Origami- The ancient art of paper folding

The art of transforming a flat square piece of paper into anything from a simple boat or hat to an elaborate 3D floral arrangement has been practised for centuries. In Japan, you will see children and even adults folding paper any time of day. ( Geometric shapes, objects and animals). If you have ever hosted an exchange student, I'm sure you will have experienced 'Origami' too. 

This elegant and fun art has been enjoyed for many years here in Australia as well.  While using squares cut from wrapping paper has proved alright in the beginning,  we now have access to the fine papers that make this craft so renowned. 

The papers are unique. After the technique of paper making was introduced to Japan in the early seventh century, the manufacturing process underwent many changes. As a result, papers possessing the dual  qualities of resilient sturdiness and softness, which holds the folds yet prevents tearing when handled, were created.

While using 'squares' of paper is the most common start for a project, other shapes (various lengths of rectangles and triangles) can be used to begin, and within, a design. 

Traditionally, you do not use scissors to cut the paper. The paper is folded backwards and forwards a couple of times along the desired line, being pressed firmly with the back of the finger nail, then carefully torn along the line. For some thicker papers the line may be slightly moistened, then torn more easily.
Again in line with tradition, glue and sticky tape are also not used. The design should be able to hold itself together by using the skill of the folding process, locking ends into fold lines to latch the design together.
We are however seeing a little tape used in some of today's designs. Especially where 2 or more pieces of paper are used and in some of the more complex designs.

One of the most important rules to remember in Paper Folding is that folds need to be exact/ precise. It is one of the more 'particular' crafts. Folds can be pressed precisely by sliding along the line with the back of a finger nail. You will discover when making several folds in a small space, why this is so important.

Welcome to an exciting craft that you can take anywhere with you and has endless possibilities. Use your designs to decorate a dinner party table setting, cards, scrapbooking pages, toys, decorations or even a picture frame. The only limit is your imagination