Embarking on the art of origami? You're in for a fascinating journey! Origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, is not only incredibly creative and rewarding but also quite accessible. To help you start, we've compiled a list of basic origami folds that serve as the foundation for countless creations. Get your paper ready and let's dive into the world of origami with our comprehensive guide to basic folds.
Before we start, ensure you have a square piece of paper. Although origami paper is preferred for its thinness and squareness, any paper will do. Now, let's equip you with the essential tools to kickstart your origami adventure – the basic folds.
Basic Folds
anmar, the cornerstone of origami, the basic fold is the foundation upon which all other folds and models are built.
To perform a base fold, follow these simple steps:
Base Fold
First, lay your paper flat on a table. Fold it in half diagonally to form a triangle, then unfold it. Next, fold it in half along the other diagonal, unfolding it once more. You should now have a smaller square with creases intersecting at the center.
Repeat this process using the document's edges or corners. Practice makes perfect, so keep refining this fold until you're comfortable with it.
Valley Fold
A valley fold is when your fold moves inwards, creating a V-shape. To perform a valley fold, imagine connecting the dots you want to fold, then press the paper flat along that crease.
Practice by making multiple valley folds at once, like when creating a 'raw' or plain base – fold your paper in half horizontally and vertically to meet at the center.
Intermediate Folds
Now that you've mastered the basics, let's move on to some intermediate folds that build upon what you've learned.
These folds are essential for more complex models and will help you improve your origami skills.
Mountain Fold
A mountain fold opposes a valley fold by pushing the paper outwards. To perform a mountain fold, fold your paper in half, then lift and fold the two outer edges towards the center, trapping the center fold crease inside.
Practice mountain folds by creating an 'egg box' – reverse mountain folds, each side, to create a 3D-looking origami model.
Squash Fold
A squash fold squashes the paper flat, like stepping on a balloon. To perform a squash fold, pinch the tip of the paper, then push its sides towards the center, flattening it.
Practice by creating a upright bustle – a broth of consecutive squash folds that creates a puffy, flowing effect.
Reverse Fold
A reverse fold is the opposite of a squash fold, puffing out the paper. To perform a reverse fold, simply pinch the sides of the paper and pull them apart, creating an eruption of paper.
Practice reverse folds by creating a winking eye – reverse fold each side of the base to create a 3D eye that winks when you crease the back layer.
Tucks and Pleats
Tucks and pleats are crucial intermediate folds that add volume and depth to your models. They involve lifting and folding multiple layers at once.
Practice tucks and pleats by creating a pom-pom flower. This model incorporates multiple tucks, pleats, and squash folds, building complexity using the techniques you've learned.
Origami is a continually evolving art form. The more you practice, the better you'll become. Embrace each step, learn from every mistake, and celebrate every finished model. Happy folding!