Types of paper origami

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:46

Origami is the art of making paper figurines. Origami has been known since ancient times and originates in China, where paper was invented. Later, an interesting technique came to Japan, where it gained immense popularity.

History of origami

Initially, this kind of art was religious in nature, and paper figures were used in sacred rites. Origami training was available only to the upper classes and was considered a very important skill.

After the Second World War, origami spread throughout the world and interested not only adults, but also children of all ages.

The original origami involves the use of multi-colored square paper. Scissors and glue are not used in the traditional technique. However, in modern art, paper crafts sometimes deviate from the canons.

Types of origami

Before you start creating crafts, you should familiarize yourself with the types of techniques. There are the following types of paper origami:

• Modular origami. It is one of the most popular and time-consuming paper folding techniques. It is used to create a large, voluminousa figure consisting of several blocks or so-called modules. First, several components are added from the same or different sizes of paper, and then they are simply nested into each other, turning into a complete composition. The force of friction does not allow the entire structure to disintegrate. A striking example of modular origami is a three-dimensional ball, which is often used in holiday decor, and is probably familiar to many.
• Simple origami - types of origami designed for beginners or for people with disabilities. It was first developed by the English origami fan John Smith. In this system, only mountain and valley folds can be used. And this, in turn, means the impossibility of using most of the complex techniques from classical technology. Therefore, new techniques are being developed that allow you to achieve the desired results without complex manipulations.
• Sweep folding. This is one of the types of origami, which is a drawing in which all the folds of the future model are already visible. Flatten folding is considered more complex than standard origami types, but it gives not only the very idea of \u200b\u200bhow to fold a figure, but also shows how this scheme was developed. The sweep is also used as a method for creating new origami diagrams.
• Wet folding. Types of origami techniques are not complete without the method developed by Akira Yoshijawa, which involves the use of paper moistened with water. Wet folding is widely used to create figurines of representatives of flora and fauna. wetted paperallows you to make the lines smoother and more expressive, as well as give them some rigidity. For this type of creativity, special paper is suitable, in the manufacture of which water-soluble glue is added.

• Kirigama. This is the only type of origami that allows the use of scissors. It is used to create beautiful postcards with three-dimensional elements.
• Monegami. An art form that is ideal for people who no longer know where to put their money, or those who, on the contrary, are trying to attract financial success to their side. Figures of this style are made from banknotes.
• Quilling. Suitable for creating full-fledged paintings. The paper is twisted in a special way to get the desired shape. Then it is glued to the base. This technique is not difficult at all, but rather time-consuming.

What is the Kusudama technique

Types of modular origami are often confused with the kusudama technique, which also involves creating a three-dimensional round figure from modules. The difference is that with modular origami, the components of the ball are inserted into each other, and in kusudama they are glued or sewn together.

How to choose paper for origami

Paper is the most important element in origami. Types and techniques of origami are diverse and require paper of different weights and qualities.

For modular origami, office paper of moderate density is perfect, not too smooth, colored on both sides. Paper qualitydetermined by the fact that it does not turn white on the folds.

Multicolored post-it notes are good for kusudama, or modular origami. Triangular modules are made from rectangular sheets, so if you cut a square sticker in half, you get a suitable base for a triangular module. There are rectangular stickers that do not require modifications.

Kits for this art form

There is a special paper designed for origami. It is sold already cut, usually into squares of various sizes. In the set you can find several sheets of different colors (one side is white, the other is colored) or paper with an ornament.

Similar sets are also available for children. The difference is that modular origami requires a lot of paper of the same color, and in children's sets there is too much variety in colors. But in children's sets, you can find rare colors, such as black and shades of brown.

Oddly enough, magazine paper is also used in this creative process. Its quality characteristics are well suited for creating figures, and the inscriptions and pictures guarantee an interesting ornament.

Additional paper craft tools

To create modules, a ruler and a paper knife are useful. To prepare the paper for work, you must first cut it into even rectangles. It will be faster to do this by folding several sheets of paper into a pile, making markings with a ruler and cutting with a knife. Scissors to do this manipulation will not be veryconvenient.

Modular origami does not involve the use of glue, but if it is a child's toy or a gift, it may be worth making the craft stronger. When constructing the Super Ball Kusudame, threads will be needed, since individual modules are connected precisely with the help of a thread with a needle.

You should stock up on face elements in advance: eyes, noses, antennae, as well as ribbons and various bows.

Types of origami modules are very diverse:

• flat - used for mosaics;
• voluminous, with which Kusudame and various figures are made.

How to make a triangular module

The triangular module is the basis of many crafts. It is very easy to make, just follow the tips below:

1. Take a rectangular sheet of paper and fold it in half lengthwise.
2. Let's bend the sheet across to see the middle. Unbend back. Let's put the sheet in such a way that the corner looks up.
3. Fold the top edges to the middle.
4. Turn to the other side.
5. Bend the lower part up.
6. Small corners protruding from the sides, bend over the main triangle.
7. Spread the corners and bottom.
8. Let's put everything back and lift the bottom part.
9. Bend in half. The result is a triangular module with two vertices and two pockets. These pockets can accommodate other items.

Positive aspectsorigami classes

Paper origami is an interesting and exciting activity. He is loved by both adults and children. Origami is especially useful for children from 3 to 15 years old. This art form develops manual dexterity, spatial imagination and creative thinking.

Plus, after a short practice, you will be able to make gifts to your loved ones with your own hands. The joy of children from new toys is difficult to overestimate.

So you won't regret when you master origami.