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.