Origami - Japanese Paper Folding

YOU WILL NEED:
	Shop bought Japanese origami paper
	Magazines or wrapping paper

Packets of origami paper, coloured on one side and white on the other, can be bought in stationers and
craft shops, but any paper that folds well is suitable. Try poster paper, metallic paper, giftwrapping, pages from a glossy magazine or even newspaper. The paper doesn't have to be coloured on one side but
it does make some origami models look very attractive.

The word 'origami' comes from the Japanese verb oru (to fold) and the noun kami or gami (paper). Most origami uses a single square of paper, which is transformed simply by folding it. There is a limited number of basic folds and, once these are mastered, there is virtually no limit to the designs which can be created. Precision and accuracy are important ~ a square piece of paper means a perfect square and folds need to be exact. Becoming proficient is less a matter of skill than of practice.

HOW TO MAKE A BIRD BASE:

1. Make a preliminary fold. With the closed point at the top. turn the sides in to the center and then unfold

2. Fold the closed point down to make a crease joining the two creases made in the previous step

3. Lift the top layer of paper while holding the bottom layers in place. As you lift the top layer the sides will rise

4. Keep lifting the top layer of paper, pushing it away from you so that the side edges meet in the middle.

5. Press the two sides flat to create an elongated diamond shape. This series of folds is known as the petal fold.

6. Turn the model over and repeat the petal fold. The one pointed end will be closed and the other split in half.

USE ORIGAMI FOR:

- making decorative models

- mobiles

- decorating greetings cards