Discover the Art of Origami: Easy Steps to Create Beautiful Paper Folds

Origami is an ancient art of paper folding that has been a staple in Japanese culture for centuries. It is a calming hobby that produces beautiful and intricate designs using a simple sheet of paper. While many people may think that origami is a difficult art form to master, it is actually quite easy once you get the hang of it. In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks to help you make your very own origami creations.

The first step to making origami is to find the right type of paper. While any type of paper can technically be used, origami-specific paper is ideal as it is thin, lightweight, and easy to fold. You can purchase origami paper at any craft store or online, and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns to suit your aesthetic. Once you have your paper, it’s time to find a design to make. There are countless origami designs to choose from, ranging from beginner to advanced skill levels. Start with a simpler design, such as a basic crane or frog, and work your way up to more complex designs as you become more comfortable with the folding process. With a bit of patience and practice, you can create beautiful origami creations that are sure to impress.

10 Easy Steps to Make an Origami:

Step 1 – Choose Your Paper

The first step in making origami is to select your paper. Traditional origami uses square-shaped, solid-colored paper, but you can also use patterned, textured or multicolor paper as well. Begin with a sheet of paper that is 6 inches by 6 inches in size and work your way up to larger pieces as you become more skilled.

Step 2 – Fold in Half Diagonally

Fold the paper in half diagonally to create a triangle shape. Crease the fold with your fingers or a bone folder to make it crisp. When using patterned paper, ensure that you fold it with the correct side facing up

Step 3 – Fold in Half Again to Form a Smaller Triangle

Fold the triangle you created in half by bringing the top point down to meet the bottom point. Crease the fold with your fingers or a bone folder.

Step 4 – Unfold Back to the First Triangle Shape

Unfold the paper to return the triangle back to its original shape. This crease will be used as a guide later on in the folding process.

Step 5 – Bring Left and Right Points to the Middle

Take the left and right points of the triangle and bring them towards the center. These two points should touch each other at the center fold line.

Step 6 – Fold Bottom Point Up to Meet the Other Two Points

Fold the bottom point of the triangle up to meet the other two points already in the center. The end result should be a smaller triangle shape.

Step 7 – Fold the Top Point Down

Fold the top point of the triangle down, about one-third of the way down the paper.

Step 8 – Fold the Bottom Half Upward

Take the bottom half of the triangle and fold it upwards, creasing it in half. This step will create the base for the origami shape.

Step 9 – Fold the Flaps Downward

Fold both flaps created by the previous step down towards you. This will form the visible wings of your origami.

Step 10 – Fold the Wings Upward

Finally, fold the wings upwards to tuck them under, forming the finished shape of your origami. Congratulations, you have completed your first origami!

Practice makes perfect when it comes to origami. Follow these steps to create more complex shapes and designs. Let your creativity run wild and experiment with different colors and patterns to make your origami unique.

Section 2: Basic Origami Folds

Now that you know the origins and benefits of an origami, it’s time to get started on your first creation. Here are some basic origami folds that you should know before attempting to make any model.

1. Mountain and Valley Folds

Mountain and valley folds are the two basic types of folds in origami. A mountain fold is made by folding the paper towards you along the crease, while a valley fold is made by folding the paper away from you along the crease. These two folds will create the basic structure of your origami.

2. Preliminary Fold

The preliminary fold is the first fold you make in many origami models. It is a simple fold that involves creating a diagonal crease across the paper by folding one corner to the opposite corner and then unfolding it. This fold is also known as a diagonal fold.

3. Squash Fold

The squash fold is used to flatten the paper and create a symmetrical shape. It involves opening up a pocket created by two mountain folds and then pushing the sides of the pocket inwards towards the center.

4. Reverse Fold

The reverse fold is used to create angled edges and pointed shapes in origami models. It involves folding a flap back on itself and then folding the remaining paper down to form a new crease.

5. Petal Fold

The petal fold is used to create flower petals and other curved shapes. It involves folding a flap along a mountain fold and then folding it back along a valley fold to create a curved edge.

6. Rabbit Ear Fold

The rabbit ear fold is used to create diagonal creases in the paper. It involves folding a flap up and then folding the sides of the flap down towards the center to create a diagonal crease.

7. Sink Fold

The sink fold is used to create a concave shape in the paper. It involves folding a flap down and then pushing it inside the model to create a pocket.

8. Inside Reverse Fold

The inside reverse fold is used to create a triangular shape inside the model. It involves folding a flap back on itself and then folding it inside the model to create a triangle.

9. Outside Reverse Fold

The outside reverse fold is used to create a pointed shape outside the model. It involves folding a flap back on itself and then folding it diagonally down to create a pointed edge.

10. Squash Reverse Fold

The squash reverse fold is used to create a flat, symmetrical shape with pointed edges. It involves opening up a pocket created by two valley folds and then pulling the sides of the pocket outwards towards the sides of the model to create pointed edges.

Basic Folds of Origami

Origami is an art that requires a few basic folds. Once you have learned them, you can create your origami models with ease. Below are the five essential folds you need to become an origami master:

Valley Fold

A Valley fold is the most basic fold in origami. You can make multiple valley folds along the same line by folding the paper back and forth. To make a valley fold, follow the steps below:

1. Take your piece of paper and fold the top right corner down to meet the left side’s edge. Crease the paper where the two points meet.

2. Unfold your paper and fold the same top right corner to meet the bottom edge of the paper. Crease the paper where the two points meet.

3. Flip your paper over, and you should see a diagonal line intersecting the paper. Fold the paper along this line, creating a peak.

4. Then, fold the left side of the paper to the edge of the peak and crease it.

5. Unfold the left side of the paper and, with your fingers, pinch along the crease in the middle of the paper. Fold this crease, so it turns into a valley.

Mountain Fold

A Mountain fold, unlike a valley fold, folds the paper upwards. It is used to create a raised structure, such as that found in many origami models. To create a mountain fold:

1. Take your piece of paper and fold the right corner to the left edge of the paper. Crease along the diagonal.

2. Unfold the paper and fold the same corner towards you to meet the bottom edge. Crease along the diagonal.

3. On the front of the paper, you should see a diagonal line crossing the paper. Fold the paper upwards along this line to create a mountain.

4. Fold the left side of the paper to the edge of the mountain fold and crease it.

5. Unfold the left side of the paper and create a mountain fold in the middle of the paper. Pinch along the diagonal crease to create a mountain.

Reverse Fold

A Reverse fold requires you to flip the paper over and unfold a part of it in a different way. It is a technique used to create more intricate designs. To create a reverse fold:

1. Take your piece of paper and fold it in half diagonally.

2. Unfold the paper and flip it over to the other side.

3. Pinch the paper along the diagonal line, but this time fold it in the opposite direction.

4. When you unfold the paper, the crease should be a mountain fold on one side, and a valley fold on the other.

Sink Fold

A Sink fold is a technique that creates a three-dimensional form by folding in different directions. It is used to create models with a more prominent structure, such as animals or flowers. To create a sinking fold:

1. Start with a square piece of paper and fold it in half diagonally.

2. Fold the corners of the paper to meet the central crease.

3. Take one of the corners that you previously folded, and pull it down towards the center of the square. Flatten it into a diamond shape, creasing it when it meets the paper’s edge. This creates a sink fold.

4. Repeat the process on the remaining three corners until you have a finished model.

Pleat Fold

A Pleat fold is a fold that involves creating two or more parallel folds in opposite directions. It is used to create designs such as accordion-style books or dresses. To create a pleat fold:

1. Start with a rectangular piece of paper and fold it in half along the horizontal crease.

2. Unfold the paper and fold it in half along the vertical crease.

3. Unfold the paper and create four parallel mountain folds along the width of the paper.

4. Finally, create four parallel valley folds alongside the existing mountain folds.

With these five basic folds, you can create a wide range of models in origami. Once you have mastered these basic folds, feel free to experiment with more complex designs and techniques and see where your creativity takes you.

That’s a Wrap!

Thanks for reading, I hope this helped you create some beautiful origami. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out exactly the way you want. Keep on folding and exploring, you never know what you might discover. Don’t forget to come back and visit for more fun and creative tips on how to spend your free time. Happy folding!