Origami Party Time! Ebook. Florence Temko

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      Origami Paper

      Ready-cut squares in varying sizes and colors are available in some art supply, gift, and museum stores, and from catalogs. They are usually colored on one side and white on the other. I recommend 6" (15 cm) as the most versatile all-purpose size. From there you can go on to smaller and larger squares as appropriate for a particular design.

      Computer and Bond Papers; Printing Paper in Bright Colors

      These types of paper are available in a large assortment of colors at copy shops, office supply stores, and school suppliers. They are sold in sizes of 8½" x 11" in packages of 500 sheets (a ream), and are available in two weights, described on the package wrapping as 20 lbs and 24 lbs. The lighter weight folds more easily. Printing papers are most economical for schools, youth groups, and other large groups.

      Gift Wrap Paper

      When planning party decorations, the careful choice of gift wrap paper can add individuality. It is quite difficult to cut paper on rolls into squares, but well worthwhile for special results. Foil gift wrap instantly turns any origami model into a festive ornament.

      Handmade Papers

      This type of paper is softer, but gives rich-looking results. Japanese washi paper in glorious patterns is available in sheets or packages of squares.

      Paper Colored on Both Sides

      Some projects look better when made from paper that is colored on both sides, such as printing papers. Duo-colored origami squares, sold in packets, have different colors on the front and the back. You can make your own fancy duo papers by gluing sheets of gift wrap or other papers back to back with spray adhesive or glue sticks.

      Large Papers

      Large sheets of paper are sold in art supply and craft stores, school supply stores, mail order catalogs, and on the Internet. Most large cities have a store with a mouthwatering selection of papers.

      Recycled Paper

      Out-of-date flyers, colorful magazine pages, and other discarded paper can be cut into squares and folded into party decorations.

       FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

      Why fold paper?

      Many people find pleasure in the folding process itself by following diagrams, while others can’t wait to achieve the result. Still others enjoy the challenge of inventing entirely new designs and some paperfolders like to teach origami to friends or in schools and libraries.

      What is the history of paperfolding?

      “Origami” is a Japanese word consisting of ori meaning to fold, and gami meaning paper, which means folding a piece of paper into a recognizable object without any cutting or gluing. The word has slipped into the English language because paperfolding has spread from Japan, where it is part of the culture. It is known that paper has been folded in Japan since the twelfth century for ceremonial purposes and that in the sixteenth century, paper began to be folded for decorative use and entertainment.

      Records show that paper was folded in Europe in the fourteenth century. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, it was common practice to fold square baptismal certificates in set patterns.

      The kind of recreational origami now popular in Asia and Western countries began in the late nineteenth century, but received its greatest impetus in the latter half of the twentieth century. Akira Yoshizawa in Japan, Lillian Oppenheimer in the United States, and Robert Harbin in England were prominent forces in bringing origami to the attention of the general public.

      Is origami creative?

      Paperfolders constantly create new models. Once you know some of the basics you may begin to create your own simple decorations or complex sculptures. They may be variations on existing models or they may be entirely new. Some may appear in just minutes, like a doodle, while others may be so complex that they take months to design and hours to reproduce.

      What are the creative developments?

      Until recently origami was regarded as a craft for children and for traditional folding for Japanese rituals. This has changed in the past few years as paperfolders have taken origami into many areas beyond the pleasure of practicing it as a hobby. They constantly create new models with as few as five creases or perhaps hundreds. Their creators seem to have an artistic inclination, a mathematical or scientific mind.