paper is used so long as it is square when required.


Towards the beginning of the 20th century, much more elaborate models were created mainly down to the the fact that certain people would look at the mathematical ways in which the paper could be folded. This meant rather than trying to work out just by folding how to create a model, mathematicians could calculate and simulate how to make particular types of models. These tend to be much more advanced shapes which are often 3 dimensional.

How To Make An Origami Water Bomb (Paper Balloon) - (Tutorial)

The Water Bomb literally is as it name suggests, a water bomb. If you fill it with water, it is water tight (until the paper breaks) and an be thrown at an enemy. I did make one out of plastic, didn't leak and was re-usable, besides the fact that it is most definitely NOT bio-degradable. As well as this, it can be inflated with a sharp blow into the hole whilst holding the edges. This creates a rather nice paper balloon, almost cube like in shape.

How To Make An Origami Water Bomb (Paper Balloon) - Video

To make a waterbomb, the first thing you need to do is to create the waterbomb base (hence the name of the base) If you are struggling to do this, then click on the link to waterbomb base above: If you scroll down a bit then you can find a video and instructions. To make the waterbomb base, you must fold both diagonals and then flip over and fold one horizontal. Pinch the edges that the horizontal line joins up together and then squish to make a triangular shape this should then be creased. Then you need to fold the bottom left and bottom right corners up to the tip at the top to create a square shape. Repeat this on the other side. Remember to only fold up the top flap on each side. Then hold the square so that it makes a diamond shape and fold the top flap's left and right corners into the center. Repeat this on the other side. There should be a flappy triangle at the top of the shape now, fold this along the edge of the triangle at the side and then tuck it into the pocket that is in this triangle. Repeat on the other edge and then repeat on both edges on the other side. Now, take the top flap from the left and fold it over to the right, turn the shape over and repeat. Hold the edges securely and then blow into the hole at the top to inflate the waterbomb.

Now you have your finished waterbomb and can create all sorts of mischief with it. You can now fill it up with water and throw it. Or you could deflate it put it in your pocket and blow it up at any time that you want.

Quick Tips For Origami Beginners - (Tips+Stories)

Origami In Everyday Life

Most people have actually had some kind of experience in origami even if they don't realise it. If you have moved house and had to make flat pack boxes then you have done origami in its most basic and ancient form. Also, the way that many tents are put up and constructed involves a lot of elements of origami. This means that pitching a tent is vaguely like folding a piece of paper. Just thinking about how you have done origami in these simple forms often gives people a lot of confidence to attempt something a little more challenging.

Careful Creasing

Part of the art of origami is patience. This and also a small amount of skill. Almost anyone can create something quite spectacular with the basic knowledge of how to make just a few simple folds. As well as this, ensuring that each fold you make is precise and sharp helps to make your models look a lot neater. If you are struggling because your models seem to keep falling apart then it is important to remember to make the crispest folds possible.

The Fudge Factor
The fudge factor is where the origami folder can look at instructions and see where it is important to leave a small amount of space to make the next fold because of the paper's thickness. Any beginners will tend to leave this out as it is not explained. When looking at diagrams, pictures and videos remember it might not be exactly as it seems. Try to see how every fold matters so that you can see exactly how to complete the model.

It's Always Worth Another Go

As in any hobby, origami takes a lot of practice and time. This means if at first you don't succeed it is actually worth having another go after a quick break. If you really are frustrated then continue reviewing the diagrams pictures and videos that are around in other places as well. As a last resort you can always send me a message or comment below and I will try and help as much as I can.


Suggest It To Friends And Family
Sharing this ancient past time is the best thing to do because it can get lonely attempting a model by yourself. This is possibly why I think it is important to have other people around you. Also if you get stuck, they might just be able to help you out.


And... Relax
Everyone knows it is hard to concentrate if you are stressed so it is important to be relaxed and peaceful when you are doing your origami. Try listening to music whilst folding or even doing it in front of the telly can help.

How To Make An Origami Flapping Bird (Crane) - (Tutorial)

This is going to be the first guide to making an origami model so I decided to start with a classic, where I started. The simple flapping bird. This is probably the most well known form of origami, providing you with some of the basic folds and combining them. You will learn how to make a square base, how to make a bird base and then how to turn that into your desired flapping bird.

How To Make An Origami Flapping Bird (Crane) - Video

The way to make a flapping bird is to start with the square base. If  you are stuck on this post, click on the waterbomb base link and scroll down to find a video on how to make the square base. To make the square base, you will need to fold one diagonal, flip the paper over and fold both horizontals. Then pinch the corners which the diagonal joins up together whilst pinching the other two corners together. This should create a square shape which should be creased to maintain its shape. Then with the closed side of the square base pointing towards you, fold the whole shape in half and unfold to create a crease down the center. Then fold the top right and top left edges along this line. Repeat on the other side of the shape and then unfold them all. Fold over the bottom closed triangle. Then on that side, peel the top flap down, and press down to create a diamond shape. Repeat on the other side. On this diamond shape, there should be two free flaps at the bottom, fold each of these outwards at 45 degrees. Then unfold this and pull it through the gap between the front and the back so that it is concealed and repeat on the other edge. Choose which edge you want to be the head and fold down that tip of the sticking out flap Tuck it between the front and back of the flap so that it is concealed. Then fold the wing along itself on the edge closest to the head, making sure it is folded down as far as it is allowed and repeat on the other side. 

Now simply hold the bird's chest and pull the tail to make it flap, simple. It might not flap at first but giving it a careful tug normally frees it up a it.

The flapping bird is brilliant for entertaining small children and also for making quickly on the spot at a social gathering. The video, the pictures and the diagrams are all of my creation. This is the first origami tutorial I have posted and hopefully all others will be posted in a similar format.

Choosing How You Want To Start With Origami - (Tips+Stories)

I began my journey with origami when I saw a colleague of mine had produced a brilliant origami flapping bird. He passed it to me and I pulled the tail and remarkably it flapped. I was intrigued and after I had got over the initial excitement of a flapping bird, attempted to unfold it to see whether I could work it out. Obviously this did not work.


 I went home that night and quickly went to my computer to Google "how to make an origami flapping bird". The first result was a series of videos which I studied. I found myself pausing the video very often because I could not keep up. I got to the stage where it was about to start looking like a bird and could not work out how to do it. I watched the part of the video over and over again, without success. The videos that I saw were these:

• Youtube
• Howcast
• Video Jug

After this ordeal, I quickly thought that I might have been going the wrong way with videos and went to the second website that Google suggested. This was an animation website that suggested an easier alternative method, I found this helpful and this is how I made my first successful flapping bird. This website is here at origami.org


You would think now that everything would be all well and jolly? Well it was for the flapping bird, I had learned how to make it. Now however I felt like I needed to make something else to amuse other people with. I decided I could resort to origami.org for some trusty animations so I did. Their other diagrams were either boring or too similar. All I found was:

• The Peace Crane - Far too similar to the flapping bird.
• The T-Shirt - Really simple and boring.

My original trusty friend had let me down. I had another look around for other things to make. I quickly discovered 'The Waterbomb'. This was basically a paper cube that you could either inflate by blowing into it or filling it with water (and then possibly throwing at an unsuspecting victim) This looked like brilliant fun. I however struggled to find any of the helpful animations for it. I quickly chose to shy away from the pesky videos (a move which I would later regret). I therefore looked at some pictures which I found at origami-instructions.com. These looked good but I struggled in the early stages.

I was beginning to get annoyed with the whole idea of origami thinking that nothing should be this difficult. At a last resort I returned to my nemesis, the video. I looked at the Youtube video here and did it first time. I also then discovered in the related videos section that there is a far more variable amount of videos than there is diagrams. This means you can have more choice about what you actually want to make.

The morale of this story really is that it is down to personal preference for how you want to learn. I have personally used all different models. Mainly I use videos and then as I have got better at learning the symbols in diagrams have used them as well. A good tip with this is to watch the video whilst looking at the diagram to get both perspectives. For this reason, I will be posting videos. I have chosen not to include diagrams because they are really hard to create and often nowhere near as good as watching someone do it in front of you. I will also describe how to make each model in a paragraph below the video. I will try to make the videos as clear as I can. If you are struggling with a particular bit then comment and I will make an edit to the post with a brand spanking new video for that part - just for you! I hope this means that everyone will be able to enjoy this website!


I am also going to be posting origami tips and stories. The tips will aim to improve your folding skill and technique whereas the stories will be more to entertain and intrigue you into the wonderful world of origami.


ENJOY!