Origami, the art of paper folding, has long captivated individuals of all ages due to its simplicity and elegance. For those seeking a starting point in this creative pursuit, simple origami drawings present the perfect entry point. These basic projects not only help develop folding skills but also instill a sense of achievement.
This article aims to guide you through a variety of simple origami drawings, breaking down complex designs into manageable components. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your papercraft skills, these simple yet engaging projects will surely inspire you.
Classical Simple Origami
Let's commence our origami journey with some classical, tried-and-true designs that are both simple and charming.
While there are numerous basic origami shapes, the following two are essential starting points.
Cranes
The crane, or suppai in Japanese, is an origami classic. With its elegant, bird-like form, this design is often associated with longevity and happiness. Folding a simple crane involves just a few steps, making it ideal for beginners.
Start by folding your paper in half diagonally, then folding it in half again along the other diagonal. Next, unfold these last folds, and fold the four corners to the center. Fold the new top and bottom points to the center, followed by folding the whole thing in half horizontally. Unfold the penultimate fold, flip the piece over, and fold the wings. Finally, crease and flatten the body, and your crane is complete.
Doves
Another timeless origami model, the dove signifies peace and harmony. This simple design involves slightly more intricate folding than the crane but still remains accessible for beginners.
Begin by folding your paper in half diagonally, then unfold it and fold the two bottom corners to the center line. Fold these two new corners to meet at the center, followed by folding the top corners to the center. Next, unfold these last folds, and fold the top corners down to meet the sides. Fold the top portion down to meet the bottom, then unfold this last fold and split the sides to create the tail. Finally, fold the wings and crease and flatten the body to create your dove.
Simple Origami Shapes and Basic Structures
Familiarizing yourself with basic origami shapes and structures will lay a solid foundation for tackling more complex designs. Mastering these fundamentals will enable you to explore a world of origami possibilities.
Let's delve into two essential origami techniques: the basiccara (valley fold) and the mountain crease.
Base Cara
The base cara, or valley fold, is a fundamental origami technique involving folding the paper inwards like a tent. This simple step serves as the building block for numerous origami designs.
To create a base cara, take your paper and fold it inwards with the edges touching. Ensure the edges are creased neatly, as this will form the base of your origami model.
Mountain Crease
The mountain crease is the opposite of the base cara, involving folding the paper outwards. This technique creates a 'mountain' shape, adding dimension and detail to your origami creations.
Form a mountain crease by folding your paper outwards, allowing the edges to meet. As with the base cara, ensure the crease is neat and prominent, as it will form the backbone of your model.
Expanding Your Simple Origami Portfolio
Once comfortable with basic origami techniques and shapes, you can branch out into more intricate designs. Here are two engaging simple origami drawings that build upon foundational skills:
Envelopes
An envelope might seem simplistic, but it serves as an excellent introduction to more advanced techniques like reverse folding and pleating.
Begin by folding your paper in half, then unfold it and fold the two outer edges to meet the center crease. Fold the top corners down to meet the bottom, then flip the piece over. Fold the top corners to meet at the center, followed by creating a pleat along the top. Finally, unfold the last fold, and tuck the flap inside to create your envelope.
Interlocking Rings
Interlocking rings provide an opportunity to practice interlocking techniques, which are essential for creating modular origami and other advanced designs.
Start by folding your paper in half diagonally, then unfold it and fold the two outer corners to meet at the center. Fold the new corners to meet at the center, followed by unfolding these last folds and rotating the piece 180 degrees. Fold the top and bottom corners to meet at the center, then unfold these last folds and split the sides. Insert the flaps into the pockets to create your interlocking rings.
Embarking on your origami journey with simple drawings allows you to develop essential skills while enjoying creative satisfaction. As you progress, remember that practice makes perfect, and don't hesitate to seek inspiration from the vast realm of origami designs. Who knows? Perhaps your next creation will be a stunning, intricate masterpiece born from these humble beginnings.